For pop music to continue growing, it takes new superstars to take over and build on the foundation established before them. When you think of the genre, you can see the ing of the torch from one young superstar to the next. At one time, Chappell Roan. In this mix is Ariana Grande, who, with her album Dangerous Woman, set forth a path for others to follow, like rising star Tate McRae.

In 2016, McRae gained prominence as the first Canadian finalist on So You Think You Can Dance. From there, she signed to RCA Records, and after a few EPs, she finally released her first studio album, I Used to Think I Could Fly, in 2022. McRae wouldn't slow down after that, as only a year later in 2023, she released her sophomore album, Think Later. To continue building on her success, she has returned with a third album in February 2025. So Close to What quickly rose in popularity, as it is a pure pop album that reminds fans of the great records of the past, such as Dangerous Woman.

Tate McRae's So Close To What Is Heavily Influenced By Dangerous Woman

That's Tate's Jam

There's no mistaking that So Close to What is influenced by Dangerous Woman. For starters, both albums are produced by ILYA. In fact, ILYA's work with Grande dates back over a decade, as the two collaborated on the song "Problem," which was on Grande's 2014 album, My Everything. With the same producer on board, it was clear McRae had a specific sound for this album in mind.

While speaking on the Las Culturist podcast, McRae confessed her fandom for Grande: "I think the closest fangirl I've been is to Ariana Grande." Later in the interview, when asked if she had a favorite "Ari Era," McRae cited Dangerous Woman as the album she would listen to most. She even called "Into You" the best pop song ever, stating: "I just think 'Into You' is the best pop song ever created."

Since McRae felt so strongly about that song, it makes sense why she would want ILYA as a producer on her album. "Into You" was a song that ILYA and Grande worked on together, crafting the tune over a long period. That song is just one example from the album that McRae is following. The template set by Grande and ILYA doesn't need to be adhered to exactly, but clearly, the work they did on that 2016 album is setting a path for others to follow.

So Close To What & Dangerous Woman Are Pure Pop Albums

There Is No Mistaking This Sound

A pure pop album is often characterized by songs with catchy melodies and hooks that appeal to a wide audience. When considering an album that represents this, one may go to the '2000 Britney Spears album, Oops!...I Did It Again. Ironically, Spears is a comparison that McRae often receives. When you consider Dangerous Woman as pure pop, people frequently refer to "Touch It" as an album cut example that defines it, including McRae herself.

A pure pop album is often characterized by songs with catchy melodies and hooks that appeal to a wide audience.

Of course, So Close to What maintains its pure pop essence with hits such "It's ok I'm ok" and "Miss Possessive." Throughout the album, you will hear tunes that blend relatability and vulnerability, much like similar records have done before. However, for a visual representation, look at the music video for "Revolving Door." That video is simple in set design, but the choreography is pure brilliance. It cuts to the core of pure pop, as the lyrics are simplistic, yet it is undoubtedly a dance track.

As McRae continues her career, she will continue to strive to be a strong representation of the next generation of pop stars. She may follow the templates of those before her, but she is keeping it original to herself. Some have referred to her as "Britney 2.0," but in her Las Culturist podcast interview, McRae reminded everyone she isn't here to mimic: "You can't recreate art like that, it's a new thing." The new things she is creating are clearly working. With almost 50 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Tate McRae's star power continues to grow.