Think Later
Think Later is the second studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae, released on December 8, 2023, through RCA Records.[1] The record consists of 14 tracks and showcases McRae's artistic evolution, featuring a blend of pop elements, trap-influenced beats, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of relationships, heartbreak, and the impulsivity of youth.[1][2] Executive produced by Ryan Tedder, the album reflects the spontaneity and chaos McRae experienced while turning 20, building on her debut I Used to Think I Could Fly (2022).[3] Prominent singles from Think Later include "greedy", released in September 2023, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her biggest hit to date, certified quadruple platinum in the US as of 2025, and "exes", issued in November 2023.[1][4] The album debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking McRae's highest-charting release at the time and her first top 10 entry on the ranking, which was later surpassed when her third studio album, So Close to What, debuted at number one in 2025.[5] Other notable tracks encompass "cut my hair", "run for the hills", "hurt my feelings", "grave", "we're not alike", "calgary", and the title track "think later", with contributions from producers such as Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, and Blake Harnage.[6][3] Think Later received acclaim for its bold production and McRae's vocal maturity, solidifying her status as a rising figure in contemporary pop music.[1]Development
Background and concept
Think Later represents Tate McRae's shift toward a more impulsive and emotionally raw approach to songwriting, born out of a period of intense personal and professional pressure following the release of her debut album I Used to Think I Could Fly in May 2022. McRae has described the album as capturing her decision to embrace intuition over overthinking, particularly in navigating fame and romantic relationships, stating, "Over the past year and a half, I made a lot of decisions based on intuition… That resulted in some of the most beautiful relationships and passionate times of my life." This mindset emerged during a "wild" and stressful phase where she grappled with her rising stardom.[7][7] The album's concept draws heavily from McRae's formative experiences in Calgary, Alberta, where she grew up facing early career pressures that shaped her resilience and thematic focus. As a young dancer on So You Think You Can Dance at age 12, she endured significant scrutiny, which later influenced reflective tracks exploring teenage insecurities, breakups, and hometown nostalgia, such as the song "calgary." These elements underscore the album's emphasis on impulsive emotions and feminine empowerment, moving away from the somber introspection of her debut toward a bolder, more vibrant pop sound inspired by early 2000s icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Nelly Furtado. McRae chose the title Think Later to encapsulate this philosophy of living spontaneously and confidently, rejecting hesitation in favor of raw feeling.[7][8][8] Development began in earnest during 2023 songwriting sessions following an 11-month break after her debut, with McRae penning the lead single "greedy" in January 2023 as an early manifestation of her evolving style. Over the subsequent months, she participated in 80 to 90 writing sessions, discarding numerous ideas to refine her vision amid initial creative tensions with collaborators. Ryan Tedder, serving as executive producer from the project's outset, played a pivotal role in directing the album's direction, encouraging McRae to take risks and helping crystallize its pop-forward energy despite early clashes; he notably produced "greedy" and contributed to its global appeal. The album's formal trajectory culminated in the release of "greedy" on September 15, 2023, which served as an initial announcement of the Think Later era, followed by the full album reveal on November 6, 2023.[8][7][8]Recording and production
The recording of Think Later took place primarily in 2023, with songwriting sessions drawing from McRae's personal experiences over the preceding year and emphasizing spontaneous, intuitive creation to capture raw emotions.[9] McRae engaged in daily writing sessions, even while touring, to maintain momentum and authenticity in the material.[10] Executive produced by Ryan Tedder—who collaborated with McRae on nine of the album's 14 tracks, including the lead single "greedy"—the project featured key contributions from producers and co-writers such as Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, Charlie Handsome, ILYA, and Greg Kurstin.[11][12] Tedder's involvement brought polished pop elements like distortions, percussions, and echoes to tracks such as "run for the hills," while ILYA added modern vocal chops to "guilty conscience" and Kurstin focused on instrumental depth in "plastic palm trees."[11] Charlie Handsome co-wrote select songs, including "want that too," contributing to the album's layered songcraft.[3] Production techniques blended high-energy pop maximalism with stripped-down ballads, featuring concise tracks under three minutes with repetitive hooks, ad-libs, and a mix of electronic and percussive elements for cohesion across genres.[11] Vocal production emphasized emotional delivery, with influences from artists like Nelly Furtado and Britney Spears pushing McRae beyond her midtempo style on songs like "greedy."[10] The process involved iterative revisions, such as over 30 versions of "hurt my feelings" developed in two weeks, driven by McRae's perfectionism and desire to balance pop accessibility with personal vulnerability.[10]Music and lyrics
