Tate McRae has rapidly emerged as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary pop music, captivating audiences worldwide with her raw emotional honesty and undeniable talent. The Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer first gained recognition through her viral YouTube videos and has since transformed into a global phenomenon, delivering hit after hit that resonates with millions. Her music explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the complexities of young love with a vulnerability that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
From her early breakthrough singles to her latest chart-topping releases, Tate McRae has consistently demonstrated her ability to craft songs that are both emotionally powerful and sonically infectious. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this comprehensive guide to the 20 best Tate McRae songs will take you through her most iconic tracks and showcase why she’s become one of the defining artists of her generation. If you’re passionate about discovering new music and exploring artist catalogs, check out our extensive songs category for more artist spotlights and song breakdowns.
greedy
“greedy” represents Tate McRae’s bold evolution into confident pop territory, showcasing a more assertive and self-assured side of her artistry. Released in 2023 as part of her album “Think Later,” this track became an instant commercial success, climbing charts globally and solidifying her status as a pop powerhouse. The song’s infectious beat and unapologetic lyrics about wanting someone who’s unavailable demonstrate McRae’s growth as both a songwriter and performer, blending vulnerability with swagger in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
exes
“exes” is a brutally honest exploration of the jealousy and insecurity that comes with a partner’s romantic history, delivered with Tate’s signature emotional depth. The track from “Think Later” (2023) showcases her ability to articulate complex feelings that many people experience but struggle to express, particularly the uncomfortable reality of comparing yourself to someone’s past relationships. The production combines moody synths with a driving beat that perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the lyrics, creating a song that’s both danceable and deeply introspective.
you broke me first
“you broke me first” is arguably Tate McRae’s breakthrough moment, the song that catapulted her into mainstream consciousness and established her as a force to be reckoned with in pop music. Released in 2020, this track captures the bitter satisfaction of watching an ex-partner experience the same heartbreak they once inflicted on you. The minimalist production allows McRae’s vocals to shine, conveying both vulnerability and strength as she navigates the complex emotions of seeing someone who hurt you come back wanting reconciliation. This song resonated with millions globally, amassing billions of streams and proving that McRae’s talent for capturing raw emotion could translate into mainstream success.
she’s all i wanna be
“she’s all i wanna be” delves into the darker side of social media culture and the insecurities it can breed, making it one of McRae’s most socially relevant tracks. From her 2022 album “I Used to Think I Could Fly,” this song addresses the pain of comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate in the process. The haunting melody and confessional lyrics struck a chord with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of inadequacy, making it both a commercial success and a cultural commentary on modern beauty standards and self-worth.
run for the hills
“run for the hills” is an energetic warning anthem that showcases Tate McRae’s ability to blend catchy pop hooks with self-aware lyrics about toxic relationship patterns. Released in 2023 on “Think Later,” the song features a driving beat and memorable chorus that makes it impossible not to move along. McRae essentially warns a potential partner about her own emotional baggage and tendency to sabotage relationships, demonstrating a level of self-awareness that’s refreshing in contemporary pop music while still delivering an undeniably fun listening experience.
hurt my feelings
“hurt my feelings” captures the frustration of being in a relationship where your partner seems indifferent to your emotions and needs. This 2023 release from “Think Later” combines upbeat production with lyrics that express genuine hurt and disappointment, creating an interesting contrast that makes the song even more impactful. McRae’s vocal delivery perfectly captures the exasperation of trying to get through to someone who doesn’t seem to care, making it relatable for anyone who’s ever felt undervalued in a relationship.
that way
“that way” represents one of Tate McRae’s earlier explorations into the complications of friendship and unspoken romantic feelings. Released in 2021 as part of “Decade of Summer: The 10s,” this track explores the painful territory of wanting more from a friendship while being afraid to risk what you already have. The song’s emotional honesty and relatable scenario helped establish McRae as an artist who could capture the nuanced emotions of young adulthood with authenticity and sophistication.
we’re not alike
“we’re not alike” is a defiant declaration of individuality and a rejection of false comparisons from the “Think Later” album released in 2023. The song showcases McRae’s confident side as she asserts her uniqueness and refuses to be lumped into categories or compared to others who don’t share her values or work ethic. The production is bold and assertive, matching the lyrical content perfectly and creating an anthem for anyone who’s tired of being misunderstood or underestimated by those around them.
