Category: Music

Midnights: Album Review

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The moment Taylor Swift announced that she was releasing a new album at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, I may have done a happy dance and then spent the entire next few weeks waiting in eager and impatient anticipation for Midnights. As stated on several occasions in several blogs, I am a major Taylor Swift fan. I am a Swiftie. I’m not ashamed of that at all. I’ve listened to her since her first debut album came out in 2006. I was twelve at the time. Now I am 28, and I am still listening to Taylor Swift. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

So the second Midnights dropped on Friday, I had it on my Spotify to play on the way to work. I listened to the entire album, all thirteen songs, in the 45 minutes it took me to get to work. Then I went back and played the 3 am edition. My mom (my aunt, but I call her mom) saw that it dropped, and she’s like, ‘Well, I know what Keely is listening to for the next month.’ (She’s right. I’ve listened to the album since Friday on repeat.)

Now, most of you probably know that Red (Taylor’s Version) is my favorite album. Red has always been my favorite album of hers. Even before she re-released her version. Then she re-released her version and I loved Red even more. Not to say I don’t love all her albums, because I do. Hello, “cardigan” was my top song for 2020 and 2021. Red just clicked with me for some reason. A lot.

Well.

Move over Red because Midnights has taken over.

Even the songs that I perhaps don’t like as much as others, I still listen to them because of the lyrics, the music, and the whole vibe. This album is like she took all of the beautiful, breathtaking lyrics from folklore and evermore then combined them with the sound of like 1989 and Lover with some Reputation in there. Midnights, just wowza. I love this album. I may never listen to another album again. (Kidding, I will.)

Midnights is thirteen nights in Taylor Swift’s life. So they’re throughout her life. I find that absolutely fascinating, and I have so many questions.

Now, rather than go through all these songs, I’m going to talk about my favorite ones. These are the ones that hit me the most, and I’ve been playing on repeat for a while now. Seriously, I end my day with Taylor Swift, and I begin my day with Taylor Swift.

We’ll start with her newest single, “Anti-Hero.”

“Anti-Hero” is the third track from Midnights. While it’s not my favorite song, I do like it. It’s got an upbeat sound to it, which is funny because it’s a song about self-sabotage. It’s about how sometimes the person who is blocking your way. . . is, well. You. 

"I should not be left to my own devices
They come with prices and vices
I end up in crisis."

Who doesn’t feel like that? Who keeps climbing that ladder over and over again and keeps falling, toppling down everyone in your path?

Who can’t relate to this song?

And it’s about acknowledging your own flaws and seeing them and kind of hating them. Wondering if you could just fix them, maybe you wouldn’t be in your own way. But then, the song is also about accepting those flaws and realizing that, hey, you’re human.

Also, the video, as always is a gem. I love her videos. Taylor needs to make a movie. Oh, wait, she sort of did with “All Too Well.”

Pretty sure every millennial is like, “Damn, dude,” when it comes to this song.

Do I think it should’ve been the first single? No, not really. But I do get why. It’s catchy and pop. It’s got a nice beat to it. I personally wouldn’t have chosen “Anti-Hero” as the first new single, but I do like the song. It’s, like, maybe six or seven on my top five of Midnights.

As for the song that I’d chosen for the single, I’ll have to think about that.

My top five from Midnights keep changing, so we’ll go by track.

The next one that’s on my top five favorite songs from Midnights is “Snow on the Beach.”

Not going to lie, this song is like the theme of a new fanfiction I want to write for Law & Order: SVU. (Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. I’m a giant nerd.)

This song is about falling in love with someone while they’re falling in love with you. It’s one of those songs that you’d see in a TV show or a movie where the two main characters are circling around each other, making dinner together, going to the movies, all the little dates, and the feeling of just pure happiness.

It’s like snow. The first snow that falls, and it’s beautiful and perfect. But this isn’t just any snow. It’s snow on the beach. It’d unexpected, but it’s remarkable. It’s something you didn’t know would happen, but it did.

The combination of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey makes this song so heavenly and so sweet, with lovely yet simple lyrics. “Snow on the Beach” is a song that would be a romantic comedy, and I mean that as a compliment. I want to make a music video for this song (okay, so I want to make videos for like a lot of Taylor Swift’s songs). It’s just so lovely. 

"I've never seen someone lit from within
Blurring out my periphery
My smile is like I won a contest
And to hide that would be so dishonest."

The next song I listened to on repeat for like three hours on Sunday.

“Midnight Rain,” is a masterpiece. It’s my mom’s second favorite song on this album. (We’ll get to her favorite later.) This song is so damn good. So good.

The beginning of this song got me from the start. It starts with a lower voice which is actually Taylor’s voice, with some synth vibes. I don’t normally like synth, but this song, it works.

This song is about putting a career before a relationship. It’s about how the other person wanted a real relationship. Marriage, the white picket fence, the whole kit kaboodle. But she didn’t. She was working on her career and making a name for herself. Then, you have this relationship, and it’s like it never happened. Neither of them think about the other. 

"My boy was a montage
A slow-motion, love potion
Jumping off things in the ocean
I broke his heart 'cause he was nice
He was sunshine, I was midnight rain."

Excuse me while I play it on repeat for the next few hours.

I need a video for “Midnight Rain,” like stat. I’ll make it myself if I have to. Like with “Snow on the Beach.” But the song I want a video for the most is this next one.

“Vigilante Shit” gives me such Cruella vibes. Emma Stone’s Cruella de Vil. Like damn. Tell me that this song doesn’t give you all the villain vibes. The femme fatale vibes. It reminds me of Cruella, Maleficent, Yennefer, all those powerful women who were wronged (by men mostly but also by other women) who said, ‘You know what? Fuck you.’

Also, I feel like this song is like a cousin to songs from Reputation. Songs like “Don’t Blame Me” and “I Did a Bad Thing.” It has that kind of revenge and woman power vibe but not up in your face.

Also, the first line of this song, y’all. 

"Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man."

Damn, Taylor. Yes. Just yes, girl. Yes. Women are told to dress pretty. It’s always about appearances. That their make-up must look pretty. Be pretty. Be quiet. Be obedient. All that shit. This song is like, reclaiming it. It’s saying, ‘I’m not dressing for you, baby. I’m not dressing for you or anyone. I’m dressing for me.’ 

"Ladies always rise above
Ladies know what people want
Someone sweet and kind and fun
The lady simply had enough."

This song might be my theme song from now on. Just saying.

