I Used to Think I Could Fly
| Tate McRae
I Used to Think I Could Fly
i used to think i could fly is the debut studio album by Canadian singer Tate McRae, released on May 27, 2022, through RCA Records. It was preceded by the singles "feel like shit", "She's All I Wanna Be", "Chaotic" and “What Would You Do?“. McRae will embark on a tour in support of the album from June 2022. The album was met with positive reviews from music critics, and saw commercial success, entering the top 10 in various countries, while debuting at number thirteen on the US Billboard 200. -Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
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Pitchfork
Even when she’s singing about self-loathing, the 18-year-old pop star and dancer exudes a swagger. Her full-length debut proves she’s capable of transcending online virality.
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Rolling Stone
The rising Canadian pop singer’s genre pivots can lack cohesion, but she powers through with rage-filled anthems and cathartic ballads.
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The Post
McRae’s debut album i used to think i could fly, was well worth the wait, given its confessional lyrics, its balance between ballads and buoyant tracks and nevertheless, McRae’s alluring voice that makes every line of every song, sound that much better.
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The Line of Best Fit
While McRae’s previous outings may have been more complexly assembled, her new songs are more immediately accessible. Stylistically and in terms of production, many of the tracks on I Used to Think I Could Fly are markedly unconvoluted and easily recallable. The new album is, in essence, McRae’s first major step in forging a distinct pop presence. Going forward, she’ll undoubtedly find ways to expand her offerings while adhering to and honing her brand.
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Wayland Student Press
This album definitely felt like I was listening to a bunch of stories that related to each other, and if I’m being honest, I can’t exactly choose a song that’s my favorite. I love all the songs so much as they each have a deeper meaning. This album is full of different kinds of songs, but they all relate to one thing; heartbreak. So, if you want to feel that tumultuous ride of emotions, definitely listen to this album.
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Sputnik Music
Luckily, at only 36 minutes, the record doesn’t outstay its welcome; if there’s any big issue with McRae’s first outing, it’s that she hasn’t quite outgrown her influences yet. She still emulates her idols pretty frequently - especially Olivia Rodrigo - and has yet to truly find her own unique identity. However, if I Used to Think I Could Fly is any indication, she has quite a bright future ahead of her.
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DIY Magazine
It’s clear from the album that Tate McRae’s arsenal of jagged pop weapons is extensive, and can be expertly wielded when she wants.
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Clash Magazine
A fun pop record that emphasises her breadth...
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The Musical Hype
To reiterate, all in all, it is an enjoyable debut album that shows plenty of promise for the young Canadian. Again, it’s not perfect nor particularly innovative – no tour de force – but there’s lots to like. Tate McRae sings well and exhibits plenty of personality at times. I’m not sure she distinguishes herself from others as much as I would like her to but, again, I like a lot of what she brings to the table.
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When The Horn Blows
With a balance of upbeat belters and heavy-hearted tracks, you'll find yourself bouncing around the room to 'she's all i wanna be', and crying to 'feel like shit' whilst browsing your ex's social media. Although she appears to be struggling with all the changes she's facing, Tate McRae has nothing to hide and invites listeners to break down and build themselves back up with her.
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Vinyl Chapters
Even still, Tate McRae shines brighter than ever before on I Used To Think I Could Fly, a highly enjoyable teen-pop album that proves that despite humble beginnings, McRae most certainly can and has flown to stardom and rightfully so.
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The Cougar Chronicle
Overall I really enjoyed this album and found it very easy to relate to. It was a little repetitive in a lot of the songs but I feel that most songs are these days and it does not bother me personally but may bother someone else. The only thing that I would change is I don’t really like the order of the songs on the album. I feel like they could have been put on the album in a more thought out way but again that may just be me being extremely picky.
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Beat
This is a great album. All the songs connect in some way. I will definitely be listening to it over and over again.
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AllMusic
On her debut, 2022's infectiously realized I Used to Think I Could Fly, singer/dancer Tate McRae further defines her angsty, candidly emotive pop sound. McRae, who broke through with her 2020 single "You Broke Me First," builds upon that song's introspective vibe, crafting deeply felt anthems that straddle the line between acoustic singer/songwriter balladry and more robustly produced, post-Billie Eilish alt-pop. Cuts like "Don't Come Back," "Hate Myself," and "She's All I Wanna Be" showcase her cozy yet still resonant vocals and knack for encapsulating issues like depression, drug abuse, and self-destructive toxic relationships. That McRae also manages to bring a hooky sense of pop joy to the album speaks to her growing maturity as an artist.
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