Musical style and influences
Think Later is characterized by its blend of trap-pop, alternative R&B, and dance-pop elements, featuring heavy reliance on 808 bass lines, pulsating synth hooks, and driving beats with tempos ranging from 98 to 164 BPM across its 14 tracks.[13][12][14] The album's production emphasizes electronic textures and atmospheric layers, drawing from 2010s trap-pop aesthetics with booming low-end frequencies and melodic synth pads that create an immersive, club-ready sound.[13] Tracks like "greedy" exemplify this through their infectious dance-pop rhythms and trap-infused beats, while "exes" incorporates upbeat, synth-driven energy with a playful edge.[12][15] Influences on the album's sound include The Weeknd's nocturnal R&B introspection and Ariana Grande's emotive vocal runs, which inform McRae's delivery of vulnerable yet assertive performances amid electronic backdrops.[13][12] Compared to her debut album I Used to Think I Could Fly, which leaned toward acoustic introspection, Think Later marks a significant evolution toward a bolder, more electronic and confident sonic palette, amplifying pop accessibility while retaining R&B nuances.[12][13] This shift is evident in the album's structure, where grooves and synth-heavy builds replace the earlier work's stripped-back arrangements, fostering a sense of youthful recklessness.[16]Themes and songwriting
The album Think Later explores themes of impulsive romance, where characters pursue fleeting passions without immediate reflection, as seen in the title track's depiction of a wild night leading to emotional repercussions. This motif of acting on desire before processing consequences underscores McRae's shift toward a more confident, less victimized narrative in her relationships, contrasting her earlier work's focus on heartbreak. Post-breakup resilience emerges prominently, with songs emphasizing personal growth and moving forward, such as in "cut my hair," where chopping one's hair symbolizes shedding past emotional baggage and embracing self-improvement. Fame's isolation is another key thread, particularly in tracks reflecting on disconnection from roots amid rising stardom, highlighting the tension between public success and private alienation. In "hurt my feelings," McRae delves into betrayal within a situationship, capturing the sting of unrequited investment in someone already committed elsewhere, blending raw vulnerability with a defiant tone. Similarly, "calgary" offers a poignant hometown reflection, where the narrator returns to her origins feeling like an outsider—unchanged surroundings clashing with her evolved life, evoking a sense of lingering displacement despite fame. These examples illustrate McRae's lyrical focus on emotional navigation in young adulthood, prioritizing authentic, relatable scenarios over idealized romance. McRae co-wrote all 14 tracks on the album, infusing her personal experiences into the process to maintain a therapeutic outlet, often approaching songwriting with a playful persistence to avoid overthinking. She collaborated closely with songwriters like Amy Allen on several songs, drawing from real-life inspirations to heighten vulnerability while experimenting with bolder perspectives. This hands-on involvement allowed for a cohesive narrative voice, emphasizing immediacy in emotional expression. Recurring motifs include the repetition of "later" as a metaphor for postponing deeper emotional reckoning, encouraging impulsive actions that invite later introspection, which ties directly into the album's overarching philosophy. Tracks like "we're not alike" blend humor with angst, using witty jabs at fake friendships and relational mismatches to convey betrayal's absurdity alongside its pain, providing levity amid heavier introspection. The album comprises 14 tracks totaling 38:22, featuring shorter, punchier verses that mirror the impulsive themes by delivering concise bursts of narrative energy rather than drawn-out storytelling.Release and promotion
Announcement and singles
Tate McRae announced her second studio album, Think Later, on November 6, 2023, via social media platforms, revealing the title, December 8 release date through RCA Records, and cover art featuring bold, minimalist visuals of herself in a stark pose against a white background to evoke themes of introspection and immediacy.[1] The lead single, "greedy", was released on September 15, 2023, alongside its music video directed by Taylor Mathews, marking the first preview of the album's sound with its pop-R&B production and themes of possessive desire.[17] The track debuted at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to a peak of number 3, becoming McRae's highest-charting solo single on the chart at the time. It has since been certified 5× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for exceeding 5 million units in sales and streaming equivalents. The second single, "exes", arrived on November 17, 2023, with a music video directed by Warren Fu that depicts relational turmoil through chaotic, dreamlike sequences of McRae navigating fragmented memories and confrontations with past partners.[18] It debuted at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached a peak position of number 34, further building anticipation for the album while highlighting McRae's dance-pop style. As a promotional single on the album's release date of December 8, 2023, "run for the hills" was issued to coincide with Think Later's launch, serving as an immediate streaming hook without formal single promotion; the trap-infused track amassed over 414 million global Spotify streams as of November 2025, contributing to the album's early streaming momentum.[19] The rollout emphasized digital virality, particularly for "greedy", whose choreography inspired widespread TikTok challenges involving sassy, synchronized dance moves that propelled the song to over 1 billion global streams on Spotify by March 2024, underscoring McRae's strategy of leveraging social media for organic chart success.[20][21]Marketing campaigns
