?Purple Lace Bra? most explicitly speaks to the underlying ethos of the album that McRae articulated at her listening event, where she discussed the challenges of transitioning into womanhood while being scrutinized under the relentless spotlight of fame. With clever songwriting that delves into themes of self-worth, this track resonates deeply, and specific lines could have an even more significant impact with a stripped-back rendition, allowing the raw emotion to shine through.

There?s something subtly threatening yet entirely enticing about the So Close To What opening track. For those who have followed McRae?s journey since her full-length debut, 2022?s I Used to Think I Could Fly, ?Miss Possessive? marks a significant evolution from ?She?s All I Wanna Be.? Opening her third album with such a surge of confidence not only establishes the album?s tone but also highlights McRae?s personal growth, showcasing her transformation as both an artist and an individual.

The subtle R&B production and delivery of ?Like I Do? introduces a refreshing variation in the latter half of the album ? yet Tatiana compensates for the less punchy production with her biting invitation: ?Think you wanna be me? You should go ahead and try to.? This track effectively showcases her confidence and charisma, inviting listeners into her world while challenging them to embrace their own self-assurance.

There?s a cheeky charm to the web of lies that make up ?No I?m Not In Love,? where McRae declares that the sky has never been blue, and insists she doesn?t harbor resentment towards other girls who catch her partner?s attention. Coupled with her earlier admission in the album where she states, ?I know love,? the playful irony is evident before the song even begins, making it a delightful and relatable exchange between herself and her audience.

?I like you the most,? McRae repeats in one of the album?s more downtempo tracks, characterized by its computerized handclaps. However, the shadows of her past (and slightly toxic) patterns are just as present as her sweet confession. ?Little too good, got me second-guessing/Never been good at self-expression,? she sings. ?If I cut you off, it just means I care.? This acknowledgment could signify her first step toward mending such damaged connections, leaving listeners curious about her future growth as an artist and individual.

Released in November as the second single from So Close, the intro to ?2 Hands? takes a more alternative approach compared to the upbeat power-pop tracks that dominate the album, evoking a hint of nostalgia reminiscent of Calvin Harris? ?Slide? featuring Frank Ocean and Migos. This refreshing twist, though brief, may hint at unexplored avenues McRae could venture into in the future, showcasing her versatility and artistic range.

Fittingly positioned near the heart of the album, ?Signs? serves as a metaphor for McRae?s journey of personal growth and self-discovery. ?Take all my silences/And do your damn best to figure it out,? she instructs at the outset. However, a sense of self-awareness permeates the track, leading McRae to ultimately confess, ?So classic/Assuming you?re telepathic/Just doing it out of habit? Oh no.? This introspective exploration invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the complexities of communication in relationships.

Continuing the earnest tone set by ?I Still Say Goodnight? on I Used To Think I Could Fly and the acoustic closer ?Plastic Palm Trees? on Think Later, the 15th and final track on So Close is ? fittingly ? strummed and introspective. McRae reflects on her family, including her dad, mom, and brother Tucker, while pondering, ?Where does the time go?? Even as she sings, ?I bite my tongue ten times a day,? it becomes poignant to consider how this compares to her younger self; as time flies by, it?s easy to overlook the significant strides made in life.

?We started off friends, how we end up here?? questions Kid LAROI, the highly anticipated feature and McRae?s boyfriend. During her listening event, McRae shared, ?It was a really funny process because me and LAROI have never really taken each other seriously? So it was stressful being in the studio singing and writing in front of him, but it was a cool experience to watch him in his creative process.? The outcome is a heartfelt tribute to their year-long relationship, which seemingly helped McRae to ?know love.? As she concludes in the song: ?When it hits, when it hits.?

?I?m still waiting at the green light/To tell you what I feel like, but I can?t go,? McRae sings with a relatable sense of defeat. Throughout the song, she articulates the specific type of paralysis that accompanies having the opportunity yet feeling immobilized by it. ?Guess I never healed right,? she ultimately admits. ?Maybe it?s a green light, but I can?t go.? This exploration of emotional vulnerability resonates with anyone who has hesitated to seize opportunities due to past experiences.

Despite the title ?Dear God,? this track is anything but holy, opening with an attention-grabbing siren over a pulsing bass drop as McRae sets a vivid scene: ?Hands on my chest and my knees on the carpet.? What follows is a series of heartfelt pleas for God to erase her memories of a recent ex, paralleling the emotional weight of the music video for Ariana Grande?s ?We Can?t Be Friends.? Yet, her greatest desire remains the hardest to fulfill: to let go of what?s already lost.

One of the vocal standouts on the album, this song starts with minimal production, allowing McRae?s voice to take center stage. As a driving beat gradually builds, McRae maintains a sense of strength and assurance throughout, despite expressing uncertainty about her desires and actions as she sings about repeatedly returning to the same person. As she spirals deeper into her thoughts, the song culminates in a frenzied climax, with McRae pleading, ?I need a minute,? capturing the emotional turmoil of cyclical relationships.

One of only two collaborations on the album, teaming up with Flo Milli inspires Tatiana to embrace her most fierce and unapologetic self as both artists go for the jugular in this track. ?Dance like I can?t be bothered, know it kills you/Bounced back and found another, and he hates you,? McRae sings with an audible sneer on the chorus. After reaching peak intensity, she?s joined by Flo on the bridge as they both sing without remorse: ?I move as fast as I can/And I know it fucks you up so hard.? This collaboration showcases the power of female empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity.

This sassy anthem became McRae?s highest debut on the Hot 100 and served as the lead single for her third album, released in September. As co-writer and producer ILYA previously shared with Billboard: ??It?s Ok I?m Ok? is one of those records where it was like, ?Let?s just have fun; let?s make something weird.? It showcases a fresh side of McRae, revealing her artistic growth and self-acceptance. The more I?ve collaborated with her, the more I see her confidence as an artist blossom.?

Released just a few weeks ago at the end of January, McRae saved one of the album?s strongest singles for last. The juxtaposition of singing about a speedy sports car in a sultry, hushed tone creates an irresistible experience ? one that requires listeners to buckle in and pay attention. ?Sports Car? is especially celebratory, reflecting McRae?s impressive trajectory as an artist. A few years back, she longed for the time when she thought she could fly; now, she has a new mode of transportation, and regardless of whose car it is, she?s firmly in the driver?s seat, steering her own artistic journey.