As Tate celebrates her 23rd birthday today, she is riding higher than ever—fresh off receiving the prestigious Hitmaker Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony earlier this spring.
To honor her special day, we are counting down the 5 best and biggest hits that turned the Calgary-born dancer into an undeniable global icon. Ready the choreo, and let’s dive in!
1. “greedy” – 2023
High-octane, unapologetic Main Pop Girl energy.
There is Tate McRae before “greedy,” and Tate McRae after “greedy.” Serving as the lead single for her sophomore album Think Later, this Timbaland-esque, bass-heavy masterpiece completely shifted the trajectory of her career. Amassing over 2.2 billion streams on Spotify alone, the track dominated TikTok, ruled the global charts, and gave Tate the perfect platform to show off the elite, high-intensity dance choreography that has become her live signature. It’s slick, it’s confident, and it’s an absolute flawless pop record.
2. “you broke me first” -2020
Mood-lit, low-key, bedroom-pop heartbreak.
Before she was filling stadiums, Tate captured the collective melancholy of the pandemic era with this moody breakout smash. Written in her bedroom and released when she was just 16 years old, “you broke me first” became a slow-burn juggernaut, eventually surpassing 2 billion streams. The song’s raw lyricism and Tate’s distinct, emotive vocal delivery proved that she didn’t just have the dance moves—she had the storytelling chops to connect with millions of broken hearts globally.
3. “What I Want” with Morgan Wallen -2025
A genre-bending, chart-topping powerhouse crossover.
Proving she can conquer any musical landscape she touches, Tate shocked and delighted fans with this massive collaboration. Serving as a centerpiece of her blockbuster third studio album So Close to What, this track earned Tate her very first No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The seamless blend of Tate’s moody pop sensibilities with Wallen’s country star power created an addictive, inescapable radio staple that dominated airwaves well into 2026.
4. “exes” -2023
Sassy, Y2K-inspired attitude with a killer hook.
If “greedy” proved she could do it, “exes” proved she could do it again. Written in just 30 minutes alongside pop savant Ryan Tedder, this upbeat anthem is a rapid-fire shrug off to past relationships. The accompanying music video—shot in a single night at an empty truck stop—featured some of the most intricate, show-stopping choreography seen in a music video this decade. It’s cheeky, infectious, and impossible not to dance to.
5. “she’s all i wanna be” -2022
Angsty, pop-punk-adjacent jealousy that you can scream-sing.
Produced by the legendary Greg Kurstin, this track from her debut album I Used to Think I Could Fly perfectly captures the toxic nature of social media comparison and relationship insecurity. Rather than a slow ballad about jealousy, Tate wrapped the heavy subject matter in a bright, driving, guitar-fueled pop-punk instrumental. It remains a massive fan favorite during her live sets, serving as the ultimate crowd sing-along.
With a stunning $111 million-grossing arena tour in her rearview mirror, a Grammy nomination under her belt, and unlimited momentum, 23 is looking to be Tate McRae’s most exciting year yet.
