Australian Made Swiftie Approach To Lover
written by Kim Jayne Dowling
So here it goes. I’ve been reading a lot of articles about Taylor Swift’s new album “Lover” which came out on Friday 23rd August. However, and it could be my biased opinion as a hardcore and long dedicated ‘swiftie’ but I feel that upon judging the tracks, a few points have been off the mark. Having been a listener to Ms Swift’s music for the past 12 years (note I remember the date - 27th February 2007), I believe this makes me someone who understands the growth but yet the essence of Taylor as a songwriter. Leading up to this album, she herself described this album as a “songwriter’s journey” and now that I have listened to this album so much, I can now begin to sing the lyrics to myself acapella, I agree with this wholeheartedly. Sure, there are rises in this where bubblegum pop music production was the focus, but I sincerely believe that the album contains a message behind every lyric. Yes, kids I’m even talking about ‘ME!’ (see what I did there?). So here we go, this is my opinions of each track, because as a swiftie, I must admit this is the first album since RED that I consider has not a single skip. So without further ado, Lover this one’s for you…
1. I Forgot That You Existed
A fantastic opener in my opinion and definitely holds the message of leaving a dark side of life behind. True, this might not be the perfect number one hit song, but it’s one that leaves you shaking off the feeling of dread of someone who caused you the deepest anxiety and now you can just leap back to being the person you are meant to be. 3 out of 5 stars.
To be honest, I heard this one and said out loud, alone on a Friday night - BOP! Yes, I used incorrect language and really connected to the lyrics. We have all had those nights where you get a little too drunk and think you’ve found the one, only to realise later you’ve been a fool, but look back and say, yep, that was fun. 4 out of 5 stars.
This song is classic Taylor, but with maturity. I feel like this is the song she has been trying to write since the beginning. The hooks, the guitar, the beautiful beat...it’s like a warm hug on Christmas morning. 5 out of 5 stars.
As a woman who has worked in ‘men’s industries’ for the past 9 years, I can relate to these lyrics. Sitting in lunch rooms and listening to how they talk about their weekends and then realising that how I spent mine was the same, yet they give me the look like ‘wow’ (dulling that one down). This song is an anthem. Plus the pop production is very current to what is popular, so is a perfect winner. 5 out of 5 stars.
Track Five Syndrome - check. Before this song, All Too Well was the Track 5 song that I could only relate to every single word. Now that we have The Archer, this makes two. Every anxiety and the beautiful 1980’s inspired production, makes this one for the ages. 5 out of 5 stars.
Immediately when I listened to the album, this one didn’t stand out too much, but now that I’ve listened to this a few times, I can now admit this is definitely an anthem, a bit of unrequited soul and new beginnings. This one reminds you of a night out on a repeat date where you can’t help but glance a look just because your in full force falling mode. 3 out of 5 stars.
7. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
Again, at first I wasn’t sure of this song because of the production compared to the lyrics. This is potentially one of the best pieces of story songwriting on the album. I think this one truly would shine as an acoustic ballad, which I am hoping is brought out on tour? (hint Taylor, hint hint?). 4 out of 5 stars.
This one just makes you want to get up and dance. The old school punk pop feeling to the production, the count in to the chorus (hello Jack!), the lyrics. Now, if only I had a honey I want to marry, I’d serenade them with this in a dance number. 4 out of 5 stars.
Hands down, absolute favourite on the album. Solely written by Taylor and it speaks completely of her and her ability to tell the emotions of a memory. The final message is one of love, but one that tells of the anxieties once you’ve found love and how much it would break you to see it end. The story, the lyrics, the production, the ability to be great both as a studio song or live. 5 out of 5 stars.
10. Death By A Thousand Cuts
I actually expected a lot more out of this when seeing the title. I was expecting a slow and soppy heartbreaking ballad. Instead, I was presented with a cute bubblegum pop breakup anthem. Looking at the lyrics this could easily be covered and turned into a minor key sort of song, but I suppose this puts a positive spin on a relationship ending. 3 out of 5 stars.
This one is just very very cute. Presenting us with the idea of creating a new home for yourself, that is completely different to what you are used to, but showing that being committed and in love with someone can change your perspective and ideals in life. 3 out of 5 stars.
12. Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. Dixie Chicks)
Hands down, saddest song on the album. On first listen, I was bawling my eyes out. I would find it hard to believe if anyone out there could listen to this and not relate to it. The simple country melody and harmonies and a tale of watching someone very close to you go through a life challenging battle. 5 out of 5 stars.
THAT SAXOPHONE THOUGH. Okay, first of all, the saxophone is hands down my favourite instrument ever existed, so any song that presents this will be an instant hit with me. Then, we listen to the lyrics and this is a very good description of a mature adult relationship where love creates the ideals you live by. If Dress on reputation was one of your favourites, then False God is like the older and wiser sibling that it aspires to be. 5 out of 5 stars.
14. You Need To Calm Down
I’m not usually one to hold Taylor’s pop anthems at the top of my list in an album ranking, but this one and it’s message that love is valid in any form it comes in has me wanting to shout these lyrics from the rooftops. 4 out of 5 stars.
So this one has become a bit of a swiftie favourite (from what I’m seeing on my feeds) and whilst I can admit, the production and writing value is superb, I’m failing to connect to it. Yes, it's a very valid song for the phases of a relationship, so perhaps one day I’ll see it in another light (oh wow, my ability to form words is on point.) 3 out of 5 stars.
16. ME! (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco)
Okay, so everyone hates on this song. But it’s a carefree bubblegum pop song, it's not meant to be the best song on the album. The lyrics are catching and the message is pure, plus anything Brendon does is amazing. This song is fun with or without the spelling is fun line. It makes me just instantly happy listening to it. That’s the sign of a good number one pop song. 3 out of 5 stars.
17. It’s Nice To Have A Friend
So this is a side to Taylor’s writing I’ve never heard and I kinda like it. It’s more of a rhyme, as the structure is not your typical pop song. Short and sweet and really makes you think about the memories you share with anyone you can call a friend and how you got there. 4 out of 5 stars.
Again, sole Taylor always shines through. This is a perfect way to finish and perfect album. The throwback to RED and how her notion of love has changed, really made me smile on this one. It sounds simple and beautiful. The final spoken word voice memo on the end, shows that Taylor is back and she’s happier than ever. 5 out of 5 stars.
So there you have it, this is my interpretation of in my opinion an album that Taylor was working up to her whole life and it has paid off swimmingly. An overall 4 and a half stars from me, and I cannot wait to see how this is further presenting when it comes to live performance, music videos or anything else the brilliant mind of Taylor Swift might come up with. So for those with a tainted view where they refuse to listen because of how others see her, for a healthier option...
blakekathryn
titsay
annaxmalina
areudirty
2087
jbbartram-illu
kianamaiart
tangentwithtanner
