In her new deluxe, ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT???’ Tate McRae reflects on her past. (Courtesy of RCA Records)

Canadian singer, songwriter and dancer Tate McRae released the deluxe for her third studio album, “So Close To What???,” on Nov. 21, 2025. The original album consisted of 16 songs. Her deluxe edition added five more that take on strong early-2000s pop and R&B influences.

On her original album, “Sports car” was McRae’s most listened to track, with over 600 million streams. The song follows her story of straying away from a committed romantic relationship, using vehicular language to express her needs to take control of her relationships and career. The quick beats paired with her confidence make the track both catchy and emotionally relatable.

“Oh my guy / You don’t wanna waste my time, no,” McRae sings.

In “Revolving door,” another one of her hits from the album, McRae sings about repeatedly returning to her ex-lover even after cutting ties. She expresses how although the relationship was not stable, she goes back to it regardless of the consequences. With her smooth vocals, she tells a story of falling into unhealthy relationship cycles that many can connect with.

“Tried to call you / Off like a bad habit / But I keep comin’ back like a revolvin’ door / Say I couldn’t want you less, but I just want you more,” McRae sings.

McRae shifts from missing her ex to taking a more bitter approach with “It’s ok I’m ok.” She represents emotional closure as she acknowledges her own worth. The song’s conversational lyrics and self-assured tone give the track a sense of empowerment.

“And she be like, ‘He’s so perfect’ / And I be like, ‘Oh, what version?’ / ‘Ain’t nobody got me this nervous’ / Oh, baby, I been there / … / No, nothin’ could make me miss it / Take him, he’s yours,” McRae sings.

The album focuses on McRae’s past relationships and her growth as a person. With electronic basslines and echoey vocals, each song reveals underlying messages of self-reflection. With five new releases introduced on the deluxe version, she doubles down on confidence in herself.

McRae starts the deluxe version with “TRYING ON SHOES,” in which she expresses the struggles of holding onto someone by changing into their ideal version of a partner while knowing there is no hope left. Backed by a melancholic orchestral pop instrumental, her lyrics sound deeper and heavier compared to other songs featured on the album.

“You need a girl that isn’t me, warming the seat / Stayin’ at home, it’s hard to compete with someone I’m not / And someone that I’ll never be (So I’m) / Tryin’ on shoes, putting on glitter / Anything to make me a little less bitter,” McRae sings.

“ANYTHING BUT LOVE” expresses McRae’s hatred toward her ex-lover. She deliberately sets a harsh and repetitive tone in her lyrics, showing how everyone in her life is against her past lover. Using blunt and spiteful words, she creates an energetic and snarky vibe that many come to love.

“My fans hate you, my friends hate you, and Ryan hates you, and I do too / You’re tryna make this competition but no one lets you in this room / You say you hate me, but let’s be real, you only hate ‘cause you like the drama,” McRae sings.

In “NOBODY’S GIRL,” McRae shares the tension between ambition and personal exhaustion. She rejects romance in favor of independence and self-trust. Guided by gentle strings and playful drums, she demonstrates her growth even if it means disappointing others, making it one of her most introspective songs to date. Her lyrics reflect on the lessons she’s learned, offering a shift toward emotional maturity.

“I am nobody’s girl, I love it so much (So much) / It’s exactly what I wanted / I am nobody’s girl, does it mess you up?” McRae sings.

In the fourth track of the deluxe, “HORSESHOE,” McRae unpacks the difficulty of balancing fame, love and pressure. Through intimate lyrics, she reflects on how to manage her sorrows under fans’ expectations. The gentle instrumentals and soft vocals give the song an almost diary-like tone, allowing listeners to feel her honesty and form a strong, heartfelt connection.

“So who am I to cry tonight? / Such a lucky girl, I know / But where should all my sadness go?” McRae sings. “I got it, I promise / Just broke down on the plane / I wrote down my feelings / But they won’t go away.”

The final track of the deluxe, “TIT FOR TAT,” was first released as a single earlier this year on Sept. 26, 2025 and later added onto the deluxe version. The song serves as McRae’s way of confrontation and a response to her earlier breakup. The electric rhythm and sarcastic lyrics make it an energizing closer, tying together the emotional rollercoaster of the deluxe.

“I was nothing but respectful, and you know that (You know that) / Why you changing up the narrative to write? / No, I can’t do this, you’re making me do this / If you want to fight / Let’s go song for song, let’s go back to back,” McRae sings.

McRae’s third album “So Close To What???” captures the process of stripping away her old version of herself and confronting every obstacle that has tried to shape her. Across a sharp and emotionally complex tracklist, she balances vulnerability with defiance. Driven by heartbreak, fame, desire and self-assurance, McRae’s album encapsulates evolution.