Tate McRae's "So Close": 15 Tracks Ranked

Tate McRae's "So Close": 15 Tracks Ranked

Tate McRae’s “So Close” EP isn’t just a collection of songs; it's a sonic journey through the complexities of young adulthood, heartbreak, and self-discovery. McRae, with her raw honesty and undeniable vocal talent, has crafted a body of work that resonates deeply with listeners, solidifying her position as a leading voice in pop music. This ranking explores each track's individual merit, considering lyrical depth, production quality, and overall impact. Prepare for a deep dive into the emotional landscape of “So Close.”

The Top Tier: Unforgettable Anthems

These tracks transcend simple song status; they’re anthems, deeply personal and universally relatable. They showcase McRae's vocal prowess and songwriting maturity, solidifying their place as highlights of the EP.

1. she's all i wanna be:

This isn't just a song; it's a confession. The raw emotion pouring from McRae's voice as she grapples with admiration bordering on obsession is palpable. The stripped-back production allows her vocals to take center stage, highlighting the vulnerability in her lyrics. The relatable theme of admiring someone from afar, wishing to be them, makes it instantly connecting. The powerful chorus, punctuated by soaring vocals, leaves a lasting impression. Keyword: Obsessive admiration, relatable lyrics, powerful vocals.

2. stupid:

The driving beat and addictive melody of "stupid" are impossible to ignore. It's a pop perfection that doesn't shy away from the messy emotions of a toxic relationship. McRae's ability to blend vulnerability with a fierce determination makes this track a standout. The pre-chorus build is masterful, leading into a cathartic chorus that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of knowing you're making a mistake but doing it anyway. Keyword: Toxic relationship, addictive melody, powerful chorus, cathartic.

The Stellar Supporting Cast: Tracks with Unique Flair

These songs offer a diverse range of sounds and emotions, enriching the overall experience of the "So Close" EP. They demonstrate McRae's artistic range and willingness to experiment with different sounds within her pop foundation.

3. feel like shit:

This track is an honest portrayal of heartbreak's raw, visceral pain. The minimalist production underscores the intensity of McRae's emotions. The lyrics are brutally honest, laying bare the vulnerability and self-loathing that often accompany a breakup. While emotionally heavy, it's also empowering in its unflinching honesty. It's a testament to McRae's ability to create emotionally resonant music. Keyword: Heartbreak, minimalist production, vulnerability, emotional resonance.

4. so close:

The title track is a poignant ballad that showcases McRae's vocal control and emotional depth. The lyrics depict a yearning for connection and the frustration of being so close yet so far from someone. The subtle instrumentation perfectly complements McRae's vocals, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to fully resonate with the listener. Keyword: Yearning, connection, subtle instrumentation, emotional depth.

5. that way:

"That Way" offers a slightly different sonic landscape compared to other tracks on the EP. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody are infectious, yet the lyrics still retain an element of vulnerability. It's a perfect example of McRae's ability to blend upbeat pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics. The song demonstrates her growth as a songwriter, experimenting with different sounds while remaining true to her artistic voice. Keyword: Upbeat tempo, catchy melody, vulnerability, introspective lyrics.

The Solid Contenders: Enjoyable Additions to the EP

These tracks, while not as immediately striking as the top-tier songs, still hold their own and contribute to the overall cohesiveness of the EP. They showcase McRae's consistency and skill in crafting well-produced pop songs.

6. bad ones:

"Bad Ones" is a catchy track with a driving beat and memorable chorus. The lyrics are relatable, exploring the allure of bad boys and the self-destructive tendencies that can accompany such relationships. It's a fun and energetic song, providing a nice contrast to the more emotionally heavy tracks on the EP. Keyword: Catchy melody, driving beat, relatable lyrics, self-destructive tendencies.

7. don't be a fool:

This track showcases a slightly more mature sound for McRae. It's a mid-tempo pop song with introspective lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships. The production is polished and sophisticated, highlighting McRae's vocal range and control. Keyword: Mature sound, introspective lyrics, polished production, vocal range.

