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Staff Writer: Aidan Danforth
Email: adanforth@umassd.edu
You can’t spell Tate McRae’s name without ATE!
Fans have been anticipating Tate’s new album to be nothing short of a masterpiece because of standout singles “It’s ok, I’m ok,”, “2 Hands,” and “Sports Car”.
The rising pop star did not disappoint with her third studio album “So Close to What”. This album features twelve new tracks, a bonus track, and a new music video for the album’s headliner “Revolving Door”.
Each of these songs showcase Tate’s talents as a singer, songwriter, and dancer. They also show how much creativity and care Tate puts into each song.
With so many great tracks, here are the ones that give the best overview of what makes this album so great.
“Revolving Door”
The only new song to get a music video, “Revolving Door,” did not disappoint. Like all her videos, Tate continues to show off her talents as a dancer in this deeply emotional song about handling a toxic relationship.
There’s just so much care in this music video. The backup dancers, the white outfits, and the arena.
The song isn’t only entertaining, it’s also relatable, as the strong lyrics present a lot of vulnerability and complex emotions.
This is especially true at the end where Tate continually utters, “I need a minute,” and begins to cry on the ground. She then proceeds to get up after a full minute, which is an incredible touch!
“Miss Possessive”
“Miss Possessive” is the first song on the albums set list, which does a great job at introducing the album with its themes of relationships as well as Tate’s feelings about turning 21.
The main concepts of this song are the emotions of jealousy and control in relation to confidence. It also shows her talents as a singer, with her shifts from slow to high and energetic lyrics.
The background vocals at the beginning and in between verses add a unique, assertive feel to Tate. She could have picked any song to be the first, but this one perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the album.
“Dear God”
Energy, meaning, and vulnerability. That is the best way to describe “Dear God”.
Many of Tate’s pop songs have incredible energy that makes people want to dance. But there is a deeper meaning that Tate is not afraid to hide here.
“Dear God” presents Tate confessing to the Lord above as the lyrics show a lot of emotional and personal meaning. The vibe and the vocals in general just latch people onto this track as it is just a joy to listen to.
It’s another one of Tate’s more relatable songs that demonstrates Tate’s creativity as well as her ability to use nostalgia from 2000’s pop and R/B to create another masterpiece.
“I Know Love”
When Tate revealed the album’s track names, fans instantly screamed in excitement when they saw her boyfriend’ ‘s name, The Kid Laroi, next to the song “I Know Love”.
Without a doubt, the lyrics refer to Tate and Kid Laroi, as the song explores friendship and how it turns into love. The iconic music couple has been friends since August of 2023 but they began dating in 2024.
Tate’s pop and Kid Laroi’s Australian rap create an excellent feel-good song that is sure to make anyone fall in love with the young couple.
“Purple Lace Bra”
“Purple Lace Bra” is easily one of Tate’s most adult songs to date with some dirty lyrics. The purple lace bra is in reference to the one she wears in the “It’s ok, I’m ok” music video.
Many pop artists receive good and bad reputations from people and the media. This song calls out those people. Tate is aware how people see her and responds by explaining how she sees herself.
This is a powerful move by Tate. The media can be so judgmental of young artists, but this song is the perfect way Tate ignores what others think as she decides how she sees herself.
Those five songs are only a taste of what I see as a perfect album with zero skips. Other songs like “Greenlight,” “Signs,” and “Means I Care” encompass the same creative touch.
It’s rare to rate an album a 10/10. However, Tate’s creative ability to create songs with such deep emotions, meaning, and lyrics make this album nearly flawless and currently the best album in a year that’s going to be full of releases.
There’s more exciting things to come for Tater Tots, as her Miss Possessive Tour is set to begin March 18th. Due to popular demand, more dates have been added, showcasing an incredible rise of the young popstar.
Anyone who loves pop and appreciates someone with the ability to talk about themselves and dance will easily fall in love with this album and a young star who is only beginning her successful career.