{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.