The next song is “The Great War,” which is one of the seven bonus tracks on the Midnights (3 am Edition). “The Great War” reminds me of folklore. Like if “The Great War” was on folklore, I wouldn’t even bat an eye. It would make sense. It’d make sense for “The Great War” to come after “exile.”

Look, I love all of Taylor’s songs. Obviously, but “The Great War” might be my favorite song. (At the moment, at least.) It has the most beautiful, raw lyrics. It flows so well, the lyrics, the music, everything. She’s painting a picture, and it’s gorgeous. You can see it in your head. The way this couple is.

This song is about being in a relationship and comparing it to all your other failed relationships. It’s about fighting and realizing that this isn’t the same as all the others. That he’s not the same. Something about this song touches me. All her songs touch me, but this one hits differently. Just like the next song hits differently. It’s like, she’s speaking what I can’t put into words. I write poetry, but I can’t write songs like she does.

She loves him, she does, but she has a past, and she thinks that’s all he sees. All she sees are her previous relationships. “The Great War” is about pushing past that doubt, the insecurities before she ruins a good thing. 

"You drew up some good faith treaties
I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone
You said I have to trust more freely
But diesel is desire, you were playing with fire
And maybe it's the past that's talking
Screaming from the crypt
Telling me to punish you for things you never did
So I justified it."

Just. . . .*chef’s kiss* I can’t stop listening to this song.

The last song is my mom’s favorite song.

“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” hit me like a train wreck. This son is about a relationship. Specifically, the relationship that Taylor had with John Mayer. she was only 19 at the time, and he was 32. There was a lot of heat for that age difference. “Dear John,” one of my favorite songs off of Speak Now, is also about him.

She’s saying that she regrets this relationship the most. That if they hadn’t dated that maybe she wouldn’t have had the experience she did in her next relationships. That this youthful, rebellious relationship with him scarred her. That was the beginning of her issues when it came to relationships. It’s raw and powerful, and the lyrics are incredible. This song. . .jeez.

Who hasn’t had a relationship that they regret? That they wish never happened? I know I have. 

"If clarity's in death, then why won't this die?
Years of tearing down our banners, you and I
Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts
Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first."

That last line hits me the hardest.

As for which should’ve been the single, I think it should’ve been “Vigilante Shit” or “Midnight Rain.”

Thus concludes my semi-review on Midnights. If you haven’t listened to the album, do so! There’s not a song on it that’s not good. That someone won’t relate too.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to play Midnights on repeat. Again.

Oh, and check out the video for “Bejeweled.” It’s shiny. (See what I did there?)

-K

What Song Would Save Your Life?

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Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up on Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, The Chicks, and Shania Twain. Just like I grew up on Eminem, DMX, and Tupac. And like I grew up on Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and George Michael. In middle and high school, I listened to Taylor Swift, Paramore, The Fray, Avril Lavigne, Panic at the Disco, Evanescence, Daughtry, and so many others. My life has a musical thread to it. Music is the one constant. Music has never let me down. It’s always been there. Whether I need to listen to some heavy rock like Metallica, Disturbed, Shinedown, Sick Puppies, or Skillet when I’m trying to calm down. On those when I’m tangled up in anger and frustration that I can’t explain, I turn them up loud. Or on the days when I feel strangely apathetic when I need some softer music, music that hits me deep within my heart and soul. Music like Lord Huron or LEON or BANKS. Music that makes me feel a bit more connected and makes me feel when I’m not feeling anything. Or on those days where I’m sad, but I don’t know why, so I turn on some Ed Sheeran or some of my favorite musicals like SIX, Rent!, or any Disney movie soundtrack, because it makes me feel better. It puts a pep in my step, and it’s like, okay, everything will be okay because we have music. Music is there. It’s real.

There are songs that I listen to that instantly bring back memories. Like “Bad Girlfriend” by Theory of a Deadman, my friend and I danced in my house, the walls shaking with how loud the music was. we once were hanging out and having a ball when Facebook started blowing up, and my mother called me asking if we were okay after the earthquake. My friend and I didn’t even realize there was an earthquake. We were having so much fun. Even listening to Jesse McCartney makes me think of her. Two extremes, Theory of a Deadman and Jesse McCartney, and bam! All the memories, ever.

Like the fact that even though I don’t like Bon Jovi, sometimes I’ll listen to “Wanted Dead or Alive” because it reminds me of my brother Tristan, just like listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers does. He went to a concert maybe like six years ago, and he recorded my favorite song of theirs just for me.

How when I listen to songs like “I Love Rock n’Roll” by Joan Jett or “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar, I think about those rare moments when my sister Chloe and I were home alone, just us girls. Those rare beautiful moments where we’d dance and sing (scream, really), and we were sisters. How much fun we had just being silly.

When I hear “1985” by Bowling for Soup, and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, I think of being at the club Decades with my best friends Caroline, Abby and Nick and we’d be singing it to each other like there was nothing wrong with the world. Like it was just us friends against the world, and that’s all we need. The end of last month, I went to Abby’s bachelorette party, and there was something about being back in Decades, about dancing and singing and being with friends. It was amazing.

Music reaches a part of you that sometimes you can’t explain, and in one of the shows of the summer, it addressed this. In Stranger Things, how they save Max is through her favorite song, “Runnin’ Up That Hill” by Kate Bush.

That got me thinking.

What song would save me from Vecna?

It didn’t take me long to figure it out.

“Freedom” by George Michael immediately came to mind. I can’t help it. I hear that song, and I am instantly happy. It’s like a power ballad and just, yes. Hell, I might get “Freedom” tattooed on my arm. or you know, some of the lyrics, who knows.

This song is like, a new start for George Michael. It was him saying, okay, I’m here but I’m not the same, and my music isn’t the same, and ain’t nothing wrong with that. He wanted to make his own music, and how he wanted. It’s such a power ballad and he’s like, taking back his power. How can you not like this song? Also, you’ve got supermodels lip-syncing the song, and it’s glorious.

And because of George Michael, we got this:

Yes, that is Zachary Quinto aka SPOCK lip-syncing to “Freedom” and it. is. glorious.

The point is, it’s one of my favorite songs, and if I was trapped with Vecna, I feel like it’d be that song that would bring me back.

Then I remembered that Stranger Things is set in the 80s, and this song was released in 1996, a full ten years after the newest season’s events but whatever. It still would save me.

Though if we are going based on, you know, what was available in 1986, then it would probably be a Fleetwood Mac song such as “Dreams” or “Rhiannon.”

