COURTESY: BIG MACHINE RECORDS
Girls across the world could be heard rejoicing last Tuesday as the highly anticipated fifth album by Taylor Swift finally hit the stands. The once-country-darling-turned-pop-sensation has done it again with her new album, “1989,” leaving dreamy-eyed teens and lovesick ladies longing for that lost flame. Heavily synthesized with catchy pop beats and dripping with glossy contemporary ballads, “1989” is the epitome of Swift.
Named after her year of birth, Taylor Swift’s latest creation mixes ’80s pop with electronic drops reminiscent of her fourth album “Red.” After the release of her first single “Shake It Off,” it was abundantly clear that the ringlet-curled Taylor Swift of 2006 was gone for good and replaced by the confident and cool pop princess of today.
In typical Swift fashion, “1989” tackles an array of subjects ranging from nasty breakups and heartaches to living comfortably in your own skin. But for those skeptical of the new and improved Swift, never fear. Taylor may have shed her Nashville background, but the same message can still be heard loud and clear. Lyrically, Swift stays true to her oh-so relatable and incredibly provocative songwriting, creating a modern day fairytale of an album. Although Swift’s country roots are only a distant memory in this new album, the “Tear Drops on My Guitar” era Taylor Swift still shines through on a few of her latest tracks for all of the first album fans.
Taylor Swift’s ascension into the pop scene is perfectly mirrored in her third single and first track on “1989,” “Welcome to New York.” Telling the story of her move from Nashville to New York City, Swift’s catchy tune outlines her new beginning in the Big Apple and the thrill of being in an exciting new place. With light-hearted lyrics and plenty of electronic riffs, this first track serves as a pristine opener into the rest of “1989.”
The remaining twelve tracks stick pretty close to Swift’s favorite topics: loss, love and all things in between. Since her latest breakup with One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles in early 2013, Swift has had plenty of time to reflect on past loves, cleverly placing many of these musings into her razor-sharp lyrics.
“’Cause, darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” teased Swift in her captivating confessional “Blank Space.” Breaking down the barriers between artist and listener, Swift honestly croons about her reoccurring issues with choosing the bad bay and often being pegged as the dating disaster.
And the ever-so popular and smash hit “Shake It Off” was a godsend to Swift fans as it was the first single released from the new album. Showing a more playful and self-assured side to the artist, “Shake It Off” is Swift’s anthem to the ‘haters’ and proves that the new Swift is fearless in every sense of the word.
The real gems of “1989” appear near the end of the album. “Band-Aids don’t fix bullet holes. You say sorry just for show,” sang Swift as she wove a tale of betrayal and heartache in her anthem “Bad Blood.” Probably the most relatable of all the wonders on her thirteen-track album, “Bad Blood” will be sung angrily by wronged ex-girlfriends during night drives for generations to come.
The fantasy-like ballad “Wildest Dreams” stands alone among the rest and takes listeners on a trip through the ethereal imagination of Swift, chronicling the love between two romantics comparable to that of a film.
“Say you’ll see me again, even if it’s in your wildest dreams,” sang Swift, as she fashioned a story of longing and desire.
The votes have been cast and the verdict is in: Taylor Swift can do no wrong and “1989” is the proof. Swift has a long career ahead of her, and fans will not be left wanting with the sensation that is “1989” to keep them company.
