Tate McRae did not disappoint with her new deluxe album, “SO CLOSE TO WHAT??? (deluxe).” Released on Nov. 21, the deluxe album added four additional songs, each adding so much more to the story of the original album.
After performing 80 shows during her Miss Possessive Tour, McRae has accomplished so much and has also entered a new era in her life: the single era. McRae and The Kid LAROI allegedly broke up in Jul. 2025, and it seems like this breakup was the inspiration behind the new songs added. As a surprise, McRae dropped “TIT FOR TAT” on Sept. 26, introducing the deluxe album.
If I could describe these new songs in two words, it would be “post-breakup,” as the four songs follow that theme. “TRYING ON SHOES,” “HORSESHOE,” “ANYTHING BUT LOVE” and “NOBODY’S GIRL” outline four stages of a breakup: denial, processing, anger and acceptance.
“TRYING ON SHOES” starts off with a dramatic orchestra playing in the background, introducing the song’s sadder undertones. The beats are deep and strong as McRae sings a little slower, all adding to the somber tone of the song. McRae expresses how she tries to reinvent herself by “Tryin’ on shoes, puttin’ on glitter” so her ex comes back to her. However, she realizes that they have already moved on to someone new.
To process her emotions, “HORSESHOE” provides a perspective on McRae that is very hidden to the public eye — dealing with sadness. As a famous pop star, fans rarely see McRae’s vulnerable side. On tour, she’s had to maintain a persona amid her personal struggles. She writes lyrics like “I’m not a pop star when I’m all alone” and “Such a lucky girl, I know, But where should all my sadness go?”, admitting that it’s hard for her to express her darker emotions. This song also has a slow beat with a very emotional tone, which allows McRae’s voice to shine through.
Some people face anger after breakups, when grieving an ex turns into hatred. “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” describes that feeling perfectly, and you can really hear the rage in McRae’s voice and lyrics. She opens the song with the lyrics, “My dad hates you, my dog hates you, my brother hates you, and I do too,” and this sets the tone for the
album. With an upbeat vibe and a strong bass, this song’s power gets McRae’s point across very clearly: she has anything but love for her ex.
Although the process of a breakup is unenjoyable, people often grow to love themselves again. McRae embraces being single in “NOBODY’S GIRL” as she sings “I am nobody’s girl, I love it so much, It’s exactly what I wanted.” Lyrics like “Look in the mirror, and I’m like, so hot, so smart, so witty” show that she is so in love with herself that she doesn’t need anyone else. This song uniquely blends singing with talking in the song, as McRae talks with the beat to personalize her experience. “NOBODY’S GIRL” is the perfect mix between an upbeat pop vibe and slower, emotional tones.
All in all, these four new songs perfectly represent the “single era,” enhancing McRae’s “So Close To What” album and leaving her fans wanting more.