Music is such an important part of us, who we are. you hear a song, and it brings back memories. It makes you feel something, whether that’s a good or a bad feeling. So of course it’sa song that saves Max’s life. It makes perfect sense to me.

So my question for you is: What song would save your life? Let me know in the comments!

-K

Red (Taylor’s Version): Album Review

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If you aren’t aware, Taylor Swift announced that she was re-recording her six first albums. She doesn’t own the masters of those songs due to a lot of legal stuff that I’m not smart enough to really understand. For more information on why she’s re-recording them, read this article. Basically she’s doing this so that she gets the money if the song is used in a movie or on streaming sights, and it’s a way for her to reclaim the songs she wrote. Which, hey, you know what, go you Taylor. I can’t blame her for doing that.

The first album she re-recorded and released was Fearless (Taylor’s Version), which was originally released in 2008. It was her second studio album, released after her self-titled album. A few of my favorite songs from the album are “Fearless,” “Breathe,” “Untouchable,” “You’re Not Sorry,” and “Forever & Always.”

Re-released, April 9, 2021, let me tell you, not only do I have a new appreciation for those songs in Fearless (Taylor’s Version) but her songs “From the Vault” are incredible. The “From the Vault” songs are ones that didn’t make it onto the album. Ones that were written for it, but no one has ever heard. There’s something about hearing Taylor’s more mature voice sing songs she wrote a decade ago. But even more, hearing songs that we’ve never heard from her.

Songs like “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” a subtle sassy jab at a guy who broke up with her and acts like he’s not hurting.

'Cause I hear he's got his arm 'round a brand-new girl
I've been pickin' up my heart, he's been pickin' up her
And I never got past what you put me through
But it's wonderful to see that it never phased you

“You All Over Me” tells how she tries so hard to get over a guy but he’s still there. 

The best and worst day of June
Was the one that I met you
With your hands in your pockets
And your 'don't you wish you had me' grin
But I did, so I smiled, and I melted like a child
Now every breath of air I breathe reminds me of then

“Bye Bye Baby” where she realizes she has to let go and leave. 

Bye, bye, to everything I thought was on my side
Bye, bye, baby
I want you bad but it's come down to nothing
And all I have is your sympathy
'Cause you took me home but you just couldn't keep me
Bye, bye, baby

November 12th, 2021, she released Red (Taylor’s Version). Now, Red has always been my favorite album. Taylor’s said that it’s her only album that’s really about heartbreak. I totally get that. Especially with songs like “All Too Well” and “Red.” “All Too Well” hurts when I listen to it. Just like when I listen to “Last Kiss” from Speak Now.

Holy crap. Just, y’all. I already loved Red as is. But now. . .yeah, I know what album I’ll be listening to forever now. Taylor has done it again, and honestly, I know we just got Red (Taylor’s Version) but like, I need more already. I can’t wait to see what we get from her version of Speak Now, 1989, reputation and her first album, because is this what with her versions of Fearless and Red, hot damn, it’s going to be gold. I can’t even listen to the original albums anymore because the new ones are superior.

Red (Taylor’s Version) takes an album was already incredible and raises it so high that I have no idea how she will top this album. It’s heartache. It’s tragic. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.

Now, I’m not going to talk about the songs we know, because well, they were perfect then and now they are practically perfect in everyway now. I want to talk about her “From the Vault” songs, also the video of “All Too Well,” and “Better Man.” We’ll start with “Better Man.”

I first heard “Better Man” when Little Big Town sang it. I didn’t even know that Taylor wrote the song. I love her version so much better. It feels more. . .raw and powerful. Her voice, in the words of my boyfriend Corey, is like an angel. This song is about how she loved this man and that they could’ve been something, is he was, obviously a “Better Man.” It’s beautiful and powerful, and honestly just as heartbreaking as “All Too Well.” I also love that it’s a call back to her country roots. 

I hold onto this pride because these days it's all I have
And I gave to you my best and we both know you can't say that
I wish you were a better man
I wonder what we would've become
If you were a better man
We might still be in love
If you were a better man
You would've been the one
If you were a better man

Take a listen to it. Seriously. Do it.

Now for her “From the Vault” songs. Oh, boy. Taylor, love you.

“I Bet You Think of Me” reminds me of “Mean” from Speak Now. That’s not a bad thing. It’s got that folky twanginess (is that a word) that I kind of dig. Also, it’s got the same tone as “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” by being one of those songs where it’s all chipper even though it’s like. . .throwing shade. I love songs like. Chris Stapleton (“Tennessee Whiskey” and “Say Something” with Justin Timberlake) sings harmony with this song.

There’s something so. . .easy about this song. Yeah, it’s about heartache. It’s a jab at an ex, but it’s like cool and sweet. For some reason I can picture a bunch of girls singing it at like a bachelorette party or something, arms around each other and they’re totally drunk swaying back and forth. Sometimes the best revenge songs are the ones that are like this.

But now that we're done and it's over
I bet you couldn't believe
When you realized I'm harder to forget than I was to leave
And I bet you think about me

We’re supposed to be getting a video of this song and honestly, I can’t wait.

The next song is one that I love so much, that I had it basically memorized a day after it was released.

“Forever Winter” hits me like a train. Like “All Too Well” and “Last Kiss” but in a different way. Because this doesn’t have to be about a lover. This could be about someone you care about. Whether that’s your sister or your brother or your friend. Someone who struggles with depression. It’s a tragically beautiful song. I can’t stop listening to it.

In this song, it captures the struggle of loving someone who struggles with mental illness, and all you want to do is make them feel better, but sometimes, you can’t. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do, and it hurts knowing that they’re suffering and you are helpless.

He seems fine most of the time
Forcing smiles and never minds
His laugh is a symphony
When the lights go out, it's hard to breathe
I pull at every thread trying to solve the puzzles in his head

“All Too Well” is my favorite song on Red. And now with this 10 minute version of “All Too Well” on Red (Taylor’s Version), one of the best songs of that album and of her, hits even harder. It’s more raw and stripped down. It’s sad beautiful tragic. Also, the short film she did for this song reminds me of why I want to do short films.

And there we are again when nobody had to know
You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath
Sacred prayer and we'd swear
To remember it all too well, yeah

For more on my love of our girl Taylor Swift, check out the other blog posts I’ve done!

How Taylor Swift’s Music Helped Me Embrace Being ME!

