Tate McRae is SO CLOSE...But Not There Yet

Summary

The video script offers a detailed critique of Tate McRae's album *So Close to What*, focusing on her songwriting, thematic execution, and album rollout. While acknowledging Tate’s performance strengths, the analysis criticizes her lack of depth and emotional clarity in her lyrics, particularly in addressing complex topics like media pressure and love. The speaker compares Tate’s work to pop icons like Britney Spears and Lorde, highlighting her potential but urging her to develop a more distinct artistic voice. The video concludes by emphasizing Tate's growth and the possibility of her becoming a defining pop star with time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tate McRae's album *So Close to What* struggles with a lack of emotional depth and depth in songwriting, with many of its tracks feeling generic.
• 😀 Compared to Britney Spears’ *Piece of Me*, Tate McRae's *Purple Laced Bra* fails to convey the weight of personal experience in media critique, feeling more like a sensual love song than a commentary on objectification.
• 😀 The lyrics of Tate McRae's songs, especially in tracks like *Nostalgia* and *I Know Love*, lack specificity and fail to offer unique insights into themes of love and longing.
• 😀 Tate’s songwriting often gestures at big themes (like love and nostalgia) but doesn’t commit to fully exploring them, making the songs feel shallow and impersonal.
• 😀 Tate McRae’s limited life experience as a 21-year-old is reflected in her lyrics, which often feel like unoriginal observations rather than meaningful personal reflections.
• 😀 *Green Light* by Tate McRae was compared unfavorably to Lorde's 2017 track, pointing out that Tate’s version lacked the emotional intensity and innovation of Lorde’s work.
• 😀 While Tate excels in performance, the album’s rollout failed to capitalize on her live presence, with very few televised performances or notable public appearances.
• 😀 Tate’s album rollout lacked momentum, with too much time between singles and a poor strategic use of live performances, which are one of her strongest attributes.
• 😀 The reviewer suggests that Tate’s label missed opportunities to showcase her talent as a performer, which led to a less effective album promotion strategy.
• 😀 Tate McRae needs to focus on finding her own unique voice as an artist rather than trying to live up to comparisons with other pop stars like Britney Spears.
• 😀 Despite the weaknesses in her songwriting, Tate shows potential for growth, and if she can hone her creative vision, she has the chance to become a defining pop star of her generation.

Q & A

What is the central critique of Tate McRae's songwriting in the album *So Close to What*?

The central critique is that Tate McRae's songwriting lacks depth, specificity, and originality. Her songs often address themes like media pressure and love, but fail to fully develop these topics or offer fresh perspectives, making them feel generic and impersonal.

How does the review compare Tate McRae's *Purple Laced Bra* to Britney Spears' *Piece of Me*?

The review contrasts *Purple Laced Bra* with Britney's *Piece of Me*, arguing that Tate's song fails to convey the same emotional weight or depth. While *Piece of Me* felt like a real response to Britney's media takedown, Tate's song lacks the conviction and lived experience to make it feel authentic or impactful.

What is the main issue with Tate McRae's approach to discussing media scrutiny in *Purple Laced Bra*?

The main issue is that Tate's experience with media pressure, largely coming from social media, does not carry the same weight as the intense, 24/7 global surveillance Britney Spears faced. The review suggests that Tate’s expression of media criticism feels hollow and less urgent because of this difference.

What is the reviewer's opinion on Tate McRae's songs about love, like *Nostalgia* and *I Know Love*?

The review criticizes these songs for lacking emotional depth and specificity. The lyrics are described as generic and unoriginal, with Tate failing to explore the complexities of love or offer insightful commentary, resulting in songs that feel impersonal and forgettable.

Why does the reviewer mention Lorde’s *Green Light* in comparison to Tate McRae’s song of the same name?

The reviewer highlights Lorde’s *Green Light* as a more effective execution of the same theme—heartbreak—because it has emotional rawness and innovation. In contrast, Tate McRae’s *Greenlight* is seen as radio-friendly but forgettable, lacking the intensity and wit of Lorde's version.

What does the reviewer identify as Tate McRae’s biggest songwriting flaw?

Tate McRae’s biggest songwriting flaw, according to the review, is her tendency to approach themes without fully committing to them or offering a unique perspective. This leads to her songs feeling superficial or formulaic, as she doesn’t push beyond easy and obvious lyrical choices.

How does the review describe Tate McRae’s performance abilities?

The review praises Tate McRae's performance abilities, noting her precision, confidence, and undeniable stage presence. It suggests that she excels as a live performer, which could be a key factor in her potential success as a pop star.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the album rollout for *So Close to What*?

The reviewer describes the album rollout as messy and poorly paced, with too much time between singles and a lack of major live performances. The absence of televised performances, despite Tate’s strong performance abilities, is seen as a missed opportunity to elevate her career.

What alternative strategy does the reviewer propose for Tate McRae's album rollout?

The reviewer suggests starting the rollout with *Sports Car* as the lead single, followed by *Dear God* as the second single, and *It’s Okay I’m Okay* as the third. This strategy would offer a mix of high-energy tracks, emotional depth, and radio appeal, helping to build momentum and showcase Tate’s strengths as a performer.

What is the reviewer's overall conclusion about Tate McRae’s potential as a pop star?

The reviewer concludes that Tate McRae has the potential to become a defining pop star, acknowledging her growth as an artist with *So Close to What*. However, the review suggests that for her to truly reach her potential, she needs to develop a stronger, more unique perspective in her songwriting and take more creative risks.