(Image via Genius)
Staff Editor: Aidan Danforth
Email: adanforth@umassd.edu
2025 has been nothing short of a treasure trove of incredible music from Tate McRae. First, “So Close To What,” then “Just Keep Watching,” followed by “TIT FOR TAT,” now we have “So Close To What??? (deluxe).”
This deluxe edition of her widely successful third album, “So Close To What,” features four new tracks, a new music video, and adds “TIT FOR TAT” onto the tracklist. The album art also uses a much darker blend of colors, which is noticeable in the album cover and the images featured in all the songs.
The “So Close To What” era is unfortunately coming to a close, but Tate slayed with its last addition as each track has its own identity, theme, and meaning that’ll have all of them continually repeating in my Spotify playlists.
NOBODY’S GIRL
Let’s start with the headliner track, “NOBODY’S GIRL.” This track begins like any Tate song would, with a catchy beat and lyrics that immediately grasp you into the song. That is accompanied by Tate’s amazing vocals as well as her dancing as seen in the music video.
The music video features her dancing gracefully in various outfits, the most memorable being the angel look. It’s a post breakup song that describes that bittersweet feeling of being hurt after a breakup but also having this new freedom that feels incredible.
It weighs more on Tate’s energetic style of music while combining emotional lyrics and instrumentals that had each of her songs so memorable.
I’m honestly surprised “I Know Love” wasn’t scratched from the deluxe edition. That song was about her and her ex The Kid Laroi singing about finding love while this track and “TIT FOR TAT,” diss him.
TRYING ON SHOES
Where do I begin with this track? “NOBODY’S GIRL” is definitely a Tatiana song with its more energetic feel, while “TRYING ON SHOES” is a Tate song with its slow and more emotional feel.
The second Tate says “Trying on shoes, putting on glitter, anything to make me a little less bitter,” it’s almost impossible not to listen in complete awe. The lyricism here is so powerful as the vocals and instrumentals work together to create this masterpiece around becoming different versions of yourself in an attempt to overcome a bad breakup.
Some of its parts are reminiscent of “Purple Lace Bra,” a fan favorite track from the original album that features familiar vulnerable lyrics and a deep meaning that latches you into the music.
“TRYING ON SHOES” is another example of a track where Tate uses a style she has found success in and continually builds on it, which is what makes this track amazing. It reuses aspects of her already existing songs while creating a new track with its own distinct identity.
ANYTHING BUT LOVE
“ANYTHING BUT LOVE” returns to the energetic style of Tate’s music, as she brings in her inner Tatiana. This is actually the first song Tate has mentioned her alter ego in. And it’s done so well in this melody about how everyone hates her ex and she no longer has love for him.
Who is this song about? Probably The Kid Laroi. Another song that makes “I Know Love” age like milk, as she’s gone from celebrating love to doing everything she can to avoid love and escape this new found independence.
That is probably what makes this song so great. It fits so well with the others while displaying the themes of breakups and the complex emotions someone is bound to have during and after such an event.
HORSESHOE
Now we return to Tate. This softer song uses the HORSESHOE as a metaphor where Tate is super vulnerable about her feelings about being lucky but also having these insecurities she’s trying to figure out.
Those lucky feelings have to do with her status as a stare while the insecurities are more personal. Both of which show a contrast of public and private. It’s an example of a relatable track that shows those emotions that many of us struggle with in the real world.
If you watch the music video, the still image of Tate as the song plays adds to the overall feel of the track. Unlike the previous tracks that focus on relationships and the self, this one is primarily about the self and the challenge of battling opposing emotions.
Last Thoughts
Here are my rankings of each new track.
- TRYING ON SHOES
- NOBODY’S GIRL
- ANYTHING BUT LOVE
- HORSESHOE
How does she do it? An incredible single like “Sports Car,” an entire album, followed by hit after hit, and an expansion of an already flawless album. Does this girl even sleep? I’m honestly speechless. 2025 has been Tate’s year.
Not only has she been releasing all this music; she’s been on tour all year delivering jaw dropping performances night after night. It’s simply a crime that she only received one Grammy nomination.
Tate McRae is easily one of the most underrated artists in the entire pop industry. Her ability to make songs with such incredible lyrics and meanings that go along with her stunning voice and talents as a dancer is what she knows she is good with as it has been the forefront of all her latest hits.
If you love girly pop, pop, or are just a music fan in general, I cannot recommend Tate’s music enough. Her music has changed the lives of countless fans, including me, as they invoke such a high level of creativity and reliability that it is almost impossible not to latch onto and want to immerse yourself into Tate’s world.