To build anticipation for Think Later, Tate McRae shared pre-release teasers via Instagram reels and behind-the-scenes clips beginning in October 2023, featuring glimpses of studio sessions and thematic visuals that emphasized spontaneity and youth. These efforts escalated in November with a dedicated album trailer on YouTube and interactive posts encouraging fan speculation on track titles. The campaign culminated in an exclusive album listening party held in Los Angeles at The Peppermint Club on December 13, 2023, where attendees experienced full playback sessions with McRae present to discuss the creative process.[22][23][24] Merchandise played a central role in the promotion, with RCA Records launching limited-edition vinyl pressings of Think Later available exclusively through their online store, featuring variant covers and bundled digital downloads. Complementing this, the official Tate McRae store offered hoodies emblazoned with "Think Later" slogans, along with apparel lines incorporating album artwork and motivational phrases tied to the record's themes of impulsivity. These items were positioned as collectibles to foster fan engagement, with pre-order incentives like signed posters for early buyers.[25][26] McRae supported the rollout through targeted media appearances, including performances and interviews on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Saturday Night Live, the Billboard Music Awards, Today, and BBC Radio 1 in late 2023 and 2024, where she discussed the album's conceptual focus on unfiltered emotions, production choices, and personal growth while performing singles. These spots were strategically timed to coincide with single rollouts, amplifying broader awareness.[27][28] Digital campaigns targeted younger audiences, with Spotify curating themed playlists such as "Think Later Vibes" that intermixed album previews with complementary tracks from emerging pop artists, driving streams ahead of release. Apple Music featured McRae in their ongoing artist spotlights, including exclusive acoustic sessions and editorial placements that positioned Think Later as a Gen Z anthem of self-discovery and rebellion. These initiatives included social media challenges prompting fans to share "think later" moments, boosting user-generated content.[29][30] Post-release, the marketing extended into 2024 with pop-up shops in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, offering tour-tied merchandise such as exclusive hoodies, posters, and vinyl variants not available online. These temporary installations created immersive experiences, including photo booths with album-inspired backdrops and limited-run items like custom enamel pins, bridging the studio era to the live tour phase.[31]Think Later World Tour
The Think Later World Tour was the second headlining concert tour by Canadian singer Tate McRae, launched in support of her sophomore studio album Think Later. Announced on November 6, 2023, the tour comprised 53 dates across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, marking McRae's first global arena run. It commenced on April 17, 2024, at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, and wrapped on November 21, 2024, at TSB Bank Arena in Wellington, New Zealand.[1][32][33][34] The standard setlist included 19 songs, emphasizing tracks from Think Later such as "greedy" and "exes," alongside fan favorites from her debut album like "you broke me first" and "she's all i wanna be." Performances highlighted McRae's blend of pop anthems and introspective ballads, with the setlist evolving throughout the year to incorporate variations, including an acoustic version of "calgary" added during the North American leg.[35][36] The tour featured performances in major arenas, including London's O2 Arena and New York City's Madison Square Garden. Production elements centered on a minimalist yet dynamic stage setup, utilizing LED screens to project impulsive, fast-paced visuals that echoed the album's themes of rash decisions and emotional impulsivity in a live context. Choreography was a key component, with McRae and her dancers delivering synchronized routines that amplified the high-energy atmosphere.[36] The tour received positive reception for its vibrant energy and McRae's commanding stage presence, with numerous shows selling out and drawing praise from critics for the seamless integration of vocals, dance, and audience interaction. However, it faced minor controversies over elevated ticket prices and challenges with resale platforms, reflecting broader issues in the live music industry.[37]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release, Think Later received generally favorable reviews from music critics, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 70 out of 100 based on 10 reviews, with praise centered on its pop versatility and McRae's evolving artistry.