Tate McRae is once again commanding attention. The pop star returns with So Close to What???, the deluxe edition of her acclaimed third studio album, and she brings pointed lyricism. Tate McRae uses this expanded release to close out her most successful era yet, adding five new tracks that immediately sparked conversation — especially those that seem to address her breakup with The Kid Laroi.
The deluxe version opens with a renewed sense of honesty. On “Horseshoe,” McRae delivers one of her most direct lines to date, singing, “I miss you, babe / You just said you needed space to get your head right / Sleeping with another girl’s what you meant by / We were moving different ways.” Fans quickly linked the lyrics to Laroi, interpreting them as a continuation of the tension hinted at in her earlier hit “Tit For Tat.”
Related
Another standout, “Anything But Love,” intensifies that reading. In it, the 22-year-old star sings, “My fans hate you, my friends hate you, and Ryan hates you, and I do too,” prompting debate over whether “Ryan” refers to Ryan Tedder — her frequent collaborator — or her longtime bodyguard. Either way, listeners recognize it as another pointed nod toward her former relationship.
The history between McRae and The Kid Laroi remains well documented. The pair were first linked after a Mexico vacation selfie sparked rumors, followed by several joint public outings, including the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Laroi confirmed their relationship during an onstage shoutout in Dublin, and the couple went Instagram official for McRae’s 21st birthday. Their connection also extended into the studio, resulting in their duet “I Know Love,” featured on the original edition of So Close to What.
After more than a year together, the couple split amicably in July 2025. Laroi addressed online speculation by denying involvement in any negative commentary about McRae, stating they remained on good terms. Still, fans dissected lyrical hints from both artists — Laroi’s “A Cold Play” and McRae’s “Tit For Tat” — as coded references to unresolved feelings.
Now, the So Close to What??? deluxe edition adds new fuel to the conversation. Beyond its lyrical drama, the release represents the final chapter of an era that defined McRae’s ascent. The original album gave her a career milestone with her first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and several charting singles, while the Miss Possessive Tour became her highest-grossing yet.
Leave a Reply