Taylor Swift...Is She All That?

[!aiboforceN]

You could (and I know this is a wild idea) try listening to her?

Awful suggestion

[ŽižkovClaret]

The Ryan Adams cover album of 1989 was great. Shame he's a c**t

[GodIsADeeJay81]

IMG_4493.png (426.93 KiB) Viewed 2790 times

For all the haters

[Vegas Claret]

Played a blinder with having to remake her previous albums and that made her a lot of money

She churns out a lot of songs that her fanbase enjoy, gets a lot of money via streaming revenue and of course tours

She works incredibly hard, seems to have a very good grasp of how to make money from various methods and fair play to her

We’ve probably all heard at least one of her songs, such is their popularity on the radio etc

With the way the music industry has changed in the last 20yrs, someone was always going to be riding the crest of the wave and she made sure it was her

Similar to when MTV came along and Michael Jackson rode that wave

brilliant analysis - particularly "She churns out a lot of songs that her fanbase enjoy"

[Stalbansclaret]

I’m a 63 year old bloke so hardly her target market but her album 1989 is an absolute pop classic imho …and a lot better than Ryan Adams’ cover. My daughter first got me listening to it. After reading this thread I’m going to give Folklore a go tomorrow. She is a prolific talent.

[ClaretCliff]

A few years ago various actors were recording an album of covers for Children in Need and the actor from Broadchurch, Shaun Dooley was singing a Taylor Swift song when Taylor Swift made a surprise visit, organised by Olivia Coleman. I hadn’t really heard of her before but she came across as a really nice person

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07s8ryj

[claretrobo1]

Folklore is excellent really worth a listen

[Passing Clouds]

The Ryan Adams cover album of 1989 was great. Shame he's a c**t

I agree it’s a great album and I’m a big fan of The National. Yeah she’s MEGA successful but she writes good songs and seems ok enough.

I grew up with and love ‘indie’ but I think the genre has been corrupted for a long time.

Ryan Adams interpretation of Taylor Swift kind of proves that

[Stalbansclaret]

Folklore is excellent really worth a listen

Yep …. Having listened to it in full now I agree. Was strictly a 1989 man before though

[IanMcL]

Got a couple who stayed the night, last night. The young woman is off to see Taylor Swift in Edinburgh tonight. Flew in from Canada, yesterday.
VERY EXPENSIVE TICKET

Taylor Swift is a Country crossover, who has got to be the most astute artist ever - even outdoing Dolly Parton, who has been very clever, over the years.

Good luck to her.

[Swizzlestick]

For anyone that literally listens to Swift, Styles and other sh1te mainstream music pushed on top 40 radio etc I really do implore you to look elsewhere for music - you're really missing out.

It's possible to like pop music and stuff like Aphex Twin or Can, you know.

[ŽižkovClaret]

I know Spotify is the work of the devil, BUT the "insert artist here" Radio function is really a great way to find new stuff / rediscover old stuff you like

[CoolClaret]

It's possible to like pop music and stuff like Aphex Twin or Can, you know.

Aphex Twin? More like Thelonius Monk or Stan Getz!

No doubt - I think some Pop is alright, it's very hard to make good pop. I just like music that isn't super formulaic - for a lot of people lyrics is the most important element of a song but for me it's the rhythmic elements. To me generic pop is very boring musically and has very basic harmony.

[daveisaclaret]

I think you're meant to grow out of thinking you're cool for not liking pop music when you're about 14.

[Rick_Muller]

started listening to the 1989 album after the "recommendation" above and I've use AI to refine what I though of the song Blank Space.

Satirical Commentary on Media Perception
At its core, "Blank Space" is a satirical commentary on how Taylor Swift's relationships and personal life have been portrayed by the media. Swift had been criticized for her dating history, with tabloids often painting her as a serial dater who writes songs about her ex-boyfriends. "Blank Space" cleverly embraces and exaggerates this "crazy ex-girlfriend" image, turning the narrative on its head. The lyrics, "Got a long list of ex-lovers, they'll tell you I'm insane," mock the media's fixation on her love life and how it has been sensationalized.

Reflection of Personal Demons and Industry Pressure
The song also reflects Swift's personal demons and her complex relationship with the record industry. The industry often pressures artists to maintain a certain image or persona, which can be both a creative and personal burden. Swift's playful yet biting tone in "Blank Space" suggests a form of rebellion against these expectations. By exaggerating her tabloid persona, she takes control of the narrative, transforming vulnerability into power.