lie to me
“lie to me” explores the paradoxical desire to remain in blissful ignorance rather than face painful truths about a relationship. Released in 2021 as part of “The Idea Of Her,” this track showcases McRae’s ability to explore complex emotional contradictions with nuance and depth. The song captures that moment when you know something is wrong but you’d rather live in denial than confront the reality, a sentiment that many listeners found painfully relatable and emotionally resonant.
cut my hair
“cut my hair” from the 2023 “Think Later” album uses a common metaphor for change and reinvention to explore themes of personal transformation after heartbreak. The song captures the impulsive desire to make dramatic changes in your life when you’re trying to move on from someone or something that hurt you. McRae’s delivery is both vulnerable and determined, perfectly capturing the conflicting emotions of wanting to be different while also wondering if external changes can heal internal wounds.
stupid
“stupid” is a self-reflective track where Tate McRae acknowledges the irrational decisions we make when we’re caught up in our feelings for someone. From “Decade of Summer: The 10s” (2021), the song explores the universal experience of doing things that go against your better judgment because of attraction or infatuation. The production is moody and atmospheric, perfectly complementing lyrics that capture the internal conflict between what you know is right and what your heart wants you to do.
uh oh
“uh oh” is a catchy exploration of the moment when you realize you’re catching feelings for someone, even when you weren’t planning to. Released in 2022, this track combines upbeat production with lyrics that capture the nervous excitement and mild panic of unexpected romantic attraction. The song’s playful energy and relatable premise make it an instant mood-lifter while still maintaining the emotional honesty that McRae is known for throughout her discography.
all my friends are fake
“all my friends are fake” tackles the disillusionment that comes with realizing the people around you aren’t as genuine as you thought they were. From “All the Things I Never Said” (2020), this track resonated particularly with younger listeners navigating complex social dynamics and friendships that feel more performative than authentic. The song’s raw honesty about loneliness and betrayal showcases McRae’s willingness to explore darker emotional territory with maturity beyond her years.
what would you do?
“what would you do?” poses hypothetical questions to a romantic interest, exploring the uncertainty and anxiety of not knowing where you stand with someone. Released in 2022 as part of “I Used to Think I Could Fly,” the song captures the vulnerability of putting yourself out there and the fear of rejection that comes with it. McRae’s vocal performance conveys both hope and trepidation, making it a perfect soundtrack for anyone who’s ever overthought every interaction with their crush.
plastic palm trees
“plastic palm trees” uses artificial vegetation as a metaphor for fake relationships and inauthentic experiences that look appealing on the surface but lack real substance. From “Think Later” (2023), this track showcases McRae’s growth as a lyricist, using vivid imagery to convey complex emotions about disillusionment and the gap between appearance and reality. The song’s production is lush yet somehow hollow, perfectly matching the thematic content about things that look beautiful but feel empty.
One Day
“One Day” from “The One Day LP” (2021) is an introspective track that explores hope for future healing and better days ahead despite current struggles. The song balances melancholy with optimism, acknowledging present pain while maintaining faith that time will bring relief and growth. McRae’s vocal delivery is particularly poignant here, conveying both weariness and resilience in a way that makes the song feel like a comforting companion during difficult times.
want that too
“want that too” explores the complexity of desire and the fear of wanting things that might not be good for you. Released in 2023 on “Think Later,” this track delves into the internal battle between what you know you should want and what you actually crave. The production is sleek and modern, while McRae’s vocals convey the tension between rational thought and emotional impulse, creating a song that captures the messy reality of human desire.
guilty conscience
“guilty conscience” examines the internal conflict and regret that follows making choices you know might hurt someone else. From “Think Later” (2023), this track shows McRae grappling with her own moral complexity and the weight of decisions that prioritize self-interest over others’ feelings. The song’s introspective nature and honest examination of personal flaws demonstrate her maturity as an artist willing to explore the less flattering aspects of human nature without judgment or excuse.
