Fangirl Confessions: Taylor Swift and #TS6IsComing
A great deal of time and space here is spent talking about the things I AM a fan of (aka all about the fangirl confessions). I’m not a fan of the following people and by proxy, attitude or things.
Mainstream media. (For reasons that I believe strongly in.) People who are mean just because they “can” be.
I’d wager at least one if not both of these are not Taylor Swift’s favorite people either.
For the past 3 years, loyal fans have awaited new music from Swift. Her last solo effort, ‘1989’ rose to impressive stats (on all the important music charts, and then some) and boasted a series of catchy, unique vibes that made us sing into our hairbrush.
After a low-profile year, Taylor again made headlines in the aftermath of a court case when she then purged her social media profiles leading to a series of speculative thoughts. Is new music coming? This week, she answered “yes” when she tweeting a series of graphics announcing a new single (TONIGHT) and an album, ‘Reputation’ due November 10.
Fans, commentators and the media immediately jumped on the criticize train. Anyone who puts themselves in the public eye, no matter who you are, opens themselves up to censure. But that doesn’t mean people, no matter who they are, have to be mean just because they “can.” Knowing all of Taylor’s songs and the “bigger picture” of her albums have stories and a message, discovering these shall be interesting.
I don’t mind admitting I’m still 110% a Swift fangirl. (And just to reassure you, no, this blog won’t become a TSwift diary leading to November.) Her music is among the few tracks and tunes that I don’t constantly hit “skip” on my iPod.
Whether or not I’ll like Taylor’s new effort and the music that has resulted from what, I gather has been a tumultuous year, is another thing. In celebration of Taylor’s new single (arriving TONIGHT, people!) and upcoming sixth studio album, I thought I’d pick out six of my most memorable songs from this songwriter.
Fangirl Confessions: Taylor Swift and #TS6IsComing
1. ‘Tim McGraw’ | From the album Taylor Swift (2006)
As the first song I probably ever heard from her, I had to include this one. It might not be my favorite lyrically, but it is unanimous with the name Taylor Swift, plus is the song that made her a household name.
2. ‘Love Story’ | From the album Fearless (2008)
This song evokes “all the feels” with its romanticism and further fueling these feelings is the music video that accompanies the popular single.
3. ‘Enchanted’ | From the album Speak Now (2010)
Another swoony tale about a spontaneous meet-cute that tells us about a boy-meets-girl tale. A story that uses old-fashioned words and emails.
4. ‘22’ | From the album Red (2012)
Catchy, breezy and fun, what’s not to love about this pop ballad?
5. ‘Blank Space’ | From the album 1989 (2014)
Despite the “darker” tones of this one, I love that it’s a kind of “letter” to the media.
6. ‘Clean’ | From the album 1989 (2014)
Though this isn’t a song that I personally relate to, it’s beautiful. The musicality in the “dips and falls,” and lyrically, it’s breathtaking and so “cleansing.”
Basically, I could say I love every track on ‘1989’ and I do. Each one is a “new era” of storytelling and song writing from this already popular artist.
Owning her latest single is high on this girl’s priority list. After that, it’s all about that next album. Let the countdown begin.
What’s your favorite T-Swift song? Are you excited to have new music from her? Let’s chat all things Swift music or any music thoughts.
Thank you for visiting! Come back soon.
I'm pretty far outside popular music, as I rarely listen to the radio and if I do, it's Christian music. But I fell for "Love Story" when I heard it on a fan video. (Fan videos of costume drama are my mini-getaways!)
I never used to follow music outside of Christian pop either, Debra (artists like Point of Grace or Rebecca St. James were my jams). That changed as I grew up, and in fact, I think Taylor's first album is literally what started me on country music and the rest, as they say, is history. :)
I fell hard for 'Love Story' too. It's such a sweet little song.
Thanks so much for visiting!
I wouldn't rate Taylor Swift as one of my favorite artists, as I tend to listen to 'small' artists, and since I don't really personally relate to most of her songs. However, she is also one of the musicians nearly all of whose music I know. Her music is also super catchy and breezy and sections of lyrics are so well written! So YES I'M EXCITED FOR HER NEW MUSICCCC. (Also I already have her new song stuck in my head already, even if I don't know what it's called XD)
Nothing wrong with that, Hanne. :) Her songs ARE catchy and I think that's what (somehow) makes them relateable. (If that makes sense.) Like you, I don't relate to them either (or I can't think of any just now), but I love that her songs somehow "work" and they come across as honest and real.
(Love your definition of her songs being "breezy." That they are.)
YAY for another excited listener. I am SO excited. What'd you think of her new single? It's so different, but as she has time and again, I believe (from her perspective), it's another honest narrative and it's growing on me. :)
Taylor Swift isn't one of my favorites, but of course I hear her music all the time – my favorite is easily Style… maybe that's because she directly mentions James Dean? :D
By the way, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award!
That's cool, Lauren. Nothing wrong with that. :) Ooo, I love 'Style' too. It's one of my favorites! So creative and unique. (Plus the video is a work of creative loveliness.)
Thank you so much, Lauren! I'll be by to have a look. :)
Along with Michael Buble and Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift is definitely one of my top favourite artists to listen to, all three also ones I think I'll still be singing along to when I'm 80, and I am so super stoked that we have 15 new songs of hers to look forward to falling in love with!!
As for my favourite song, I honestly can't choose one, but Ours, Mary's Song, Hey Stephen, Love Story, The Best Day, Mean, Last Kiss, How You Get The Girl (I could go on but I won't!) would definitely all be contenders.
