BLACK VINYL

Provocative and more sensual than its breakthrough predecessor, 2023's Think Later, So Close to What reveals Canadian pop star Tate McRae to be more mature, with sultrier R&B-inspired vocals, more physical hip-hop beats, and an overall swerve into more adult lyrical territory. With a team of producers that includes Ryan Tedder and ILYA, McRae masters this sweaty collection of dance-friendly, club-ready anthems that channels the early-2000s energy of Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, and Ciara. The best of that bunch -- "Miss Possessive," "Sports Car," "2 Hands," "Revolving Door," and "No I'm Not in Love" -- elevate the album with radio-ready hits that keep the pulse pounding, while the sublime production on songs such as "Purple Lace Bra" and "Better Than I Was" merges the hazy, dream-like R&B sonics of late-2010s Ariana Grande and Banks. There's also a batch of pensive, vulnerable moments -- including "Greenlight" and "Nostalgia" -- that offers a bittersweet view into the "real" McRae who exists behind the pop star glitz and industry spotlight. Overall, the improved production value and lyrical direction point at an intentional maturation for McRae -- like Britney, Ariana, and so many others before her -- who seizes the post-breakthrough moment with this major sonic statement. McRae delivers on the promise of Think Later, levelling up with this set of addictive pop gems and heartfelt confessionals.

A1        Miss Possessive    2:18
A2        2 Hands    3:02
A3        Dear God    2:51
A4        Purple Lace Bra    3:10
A5        Signs    2:53
A6        Sports Car    2:45
A7        Revolving Door    2:59
B1        No I'm Not In Love    2:50
B2        It's Ok I'm Ok    2:36
B3        Greenlight    2:44
B4        Better Than I Was    2:21
B5        Call My Bluff    3:15
B6        Nostalgia    3:03