5 Reasons To Love Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’
Taylor Swift‘s latest album, Red has arrived. Feels like I have been waiting forever to hear Red and eavesdrop on Taylor’s vivid stories. While there is always a ton of attention around the “guess who that song is about game”, I think Taylor’s new album deserves some real attention for the obvious growth in her ability as a songwriter.
Taylor’s new album tells the familiar stories of loss, heartbreak and hope. One of the reasons Taylor has managed to be so successful as a songwriter, is because she pulls from her own experiences and creates songs that lend to her and her fans finding common ground. Finding unity in the struggle of growing up, wanting to find love and learning the hard lessons love (and life) have to offer. #musicrules.
With all that being said here are 5 reasons why you will love,Red.
1. Taylor’s growth as a solo songwriter.
My one complaint previously about Taylor, was had a tendency to use the same metaphors in songs. Red is filled with a new fresh point of view and she is a little more vague in her lyrics, leaving room for all of us to relate to the song’s circumstances. According to the album’s credits Taylor wrote 9 of the 16 songs, and they all have different qualities.
2. The 7 collaborations Taylor welcomed.
Songs like “I Knew You Were Trouble”, “22” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” are songs that I don’t think would have come if Taylor had not taken chances with her sound. The pop influences in these songs are subtle enough to please longtime fans, but also show Taylor’s ability to take risks. See teamwork is a good thing.
3. Speaking of teamwork.
Taylor has two songs on the album that feature other artists. “The Last Time” features Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol – and “Everything Has Changed” featuring Ed Sherran. While Taylor sounds lovely with both of her male counterparts, of the two collaborations, Ed’s folk/soul influence is the most obvious in the hook of “Everything Has Changed”. It’s a great song and is currently the most popular song on the album on iTunes.
The album’s lead track is a refreshing new sound for Taylor fans, old and new. The song is an outstanding introduction to the theme of the record and kind of journey the album will take us on. Taylor admits right up front, “love is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right.” The song builds up moments of momentum by way of passion, power – and hypnotizing drum rhythms. I had a hard time moving on to the rest of the album I loved it so much.
5. The album’s narrative booklet.
Taylor always sees her projects through down to every last detail. Along with her hidden messages in the song’s lyrics, Taylor always leaves a poignant prologue to introduce the album. It’s nice to read her thoughts and understand her point of view when she created these 16 stories. It’s what makes Taylor Swift a uniqe artsit.
Do you like Taylor’s new album?
Let’s talk muisc, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
