10 Songs That Prove Tate McRae is the Voice of Heartbreak
Heartbreak might be the worst, but at least Tate McRae makes it sound good. Whether you’re ugly crying in your car, overanalyzing texts at 2 AM, or dramatically staring out a rainy window, she’s got the perfect soundtrack for your emotional meltdown.
With gut-wrenching lyrics and vocals that hit harder than your last breakup, McRae has mastered the art of musical devastation. Here are five of her most heartbreakingly relatable songs, ranked from her latest emotional rollercoasters to the one that put her on the map.
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10. “greedy” (2023) – The Toxic Love Affair
- Album: Think Later
- Release Date: September 15, 2023
Sometimes, the worst heartbreak comes from knowing you should walk away—but not being able to. “greedy” oozes confidence on the surface, but underneath the slick production and infectious beat, tension hints at something more complicated. It’s a song about mixed signals, wanting more, and getting burned in the process.
9. “run for the hills” (2023) – The Escape Plan That Never Works
- Album: Think Later
- Release Date: November 17, 2023
You know that moment when you realize a relationship is a complete disaster, but somehow, you’re still in too deep? “run for the hills” captures that feeling perfectly. With haunting vocals and a restless beat, McRae sings about wanting to break free while knowing full well she won’t. It’s the anthem for anyone stuck in a cycle of bad decisions and even worse exes.
8. “stay done” (2025) – The One That Got Away (and Should Stay There)
- Album: So Close to What
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
Breaking up is one thing—staying broken up is another. “stay done” is a sharp, emotionally charged track about refusing to fall back into old patterns, even when temptation strikes. With lyrics that cut like a well-worded text you’ll never send, this song is for anyone who needs a reminder not to answer that late-night “I miss you” message.
Looking for more love songs? Check out The 20 Best Love Songs of the Last 20 Years
7. “Revolving Door” (2025) – The Relationship That Never Ends (For Better or Worse)
- Album: So Close to What
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
Some breakups don’t feel final—they feel like an endless cycle of leaving and coming back. “Revolving Door” perfectly captures the exhaustion of being stuck in a love that never truly ends. With melancholic production and brutally honest lyrics, McRae reflects on the emotional toll of a relationship that’s always in limbo. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever sworn they were done, only to find themselves right back where they started.
6. “It’s OK I’m OK” (2025) – The Fake Smile Anthem
- Album: So Close to What
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
Sometimes, the best way to hide heartbreak is to pretend you’re totally fine—even when you’re falling apart. “It’s OK I’m OK” is a raw and relatable track that dives into the disconnect between what we say and what we actually feel. With its mix of moody verses and an almost defiant chorus, McRae captures the struggle of putting on a brave face while still reeling inside. It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m fine,” when they’re anything but.
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5. “exes” (2023) – Tate McRae’s Emotional Whiplash
- Album: Think Later
- Release Date: November 17, 2023
Breakups are never black and white, and “exes” thrive in that messy in-between. The song explores the confusion of lingering attachments, where letting go feels impossible even when necessary. With moody synths and a pulsing beat, McRae delivers a mix of defiance and vulnerability, perfectly mirroring the push-and-pull of post-breakup emotions. Watch the sultry video:
4. “what would you do?” (2022) – Tate’s Regretful What-If
- Album: i used to think i could fly
- Release Date: May 27, 2022
What if the tables were turned? “what would you do?” dives into the sting of being taken for granted, only to realize too late what was lost. The song’s anthemic chorus and urgent delivery make it a gut punch for anyone stuck in love’s uncertainty. McRae’s pleading vocals add an extra layer of desperation, making this track hit especially hard.
3. “she’s all i wanna be” (2022) – Mcrae’s Jealousy Anthem
- Album: i used to think i could fly
- Release Date: February 4, 2022
Heartbreak doesn’t always sound like a slow, sad ballad. “she’s all i wanna be” channels the raw frustration of feeling second-best into a high-energy, pop-rock anthem. The song’s punchy guitars and driving beat fuel the angst of comparing yourself to someone else—turning self-doubt into a cathartic, scream-along moment.
2. “feel like shit” (2021) – Tate’s Post-Breakup Spiral
- Album: i used to think i could fly
- Release Date: November 11, 2021
Few songs capture the emotional chaos of a breakup like “feel like shit.” The contrast between its upbeat instrumentation and heartbreaking lyrics makes the pain even sharper—like smiling through tears. McRae paints a vivid picture of missing someone who wasn’t good for you, embodying the struggle of moving on when your heart isn’t ready to let go.
1. “you broke me first” (2020) – The Ultimate Betrayal
- Album: i used to think i could fly
- Release Date: April 17, 2020
This is the song that made McRae a star—and for good reason. “you broke me first” is a masterclass in cold, quiet devastation. The sparse production and chilling vocals create an atmosphere of detached pain, as McRae refuses to fall for empty apologies. It’s the ultimate heartbreak anthem, capturing the moment when someone who once shattered you comes crawling back.
Crying in the Club (or Your Car) with Tate McRae
Tate McRae doesn’t just sing about heartbreak—she practically hands you the tissues and lets you sob in peace. Whether you’re spiraling over an ex, stuck in a jealousy-fueled doom-scroll, or just in the mood to feel something, her music delivers every shade of post-breakup misery. So go ahead, put these songs on repeat, stare dramatically into the distance, and pretend you’re in a sad movie montage. Tate would approve.