God Bless,
Eleanor Rose
I've not really listened to Buble, but I'm sure I have heard some of his tunes on Christmas specials or films. There were once some of Colbie's songs I adored. Though I'm spacing on their titles. ME TOO! Taylor's songs are the "only" ones I haven't tired off through the years. I DO circle back to artists, but usually, I have a lengthy "break up" period with some. ;)
ME TOO! Cannot wait to see what those 15 songs are all about.
I could go on about favorites too. 'Love Story' being one of my all-time favorites (and I think all – or very nearly, of the '1989' tracks are my favorite).
What'd you think of her latest?
So glad, as always, you stopped by, Eleanor!
Well, Buble is a master of Christmas tunes, I will agree with that; I actually discovered to my delight one of his songs plays over the end scene of an ABC movie I adore, 12 Dates of Christmas; it's kind of funny, cause I watched the movie, then found the song and fell in love with it, but didn't make the connect till I'd watched the film a second time!
There is however a relatively new non-Christmas song of his I think you'll love, especially the music video for it; it's called I Believe In You. Please watch it and let me know if I'm right ;)
Two or my top favourite Colbie songs have to be Rainbow and Bubbly. Also, did you know that she and Taylor once collaborated on a song? It's title is Breathe and is on Swift's album Fearless. It's not one that I listen to a lot, but I still enjoy it when I do.
OH, and Lady Antebellum is another group of artists that I would place with Taylor in the realm of never growing tired of their songs. Nevertheless, I also totally get needing a break-up period with singers sometimes!
To be honest, I'm not crazy about the lyrics (or music video) of Swift's latest offering, but the overall melody and her voice still don't annoy me, so I guess it's a win?! I might have to listen to it a few more times, but I definitely don't hate it. What about you?
God Bless,
Eleanor Rose
P.S: About Love Story; I don't know why, but there's just something about Romeo and Juliet that gets me every time, and I could not love the period setting and theme of the music video more!
Aw, I think I remember watching '12 Dates.' It's been a loong time though so I should see if I can find it again.
(Music video: I will! I always love to discover new music to put on repeat.)
No you mention it, yes! I do remember Taylor and Colbie wrote a song together. Like you, it's not one I listen to much, but now you've reminded me of it, I should give it another listen. I do enjoy Colbie's debut with Gavin Degraw now and again which was feature on the Safe Haven soundtrack.
I've got so many of Lady A's songs too. Their "love story" song 'Just a Kiss' is among my very favorite songs.
I didn't hate Taylor's new tune either. It's different for sure, and having seen the video I totally "get" (or have a greater understanding of the narrative) what she's trying to do. I'm not sure it's necessary, but I do believe the media has tried to misrepresent her, and that has to wear on a person after a while.
Overall, I like LWYMMD LOTS better the more I listen (and understand it). That said, I do think '…Ready For It?' is more Swift's "normal," and the chorus melodies are beautiful!
Agree! 'Love Story' is a forever favorite of mine from this artist – and likely always will be. :)
Glad you stopped by, Eleanor.
I love We Both Know!! Not only is the song gorgeous, but Safe Haven is also one of my top two favourite Nicholas Spark films :) And speaking of Nicholas Sparks and Lady Antebellum, I found the most adorable fan-vid for The Notebook set to their song Dancing Away With My Heart. Just A Kiss is also a top favourite of mine! Oh, and have you heard the songs they contributed to The Best of Me soundtrack?
I'm not crazy about "…Ready for It?" at first listen to be honest, though I have a feeling it'll probably grow on me the longer I hear it; I agree the melodies are pretty great however! I think my main issue with it is that it's lyrics are more explicitly adult than I'm used to from her.
God Bless
Eleanor Rose
(Apologies for the late reply delay, Eleanor.)
YAY for another 'We Both Know' fan. I love the song (vocals, everything) and the film. Safe Haven may be my favorite Sparks story (that I've seen/read), but ask me tomorrow, and I may say something else.
I've not seen 'Walk' but do love Lady A's music – and YES! I have the soundtrack for The Best of Me. So many pretty tuned.
'…Ready for It?': I get that re: the adult lyrics. It is different from her usual fare. Though "1989" did start to wander into that direction with 'Wildest Dreams' and other songs. I totally get where you're coming from though – I thought that too. Still.. I'm all the MORE curious for the rest of the songs. :D
I'm not a big fan per se of Taylor Swift (I listen to more alternative rock music…and classical, haha) but I do listen to some of her music; "Style" has been on repeat since I got around to listening to 1989 last year and I personally find it criminally underrated compared to some the other singles that hit #1 or got a wider release. What do you think of her latest song? It's a bit weird how the tempo and sound changes from verse to bridge to chorus but I kinda like it? It's different, that's for sure, lol.
"Style" is one of my FAVORITE songs, too, Lianne. All around I love the entire 1989 album, and still haven't tired of it in the least.
As for her latest single (LWYMD), it IS different. Especially for her sound. That said, I think from her perspective, the writing is keeping true to her "honest" songwriting. She's always poured everything into her songs and its been like her way of telling fans what she goes through. It's not my favorite TSwift song, but it has grown on my with each listen. I think her newest song '…Ready For It?' has the "signature" Swift markings and makes me think the rest of her album will be more align with her familiar sounds and trademarks.
Glad to have you visit, as always!
I've always like TSwift and I especially loved her 1989 album. I have not listened to the new single yet. Guess I should get in with that already. ?
If you do listen to it, Chrystal, I hope you like it – and she also has released '…Ready For It?' too! Like you, I'm a HUGE fan of "1989." It remains one of my favorite albums.
Thanks for visiting!