8. as long as you're mine:

The acoustic elements of “As Long As You’re Mine” allow the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through. This track is a softer ballad, focusing on the vulnerability and fear of losing someone special. It’s a less intense exploration of love than other tracks, making it a calming, reflective listen within the collection. Keyword: Acoustic elements, raw emotion, vulnerability, love, fear of loss.

The B-Side Gems: Still Worthy of a Listen

These songs, while perhaps not as polished or impactful as the others, still offer moments of brilliance and showcase McRae’s evolving artistry. They offer a glimpse into her creative process and show the range of her songwriting capabilities.

9. too young to be sad:

This is a more reflective track that explores the complexities of young adulthood. The melancholy melody and introspective lyrics depict the uncertainty and anxieties that come with growing up. While not as instantly catchy as some of the other tracks, its emotional depth makes it worthy of a listen. Keyword: Melancholy, introspective lyrics, uncertainty, young adulthood, anxieties.

10. perfectly imperfect:

This track offers a more upbeat and optimistic tone compared to some of the heavier songs on the EP. While still exploring themes of self-doubt, it ultimately provides a message of self-acceptance. It serves as a reminder that imperfections are part of being human and should be embraced. Keyword: Upbeat, optimistic, self-acceptance, self-doubt, imperfections.

The Deep Cuts: Hidden Treasures

These tracks might not be the first ones that come to mind, but they offer interesting nuances to the overall sound of the EP. They might be appreciated more on repeated listens as listeners discover their subtle layers of meaning and musical complexity.

11. full of it:

"Full of it" possesses a sharper, edgier sound that complements McRae's assertive vocals. This song delves into the cynicism and frustration related to deceitful relationships, a thematic contrast to the more melancholic themes of the EP. The punchier beat and more direct lyrics bring a different energy to the collection. Keyword: Assertive vocals, cynicism, frustration, deceitful relationships, punchier beat.

12. u broke my heart first:

This track offers a unique perspective on heartbreak, portraying the pain from the perspective of someone who also inflicted damage. It highlights the complexities of relationships and avoids simplistic blame. This more mature outlook adds depth to the diverse themes of the EP. Keyword: Complex relationship, shared blame, maturity, heartbreak perspective.

The Less-Heard Tracks: Worth Exploring

The following tracks, while not necessarily less enjoyable, might not resonate as strongly with all listeners. However, they still contribute to the overall tapestry of sounds and emotions within the "So Close" EP.

13. we'll never be:

A more subdued offering, "We'll Never Be" showcases a gentler side to McRae's songwriting, focusing on a quiet reflection of a past relationship. The softer instrumentation and restrained vocals allow the emotional weight of the lyrics to carry the song. Keyword: Subdued, quiet reflection, restrained vocals, past relationships.

14. i'm not okay:

This track explores a similar theme of emotional struggle as other songs on the EP but with a slightly more raw and less polished feel. It reflects a moment of unfiltered emotion, highlighting the immediacy of feelings of distress. Keyword: Raw emotion, emotional struggle, unfiltered feelings, distress.

The Unexpected Gem: A Hidden Standout

This track might initially be overlooked, but upon repeated listening reveals its hidden brilliance and unexpected charm.

15. sorry if i'm not sorry:

Though potentially positioned last, "Sorry If I'm Not Sorry" reveals a defiant strength often absent in the melancholic tracks. It's a track where self-acceptance morphs into a confident self-assurance, showcasing McRae's growth as an artist and her ability to create diverse emotional landscapes. Keyword: Defiant, confident, self-assurance, self-acceptance, unexpected strength.

This ranking represents a subjective interpretation of Tate McRae's "So Close" EP. Ultimately, the best track is the one that resonates most deeply with the individual listener. The true beauty of this collection lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, creating a listening experience that is both intensely personal and universally relatable. The “So Close” EP is a testament to Tate McRae’s talent and potential, solidifying her place as a prominent artist in the modern pop landscape.