Made famous by her signature curly ’do and country croons, singer Taylor Swift has left that behind for her new album, “1989.” Like all notable artists, Swift is breaking away and trying her hand at something new: a pop album.
About 10 years ago, Swift made her way through Nashville, Tenn., knocking on the doors of record companies in hopes of making an album. Her mix of feistiness and talent got her a record deal with Big Machine Records and a self-titled album, which debuted in 2006.
Swift quickly climbed the ladder of success with catchy hits such as “Our Song,” “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me.” She shot to superstardom when her sophomore album, “Fearless,” won four Grammys, including Album of the Year. Since then, Swift has sold over 30 million albums. She has become a worldwide figure known for the bold narrative songwriting seen in her hit songs.
In August, Swift announced her fifth studio album and released its first single, “Shake It Off.”
Swift has made a gradual transition from country to pop, and it is clear with “Shake It Off” that the country days are over. The banjos and acoustic guitars in her early work have been replaced by trumpets and saxophones. The repetitive chorus and dance-ready beat launched the single to the top of the Billboard 100 chart.
Swift is no longer the country sweetheart singing about teardrops on her guitar. She has grown up into a chic, sophisticated, city girl, proving she can successfully transform her music, as she changes herself.
“1989” is a reflection of the new and improved Swift. She has exchanged the slow, relaxed Nashville for the fast pace of the Big Apple. The first song on the album, “Welcome to New York,” is an ‘80s synthpop adventure, detailing the magic of her new home. It is the perfect introduction to the rest of her inventive album.
Some songs, like “Out of the Woods,” will have you questioning whether or not you like the new Taylor. But upon a second listen, it is clear that this new sound is part of what makes Swift great.
Taylor Swift has traded her hopeless romantic attitude for a more independent, I-just-want-to-have-fun outlook on life.
Yet, there is enough familiarity on the album to keep her dedicated fans happy. “Blank Space” and “How You Get the Girl” are reminders that Swift will always have those peppy, upbeat tracks in her repertoire.
Swift is still keeping up her notorious songwriting tactic of writing openly about the people in her life. “Style” is reportedly about her relationship with One Direction member Harry Styles, and Swift’s recent Rolling Stone interview has people assuming “Bad Blood” is about her riff with singer Katy Perry.
“All You Had to Do Was Stay,” “Wildest Dreams” and “Clean” are the best reflection of Swift’s change. These songs will make you an avid “Swiftie” and no longer hesitant to listen to Swift’s new music.
Swift might never again be the country songbird who melted hearts, but she has proved that a bold new makeover is what you need to keep everyone on their toes.