Music Critic Deems Tate McRae’s “So Close to What” “Aggressively Mediocre”

A recent critical assessment published in Paste Magazine has offered a lukewarm reception to Tate McRae’s third album, “So Close to What”. Reviewer Clare Martin evaluated the highly anticipated release, concluding that much of the record struggles to establish a distinct identity, with many tracks blending together into a largely indistinct collection.

Critical Assessment of “So Close to What”

According to Martin’s review, the majority of the album’s tracks coalesce into a homogenous blend. This blend is characterized by vocal delivery described as “nasal, mumbled lyrics” intertwined with musical arrangements termed “submerged R&B-adjacent pop melodies”. The critic’s overall impression paints a picture of an album that lacks significant standout moments, contributing to a sense of overall mediocrity.

The review did not shy away from direct and pointed language regarding the album’s quality. “So Close to What” was explicitly characterized using phrases such as “aggressively mediocre” and, perhaps more colloquially, “decidedly mid”. These descriptors highlight the reviewer’s perception that the album not only fails to excel but actively settles into a realm of uninspired or average output, according to the Paste Magazine analysis.

Comparisons to Pop Icons Addressed

The review also addressed comparisons that have emerged in the press between Tate McRae and pop superstar Britney Spears. While some outlets have drawn parallels between the artists, the Paste Magazine assessment argues that these similarities are minimal upon closer examination.

Martin’s analysis points to a perceived lack of characteristics fundamental to Spears’s success when listening to McRae’s latest work. Specifically, the review notes McRae’s relative absence of “distinct hooks” – catchy, memorable musical phrases often found in pop music – and a difference in “vocal clarity” when compared to Spears’s delivery. This critique suggests that, in the reviewer’s opinion, McRae’s current artistic presentation on “So Close to What” does not possess the immediate, sharp appeal or vocal presence associated with Spears’s iconic sound.

Standout Tracks and Concluding Notes

Amidst the general criticism, the review did identify a partial exception within the album’s tracklist. The song “Miss possessive” was singled out as a moment that momentarily breaks from the album’s perceived pattern. This particular track is described as featuring a “mischievous, snappy beat”, suggesting a more energetic and playful production compared to the rest of the record. Furthermore, “Miss possessive” is noted for tapping into a discernible “Y2K sound”, referencing the popular musical styles prevalent around the turn of the millennium.

The album concludes with the track titled “Nostalgia”. This song is highlighted by the reviewer for incorporating “acoustic guitar”, suggesting a shift in instrumentation towards a more stripped-down sound compared to the prevalent R&B-adjacent pop elements. More significantly, the review notes that “Nostalgia” provides a degree of insight into Tate McRae’s personal life, specifically mentioning that the lyrics touch upon her “family”. This closing track appears to offer a rare moment of personal connection and stylistic variation within the album’s overall narrative, according to the Paste Magazine assessment.

In summary, the Paste Magazine review by Clare Martin presents “So Close to What” as an album that largely fails to distinguish itself. While acknowledging brief moments like “Miss possessive” and “Nostalgia”, the assessment primarily characterizes the record by its perceived lack of distinctiveness, blended soundscapes, and vocal style, culminating in a critical label of being “aggressively mediocre”.