“Maybe you don’t like talking too much about yourself/But you should’ve told me that you were thinking ‘bout someone else,” are the first lines to 16-year-old Tate McRae’s hit 2020 single, “You Broke Me First,” an emotional piece that put her on the charts. But now, five years later, Ms. McRae has completely transformed herself and her music.
From sad ballads about heartbreak and exes with a new girlfriend, Ms. McRae’s latest album, “So Close to What,” is a sassy contrast to her previous music, revealing a newfound maturity within her vulnerable lyricism.
The 45-minute album, released on Feb. 21, peaked on Billboard’s Hot 200 list during the week of March 8 with its popular songs, such as “Sports Car” and “Revolving Door,” blowing up on every radio station. Ms. McRae reflects on being a young woman, exploring relationships, sexuality and the overall experiences of growing up.
“Got your own, but you started eyein’ down my man/And my clothes and my plans/Know you’re prayin’ on my downfall (oh yeah),” Ms. McRae sang to a low pop beat in her song “Like I Do.” The song utilizes repetitive verses layered over electronic percussion to sell its message of empowerment.
Through catchy verses like this and in songs such as “Miss Possessive” and “It’s OK, I’m OK,” Ms. McRae, with her heartfelt tone, teaches her main demographic of other young women to navigate backstabbing friends by standing up for themselves, not letting others’ insecurities dim their light.
Ms. McRae promotes a powerful message of self-reliance. She’s transitioned from being “broken” over her ex’s actions to singing “It’s OK I’m OK,” choosing self-love over being hurt by the same guy. The powerful repetition of the drums in the background adds gravity to her words with the synth flowing perfectly with her lyrics, setting the reflective tone.
But within these experiences Ms. McRae also expresses her own mistakes, revealing she’s not always perfect. “I’m more hurt than I would admit (oh)/Supposed to be an adult, but f**k it, I need a minute,” Ms. McRae sang in “Revolving Door,” against an addictive sad club beat. She sheds light on the raw experience of growing up expressing that it’s OK to not have everything figured out within a society that expects perfectionism.
“So Close to What,” is an impactful album about the bittersweet reality of growing up, highlighting Ms. McRae’s own journey. Her angelic vocals and dramatic melodies in songs like “Purple Lace Bra” and “Siren Sounds” showcase her impressive range while dealing with topics from heartache to self-love. Through meaningful lyricism, Ms. McRae has turned herself into a role model for young women, teaching them how to lead their own lives with confidence.
