Music Review: Taylor Swift's 1989

With her style constantly evolving, Taylor Swift is back with new music that is sure to freshen up the current pop charts. 

Having followed Taylor since her debut album, it is becoming so weird to think back to that young, curly-haired, country crooner who sang about a boy named Drew and her favorite song by Tim McGraw. 

After that debut album, Taylor became a crossover superstar with “Fearless,” showed off her writing skills with “Speak Now,” and surprised everyone with the pop influences on “Red.” Taylor’s newest album “1989” is her first official pop album, and her popularity seems to be reaching even greater heights.

I can admit that country music is not my favorite genre of music. I have my few favorites, but country remains pretty limited on my playlists. So Taylor’s movement towards pop would seem like a welcome change. Steadfast country fans often argue that Taylor was always light on the country, but I can’t help but sometimes miss that girl who hadn’t yet dated famous guys, owned multiple multi-million dollar homes, and became best friends with all the popular young female celebs.

That being said, Taylor’s new music is not only fun, but smart. I sometimes wonder if we would still be continually talking about Taylor if she had not changed up her game on the “Red” album. Because she knew how to develop, experiment, and redefine what people think of her, she has become one of the most popular singers in this generation. Her desire to connect with fans and eagerness to write honest lyrics continues to help too. 

“1989” features mostly catchy, upbeat tunes. There are a few slower songs towards the end, but the danceable beats make most of the songs very radio-friendly. Her voice really shines in the mid-tempo songs, where the smooth lyrics roll off her tongue. Each album features a little packet of 13 (Taylor’s signature number) different Polaroids, which adds a little extra special treat for fans. 

Ultimately, the songs from “1989” will be sticking around for a while, but I already can’t help but ponder what next musical surprise Taylor will release two years from now.

Must-hear tracks:
Blank Space
Out Of The Woods
I Wish You Would
Wildest Dream
Clean