Whether one loves her or hates her, it is difficult to deny the pop culture influence of Taylor Swift. Her 15-year-long love affair with the music industry has endured many ups and downs, but her latest album “Lover” proves that Swift has conquered the ability to deliver the catchy, genuine pop that built her empire.
Her first single from the “Lover” album, “ME!” featuring Brendon Urie, toted a bubble-gum melody and a music video with more pastels than an Easter morning brunch. “ME!” is a far cry from the techno-heavy bounce that accompanied every track on Swift’s previous album, “Reputation,” yet it still managed to climb to No. 7 on the Billboard Charts.
The success of “ME!” was soon followed up by the next “Lover” single, “You Need To Calm Down,” which peaked at No. 9 on Billboard. The full album was released on Friday, Aug. 23, and sold 679,000 copies in a single day.
The aesthetic turn around from her previous album left many fans confused. Swift deserted her black glitter leotards, thigh-high boots and purple lipstick in favor of rainbow fringe, pink hair and pastel accents.
The style change, while drastic, fell on high praise among KSU students.
“I really like the change in colors. It feels more authentic than what she was doing before,” senior primary education major Rileigh McCoy said.
In addition to her change in style, Swift’s presence in social issues has become increasingly apparent. Most recently, Swift publicly urged Republican Senator Lamar Alexander to support the Equality Act in her song “You Need To Calm Down,” which protects the LGBTQ community from discrimination.
Her petition aimed towards supporting the Equality Act attracted more than 500,000 signatures — among those to sign Swift’s petition were presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Beto O’Rouke.
“Taylor Swift’s greatest attribute is not only her platinum recording talents but instead the positive role model she is for young girls,” junior accounting major Jack Hipp said.
While many felt that it was high time that Swift engaged in political activism, some see a deeper issue. “I think that she gets behind issues that are easy to defend,” McCoy said. “She isn’t saying anything that most people I know would disagree with.”
While criticism of her activism does exist, one cannot deny the wild success and popularity of the music on her newest album.
Her style and political presence may have dramatically changed, but one thing remains the same — the quality of her music. Swift continues to write the bulk of her songs on her own with just a piano and a guitar, according to an article by Vox.
While she still collaborated with past co-writer Jack Antinoff to construct “Lover,” the originality of her work is unparalleled.
Swift continues to shine like a bright star in the music industry. Her charisma and talent makes her lovable and attractive to many young people, while her recent adventure into politics has cemented her image in her fans’ history.
Swift described “Lover” as “a love letter to love,” according to Billboard. It is catchy, enthusiastic, and bubbly — and has exceeded fans and critic’s standards alike. Because of her change in style and the irresistible originality of her songs, “Lover” is easily Swift’s best album to date.
