In defense of….This series is the latest addition to LSUReveille.com’s blogosphere. Each week I will be choosing a celebrity or a fictional character that has been torn apart by the public recently and I’ll try my best to convince you why they deserve a break.
This week, that person is Taylor Swift.
The reigning princess of pop just released her latest album 1989 which opens doors for the usual controversy that follows her name. You’ll undoubtedly see tweets about how she only became relevant because of that infamous Kanye West moment at the 2009 VMAs or how pathetic it is that she only writes songs about boys.
Unpopular Opinion: Kanye West is the best thing to ever happen to Taylor Swift.
— John Eccles (@JohnJBoyEccles) October 24, 2014
There’s a certain magic that comes with growing up with an artist. Magic that involves this strange emotional connection with someone you’ve never met or might not ever meet. Buying their album isn’t just any routine, it’s an experience. Taylor Swift has been that artist for millions of people around the world, including myself. You may not become a hardcore fan after reading this, but here’s why you should give Taylor a chance before casting her aside as a calculated man-eater.
1. She’s not a businesswoman, she a business, woman
(Please excuse that failed Jay-Z reference.)
From multiple fragrances and partnerships with companies like Keds and Target, Taylor Swift and her PR team have always been an organized group. The unique ways they’ve chosen to promote 1989 proves that they will continue to stay one step ahead of other artists in the game right now.
Swift has mentioned that during this new era of her career, she wants to meet as many fans as possible and is using that as a way to reel people into listening to the album. Taylor has had multiple listening sessions at her apartment where she invited dozens of fans over to jam to an album the world hadn’t heard yet, eat baked goods, and take photos with her Grammys.
Taylor Swift |1989 Listening Sessions | Los Angeles 💗🎈 pic.twitter.com/SsNallI8cl
— CH△NG (@wawprchya) September 21, 2014
In addition to the listening sessions, Taylor is giving away 1000 tickets and 500 meet and greets to her next tour. The way to be entered for a chance to win these tickets is to buy a physical copy of her album from Target. As if having a chance to meet her isn’t enough, the physical copy of the album also includes 13 Polaroid shots of Taylor, 3 songwriting voice memos, and 3 bonus songs.
A decline in album sales has 2014 slated to be the first year in modern history where not one album has reached platinum status. An album reaches platinum certification when one million copies of the work have been purchased. According to Billboard, 1989 is forecast to sell 900,000+ in its first week alone which would make it the largest sales week for an album since March 2013 and a contender to reach platinum status before the end of the year.
We currently live in a fast-paced social media age where artists focus more on releasing quick singles instead of a quality, well-executed body of work. With 1989, not only does Taylor win by offering fans reasons to listen to and purchase her whole album, but her fans will also consistently get their money’s worth and more.
2. She writes about her love life a lot. So?
More often than not, when Taylor Swift is brought up in conversation, most people’s go-to argument about what’s wrong with her is the “fact” that she dates oh-so many guys and uses them to make a song that she can profit off of.
You constantly see tabloids that claim Taylor has dated every guy she has ever spoken to, yet no one ever talks about how sexist it is to target Taylor for using her private life as inspiration while ignoring male singers who do the same. Where do you think Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, or Chris Brown get their inspiration from? Usually it’s from real life experiences with women who have come and gone in their lives.
Taylor even took the time out to call out critics on this issue in a recent interview with an Australian radio show:
(Gifs via Buzzfeed)
I’d also like to take the time to mention that just because the most radio-friendly singles happen to be about her love life doesn’t mean that’s all she writes about. Each of her albums includes songs that cover many topics like her family (“The Best Day”), friendship (“Long Live”), the effects of fame (“The Lucky One”), and more.
3. Taylor Swift does have lyrical gems on her albums aside from what you hear on the radio
For those who haven’t taken the time to listen to Taylor’s full albums, chances are you’re not aware that she’s one of the best lyricists in pop music right now. I’m genuinely sorry if all you’ve heard from her are songs like “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” or “Shake It Off.”
Taylor’s songwriting ability is best showcased in songs like “All Too Well,” from her last album Red. One line from that song that stands out the most is “You called me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest.” In that one line Taylor is able to capture countless elements and emotions that come with an unexpected breakup. I could cite many more of Taylor’s best lyrical moments, but I think I’ll save that for another post. Until then, just listen for yourself:
4. Let’s all agree to stop mentioning Kanye
The joke that Taylor should thank Kanye West for her success is just that, a joke. Taylor isn’t that 18-year-old anymore and has proven that she has the ability to evolve into a powerful pop sensation all on her own.
Now, excuse me while I go blast 1989 in my car with the windows down.
In case you want to tell me how much you agree with me or yell at me about how wrong you think I am, catch me on Twitter at @AggiAshagre.
