Tate McRae's “So Close to What” is the Pop Revival We Needed

By Kyle Arjoonsingh

If pop music needed a breath of fresh air, Tate McRae just kicked the door wide open with “So Close to What.” Her third studio album, released on Feb. 21, 2025, is a high-energy, glittering ride filled with attitude, heartbreak and enough nostalgia to make you dig out your old iPod. Imagine early 2000s Britney meets modern-day dance-floor drama – McRae isn’t just making pop music; she’s making it feel alive again.

Her rise to superstardom has been anything but overnight, but with “So Close to What,” she’s proving she’s in it for the long haul. 

Expectations were already sky-high after her second album, “THINK LATER,” dropped in late 2023, featuring chart-toppers like “greedy” and “exes.” However, earlier this year the album was leaked online, sending fans into a frenzy. But if anyone thought that would slow her down, they clearly underestimated McRae. Instead of letting the leak derail her momentum, she powered through – going so far as to add extra tracks right before its release. And just when her loyal fans, affectionately known as her “Tater Tots,” thought the surprises were over, McRae kept them on their toes by swapping out the album cover for an alternate version just three days after its official release. Chaotic? Maybe. But if “So Close to What” proves anything, it’s that McRae thrives under pressure – and she’s only getting started.

“So Close To What” album cover. (Photo credit: Spotify)

The lead single, “It’s ok I’m ok,” made its debut last September, and it quickly became McRae’s highest-charting debut on the Billboard Hot 100, soaring all the way into the top 20.  If you appreciated the contemporary R&B vibe in that track, “So Close to What” is absolutely for you. From the first notes of “Miss possessive,” you’re hit with an instant sense of confidence – it's addictive, dripping with main character energy and sets the tone for an unforgettable ride. Then there’s “Sports car,” which quite literally sounds like you’re flying down the highway, full throttle. But my personal favorite is track number 3, “revolving door.” This song nails the emotional rollercoaster of diving back into a past relationship, all wrapped in a hypnotic beat that’s downright addictive. 

But the real flex? The collaborations. 

“bloodonmyhands” with Flo Milli oozes confidence and chaos in the best way possible. Then there’s “I know love” with The Kid LAROI, it’s the kind of late-night, emotionally messy song that you won’t be able to stop replaying. And the cherry on top? They’re dating in real life, so the chemistry is strong – you can practically feel the sparks flying through the speakers.

For those who prefer slower, more emotional tracks, “Nostalgia” hits the mark. While I do enjoy it, I think McRae’s star really shines in her upbeat songs. That said, she still brings plenty of depth to her slower moments. She isn’t afraid to blend genres, seamlessly mixing R&B, pop and hip-hop to create dynamic, unpredictable tracks. Each song feels like a new layer, revealing something fresh with every listen – and that’s what makes her music so compelling. It’s hard to deny that McRae brings her own brand of edgy, sultry charm to every track.

With the “Miss Possessive Tour” set to bring these songs to the stage later this year, one thing’s for sure: Tate McRae isn't just close to something—she’s there, and pop music is better for it. I would give the album a solid 9 out of 10 stars.

“So Close to What” is available for streaming on most major platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.