Lover: Album Review

evermore: album review

Reviews on Red (Taylor’s Version)

‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ Makes a Classic Even Better

Taylor Swift: Red (Taylor’s Version) review – getting back together with a classic

On ‘Red (Taylor’s Version),’ Taylor Swift’s Vault Tracks Are All Too Swell: Album Review

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to start this entire album from the beginning and put it on loop. Until next time!

-K

Songs I Keep Playing on Repeat

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“Hero” by Faouzia

I found this song through what I believe was a playlist based off of “right where you left me.” I fell in love. It’s so simple lyric wise, but like beautiful. Also, it’s catchy as hell with a great beat.

In a relationship, it’s about an equal partnership. I don’t think that one should save the other. You save each other. You become better people and grow with each other.

“I know this ain’t a fairytale, this is real life.”

“Bitter” by FLETCHER and Kito

Y’all, I have listened to this song ten times today already. Now eleven. This song is beast. The beat. The lyrics. Everything. What girl hasn’t been broken up with and the guy gets with another girl the next day? Damn. Love it.

Also that video is like intentionally sexy as fuck. She’s like “Boy, look at what you are missing.”

“I know you think about me when you kiss her. I left a taste in your mouth. Can she taste me now?”

“In the End” by Beth Crowley

Okay I have always loved Beth Crowley. Even way before she ever got onto Spotify. I love her music. Some of my favorite songs include “Battle Cry,” “Red,” “Warrior,” and “Midnight.” Her lyrics are phenomeonal. So rare and exposed. I love that. Yes, they are mostly based on books or shows or movies, but like, they could be towards everything. Take this song for example.

This is about a relationship that’s doomed from the start. Yes, they love each other, but in the end, they are going to destroy each other. Their relationship isn’t going to last.

“But something this powerful and dangerous will burn until there’s nothing left.”

“Mr. Perfectly Fine” by Taylor Swift

Okay, if you don’t know by now that I love Taylor Swift then where have you been this entire time? I’ve only said it a million times and had three blog posts dedicated to her (Lover: Album Review, evermore: Album Review, and How Taylor Swift’s Music Helped Me Embracing ME). So yes, you should know I love her. And I have no shame.

You know what I also love? Those songs that are actually like throwing shade but they don’t sound like it. Like this one. It’s so like, peppy but she’s basically calling him out. This guy dumped her and he’s over it and with another girl, while she’s not. Apparently it’s about Joe Jonas.

“So dignified in your well-pressed suit, So strategized, all the eyes on you, sashay away to your seat. It’s the best seat, in the best room. Oh, he’s so smug, Mr. ‘Always Wins’. So far above me in every sense. So far above feeling anything.”

“All Your Exes” by Julia Michaels

I feel like if I was going to write a love song, this would be. It starts all sweet. . . .then you get to the chorus and you’re like “Oh.” I love it.

I mean who hasn’t dated someone, and they talk about their exes, and you’re like no. I don’t want to hear about them. I don’t care about them. I’m here. Screw them. This song takes that and runs with it. She’s saying I want to be the only one. There’s no exes. I’m all there is. Those exes don’t exist. It’s such a great song.

“I want to live in a world where there’s no exes at all. Like you were waiting for me to be the first thing you fall for.”

“right where you left me” by Taylor Swift

(Repeats what I said under “Mr. Perfectly Fine.”

Wow. This song hit me right in the feels. (Do people still say that anymore?) Like who hasn’t felt this way? Who hasn’t been oh so in love. Felt wanted. Then they drop you. You’re left there. Just waiting and waiting. And that’s all there is. It’s sad and it’s depressing, and per usual the queen Taylor has put that feeling into words. Thank you, Taylor.

“Did you hear about the girl who lives in delusion? Break-ups happen every day, you don’t have to lose it.”

“Strange Love” by Halsey

Wow. This song. It’s fucking hot. Okay? Like the beat, Halsey’s voice. Their voice is amazing. This song is amazing. Honestly, all I’m picturing is like some dark, smoky club, bodies grinding and winding, with a girl dressed in a kickass black dress that’s probably way too short for public fuck ’em, and fuck me heels staring down a guy across the room. You know, that come hither gaze. Just saying. Hello.

I can spout about the meaning of this song because well, I don’t know. I just like the song, okay? Don’t at me. Thanks.

“And everybody wants to know about how it felt to hear you scream. They know you walk like you’re a god. They can’t believe I made you weak.”

Shivers by Ed Sheeran

Oh, Ed. This song makes me want to dance. That is all. Listen to it!

Now go listen to all these songs! What are you listening to? Tell me in the comments! I am always looking for new music!

-K

evermore: album review

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Remember how I said Red is my favorite Taylor Swift album? Well, I have a new favorite album. Remember how I said Lover is Taylor Swift’s best album? Yeah, I was wrong. evermore is her best album. folklore is what Lover and folklore tried to be but didn’t quite reach the mark. (My thoughts on Lover is here.)

Taylor Swift has probably saved the disaster called 2020. Because let’s be real, 2020 was a doozy of a year. Hell, only 7 days into 2021 and there was a riot at the Capitol.

Yeah. That happened.

But we aren’t going to talk about that. Because you know what, it is now President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and I am here for it. They’ll save us. I just know it. But let’s talk about the artist who saved us in 2020. Taylor Swift.

She released folklore in July. Then, surprise, she released evermore, the sister album in December. Oh, and there are theories that there could be a third album. (Let’s hope so, again, 7 days in and yeah, 2021 might not better than 2020.) Taylor released folklore without any promos. She was like “Here I am. New music! Enjoy!” With evermore, she posted on social media about how they couldn’t stop writing songs and to expect a new album. And while I do enjoy folklore, I think that evermore is the better album. Every single song on that album is deep and powerful. Whereas on folklore there are a few strong songs but then it gets a bit. . . .lost? Like with Lover, there are songs on folklore that don’t hit as hard as others, and thus get drowned out by the more powerful songs.

evermore, on the other hand, seems more composed. All the songs can hold their own on evermore and are deep, meaningful and impactful. Now that’s not to say that there are songs on evermore I prefer to the other songs. Because there are. However, before we get to the review of evermore, I thought I’d give my top four songs on folklore. These four songs I think are the strongest ones on folklore, and the ones I had on repeat for a while.

exile

“exile” is a duet and it’s so beautifully done. It goes back and forth between the male and the female then towards the end the female voice (Taylor) is answering the male.

This song is about to ex-lovers who see each other again after a break-up, and how quickly one moved on. It mentions warning signs and how maybe, they should’ve known that the relationship wasn’t going to work out.

