Canadian singer and songwriter Tate McRae recently released her third studio album, “So Close to What.” With 16 new tracks, the pop singer exceeded fans’ expectations, as the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 177,000 units in its first week.
What Draws Fans to McRae’s Music?
Fans are captivated by McRae’s ability to resonate with her listeners, as her raw emotions, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable storytelling create a deep connection. Many feel that her music is a reflection of their own experiences, drawing them in on a personal level.
The pop star has been on the rise recently, and “So Close to What” has become her biggest debut on the US charts. She promoted the album by performing her hit “Revolving Door” on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Unlike her previous soft-pop songs, this album uses a dance-pop sound, marking a shift in her musical style.
Mixed Reviews from Mounties
McRae’s music is particularly popular among teenage girls, but Mount students had mixed reactions to the new album.
“I loved it! My favorite songs were ‘Purple Lace Bra’ and ‘Revolving Door.’ I’ve been listening to them on repeat. I didn’t listen to the album until a few weeks after it came out, but I haven’t stopped since. I really want to go to her concert,” Kristen Savage ‘26 said.
Some listeners appreciated how McRae tied themes and lyrics from her previous album, “Think Later,” into her new work.
“I really liked the album. I liked how she tied this album together with her last one, with some corresponding lyrics,” Nora Massella ‘26 said.
Students highlighted McRae’s strong songwriting skills, praising her ability to craft introspective lyrics that connect with her audience.
“My favorite song was ‘It’s ok, I’m ok.’ It was really catchy, and I loved the music video,” Keira Doogan ‘26 said.
Another exciting part of the album was McRae’s collaboration with her boyfriend, fellow pop singer The Kid LAROI.
“I love that she did a collaboration with The Kid LAROI, and the song was so cute because they’re dating,” Jenna Miller ‘26 said.
Criticism from Some Listeners:
“All the songs are exactly the same. It’s very repetitive and sounds very similar to other pop artists,” Amelia Nace ‘26 said.
Some students recognized the repetitive nature of the tracks and noted that the album’s sound closely resembles that of other mainstream pop artists.
“I really liked the Tate McRae album; however, I think all the songs sound very similar,” Lily Friel ‘26 said.
Final Thoughts
Despite some criticism, “So Close to What” has proven to be McRae’s most successful album yet, cementing her status as a rising pop sensation. Whether fans loved the album or found it repetitive, McRae’s ability to evoke emotions and connect with listeners remains undeniable.
