Album Review: Tate McRae's "So Close to What"

Over half a year after release, "So Close to What" proves Tate McRae knows exactly what she's doing—even if the title suggests otherwise.

Summary

Months after its February 2025 release, Tate McRae's third studio album So Close to What has solidified itself as a defining pop record of 2025. This review explores the album track-by-track, analyzing what makes each song work (or not), from the sultry vulnerability of "Purple lace bra" to the infectious confidence of "Sports car" to the aching regret of "Nostalgia." I discuss the album's themes and why, as a devoted Tate fan, I'm giving this a 10/10 even though I prefer Think Later. With detailed breakdowns of all 16 tracks (including bonus track "siren sounds") and my personal ranking at the end, this is a comprehensive look at an album that captures what it feels like to be young, messy, and figuring it out.

Context: The Album That Leaked (And Got Better For It)

Before diving into the music, let's address the chaos: So Close to What leaked a month before its February 21st release.

Thirteen tracks found their way onto TikTok in January 2025. Tate's response? She didn't panic or delay. She wrote two new songs ("bloodonmyhands" and "Like I do") and added them to the final album. On Jake Shane's podcast, she explained: "This is my whole life, these aren't just, like, songs."

And honestly? Those two songs she added last-minute are among the strongest on the album. The leak forced her to dig deeper, and we got a better project because of it.

Now, months later, with the album at #1, gone Platinum, and Tate wrapping her show arena tour, it's clear: So Close to What is exactly where it needed to be.

The Vibe: Y2K Pop Meets 2025 Vulnerability

Musically, So Close to What is dance-pop, power pop, and R&B—heavily influenced by 2000s sounds (think Britney, Pussycat Dolls, Timbaland productions) but filtered through a very 2025 lens of emotional honesty.

The album opens with Sydney Sweeney's voice saying "No, seriously, get your hands off my man" on "Miss possessive," immediately setting the tone: bold, unapologetic, a little messy.

Thematically, it's about being 21 and having no idea what comes next. The title "So Close to What" captures that perfectly—you're so close to understanding yourself, so close to finding balance, so close to knowing what you want, but the "what" stays frustratingly elusive.

Critics called it "introspective exploration of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance in uncertain times." That's PR speak, but it's accurate. This is Tate navigating fame, relationships, and adulthood in real-time, through music.

My take after months: The album grows on you. Songs I initially thought were "fine" have become favorites. The production is sleek and crisp (Ryan Tedder, Blake Slatkin, Lostboy). Tate's voice sits perfectly in the mix, breathy when it needs to be, powerful when it matters.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. "Miss possessive"

What it's about: Jealousy, possessiveness, and unapologetically claiming what's yours.

What it sounds like: Snappy beats, mischievous energy, confident vocals. Sydney Sweeney's voice at the start sets the assertive tone.

Why I like it: It's a bold opener that doesn't apologize. Tate leans into the "jealous girlfriend" archetype but makes it empowering instead of insecure. The production is punchy, and the lyrics are fun—"Some fights you never gon' win, just keep your eyes off him."

After months, this song still gets me hyped. It's the perfect way to start an album about stepping into your power as a young woman.

2. "Revolving door"

What it's about: Toxic attachment. Knowing someone isn't good for you but being unable to walk away.

What it sounds like: Fast-paced beat, glossy production, R&B influences. Catchy as hell.

Why I like it: The metaphor of a revolving door, constantly going in circles with someone, is perfect. Tate captures that addictive quality of bad relationships: "Baby, I tried to call you / Off like a bad habit." The vulnerability of admitting "I'm more hurt than I would admit / I'm supposed to be an adult, but fuck it, I need a minute" feels so real.

Months in, this song hits different every time I'm listening, depending on the situation.

3. "bloodonmyhands" (feat. Flo Milli)

What it's about: Post-breakup empowerment. Moving on and thriving.

What it sounds like: Miami bass throwback, infectious beat, playful energy. Flo Milli's verse adds extra swagger.

Why I like it: This song is pure fun. It's confident without being aggressive, playful without being petty. The beat makes you want to dance, and the lyrics make you feel like you're winning.

It's one of the two songs Tate wrote last-minute after the leak, and it shows, as there's an urgency and freshness to it that makes it stand out.

This is still a go-to for when I need to feel like I'm over something (even if I'm not quite there yet).

4. "Dear god"

What it's about: Needing divine intervention to forget an ex.