[38] Reviewers highlighted the album's blend of energetic hooks and emotional depth, positioning it as a maturation from her debut. AllMusic commended its emotional hooks and addictive pop elements, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for balancing vulnerability with mainstream appeal.[39] Key praises focused on McRae's vocal development and standout tracks. The Guardian noted her rapid-fire delivery and vocal growth in pop-R&B tracks, particularly lauding "greedy" as a catchy global smash with mid-2000s Timbaland influences that exemplified her instinctive pop strengths.[40] Similarly, Rolling Stone praised the album's evolution into R&B-infused pop, emphasizing how it showcased McRae's fierce attitude and melodic confidence on songs like "exes."[12] Criticisms were directed at perceived formulaic elements and thematic repetition. Pitchfork gave it 5.9 out of 10, critiquing its bland trap-pop ballads as forgettable and overly reliant on anonymous production that romanticized toxicity without fresh insight.[13] NME observed repetitive themes of vulnerability and confidence across tracks, with mid-album fillers like "messier" and "stay done" lacking the dynamism of the singles.[41] The Guardian's alternate review pointed to an over-reliance on current trends, describing the music as well-made but rote, lacking a unique selling point amid peers like Olivia Rodrigo.[42] Overall, the consensus viewed Think Later as a confident sophomore effort that blended accessible pop with introspective moments, marking McRae's step toward pop superstardom and influencing 2024 discussions on youthful empowerment in the genre.[43]Accolades and awards
Think Later and its singles earned notable recognition across major award ceremonies in 2024 and 2025, underscoring Tate McRae's breakthrough as a pop artist.[43] At the 2025 Juno Awards, the album secured wins for Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year, while McRae also claimed Artist of the Year; the event saw her triumph in four of five categories, including Single of the Year for "exes" from the album.[44] Earlier, the lead single "greedy" had won Single of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards.[45] Internationally, Think Later received a nomination for Best International Album at the 2024 ARIA Music Awards.[46] The single "greedy" was certified as the 18th best-selling global track of 2024 by IFPI, based on streaming and sales data.[47] Additionally, "greedy" earned a nomination for Best Pop at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.[48] As of November 2025, "greedy" has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify.[49] The album was certified Silver in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry in 2024.[50] Overall, elements of Think Later amassed nominations and wins across these and other honors, affirming McRae's elevating status in the industry.[51]Commercial performance
Chart positions
Think Later debuted strongly on international album charts following its release on December 8, 2023. In the United States, the album peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 in December 2023 and has charted for over 99 weeks as of November 2025, while its pure sales debut placed it on the Top Album Sales chart. In Canada, it peaked at number 3 on the Canadian Albums Chart and has charted for over 99 weeks. Australia saw the album reach number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart, with over 50 weeks on the chart. Internationally, Think Later peaked at number 4 on the New Zealand Albums Chart, number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, and number 6 on the Irish Albums Chart.[52][53][54] The album also debuted at number 1 on Spotify's album charts in over 20 countries globally.[55] In 2025, following Tate McRae's wins at the Juno Awards—including Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Think Later—the album experienced a boost in streaming and chart positions, contributing to its ongoing presence on various national charts.[43][56] Individual tracks from the album also performed well on the US Billboard Hot 100, driven by streaming activity. The lead single "greedy" peaked at number 3, while follow-up single "exes" reached number 15. Album streams propelled several non-singles, such as "run for the hills" and "cut my hair," onto the Hot 100 for the first time.| Chart (2023–2025) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart (as of Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 4 | 99+ |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 3 | 99+ |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 2 | 50+ |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 4 | 61+ |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 5 | 12+ (ongoing streams) |
| Irish Albums (IRMA) | 6 | 39+ |
Sales and certifications
Think Later has achieved significant commercial success, driven primarily by streaming, with over 3.9 billion streams on Spotify alone as of November 2025. The album has surpassed 1 million album-equivalent units in the United States, per RIAA certification. Global units are estimated in the millions, bolstered by robust streaming across platforms. The album received certifications worldwide. In the United States, it was certified Platinum by the RIAA in February 2025 for 1 million units.[57] In Canada, Music Canada awarded it Platinum certification in 2025, representing 80,000 units.[58] Australia's ARIA certified the album 2× Platinum for 140,000 units as of 2025. Additional certifications include Silver from the BPI in the United Kingdom for 60,000 units (July 2024), and Platinum from Pro-Música Brasil for 40,000 equivalent units (January 2025).| Region | Certifying Body | Certification | Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | Platinum | 1,000,000 | 2025 |
