photo Charming_zps24b0f6e3.png

10.25.2012

{five things: swifty edition}

I've been getting a lot of questions about my thoughts on Red (since you all know I'm her biggest fan, of course). Here it goes. 

{via}

1. In a lot of ways, the album is much more mature than any of her albums. Not only are her lyrics more grown up and less whiny, but her voice is constantly getting better. Also, I think it's safe to say that T. is no longer a virgin. #justsayin

2. As much as she's getting more mature in her music, I feel like some of her songs are a lot more immature, which makes me sad. These are the songs that she cowrote with the same people who wrote I Kissed a Girl and Hit Me Baby One More Time. As much as I love me some Katy Perry, I love Taylor Swift as much as I do for a reason. I just can't get behind Never Ever (ever ever ever...), 22 (ugh.), or I Knew You Were Trouble. I know that her fan base is primarily tweens, but one of the things that has always drawn me to Taylor was the emotion and realness in her songs. I don't like feeling like she compromised that to make a hit pop song and appease a whole bunch of people who don't love her as much as I do. Because there are a lot of people like me, and we are perfectly happy with who she is.

3. All Too Well is one of my favorite songs. Ever. And after reading a few reviews (I love this one), it seems like that's the general consensus. I think it beats out Dear John in the break-my-own-heart department (which always makes me cry). My other favorites are Treacherous (coming from Taylor Swift, this song really amazes me...), the Lucky One, and the Last Time. 

4. I wouldn't normally like Stay Stay Stay. It's a little too bubbly for me, and I'm not really a fan of the lyrics. But, it's nostalgic. I don't want her to recreate her other albums, but this is the only song that even sounds like it might belong on one of them. And I guess this would be number 4, part two: I'm really disappointed that there isn't a clear "anthem" on this album. Long Live (Speak Now) and Change (Fearless) are two songs that I listen to whenever I need a little inspiration. There's nothing like that on this one. 

5. Overall...it's growing on me. I almost cried when I started listening to it and I realized that this was a different Taylor. Eventually, I came to accept that different isn't necessarily bad. She's growing up, and becoming a much more...fulfilled person and singer (does that make sense?). I've read a lot of criticism about her, calling her too girly and innocent and naive, and I really don't know that's the case anymore. She definitely admits to the blame in some of these songs, and isn't afraid of some of the things that she shied away from in her previous albums. 

What are your thoughts on Red? What's your favorite Taylor Swift album?

Oh, and for those of you suggesting that Starlight is about that time that she supposedly snuck into a wedding (which I don't believe), I'll have you know that her "secret message" in the lyric book writes out "for Ethel." I think that's really sweet.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I just got this album and I've only listened to it once all the way through, but I really really like it! I think The Lucky One and Holy Ground are two of my favorites at first listen!



I get what you mean about "Never Ever...", but I also really connect with that tune and I've been in that place before, so maybe that's why. I like that she adds a pop twist to her album, without loosing her slightly twangy vocals. She's got guts for blending two completely different music types together!


That being said I think I need to listen to more of her older stuff as well! I just got "Fearless" for $4 over at Amazon and I've been listening to that too!

Elle said...

I absolutely love Long Live and I don't think there will ever be one that I love more but I really liked Red. Treacherous was good too :)

Elle said...

I absolutely love Long Live and I don't think there will ever be one that I love more but I really liked Red. Treacherous was good too :)

Unknown said...

As much as I am enjoying this one, I'd still say that Fearless is one of my favorites...and I agree, it's a different Taylor. Never ever is definitely pop like, and though 22 is also, I like it. I've always liked Taylor Swift cause I'm close to her age and it's fun to hear songs about kind of wear I am in life. Love your review :)

Unknown said...

I've been dying to hear your thoughts on Red, especially since I've basically been listening to it nonstop all week! I was actually hesitant to even buy the album at first, because I also did not care for Never ever ever, but I gave in and am glad I did. I can't decide if this album is my favorite--Speak Now holds a special place in my heart, because of where I was in my life when it was released.

Unknown said...

I'm glad to hear there is an overall positive vibe about the album. I'm a lover of her music and although it's catchy, Never Ever is just...not what I was hoping to hear her sing...ya know? I definitely love the "realness" she brings to songs and I love her voice, so when there are songs that actually showcase that and aren't as pop-like, I'm definitely happy.

Unknown said...

All Too Well, Treacherous, and The Last Time are probably my favorites. And I agree that she's definitely matured. Although Never Ever and 22 kind of prove otherwise. As for what my favorite album is, I can't pick! I go to different ones depending on my mood. But I think I'll always have a soft spot for her first 2.

Unknown said...

I love Taylor Swift... Always have! I haven't listened to the entire album yet, but I love "I Almost Do," and "Red." I think she is such an amazing songwriter that can relate to so many people.


Whitney
http://southernbelle23.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I'm loving this album, but it is totally different than Fearless. All Too Well is one of my faves! I also think it's about Jake Gylenhaal.

Unknown said...

so great to read this! i've been dying to check out the whole album... i agree her voice just gets better and better, but i wish she didn't use her songs like a diary. i go back and read my journal entries from that time in my life, after heartbreaks and it just sounds so...immature and petty. anyway, i still love her!

Unknown said...

I was really wary of the album too when Never Ever came out (I actually cried when I heard it for the first time), but I'm feeling better about it now. Speak Now is my second favorite album though...Fearless will always be my number one!

Unknown said...

She does sound a little whiny and immature sometimes, but I think it's getting a little better. I love that she's so sincere in her songs, but you're definitely right. I would be really embarrassed if I put all those feelings out in public when I was younger!

Unknown said...

Isn't All Too Well amazing? And it's definitely about Jake (most of the album is...).

Unknown said...

I love both of those too! She really is an amazing songwriter, she doesn't need help with her songs...

Unknown said...

It sounds like most people like those songs, and you're right about the first two. Fearless will always be my favorite album (probably ever).

Unknown said...

Absolutely! It caters to a different audience, I suppose, but it's just a little disappointing :/

Unknown said...

Fearless will always be the best, in my opinion :) It's definitely a different Taylor, but I guess that's okay every once ina w hile...

Unknown said...

Definitely let me know what you think of Fearless! It's my favorite album, probably ever (ever ever ever). The Lucky One is one of the best on the album though, I agree! xoxo