What it sounds like: "Honey sweet" production with surprisingly heavy lyrics. Pop melody with emotional weight.

Why I like it: The juxtaposition of the upbeat sound with lyrics about desperately wanting to move on is perfect. "Back of my mind, he stay there / Pops up time to time like / 'Hey there.'"

Tate admits she's "never been a praying person" but she'll "gladly get down on [her] knees and pray" to erase memories. That desperation feels real.

I still love how this song sounds light but cuts deep.

5. "Purple lace bra"

What it's about: The frustration of being heard only when you're undressed. A commentary on female sexuality and validation.

What it sounds like: Lush strings, trip-hop beat, sultry and atmospheric. Tate's breathy vocals create this intoxicating vibe.

Why I like it: On surface level, it's supposed to be sultry. But the line "Would you hear me more if I whispered in your ear? / You only listen when I'm undressed" is devastating.

After the backlash to her "It's ok I'm ok" music video for being "too provocative," this feels like Tate's response: Why can't a woman be sexy AND intelligent? Why does taking off your clothes make people listen more than anything you have to say?

This is my #1 song on the album. After months in, it's still the one I come back to most. It's beautiful, vulnerable, and makes a point without being preachy.

6. "Sports car"

What it's about: Desire. Wanting someone and being very clear about it.

What it sounds like: Whispered vocals, playful beat, slightly cheeky energy. References Ying Yang Twins' "The Whisper Song" in the vibe.

Why I like it: The whispered chorus—"Oh, but you got a sports car / We can uh-uh in it"—is playful and confident. It achieves its point without being over-the-top.

The music video (Tate watching herself try on different personas through a one-way mirror, then realizing she's been watching herself the whole time) is brilliant commentary on performing different versions of yourself.

This is my #2 song, and it's still impossibly catchy and fun.

7. "Signs"

What it's about: Ignoring red flags and warning signs in a relationship.

What it sounds like: Mid-tempo pop with percussive elements. Slightly more subdued than the singles.

Why I like it: It's one of the more introspective tracks. Sometimes you see the signs that something won't work, but you ignore them because you want it to work anyway.

This one hasn't become a favorite, but I appreciate its honesty and how it fits into the album's arc.

8. "I know love" (feat. The Kid LAROI)

What it's about: New relationship energy. Knowing you've found something real.

What it sounds like: Upbeat, infatuated, R&B-inflected. The Kid LAROI's verse adds a duet element.

Why I like it (sort of): The chemistry between Tate and LAROI is pretty good. The song captures that giddy feeling of falling for someone.

Why it's complicated: Knowing they broke up after this album makes the song hit different. It's bittersweet to think about—beautiful but painful.

It's my least favorite track now because of the context, but objectively, it's well-done.

9. "Like I do"

What it's about: Being the person who understands someone better than anyone else.

What it sounds like: Confident pop with a strong beat. Assertive vocals.

Why I like it: It's the second song Tate wrote after the leak, and like "bloodonmyhands," it has this fresh, urgent energy. The confidence is infectious.

This song has grown on me significantly. It didn't stand out at first, but repeated listens revealed its strength.

10. "It's ok I'm ok"

What it's about: Post-breakup resilience. Convincing yourself (and everyone else) that you're fine.

What it sounds like: Dance-pop anthem. Upbeat, catchy, radio-friendly.

Why I like it: The central lyric—"It's OK, I'm OK, had him in the first place, It's OK, I'm OK, I don't really gotta say"—is pure confidence and pretty catchy. Even if you're not totally fine, you're choosing to be fine.

This song was my #4 favorite. It's still the one I blast when I need to fake confidence until I make it.

11. "No I'm not in love"

What it's about: Denial. Insisting you're not catching feelings when you definitely are.

What it sounds like: Pop with a slightly defensive edge. The title says it all.

Why I like it: A lot of people have been there, lying to themselves about not falling for someone. The song captures that internal conflict perfectly.

This one's middle-of-the-pack for me. Good, but not outstanding.

12. "Means I care"

What it's about: The ways we show love that don't always look like love.

What it sounds like: Rhythmic pop with snappy percussion (similar opening to "I know love" with the claps/snares).

Why I like it (and don't): The message is sweet: sometimes caring looks like annoying someone or being protective. But sonically, it blends in with other tracks on the album.

It's one I skip more often than not. Not bad, just not memorable.

13. "Greenlight"

What it's about: Getting permission to move forward. Waiting for the signal that it's okay to go.