My favorite lyrics are:

"I can see you starin', honey like he's just your understudy. Like you'd get your knuckles bloody for me."

cardigan

I played this song so much when it first came out that it made it on my 2020 Spotify Wrap Up and folklore came out in July. I love this song so much that I still listen to it and don’t get tired of it. Ever.

According to Taylor Swift, this song is apart of a Teenage Love Triangle story. I interpret this song a bit differently. I think it’s about first love. It’s that love that new and fresh. The first time you fall in love and it’s so easy to fall. You’re fearless.

But then that love fades. You grow up. And you realize that it’s time to move on.

My favorite lyrics are: 

"I knew you, tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy, 
I knew you, leavin' like a father, running like water."

Also, the video to this song is incredible. If you haven’t watched it, you need to.

the lakes

This is actually a bonus track. I heard it first when I was on a playlist on YouTube and then fell in love. It’s such a beautiful song, and per usual, the lyrics are incredible. If you haven’t heard this song yet, you need to. It has some of the most eloquent and stunning imagery. 

"While I bathe in cliffside pools with my calamitous love and insurmountable grief."

It’s magnificent. I can’t tell you what this song is about. To me, it’s like she’s saying “Let’s get out of this place. Let’s go some place where we can just be and be.”

My favorite lyrics are: 

"A red rose grew up out of ice frozen ground with no one 
around to tweet it."

the 1

First, the tone of this song — and really the entirety of folklore and evermore — is so casual. There’s nothing strained about it or forced. It’s casual and simple and easy.

“the 1” to me feels likes a song about the one who got away. That person who could’ve been the one and they kept trying but they didn’t click. The puzzle pieces never fit together. And while this could be a sad song, it doesn’t feel like it. It’s like a remembrance, rather than a goodbye.

My favorite lyrics are: 

"I persist and resist the temptation to ask you, if one thing had been different, 
would everything be different today?"
evermore by Taylor Swift

Now let’s get evermore. When this album first came out, I waited (impatiently) for it to appear in my Spotify then proceeded to listen to the whole album twice when I really should’ve been sleeping. As always, I have my favorite songs but I love this album. It is practically perfect in every way. Like Mary Poppins.

willow

This was the first song we got to hear from evermore. And boy, did it deliver. This song had me at the first line.

"I'm like the water when your ship rolled in that night."

I am a music lover (obviously) and just like when it comes to books, the first line or the first beat is what gets me. “willow” had me from the start. It’s got such an easy, almost joyful but not like up-in-your-face quality to it. I love the simple instruments with the guitar and the piano. That’s all it needs is those instruments. Nothing else. The lyrics speak for themselves.

“willow” is a love song. It’s like a version of “Lover” but different. “Lover’ is more yes, up-in-your-face and still a great song. Whereas “willow” is sweet, easy and casual. I love the vibes. It reminds me of one of those movies where the girl falls for the guy but it’s drawn out or like he’s dying or she’s dying. Basically, a John Green novel.

My favorite lyrics are: 

"Wait for the signal, and I'll meet you after dark, show me the places where the others gave you scars."

champagne problems

This song hits me almost as hard as “Last Kiss” does. But in a different way. “Last Kiss” is so raw and sad that I tear up nearly every time that I hear this song. “champagne problems” still has that rawness but different.

Taylor is telling the story about a woman who was too afraid to love and left a great guy. I can relate to that. Who can’t? Who hasn’t looked at this great person and wondered why they deserve it? The woman turns down a proposal because she’s not ready. And yes, it’s sad but maybe he’ll find happiness somewhere else. Maybe she’ll be braver the next guy around.

My favorite lyrics are: 

"I never was ready so I watch you go. Sometimes you just don't know 
the answer 'til someone's on their knees and asks you."

gold rush

This isn’t my favorite song on this album. It kind of reminds me of “Gorgeous” from Reputation. It’s an okay song but it’s not like gold. (See what I did there?)

This song is about looking at someone and being jealous of them, or rather jealous of the fact that everyone wants that one person. But Taylor wants them.

My favorite lyrics are:

"I don't like that anyone would die to feel your touch. Everybody wants you.
Everybody wonders what it would be like to love you, walk past, quick brush."

’tis the damn season

For me, this song is about a love that come and goes. It’s like a summer love. Or in this case, a holiday love. A love that you begin then you leave to pursue dreams and maybe meet someone else. Then you come back home and then you see that old flame. Sparks fly (See what I did there?) and it’s a rush. It’s beautiful. But it’s just for a weekend. 

"So we could call it even. You could call me 'babe' for the 
weekend 'tis the damn season."

It’s like a Lifetime or a Hallmark movie. The one where boy meets this girl and she’s wonderful and mysterious and it’s only a weekend. Then he spends the rest of the movie looking for this girl. That’s how I see this song.

My favorite lyrics are:

"Sleep in half the day just for old times' sake. I won't ask you to 
wait if you don't ask me to stay."

tolerate it

Can I just say about this song? Ouch. This song makes me sad. Man, do I relate to this song. Whether you think it’s about a child speaking to their parent or a woman speaking to a man. This song hits. It’s sad and raw. As all us Swifties know, the number 5 slot is reserved for the heartbreak songs. Previous songs include “Cold as You,” “White Horse,” “Delicate,” “The Archer,” “Dear John,” and “All Too Well.”

This song is about loving someone and trying to doing everything, absolutely everything, to try and get their love. You do everything for them. Try to be the best for them. 

"I wait by the door like I'm just a kid, use my best colors for your portrait, 
lay the table with the fancy shit."

You want their love. Their devotion. Like what you’ve given to them. But you don’t have it, and the truth it, you’ll never have it. They simply tolerate it. Tolerate you. And I think everyone could relate to this song somehow. It hits differently than “All Too Well” which is one of my favorite songs from Red. But it still evokes such feelings in my soul.

My favorite lyrics are:

"I made you my temple, my mural, my sky. Now I'm begging for footnotes in the story of your life."

no body, no crime

When I first heard this song, my immediate thought was “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks and “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood. Those great country revenge songs. It takes us back to Taylor’s country roots but rather than the pop-country, it’s that old country. It’s The Chicks and Reba McEntire.

This song follows Taylor as she talks to her friend Este who thinks her husband is cheating. Well, the hubby kills Este and Taylor is suspicious. Well, Taylor knows he did so she revenges her friend’s death and pins it on his mistress. It’s simple but has a great meaning. Plus, who doesn’t love a good ole revenge song?

