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
Banks
. There's also a batch of pensive, vulnerable moments -- including "Greenlight" and "Nostalgia" -- that offers a bittersweet view into the "real"
who exists behind the pop star glitz and industry spotlight. Overall, the improved production value and lyrical direction point at an intentional maturation for
-- like
Britney
Ariana
, and so many others before her -- who seizes the post-breakthrough moment with this major sonic statement.
delivers on the promise of
, levelling up with this set of addictive pop gems and heartfelt confessionals. ~ Neil Z. Yeung