18 months after impressing with her first album “I Used to Think I Could Fly,” young artist Tate McRae released her second studio album, “THINK LATER,” on Dec. 1. This sophomore release is a testament to the up and coming artist that she is, and expresses her style through her lyrics and flow.
Forget the manufactured pop artists. McRae throws that cliche out the window. Her sound blends alt-pop with electro and R&B, creating a sound that’s both catchy and complex. Tracks like “cut my hair” and “run for the hills” hit you with a beat and razor-sharp lyrics about messy breakups and the push-pull of teenage emotions. But McRae isn’t afraid to slow things down, either. Songs like “messier” and “calgary” showcase her vulnerable side, her voice breathy and raw as she emphasizes the bittersweet beauty of love.
McRae’s songwriting is where she truly shines. Her lyrics are sharp and relatable, capturing the rollercoaster of teenage feelings with honesty through lines like, “Now I’ve got you figured out, I’m tryna tell myself. I’m gonna stay away from you. I should’ve. known better. You got a way that’s gonna weigh-weigh on me.” These lyrics express teenage love and relate to her listeners. Whether she’s singing about bad boyfriends, shown in “exes” or whispering insecurities like in “hurt my feelings,” her words resonate with many. You can practically feel the experiences she describes, and it’s impressive how she made her lyrics so relatable to her audience.
However, “THINK LATER” isn’t just about heartbreak. Tracks like “plastic palm trees” and “stay done” celebrate strength and self-acceptance through lyrics like “If you saw me doing well, you’d hit me out of the blue. You could say that all my dreams come true.” These words are relatable to lots of people that stay strong after breakups. McRae throws out the “guilty conscience,” urging listeners to embrace their flaws and find power in their vulnerabilities. It’s a message that resonates, especially for young people trying to navigate the confusing world of teenage relationships and self-discovery.
Even though there is a lot of spark to the album, it might be a lot for listeners who listen to more chill music. There is lots of emotion in her songs and it’s understandable to say that you couldn’t listen to the album every day. The tracks are interesting, but wouldn’t be great for daily listening.
Throughout all of this however, this album is enjoyable and relatable, especially if you are a fan of hers. As someone who doesn’t listen to her very much, I can see why a lot of people do. There were a lot of interesting sounds with intriguing lyrics and I am excited to see what she has in her future.
“THINK LATER”: ★★★★☆