Impact of Pop Fame
"Blank Space" marks a significant point in Swift's career, showcasing her transition from country music to pop. This shift was a bold move that came with its own set of challenges and scrutiny. The song's polished production, catchy melody, and sophisticated lyrics are indicative of Swift's evolution as an artist and her embrace of pop fame.

Fame's double-edged sword is a recurring theme in the song. While Swift revels in the allure of romance and the high life, she also acknowledges its destructive potential. The line, "Darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream," encapsulates the dichotomy of pop stardom: the glamorous exterior often hides a tumultuous inner world.

Visual Representation
The music video for "Blank Space" further enhances the song's themes. Directed by Joseph Kahn, it portrays Swift as a glamorous but unhinged lover, living in a luxurious mansion filled with opulence and chaos. The visual narrative complements the song's satirical take on her media persona, depicting both the allure and the madness of her public image.

Artistic Control and Authenticity
"Blank Space" also highlights Swift's growing artistic control and authenticity. By co-writing the song with Max Martin and Shellback, she crafted a piece that was both commercially successful and personally significant. Swift's ability to blend catchy pop elements with sharp, self-referential lyrics underscores her skill as a songwriter and her keen awareness of her public persona.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Blank Space" is more than just a pop song; it's a multifaceted commentary on Taylor Swift's life in the spotlight, her battles with media portrayal, and the complexities of pop fame. Through satirical lyrics, a captivating music video, and a reflection of her personal and professional evolution, Swift effectively turns her perceived vulnerabilities into strengths. The song serves as a testament to her resilience and ingenuity in navigating the often treacherous waters of the music industry.

I think she is clearly a multi talented person who has taken the opportunity to maximise her career, and I say good luck to her and her album is what I would class as easy listening that I can play whilst working and not get distracted leaving me to concentrate on the task in hand.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Enjoying Morgan Wade atm. Kinda Taylor Swift but on 20 marlboro and a bottle of Rye a day

[bpgburn]

Aphex Twin? More like Thelonius Monk or Stan Getz!

No doubt - I think some Pop is alright, it's very hard to make good pop. I just like music that isn't super formulaic - for a lot of people lyrics is the most important element of a song but for me it's the rhythmic elements. To me generic pop is very boring musically and has very basic harmony.

Congratulations on winning 1st Prize for the most Ironic username with your above entry...

.. Now That's What I call Music 117 is on its way to you.

[Passing Clouds]

Music is such a hard thing to pin down…

I think I’ve liked a lot of things over the years but what I’ve consistently landed on or been inspired by are musicians that experiment and try to be individual - I love a good tune but the full package is important. The art, the persona, the message, the style, the life experience, risk taking…

Best example I can think of is Nick Cave.

[CoolClaret]

Congratulations on winning 1st Prize for the most Ironic username with your above entry...

.. Now That's What I call Music 117 is on its way to you.

Thelonious Monk is as cool as it comes!
Not to mention, I was using an artist that's as far removed from vanilla Pop as one can be, it was me being humorous!

Of course T Swift puts on a great show and has a loyal fanbase, I just think it'd be a lot cooler if people didn't consume media en masse that's drip fed to them

[Lambo]

She’s not my type of singer/band but that’s probably because of my age…I was brought up listening to musicians who wrote great lyrics and played their own instruments…Taylor Swift has targeted what I call the “teenie” market, mainly young adolescent females and to her and her teams credit she’s been marketed exceptionally well…however, her knack of writing whiny lyrics about ex boyfriends just doesn’t compare to the lyrical majesty of Queen, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc….just my opinion so don’t shoot me

[JohnMac]

I must confess to not knowing the title of any of her songs nor would I recognise her singing. She must be good though to attract so much attention.

[Cooclaret]

Ahh I remember you like The Courteeners don't you

Says it all.

Christ on a bike you’re obnoxious.

Music is subjective, and that’s what makes it brilliant. You keep on believing your own hype pal.

[boatshed bill]

shows how disconnected you are if you think people are listening to the top 40 on the radio.

Actually I've been subjected to some sort of chart radio show at my local gym about an hour ago.
I can hardly believe that people actually listen to this, let alone buy it.

[CoolClaret]

Christ on a bike you’re obnoxious.

Music is subjective, and that’s what makes it brilliant. You keep on believing your own hype pal.

It is yeah, so is eating food... but if all someone bothered to eat was egg and chips then I'd think they're missing out on a lot of flavours and different cuisines.

[gandhisflipflop]

She’s been marketed.

[RHansburyEsq]

Erm, have I misunderstood or is coolclaret talking to himself?

[RHansburyEsq]

I have missed something. Just twigged doh

[gandhisflipflop]

I have missed something. Just twigged doh

Are you talking to yourself?