My favorite lyrics are: 

"And I noticed when I passed his house his truck has got some brand 
new tires. And his mistress moved in, sleeps in Este's bed and everything."

happiness

I really like this song. First, the title is deceptive, because the song itself is sad and melancholy, not just the lyrics but with the music.

This son gis about a relationship that ends, an dit ended up being toxic, decaying in a way, and acknowledging that, but also, not forgetting the good times. Just because a relationship ends and sure, it may have ended badly. That doesn’t mean that you can’t remember the good times and love those sweet moments.

My favorite lyrics are:

"Tell me, when did your winning smile begin to look like a smirk? When did all our lessons start to look like weapons pointed at my deepest hurt?"

dorothea

This song is simply, cute. It’s a bit jarring after “happiness.” Since that song is very slow and sad, while this song is still got that acoustic. It’s just a different tone.

This song is a bit confusing. Not sure what it’s about. I think it’s about a friend who is talking about a girl who ran off and left the small town. Wanted a change. This song is her friend saying, hey, do you remember us? Do you remember where you came from?

I really just love Taylor’s voice in this. She plays with high notes and low notes. A sort of rough, rusty, raw quality to her voice.

My favorite lyrics are:

"And damn, Dorothea, they all wanna be ya. But are you still the 
same soul I met under the bleachers?"

coney island

The beginning of this song. Just the soft guitar and that’s it, basically. It’s so beautiful. The lyrics of this song go back and forth between Taylor and the male singer. And I think this song has some of the most beautiful, imagery lyrics with the simple, casual back and forth conversation.

This song, like a lot of Taylor’s songs, is about an old relationship. It’s about loss and nostalgia. It’s about how one gave their all and the other didn’t try. It wasn’t equal, and the relationship couldn’t work if they both didn’t try.

My favorite lyrics are:

"But you were too polite to leave me. And do you miss the rogue who 
coaxed you into paradise and left you there? Will you forgive my soul 
when you're too wise to trust me and too old to care?"

ivy

This song grew on me. At first, I ignored it but then I really listened to it and went, uh, wow. Okay, I love it.

Now, according to others, this song is about a wife who falls in love with another man who is obviously not her husband. I don’t really see it, but this is one of those songs that I think is really open to interpretation.

My favorite lyrics are:

"I'd live and die for moments that we stole on begged and borrowed time."

cowboy like me

Oh my gosh. This song. I can’t even. This song is perfect. This song reminds me of like those Hallmark movies. 

"And you asked me to dance, but I said, 'Dancin' is a dangerous game.'"

Like when two people meet but they don’t plan on falling in love and they do. It’s so country and slow and beautiful. This is a song that goes back to her country roots with the soft guitar playing. It’s when two people are slow dancing and they just meet and there’s this spark. The guy is holding this girl, maybe his friends bullied him into going out and he’s like ‘Wow. This girl is really something.’ And it’s just, wonderful.

My favorite lyrics are:

"And the skeletons in both our closets plotted hard to fuck this up. And the old men that I've swindled really did believe I was the one."

long story short

This song is again, a bit jarring after the ballad “cowboy like me.” It’s a fast paced song. It’s almost like, she’s making fun of herself? And also like a resolution of her past and like you know what, it’s time to let go. Let’s have some fun.

Also, this line in the chorus (below) makes me giggle.

My favorite lyrics are:

"Clung to the nearest lips, long story short, it was the wrong guy."

marjorie

I can’t listen to this song. Not because I don’t like it, but because it reminds me of my grandpa who passed away August 9th, 2017. This song hits me hard. It’s about Taylor’s grandmother, Marjorie. An ode to her and her memory. how when you lose something, you want to cling to them. You want to keep everything of theirs so you have them with you. Always.

My favorite lyrics are:

"I should've asked you questions. I should've asked you how to be asked you to write it down for me, should've kept every grocery 
store receipt 'cause every scrap of  you would be taken from me."

closure

This song is different than the others because of the background noise that’s like drums? It’s almost a bit, edgy? Like something Alanis Morissette or Liz Phair would sing. I kind of want more of this edgy rock Taylor. That would be interesting, not going to lie.

This song is about an ex and Taylor is basically like I don’t need your closure. I can still be mad at you. Get over it.

My favorite lyrics are:

"Don't treat me like some situation that needs to be handled. I'm fine with 
my spite and my tears, and my beers and my candles. I can feel you smoothing me over."

evermore

Like with “exile” from folklore, this song is a back and forth with Justin Vernon.

This song is such a sweet ending to this album. It’s hopeful and sweet. A true ballad. It’s about being depresed then suddenly, feeling better after so long. It’s such a beautiful song. (I need a new word. I use that a lot.) But it is.

My favorite lyrics are:

"Can't not think of all the cost and the things that will be lost. Oh, can we just get a pause?"

And now that I’ve reviewed the entire album. Here are the songs ranked. 🙂

  1. champagne problems
  2. cowboy like me
  3. willow
  4. tis the damn season
  5. no body, no crime,
  6. ivy
  7. coney island
  8. tolerate it
  9. long story short
  10. evermore
  11. marjorie
  12. dorothea
  13. happiness
  14. gold rush

I hope you enjoyed this review of evermore. If you haven’t listened to it, or to folklore. Do it! You won’t be disappointed.

-K

What Am I Listening to This Week?

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“Underdog” by Alicia Keys

I first heard this song on my cousin Paige’s Pandora shuffle. I fell like, instantly in love with it. It’s got an incredible beat. It makes you want to get up and move. It’s also has an incredible beat. This is a song that has power behind it. Or rather, it empowers you. When I listen to this song, it makes me believe that I can do anything. I think we all need a song like this. Alicia Keys has this way of singing songs that you feel something. This makes me feel invincible. Take a listen to it.

“Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi

First, I love Lewis Capaldi. Period. I love his voice, his songs. Everything. I first heard this song on the radio. This song is vastly different than “Underdog” but I am in love with it. “Underdog” makes you feel invincible. This song makes you think. It makes you think about how everyone is going through their own crucible. You never know what they are going through. This song addresses mental illness and suicide. It’s a beautiful song for such a hard topic that no one wants to talk about. It made me feel feelings. It’s so raw and open. Take a listen to it.

“Stupid Love” by Lady Gaga

SHE’S BACK. Yes. When I heard Lady Gaga had a new single, I dropped everything and instantly listened to it. This song is drastically different than “Before You Go” but similar to “Underdog” in the way that it makes you want to dance. It makes me want to call up my girlfriends and have a fun dance night with wine and ice cream. “Stupid Love” reminds me of the 70s and 80s. It got such a great beat. In the world we are living in right now, we need songs like “Underdog” and “Stupid Love.” Take a listen. And as always, Lady Gaga has a weird but awesome video.

