Reviving my old swiftie blog to discuss the album as a lifelong swift scholar. What I think works about the album, why people have the criticisms they do and how it compares to her past works:).
I enjoyed the production on the whole, Taylor and Max Martin are on the same page and there are infectious basslines EVERYWHERE. The instrumentals are simple enough to allow melody, lyrics, and earwormability to be at the forefront but there are still some unique sounds and a variety of instrumentations. It really just hits the nail on the head sonically for a Taylor Swift pop album and is consistent across the board.
The songwriting, particularly lyrics, is a little more hit/miss. There are several amazing, very swiftesque songs and some that feel like they just stemmed from a weaker idea or aren't fully fleshed out. One too many songs are about too similar a topic (true love or whatever) with not quite enough depth, that it gets a little stale by the end of the album. On a lyrical word choice level, there are also a few stumbles with ultra online speak, "girlboss", "trolling and memes", etc. I have no problem with using modern language or referencing internet culture in lyrics, Lana's "you name your babe lilac heaven after you iphone 11" comes to mind, or Taylor's own "with no one around to tweet it" which works because the jarring nature of the line is intentional and mirrors how tech/social media is an ever present looming presence in our lives, exactly the point she's making in the lakes. Even on this album it can be employed well, "im not a bad bitch" is an efficient and apt way to evoke not being made for these times while actually referencing the times. A few instances just get oversaturated with references that it feels unnatural, cancelled! toes this line for me. On the whole however, the songwriting ranges from serviceable pop songs with good mouthfeel to a some that just hit that classic swiftian excellence in storytelling.
I would ultimately consider this album a success, like many projects it has high points and low points but the sonic consistency of the album saves it and the standout moments of melody and songwriting are as good as her best. Any criticisms I hold are also outweighed by how much fun I had and how much fun I always have with a new Taylor Swift release.
I also want to talk about each individual song and what I like about them:)
The Fate of Ophelia- LOVE this one, the chorus melody is fabulous, especially the call/response echo thing. Great bassline and great concept, literary references always work for Taylor. Represents everything I love about this album.
Elizabeth Taylor- Very strong track, similar to Ophelia the allusion is a simple and effective way to examine her own life and add a little intrigue and another layer of storytelling. Great piano in this one, very showgirl.
Opalite- The dreamy guitar opening this one is fab. Eating out of the trash is a silly lyric that works. Another GREAT chorus melody which is why we're here. Songwriting works here, not crazy conceptual but the lyrics are super evocative and have a great shoutability to them in the chorus. Gotta love an oh-oh-oh-oh.
Father Figure- Gaggyyyy. One of the standouts for sure, it has a more unique subject matter and her storytelling really shines. Reminds me why Taylor is such an amazing storyteller! more pls! Automatic points for the george michael reference. Also really enjoy the key change and how happy the song sounds yet the lyrics are kind of evil, much intrigue.
Eldest Daughter- A lot going on here. This one encapsulates the divisive nature of the current, referential word choice she uses all over the album. I love opening with "everybody's so punk on the internet" and I LOVE sadly lamenting "i'm not a bad bitch", It's a little funny but actually very real! It reminds me of anti hero's "everybody is a sexy baby". it's so 21st century and relatable to be crying over something you're fully aware seems silly and frivolous to an outsider. Eldest Daughter pushes this kind of lyric to it's extreme and as a result lessens the blow unfortunately and It ends up feeling a little too online. The song is also slightly confusing, it's is about internet comments and childhood and relationships and just doesn't quite tie it all together enough for me. I love the vocal performance especially in the bridge and chorus though enough that i am fully convinced of whatever emotions she is feeling, even if I'm not sure they come across through the words for me.
Ruin the Friendship- Another standout smash hit. Another great bassline. Amazing storytelling, it's very country music the way she buries the lede and we enjoy a third act twist a la last great american dynasty. Heartbreaking and beautifully told. Feels very classic taylor and is probably the most swiftian song on the album.
Actually Romantic- LOOOVEE! One of the most interesting topics she covers for sure! A "diss track" is unexpected and welcome, I think it's a lot of fun and framing jealous obsession as a crush is a great angle. The electric guitar and everything happening sonically here is mwah. For the record I would like to say I also love charli xcx and I'm just glad to have great songs from both of them <3.
Wi$h Li$t- The sound of this one is great, the chord progression feels 90s throwback am i crazy?? The chords also do something weird and cool I love in the second verse!! The chorus melody and vocal performance just feels like a cheesy romcom I love it. Reminds me of Glitch. The songwriting and general concept aren't the most fleshed out on the album but man the chorus works.
Wood- OKay like... thats a lot of references to your boyfriends penis. Dropping all superstitions because everything is awesome is a fun angle for a song and I love the Ah!matized. just maybe one too many penis references in the chorus. super fun and addicting instrumental.
Cancelled!- Probably my least favorite song on the album. Just not the most interesting way she's tackled this subject (reputation, mad woman, the man). It doesn't really contain enough detail to warrant it's existence. Also not my favorite sonically. Infamy loves company is a good line.
Honey- Between this one, Wood, and Wish List this is where it gets a little tedious with the subject matter. LOVE the little jazz thing with the piano, standing bass and clarinet(?) that peeks in.
The Life of a Showgirl- Perfect closer and a very strong ending. Vivid storytelling and great thesis. I love that she took the showgirl concept literally for just one song and she nailed it. Sabrina fits on the song great and adopts the character fully. Very fun breakdown in the bridge.
These are my thoughts now that the album has existed for 24 hours i hope you enjoyed.
