13/03/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 13, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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ALBUM REVIEW

Bringing sexy back o Canadian singer Tate McRae proves risque dance-pop remains alive, well with So Close to What

The album shows McRae is at her best with upbeat tempos.

Ű BY JOHN TAN

P OP music is always thought to be fun and light-hearted. Listeners could turn to it for reliable comfort, pleasure and good times. In recent years, however, the genre seemed to have receded in popularity. Dance-pop, for one, no longer dominates the music charts as it used to in the 2010s. But we might be on the cusp of seeing its resurgence thanks to Tate McRae. The 21-year-old Canadian singer, who is among today’s hottest rising stars, channelled pop’s fun and risque nature in her latest album So Close to What . Capturing her experience growing up, McRae conveys the introspective journey through infectious pop and dance-pop melodies. Igniting old flame The album could not have arrived at a better time. Considering the nostalgic longing among music enthusiasts, So Close to What offers a sweet escape to the late 2000s and the 2010s. While the album retains its own identity, the dance influence from those decades is strong. Tracks such as Dear God , Sports Car and Miss Possessive are reminiscent of hits from Britney Spears (whom McRae is a fan of) and The Pussycat Dolls. The infectious tracks evoke the same feeling of edginess and sassiness, ideal for accompanying you on the dance floor. Seamless transition Heading in this sonic direction is a smart move on McRae’s part – it plays to her strength as an artiste. She is at her best with upbeat tempos. One can easily determine this upon listening to the dance tracks on the album.

So Close to What is McRae’s first number one album on the Billboard Hot 100. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @TATEMCRAE

Sports Car , It’s OK I’m OK and 2 Hands were rightfully picked to be singles from the album. The dancing in the singles’ music videos further strengthens their potency. But McRae does not abandon her emotional roots. Residues of You Broke Me First , the ballad that catapulted her to fame, can be found in Means I Care and Siren Sounds . They would make good singles. Still needs work That said, the album does not have much substance to it. While there are a few memorable tracks to bop to, the majority of the album’s offerings do nothing for McRae’s pop credibility. At best, they are serviceable but

IT is a truly bewitching image – a wide, wild-eyed stare from an aging rocker with wisps of billowing white hair has seemingly captured the imagination of netizens. Looking very much like a wizard about to cast an evil spell, the epic image of Bobby Liebling of Pentagram giving audiences the evil eye on stage has been shared thousands of times and launched countless memes. This has piqued the interest of a new generation of music lovers, leading them to ask: “Who is this grandpa rocker?” Liebling is the frontman for Pentagram, which was formed in 1971 and is widely considered to be among the progenitors of doom metal. Despite critical acclaim, the American band from Alexandria, Virginia never tasted commercial success, always flying just below the radar. nothing hooks, melodies, lyrics and concepts do not make for an artistic statement for McRae. They merely position her as a generic pop artiste. She could, however, turn things around. After all, this is only her third studio album. Some of the best pop artistes only reached their peak at their fourth or fifth one. McRae, in the meantime, should try to find a musical identity outside of Ryan Tedder’s productions – though his work here is the album’s saving grace. Producers such as Max Martin, Shellback and Ester Dean could stretch her musical capabilities and enrich her sound. Maybe then, McRae can finally rise up as this generation’s pop icon. more. The

While retaining its own identity, McRae’s album is heavily influenced by dance tunes from the late 2000s and 2010s.

Lightning in a Bottle ’s electrifying riffs

The guitar riffs are just like thick slabs of meat – raw, primal and plenty juicy for music lovers to sink their teeth into. Swirling and all-encompassing, the tunes on Lightning in a Bottle are built like a tank to slowly crush and brutally assault the senses. Given this band has been ploughing a steady burrow for five decades, no one can begrudge them a late career flourish, even if it is via a manic photo of its frontman. That is not to say Lightning in a Bottle is a weak record. Quite the contrary, it is fun, energetic and a great addition to any self-respecting music lover’s collection. Casual listeners will find plenty to enjoy – even if it is just for an afternoon of streaming. Lightning in a Bottle was released on Jan 31 on Heavy Psych Sounds and is available to stream on all major platforms. – by R. BALA

With the internet shining an unexpected spotlight on the band, a new generation of fans are tuning into the sludge-drenched vibes of Pentagram in droves, as reflected in its increasing streaming numbers. The band has been quick to react to this newfound fame by announcing a slew of tour dates alongside an appearance at Hellfest in France. It has also released a new album, which is stocked to the brim with gargantuan riffs and classic stoner rock vibes, much to the delight of diehard fans. Will newbies dig Lightning in a Bottle ? Doom-encrusted rock with a heavy 70s vibe is the order of the day. It is the Black Sabbath blueprint in all its glory and then some. Though Liebling is no Ozzy Osbourne, his impassioned wails do enough to get the listener’s attention.

Liebling is seen here in the image that launched countless memes. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @HEAVYMETALHARDROCK