“Gooey” by Glass Animals

Now we are switching gears. “Gooey” is nothing like any of the other songs. I first heard it in my friend Ivana’s car when we heading to a shoot for our capstone class. “Gooey” has such a chill vibe to it. This isn’t a new song compared to the other ones. It came out 6 years ago, but it’s new to me. I thought I’d share. This song also makes you want to dance but more like sway and hang out with friends while probably smoking something. This song makes me feel all chill and relaxed. Take a listen to it. It almost reminds me of the 60s in a way.

“Better Man” by Little Big Town

Another drastic change since this is a country song. I heard it on the radio as well. I’ve always loved Little Big Town. This song is so beautiful. She’s basically saying: “The bravest thing I ever did was leave you. And maybe, maybe if you were a better man, you would’ve deserved me. But you weren’t.” Again, not a new song since it came out 3 years ago. But it’s new

Honorable Mentions:

“Lost on You” by LP

When I was on YouTube on a random playlist, this song came on. I fell in love with LP. This song is from 2016 but it doesn’t matter. It still goes hard. I love it so much. I want to learn how to sing it really well and maybe make a video for it. Who knows? Either way, you should listen to this song and LP’s other songs.

“The Man” by Taylor Swift

I’ve been listening to this song since Taylor Swift released her newest album, Lover. This song is amazing. Taylor is exploring lyrically how different would her life have been if she was born a man? Would she had gotten the same flack she got as a woman as a man? And now there’s a video. You should listen to it.

I hope you enjoy these songs!

Also it’s kind of amusing to me how different all of these songs are. It shows how my music is all over the place.

-K

Lover: Album Review

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If you’ve read my other blog post “How Taylor Swift’s Music Helped Me Embrace Being ME!” then you know that I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. I am a Swiftie, and I have no shame in saying that at all. For some reason it feels like if you are a Taylor Swift fan, it’s like something you should be ashamed of? I don’t get that. I like Taylor Swift. And nothing anyone says is ever going to change my mind on that. Ever since she dropped her first single from her album “ME!” ft. Brenden Urie of Panic! at the Disco, I’ve been waiting in eager anticipation for her new album to be released. I stalked all the sites to figure out when we were getting her album. Then we got a date and I was counting down the days. Finally, it happened. On August 23rd, Taylor Swift released her 7th album called Lover. According to USA Today:

‘Lover’ racked up 867,000 equivalent album units in its debut week, including 679,000 in album sales and 226 million in on-demand audio streams for the album’s songs, according to Nielsen Music.”

-USA Today

That Friday when I heard it was released (and considering I stalk Buzzfeed, I knew pretty quick that the album was out), Lover was the only album I listened to for almost two weeks. Even now, I’m still listening to it. I listened to the album so much that three songs from the album made it to my Top Songs 2019 Spotify made for me. Those songs were “Cruel Summer,” “I Think He Knows” and “The Man.” In fact, for the third year, Taylor Swift was my top played artist on Spotify. Like I said, I am a Taylor Swift fan.

Listening to that album on Friday made my day. I was having a stressful day with school and then I listened to Taylor Swift’s new album and I felt instantly better. Music has always done that for me. And trust me, if you’ve listened to Lover you know that there are some bops on that album (as well as some flops but we’ll get to that later).

What is this album about? Well, as the title suggests, it is all about love. At times the album does seem disjointed but somehow there is still a connection. This album is all about love. This album isn’t just about ex-boyfriends but also about friendship and family. it’s about different types of love that you can have for someone. That meaning is very clear. And it’s beautiful.

Now let’s dive into this!

I Forgot You Existed

This song is about Kanye West. No doubt. That whole feud and everything. (If you don’t know what happened between Kanye West and Taylor Swift, booooooooy, you’ve missed a lot. Here’s a handy timeline to get you caught up.)

This right here started it all between Taylor Swift and Kanye West

This song, according to the story line part on Spotify, is about closing the era of Reputation. It’s about moving on. Taylor is saying “Oh, you exist. I forgot. Oops?” It’s peppy and fun. It starts off the album in a good way.

“I Forgot You Existed” is almost a funny song. A song that you’d hear in a cheesy rom-com like How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days or Mean Girls. And no, that’s not an insult, it’s a good thing. It’s almost like Taylor is making fun of herself for holding onto what happened between her, Kanye, and Kim. And now she’s like “Oh. Why did I even care?“

I think that when you are an artist, you need to be able to look at the past, and laugh at it. This is what this song does.

I mentioned earlier that this album is about love. It is. Even this song is. It’s about self-love. It’s about forgetting and forgiving. It’s about moving on and just brushing the dirt off your shoulders. Taylor is done with Kanye and Kim and saying “You know what? I don’t need you. I’m done.”

My favorite lyrics (of course) is the bridge.

“I forgot that you
Sent me a clear message
Taught me some hard lessons
I just forget what they were
It’s all just a blur“

This album isn’t just about love, it’s a about new era for Taylor Swift.

Cruel Summer

After hearing this song, it took me a while to let it go and continue on with the rest of the album. I love this song that much. If I ever get a TikTok account, I’d definitely do a fun, quirky video with this song or one of the other songs from this song.

I listened to “Cruel Summer” repeat. Then finally, I had to move on to the rest of the album. “Cruel Summer” though, just wow Taylor. I love it.

“Cruel Summer” is about a summer love that hey, it might be doomed from the very beginning but you know what? Let’s do it. It’s about taking a chance and just diving in. This song is about desperation and clinging to a love that started out temporary, but now, you want it to be longer. There’s almost something hopeful about this song as well. Like maybe, it will be okay. Eventually. Maybe, it will last.

My favorite lyric is this one:

“And I screamed for whatever it’s worth
I love you, ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?”

Who writes a lyric like that? Taylor Swift that’s who. She’s like “I love you.” But also whispers “That should terrify you.” And it’s wonderful. Love isn’t all rainbows and puppies. Sometimes, it’s a bitch. This song captures that. Love is a roller coaster mess.

Lover

This song is the title of this album. On Spotify Storyline Taylor said:

I wanted to make music that in a lot ways feels timeless.”

She wrote “Lover” completely by herself instead of co-written like her other songs on the album.