| Canada | Music Canada | Platinum | 80,000 | 2025 |
| Australia | ARIA | 2× Platinum | 140,000 | 2025 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Silver | 60,000 | 2024 |
| Brazil | Pro-Música Brasil | Platinum | 40,000 | 2025 |
Credits and release
Track listing
The standard edition of Think Later by Tate McRae, released on December 8, 2023, via RCA Records, features 14 tracks with a total runtime of 38:16.[59] No official deluxe edition has been released as of November 2025, though unofficial fan-curated playlists incorporating additional material appear on streaming services.[29]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "cut my hair" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin (co-producer) | 2:55 |
| 2 | "greedy" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, Jasper Harris | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin | 2:12 |
| 3 | "run for the hills" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin (co-producer) | 2:23 |
| 4 | "hurt my feelings" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin | 2:02 |
| 5 | "grave" | Tate McRae, Ido Zmishlany, Delacey | Luka Kloser, Myles Avery | 3:13 |
| 6 | "stay done" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen | Ryan Tedder, Andrew DeRoberts | 2:51 |
| 7 | "exes" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Tyler Spry | Ryan Tedder, Tyler Spry | 2:39 |
| 8 | "we're not alike" | Tate McRae, Rob Bisel, Delacey | Rob Bisel | 3:00 |
| 9 | "calgary" | Tate McRae, Ido Zmishlany | Thomas LaRosa, Ido Zmishlany | 2:20 |
| 10 | "messier" | Tate McRae, Thomas LaRosa, Skyler Stonestreet | Thomas LaRosa | 3:57 |
| 11 | "think later" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, Jasper Harris | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Grant Boutin, Tyler Spry (additional) | 2:13 |
| 12 | "guilty conscience" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, ILYA, Savan Kotecha | ILYA, Ryan Tedder, Luka Kloser (additional), Myles Avery (additional) | 2:32 |
| 13 | "want that too" | Tate McRae, Ryan Tedder, Amy Allen, Jasper Harris, Charlie Handsome | Ryan Tedder, Jasper Harris, Charlie Handsome (additional), Tyler Spry (vocal) | 3:10 |
| 14 | "plastic palm trees" | Tate McRae, Greg Kurstin, Sarah Aarons | Greg Kurstin, Tyler Spry (additional) | 2:52 |
Personnel
Tate McRae serves as the lead and background vocalist throughout Think Later, contributing to every track on the album.[3] She is also credited as a co-writer on all 14 songs, marking her full involvement in the songwriting process.[12] The album was executive produced by Ryan Tedder.[1] The production team features a range of collaborators, with Ryan Tedder producing multiple tracks including "cut my hair," "greedy," "run for the hills," "exes," and "think later."[3] Other notable producers include Jasper Harris and Grant Boutin on "greedy" and "think later," Greg Kurstin on "plastic palm trees," Rob Bisel on "we're not alike," ILYA and Ryan Tedder on "guilty conscience," and Luka Kloser and Myles Avery on "grave" and "guilty conscience."[60] Amy Allen provided additional songwriting and vocal production on several tracks, such as "cut my hair" and "greedy."[3] Engineering duties were handled by a core group of professionals, including Rich Rich on tracks like "greedy," "exes," and "think later"; Tyler Spry on "exes," "think later," and additional production on "plastic palm trees"; and Rob Bisel on "we're not alike."[60] Instrumentation across the album includes contributions from Tedder on programming for "think later," Kurstin on bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, piano, and synthesizer for "plastic palm trees," Bisel on bass, drums, guitar, and synthesizer for "we're not alike," and Spry on guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, bass, and FX for several tracks.[60] The album was mastered by Dave Kutch at The Mastering Palace in New York City.[3] Overall, Think Later credits numerous individuals across production, engineering, and creative roles, reflecting a collaborative effort led by McRae and Tedder.[61]Release history
Think Later was released on December 8, 2023, by Canadian singer Tate McRae through RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, marking her second studio album. The initial worldwide rollout included digital download and streaming availability in standard formats such as MP3 and FLAC, encompassing all 14 tracks, alongside physical CD editions in a jewel case packaging. Promotional copies, including advance CDs, were distributed to media outlets in November 2023 ahead of the official launch. Vinyl editions followed later, with no region-specific variants noted across distributions; Sony Music handled operations in regions like Canada and the United Kingdom.| Date | Region | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 8, 2023 | Worldwide | Digital download | RCA Records |
| December 8, 2023 | Worldwide | CD (jewel case) | RCA Records |
| February 16, 2024 | Worldwide | Vinyl LP (gatefold, black; limited lavender edition available) | RCA Records |
| November 2023 | Worldwide | Promotional CD | RCA Records |