What it sounds like: Upbeat pop with forward momentum. Originally intended as the lead single.

Why I like it: The metaphor of waiting for a greenlight is relatable, whether it's in relationships, career, or life decisions. The song has this propulsive energy that matches the theme.

I think it's solidly good. Not top-tier, but a strong album track.

14. "2 hands"

What it's about: Physical desire and intimacy. Wanting someone's undivided attention.

What it sounds like: R&B-influenced, sultry, one of Tate's first real love songs. Motorsport-themed music video.

Why I like it (complicated): Musically, it's beautiful, sensual without being over-the-top. "I just want your two hands on me, at all times, baby" is simple but effective.

But months later, it's hard to separate from the context (written about LAROI before their breakup). Still good, but bittersweet. The melody and beats also aren't very catchy.

15. "Nostalgia"

What it's about: Regret. Looking back at a relationship and wondering if you made the right choice.

What it sounds like: Quieter, more introspective than most of the album. Layered with emotional weight.

Why I love it: This is my #3 favorite. The line "And I, I bite my tongue ten times a day / Half swear to God, I might just pray" captures that specific kind of pain of not just missing someone, but missing who you were with them.

Nostalgia is such a specific emotion: it's longing mixed with regret mixed with acceptance. Tate nails it.

This song still makes me feel things. It's beautiful and aching.

16. "siren sounds" (Bonus Track)

What it's about: Warning signs. Alarms going off that you choose to ignore.

What it sounds like: Atmospheric, slightly darker than the rest of the album. More subdued and spacious production.

Why I like it: The title works as both literal (sirens, emergency) and metaphorical (warnings in relationships). It was originally written for Think Later but found its home here.

I'm so glad this made it onto the album (even as a bonus track on the 16-track edition). It adds a different texture: moodier and more contemplative.

What Works (And What Doesn't)

What Works:

1. The Emotional Honesty

Tate doesn't pretend to have it all figured out. She's jealous, confident, hurt, thriving, regretful, and empowered—sometimes in the same song. That complexity feels real.

2. The Danceable Vulnerability

You can dance to songs about heartbreak. The music feels good even when the lyrics are sad. That balance is hard to pull off.

3. The Production

Ryan Tedder and crew delivered. The beats are crisp, the melodies are infectious, and everything sounds polished without feeling sterile.

4. The Growth

Compared to Think Later, Tate sounds more confident, more mature, more willing to experiment with different sounds.

What Doesn't Always Work:

1. Some Songs Blend Together

Tracks like "I know love" and "Means I care" have similar production styles (those opening claps/snares). If you're not paying close attention, they blur.

2. The Mumbled Vocals

There are moments where Tate's breathy delivery makes it hard to understand what she's saying. It works for the vibe on some songs, but on others, clearer enunciation would help.

Why I'm Giving It a 10/10 (Even Though I Prefer Think Later)

Here's the truth: objectively, I think Think Later is a stronger, more cohesive album.

But So Close to What gets a 10/10 from me as a devoted Tate fan because of what it represents.

The months of living with this album have only deepened my appreciation. These songs have soundtracked my own version of being young and messy and figuring things out.

Tate captures that specific feeling of being so close to understanding yourself but not quite there yet. And as someone navigating that same space, it resonates deeply.

Also, the album genuinely helped me appreciate pop music on a deeper level. Just like ABRSM taught me about the breadth of what piano can create across different eras, So Close to What showed me the emotional range pop can express—from sultry confidence to aching vulnerability, often within the same three minutes.

My Personal Ranking (All 16 Tracks)

After six months of obsessive listening, here's how I rank every song:

1. Purple lace bra 

2. Sports car 

3. Nostalgia 

4. It's ok I'm ok 

5. Dear god 

6. Miss possessive 

7. bloodonmyhands 

8. siren sounds

9. Greenlight 

10. Signs 

11. Means I care 

12. Like I do

13. No I'm not in love 

14. Revolving door 

15. 2 hands 

16. I know love 

Final Thoughts: Six Months Later

So Close to What debuted at #1. It went Platinum. It spawned hit singles. Tate wrapped a massive arena tour.

But the real measure of success? These songs still matter months later.

They haven't gotten old. They haven't worn out their welcome. If anything, they've deepened, revealing new layers, new meanings, new moments that resonate.

In February, this album felt like Tate figuring herself out in real-time. In October now, it feels like she knew exactly what she was doing all along.

Rating: 10/10 (as a devoted fan, eight months wiser)

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school senior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!