Movies

Tate McRae: The New Britney Spears?

BBG News

TATE McRAE: So Close To What (RCA) 

Verdict: Star in the making

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be swept away by the surge of Tate McRae in the pop scene. It’s clear that there’s still a demand and space for an artist who delivers traditional song-and-dance performances with raw talent and charm.

Canada’s artist may lack the colorful creativity found in Charli XCX, the emotional openness characteristic of Olivia Rodrigo, or the flamboyant performance style that Chappell Roan exhibits on stage.

However, she stands out as an emerging star by embracing old-fashioned values and singing lively, catchy tunes with enthusiasm.

21-year-old artist McRae’s third album, titled “So Close To What,” is expected to solidify her established position in the industry. Recently, she has announced three additional tour dates for the UK (Nottingham, London, and Manchester) to her upcoming arena tour. Being a trained dancer, she plans to deliver energetic dance routines along with music that carries an early 2000s vibe reminiscent of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and The Pussycat Dolls’ prime era.

Grew up in Calgary with a Canadian father of Scottish origin and a mother with German roots, McRae started singing her original compositions following the sharing of dance videos on her personal YouTube channel during a lockdown period.

Following her relocation to L.A., she honed her songwriting skills and eventually made a splash with the 2023 TikTok sensation “Greedy,” which became one of the Top Three singles in the UK. Notably, she collaborates with high-profile artists such as Julia Michaels and Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic on this project.

Under Tedder’s production, the focus lies on energetic electronic rhythms, tunes derived from modern R&B, and airy, elevated vocal melodies, with synths, drums, guitars, and supporting harmonies playing significant roles.

On Miss Jealous, she advises an alleged lover to steer clear of her partner, suggesting that there are some battles they won’t win and to avoid looking at him.

On Signs, she subtly criticizes a thoughtless admirer using mild compliments (“I acknowledge your intelligence… but you’re not exactly a genius”), and in Revolving Door, she grapples with an old flame who refuses to let go.

There’s some gentle sexual innuendo on Dear God, but the fare is generally wholesome.

On the track “I Know Love,” there’s a guest appearance by the Australian singer’s boyfriend, The Kid Laroi, and on “Bloodonmyhands,” we find American rapper Flo Milli making an appearance. However, it’s McRae who takes center stage in both songs.

In the midst of timeless stories about love that’s been both gained and lost, she occasionally strays off course. For instance, “Nostalgia” is an acoustic ballad encouraging one to grasp the present moment, while “Purple Lace Bra” offers a humorous perspective on the sexualization often faced by young female musicians.

 

Best of new releases… 

DOVES: Constellations For The Lonely (EMI North)

Verdict: Cinematic return

The Cheshire group Doves excels uniquely at creating cinematic melancholy. Originally known as dance act Sub Sub, they achieved a Top Three hit with Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use) in 1993. Transitioning to expansive indie-rock, their album Lost Souls was Mercury-nominated in 2000. Since then, they have masterfully blended the uplifting and the somber.

The band’s sixth album, Constellations For The Lonely, is typically dark and dystopian.

The first track, titled “Renegade,” envisions Manchester as a haunting, dreamlike cityscape, influenced somewhat by the futuristic atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s science fiction film, “Blade Runner.

Orlando adopts a cinematic ambiance as he draws inspiration from Paris, Texas – a 1984 film drama by Wim Wenders – to narrate the story of an individual shunned by society.

The bleakness is also a metaphor for personal woes… and the ability to overcome them. 

Doves postponed their 2021 tour to allow singer and bassist Jimi Goodwin time to focus on his mental health. However, he’s now active again, taking charge of the lead vocals on Renegade and pouring out his struggles in the soulful tune Stupid Schemes.

In other parts of their music, the twin brothers, Jez (guitar) and Andy Williams (drums), take center stage, taking turns leading the vocals in the softly psychedelic tune, Cold Dreaming.

In the limelight once more, Goodwin collaborates on the powerful, choir-ending track ‘South-ern Bell’ with Jez Williams. He sings, “You’ll never be alone again,” providing a heartwarming resolution to their collaboration.

I’m thrilled to share that both of the albums are now available for your listening pleasure! Kicking off on May 19, I’ll be embarking on my Miss Possessive tour at Utilita Arena, Birmingham. Meanwhile, Doves are keeping their UK tour alive tomorrow, March 1, at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union. You can grab tickets for both events on ticketmaster.co.uk. Can’t wait to see you there!

 

THE LATHUMS: Matter Does Not Define (Modern Sky)

From Wigan, a band that rivals The Verve in musical greatness, consistently upholds the banner for swift, energetic British guitar tunes. Their debut and second albums dominated the charts, making it likely that their upcoming third album will do the same.

In this composition, Alex Moore’s voice bears a striking resemblance to that of Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys, which inevitably invites comparisons. However, there is a distinct sense of maturity infused in the music. Additionally, Joe Corby, a member of Red Rum Club, lends his trumpet skills to “Surrounded By Beauty.

 

VARIOUS ARTISTS: Sensitive (Needle Mythology)

This 1980s indie collection, filled with catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics about love, serves as an ideal portrayal of a simpler, more romantic period in British pop music.

30 tracks, handpicked by music journalist Pete Paphides, are gathered in this collection, which takes its name from a tune by The Field Mice. This compilation encapsulates the homemade atmosphere of zines, vinyl flexi-discs, and live performances at local pubs.

Key points feature songs like “Almost Prayed” by The Weather Prophets, “Abandon Ship” from April Showers, as well as timeless tunes by The Primitives and Primal Scream.

 

ELGAR: The Dream Of Gerontius (Ondine, two CDs)

In this electrifying live rendition, not less than five choirs participated in the performance of Elgar’s renowned choral work, capturing it all on tape.

At the Helsinki Music Centre, the choir is augmented by three esteemed choral ensembles: the Helsinki Music Centre Choir, two top-tier Finnish chamber choirs, the Cambridge University Symphony Chorus, and the alumni of Clare College Choir.

Nicholas Collon skillfully coordinates everything, and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra delivers an outstanding performance; fortunately, since the production heavily focuses on the musicians.

Tenor John Findon, who’s relatively young, portrays Gerontius with a profound sense of self-reflection and possesses a powerful voice for the dramatic scenes; baritone Rodney Williams delivers exceptional performances in his lower vocal range roles.

My minor reservations are about mezzo-soprano Christine Rice. Although she isn’t currently at her absolute vocal peak, she delivers the role of the Angel with sensitivity. Overall, the quality of this recording is excellent.

 

BACH: Orchestral Music (Naive)

If you’re a fan of Bach who can never get enough, this charming album by leading Italian musicians promises an abundance of enjoyable listening.

Rinaldo Alessandro composed a significant piece for the harpsichord, titled “Overture in the French Style,” as well as several movements that make up three charming orchestral collections.

He’s chosen a nimble ensemble consisting of a string quartet, double bass, flute, two oboes, and bassoon, all from his group Concerto Italiano, with himself playing the harpsichord as the driving force.

One of the pieces features a combination of flute, string instruments, and continuo, and it’s skillfully performed by Laura Pontecorvo on her solo instrument.

Contrary to traditional Bach arrangements from the past that often felt overly weighty, these are crafted and performed by individuals intimately familiar with his unique style.

Read More

2025-02-28 04:09

Previous post Tommy Little Breaks Down Over One Essential Quality He Wants in a Partner!
Next post Call the Midwife star teases return of “much-loved character” in season 14 finale