the complexity of the storytelling, with each
and skill as an artist, which has only grown
song its own piece of art. Every time I listen,
in the fifteen years since her first album.
I pick up on some previously unnoticed creative wordplay, beautiful musical note, or
I’m proud to admit that I’ve listened
relatable wisdom. That listening experience
to “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” the new, never-
gave me a much greater appreciation for
before-heard bonus track from Fearless’s
Taylor’s range and evolution as an artist,
rerelease, too many times to count. Other
from her early country days to her pop
favorites include “Cruel Summer” and “Death
superstardom and now to this new chapter
By 1000 Cuts’’ from Lover, “mirrorball” from
in Indie music. I can equally enjoy bubbly,
Folklore, and the classic “Love Story (Taylor’s
fun songs like “We are Never Ever Getting
Version)” from Fearless’ rerelease. All of
Back Together” from Red and stunningly
these songs, and more, can be accessed on
emotional ones like “Exile” from Folklore.
the Spotify playlist “Taylor Swift: Then and Now,” linked via QR code below. I hope you
As Taylor’s sound has developed and
take my favorites as your own reintroduction
matured, so have I. My generation of young
to Taylor and then discover your own from
women has had the privilege of listening and
her extensive collection of absolute bops.
relating to an incredible performer. I realized
After all, Taylor’s songs do what music
that I often took Taylor’s work for granted
should: bring people together, help us feel
when it was really an intrinsic part of the
understood, and serve as an escape. I don’t
pop culture landscape all along. Further, I
see my newfound Taylor Swift obsession
think I may have unconsciously internalized
dying down anytime soon, and one of my
some of the derisive, misogynistic rhetoric
first post-pandemic priorities will be to look
surrounding Taylor throughout her career.
for tickets to her next tour with my friends. I
This may have turned me off from investing
guarantee I’ll be singing along to the songs
too deeply in her work or thinking of it as
even louder at twenty than I did at fourteen.
Netflix
“cool.” More than a naive young girl singing about her exes, Taylor is a master storyteller, vocal powerhouse, savvy businesswoman, and songs
expert are
performer. lyrically
Her
complex,
nearly
200
emotionally
insightful, and catchy as hell. In the face of an ownership dispute with her former record label, Taylor’s decision to re-record her entire musical catalogue demonstrates this power
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