Tate McRae, the 21-year-old Canadian singer, is known for her catchy pop hits and playful lyrics. On February 21, 2025, she released her third studio album, So Close to What. The 15-track album includes songs like “2 hands” and “Sports car,” both following the popular sexy pop trend. The album features collaborations with rapper Flo Milli and McRae’s boyfriend, The Kid LAROI.
A Shift in Musical Style
While So Close to What marks a cheekier side of McRae’s music, her sound has evolved over time. The singer began posting original songs on YouTube in 2017 under the name “Create with Tate.” Her early songs were more introspective, touching on themes of heartbreak and growing pains. One of her earliest tracks, “i wrote a song … one day,” became a viral hit, now with 41 million views.
In 2022, McRae released her debut album, i used to think i could fly, which carried a similar tone to her earlier YouTube music. The following year, she dropped her sophomore album, THINK LATER, marking a shift toward more seductive, upbeat pop tracks.
This transition to flirtier pop has boosted McRae’s popularity. Her hit song “greedy” has over 1.7 billion streams on Spotify, showcasing her growth as an artist and her new musical direction.
From Dance Star to Pop Sensation
McRae’s talent extends beyond singing. Before she gained fame in music, McRae was a dancer. She began dancing at age six and later became a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in 2016, finishing in third place.
Her dance skills have become a central part of her performances. Fans love how she combines energetic choreography with her pop songs, making her live shows a full performance experience. Her dance routines, often bold and viral, have captured widespread attention online.
Many fans compare McRae’s style to that of pop icon Britney Spears, known for her sultry pop and signature dance moves. McRae herself, however, humbly disagrees with the comparison. In a recent interview with Billboard, she said, “It’s such a crazy statement because no one can compare to Britney Spears. It’s like comparing someone to Michael Jackson! That’s the blueprint.”
Celebrating the Album Release
To celebrate the release of So Close to What, McRae hosted a pop-up event at Complex LA from February 21 to 23. The event included exclusive merchandise, photo opportunities, and contests for autographed items, allowing fans to connect with McRae and her new album.
Nearby, Rhode Beauty by Hailey Bieber also hosted an event where McRae’s fans could see her campaign for the brand’s new lip liners.
The Miss Possessive Tour
McRae is set to hit the road for her Miss Possessive Tour, which will include 80 stops worldwide. The tour will feature both new tracks and fan favorites. Artists like Alessi Rose, Zara Larsson, and BENEE will join her on the tour, promising fans an unforgettable experience.
With So Close to What, McRae has cemented her place in the pop music scene. As her career continues to rise, there’s no doubt she’ll leave a lasting mark on the music industry.
Related Topics