[Cooclaret]

It is yeah, so is eating food... but if all someone bothered to eat was egg and chips then I'd think they're missing out on a lot of flavours and different cuisines.

I agree with you, but egg and chips is a top tea.

[Bin Ont Turf]

Skinny legs and a face likes she's continuously trying to hold a poo in.

Don't know about her music, but she's not for me.

[chipbutty]

She’s been marketed.

I think you'll find that she markets herself after being shafted by her old record label

https://www.umgc.edu/blog/marketing-tay ... D[img][url][/url][/img]

[Tufty]

If you're into generic, done to death, cookie cutter vanilla music then yeah great... Otherwise no.

Funny you should say that cos it's exactly the thing I hate. And her music and talent i is the exact opposite to that. Her talent stands head and shoulders above all of that generic stuff.

[boatshed bill]

Skinny legs and a face likes she's continuously trying to hold a poo in.

Don't know about her music, but she's not for me.

[CoolClaret]

Funny you should say that cos it's exactly the thing I hate. And her music and talent i is the exact opposite to that. Her talent stands head and shoulders above all of that generic stuff.

Boring straight driving bass, no syncopation, predictable chord progressions and melodies. Not for me but great if you enjoy her music.

[dougcollins]

Skinny legs and a face likes she's continuously trying to hold a poo in.

Don't know about her music, but she's not for me.

I wouldn't say egg and chips.

More like an Avacado smoothie.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Cleared a billion dollars hasn't she? I am not a fan but for 1% of those earnings I would sell out and play that music

[boatshed bill]

Cleared a billion dollars hasn't she? I am not a fan but for 1% of those earnings I would sell out and play that music

What are your legs like?

[Acting Claret]

There’s a single ticket, face value for tomorrow night on Twickets. It’s a vip ticket, I don’t know what that entails. Yours for only £752.

[GetIntoEm]

We only listen to chumbawumba and tom hark round here. Sod the rest of em. If they've not played the conny artistes they are making my ears bleed

[Swizzlestick]

There’s a single ticket, face value for tomorrow night on Twickets. It’s a vip ticket, I don’t know what that entails. Yours for only £752.

It gives you the opportunity to hear CoolClaret talk about Charles Mingus’s syncopation for four hours.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

What are your legs like?

Hairy with a few tattoos. Probably not as good as TSs!

[roperclaret]

My god there’s some Chauvinists on this board

[claret wizard]

She’s not my type of singer/band but that’s probably because of my age…I was brought up listening to musicians who wrote great lyrics and played their own instruments…Taylor Swift has targeted what I call the “teenie” market, mainly young adolescent females and to her and her teams credit she’s been marketed exceptionally well…however, her knack of writing whiny lyrics about ex boyfriends just doesn’t compare to the lyrical majesty of Queen, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc….just my opinion so don’t shoot me

She does play the guitar and do acoustic songs in her set. I reckon she knows as many chords as Bob Dylan, but probably can’t play the harmonica.

[Middle-agedClaret]

Speaking as an old man,most of whose CD ( yes, CD) collection features artists who are now dead - we do seem to have a lot of narrow- minded, sexist types commenting on this topic. Like language, music evolves. We might not be Ready For It. Maybe it’s Only The Young.
Good luck to Taylor.
And btw - UTC.

[Middle-agedClaret]

She’s not my type of singer/band but that’s probably because of my age…I was brought up listening to musicians who wrote great lyrics and played their own instruments…Taylor Swift has targeted what I call the “teenie” market, mainly young adolescent females and to her and her teams credit she’s been marketed exceptionally well…however, her knack of writing whiny lyrics about ex boyfriends just doesn’t compare to the lyrical majesty of Queen, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc….just my opinion so don’t shoot me

Some of Queen’s lyrical majesty here:
Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

[dougcollins]

She does play the guitar and do acoustic songs in her set. I reckon she knows as many chords as Bob Dylan, but probably can’t play the harmonica.

Neither can Bob, to be fair.

[roperclaret]

Some of Queen’s lyrical majesty here:
Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

And of course there’s the classic Led Zep ‘Squeeze my lemon til the juice runs down my leg’

[dougcollins]

And of course there’s the classic Led Zep ‘Squeeze my lemon til the juice runs down my leg’

Ah, I think you'll find Robert Johnson was responsible for those lyrics.

Led Zeppelin -ahem -'borrowed' them.

[boatshed bill]

My god there’s some Chauvinists on this board

And some very sensitive types.

[dougcollins]

And some very sensitive types.

What the hell do you mean??