After achieving a monumental debut with her single “It’s Ok I’m Ok,” Canadian artist Tate McRae introduced fans to another captivating track, “Sports Car.” This song, featured on her third studio album, So Close to What, delves into themes of love, sex, and adrenaline. In this article, we explore the inspiration behind the hit, its production process, and why the music video lacks an actual sports car.

Experience the Thrill of Love Through Music

The Driving Force Behind “Sports Car”

Tate McRae’s “Sports Car” encapsulates the exhilaration of romance and passion. The artist shared with Vogue that the song mirrors the thrill one feels while speeding in a sports car. McRae explained how she wanted to capture the essence of love's intensity and excitement through her breathy vocals and evocative lyrics. For instance, the opening lines—“Hey, cute jeans / Take mine off me”—set the tone for the song's steamy narrative.In an interview with Variety, McRae described “Sports Car” as a flirtatious anthem with a catchy beat. She elaborated on how the chorus evolved into a powerful metaphor, comparing the rush of romantic encounters to driving a sports car. The chorus highlights this connection: “I think you know what this is / I think you wanna uh / No, you ain’t got no Mrs. / Oh, but you got a sports car.” McRae aimed to introduce a fresh perspective on discussing intimacy in her music, ensuring it resonated authentically with her audience.

Inspiration from Unexpected Sources

The creation of “Sports Car” began with a unique idea proposed by co-writer Julia Michaels. Inspired by the Ying Yang Twins' “Whisper Song,” Michaels sought to reimagine the track with a feminine twist. Initially hesitant due to her preference for melodies, McRae eventually embraced the concept. “We referenced the Ying Yang Twins with the whisper chorus,” she told Vogue. “And it ended up being really fun.”This bold move not only added depth to the song but also showcased McRae’s willingness to experiment with different styles. Billboard praised this innovative approach, highlighting how McRae successfully merged classic elements with contemporary pop sensibilities. Her collaboration with seasoned producers like Ryan Tedder and Grant Boutin ensured that “Sports Car” stood out in the competitive music landscape.

The Artistry Behind the Music Video

Contrary to expectations, the music video for “Sports Car” does not feature a sports car. Instead, McRae takes center stage, transforming into 12 distinct characters. Each persona reflects various facets of her personality and artistic vision. One memorable scene involves McRae dancing alongside a horse, which she affectionately called “the best boy ever.”McRae’s choice to omit a sports car was deliberate. “I could kind of be the sports car in these rooms. I could be the girl who’s on display,” she explained to Variety. This decision allowed her to focus on the visual storytelling and fashion elements. Choreographing intricate moves in elaborate outfits, including six to eight-inch platform heels, presented significant challenges. However, McRae’s dedication to honoring each costume resulted in a visually stunning performance.

Facing Fears and Embracing Growth

Releasing “Sports Car” was both thrilling and intimidating for McRae. She revealed to Billboard that the song felt like a “big swing” for her as an artist. The vulnerability expressed in the track made it a pivotal moment in her career. “Whenever a song kind of scares you in the studio, there’s some magic to it,” she said. People magazine highlighted McRae’s courage in pushing boundaries. “One of the worst feelings is releasing stuff and it not doing anything—for anyone else, for me, for my growth,” she admitted. Despite the risks, McRae remains committed to creating genuine and passionate music. Her journey with “Sports Car” exemplifies her dedication to evolving as an artist and connecting with her audience on a deeper level.