bad ones
“bad ones” explores the frustrating pattern of being attracted to people who aren’t good for you, a theme that resonates with countless listeners. Released in 2021 as part of “Too Young to Be Sad,” this track captures the cyclical nature of toxic attraction and the difficulty of breaking harmful patterns. McRae’s delivery perfectly conveys the exhaustion and self-awareness of someone who recognizes their patterns but struggles to change them, making it both a confession and a relatable anthem for anyone stuck in similar cycles.
working
“working” from the “working (TELYKast Summer Remix)” (2021) explores themes of personal growth and the effort required to improve yourself and your circumstances. The song acknowledges that change doesn’t happen overnight and that real progress requires consistent effort and dedication. McRae’s message about self-improvement and working through challenges resonates particularly with younger audiences navigating the pressures of modern life while trying to become their best selves.
Tate McRae’s discography represents a remarkable journey of artistic evolution and emotional exploration that has resonated with millions of fans worldwide. From vulnerable ballads that capture the pain of heartbreak to confident dance-pop anthems celebrating self-assurance, her catalog offers something for every mood and moment. Her ability to articulate complex emotions with clarity and authenticity has made her one of the most important voices in contemporary pop music, speaking directly to a generation navigating love, identity, and self-discovery in an increasingly complicated world. These 20 songs represent the best of what McRae has to offer, showcasing her range as both a songwriter and performer while highlighting the emotional intelligence that sets her apart from her peers. Whether you’re looking for songs to cry to, dance to, or simply feel understood by, Tate McRae’s music provides a soundtrack for the full spectrum of human experience. For those interested in finding the perfect headphones to fully appreciate the production details in McRae’s tracks, we have comprehensive guides to help you make the best choice for your listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tate McRae’s most popular song?
“you broke me first” remains Tate McRae’s most popular and commercially successful song to date, having achieved billions of streams across various platforms since its 2020 release. The track not only launched her into mainstream stardom but also established her signature sound of emotionally raw lyrics paired with contemporary pop production. While “greedy” has also achieved massive success and may eventually surpass it, “you broke me first” holds the distinction of being her breakthrough hit that introduced the world to her unique talent.
When did Tate McRae start making music?
Tate McRae began her music journey at a very young age, initially gaining attention through her YouTube channel where she posted original songs and dance videos starting around 2011 when she was just eight years old. Her song “One Day” became a viral hit in 2017, leading to her signing with RCA Records and launching her professional music career. By 2019, she had released her debut EP “all the things i never said,” marking the official beginning of her journey as a recording artist, though her creative work had been developing for years before that.
What genre is Tate McRae’s music?
Tate McRae’s music primarily falls within the contemporary pop genre, but she incorporates elements from various styles including dance-pop, electropop, and alternative pop to create her distinctive sound. Her earlier work leaned more toward emotional ballads with stripped-down production, while her recent releases like “Think Later” showcase a more confident dance-pop sound with club-ready beats. This evolution demonstrates her versatility as an artist and her willingness to experiment with different sonic palettes while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defines her work.
Has Tate McRae won any major music awards?
Tate McRae has received numerous award nominations and wins throughout her career, including multiple MTV Video Music Award nominations, iHeartRadio Music Award nominations, and Juno Awards recognition in her native Canada. She won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and has been nominated for Fan Choice Award multiple times. Her growing list of accolades reflects both critical recognition and fan appreciation, cementing her status as one of the most promising artists of her generation with many more awards likely to come.
What album is “greedy” from?
“greedy” is from Tate McRae’s second studio album “Think Later,” which was released in 2023 and marked a significant evolution in her sound and artistic direction. The album showcases a more confident, dance-oriented pop sound compared to her debut album “I Used to Think I Could Fly,” demonstrating her growth as both a performer and songwriter. “Think Later” received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, with “greedy” serving as one of its lead singles and becoming one of the biggest pop hits of 2023.
Is Tate McRae also a dancer?
Yes, Tate McRae is an accomplished dancer who trained at the prestigious School of Alberta Ballet and finished as the first runner-up on the American reality television series “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation” in 2016. Her dance background significantly influences her artistry, informing both her music videos and live performances with a physicality and visual storytelling ability that sets her apart from many of her pop contemporaries. She often incorporates intricate choreography into her performances, showcasing the seamless integration of her dual talents as both a dancer and musician.