This song makes me feel all ooey-gooey inside like a marshmallow roasting on a fire. “Lover” is so unbearingly sweet at times. It’s a love song. This song makes me want to sway with my imaginary boyfriend while it’s raining. (Which is really gross but that’s how this song makes me feel.) But a Taylor Swift love song. One thing I have always loved about her is that she knows how to write songs and make it a story. Her lyrics are truly beautiful.

“Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover
And you’ll save all your dirtiest jokes for me
And at every table, I’ll save you a seat, lover”

I never get tired of this song. It’s been playing all over the radio. Hell there’s even a remix with Shawn Mendes. But I still love it. Check out the video!

The Man

The contrast between “Lover” and “The Man” is staggering but also fantastic. Taylor goes from a beautiful wedding ballad to this female empowerment bop. It’s fantastic.

All I picture when I hear this song is a bunch of women in suits.

Basically that but you know, black suits not pastel ones. She released the video for “The Man” and I am loving it! I actually want to create my own fanvideo for the song. Who is interested in being a badass woman in a sharp black suit? Let’s do it!

Think more like this.

“The Man” is such a power song. It’s now on my “Woman Power” playlist on Spotify. When I listen to it, I want to strut my stuff.

But it also makes a good point. There’s such a double standard in our society. Artists like Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Usher, Justin Bieber, etc., — male artists — can write songs about their exes and not get flack about it. But when women write about their exes like Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, etc., then they get flack. What’s the difference? Often times it seems like a woman can do the same thing a man does but it’s the woman who gets condemned. Taylor here is addressing that. She’s wondering if she was a man, would her life be different? I imagine she’s not the only woman who has wondered:

If a man did what I did, would he be ostracized like I am being?“

“What’s it like to brag about raking in dollars
And getting bitches and models?
And it’s all good if you’re bad
And it’s okay if you’re mad

If I was out flashin’ my dollas
I’d be a bitch, not a baller
They’d paint me out to be bad
So it’s okay that I’m mad”

If you haven’t checked out the video. . . .DO IT. It’s great. I love it so much. On another note, maybe all the women in the world should just wear a suit every single day. How do I get this started? Anyone?

The Archer

I mentioned that this album isn’t just about romantic love, it’s also about self-love. This song is the one that makes me believe it’s about self-love. I don’t think the ‘you’ Taylor sings about is a guy. Instead, the ‘you’ is her. She’s singing to herself. This song is so beautiful and simple. It’s easy and effortless. Yes, it’s about her past relationships — romantic or platonic — but also about her self.

“The Archer” is track 5, and as we Swifties know, track 5 on any Taylor Swift is usually the most raw, vulnerable and open song on the album. Her previous track 5 songs are: “Cold as You,” “White Horse,” “Dear John,” “All Too Well,” “All You Had to Do Was Stay,” and “Delicate.” What started out as an accident has now become a phenomenon. Check out this ranking of the Taylor Swift’s track 5 songs.

“All the king’s horses, all the king’s men
Couldn’t put me together again
‘Cause all of my enemies started out friends
Help me hold on to you”

My nickname in high school — well, one of my nicknames — was Artemis. I’ve been wanting to get an Artemis themed tattoo for a while. Now I’m wanting it even more because of this song.

I Think He Knows

This song reminds me of a jazz club. I’m not sure why. All I picture in my head is this peppy girl with a ponytail singing this song, and like all the guys — and even some of the girls — are swooning as she holds like an old fashioned microphone and sings the song. And it’s all smoky and mysterious. It’s so upbeat and almost. . . .sexy in a way? I can’t explain it. Somehow it’s sexy. I really hope Taylor releases a music video for this song. If she doesn’t, then it looks like I’ll be making a fanvideo.

This song is about a crush. That powerful, all encompassing crush. . . .who knows that you are crushing on him hard. It’s such a cute song. It makes you want to dance and move. Just the first verses alone draw you in.

“I think he knows his footprints
On the sidewalk
Lead to where I can’t stop
Go there every night

I think he knows his hands around
A cold glass
Make me wanna know that body
Like it’s mine”

Think of a celebrity right now. I bet you can think of so many that this song fits. Or hell, even a guy you know that this song fits.

Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

Taylor Swift is breaking politics. I am here for it. Are you? I’m ready. Bring it on, Taylor. Come on. Preach. That is what this song is about. She says:

This song is about disillusionment with out crazy world of politics and inequality, set in a metaphorical high school.”

She goes on to say:

I wanted it to be about finding one person who really sees you and cares about you through all the noise.”

Who doesn’t want someone like that? Who doesn’t want someone who sees through all the bullshit and only sees you? This song is about her being painted as America’s sweetheart. But now America’s sweetheart is mad. She doesn’t like what’s happening in the world, and she’s not keeping quiet anymore. yes “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” is a protest song but it’s not an up-in-your-face protest song. It’s subtle but direct. Here’s what Variety had to say about the song.

“My team is losing, battered and bruising
I see the high fives between the bad guys
Leave with my head hung, you are the only one
Who seems to care
American stories burning before me
I’m feeling helpless, the damsels are depressed
Boys will be boys then, where are the wise men?
Darling, I’m scared (Ah)”

Taylor released a documentary on Netflix called Miss Americana. I haven’t watched it yet but I plan on it.

Paper Rings

This song. Wow. It’s so poppy! (Is that a word? Well now it is.) It’s so cute and helplessly romantic. It’s about being in love and not caring about material things. “Lover” and “Paper Rings” are both love songs but they are different types of love songs. Either way, I love them both.

“Paper Rings” is bouncy and fun. It reminds me of almost the Spice Girls or like that kind of music in the 90s. Fun and music that makes you want to move and dance and be with your significant other.

“I want to drive away with you
I want your complications too
I want your dreary Mondays
Wrap your arms around me, baby boy”

The only problem with “Paper Rings” is that when you compare it to the next song which is like, gold, it falls a bit flat. and now to our next song. . .

Cornelia Street

This song is tied for being my favorite song on this album with “Cruel Summer.” After I heard this song I kept switching back and forth between them. I love this song. It’s so beautiful but so heartbreaking as well. It’s a song about goodbyes. It’s sad, yes, but it’s sweet. It’s hopeful.

“You hold my hand on the street
Walk me back to that apartment
Years ago, we were just inside
Barefoot in the kitchen
Sacred new beginnings
That became my religion, listen”

I think also instead of a goodbye song, it could a be a thank you song as well.

Death By A Thousand Cuts

When you compare this song to the one before, it falls. . .flat. I don’t dislike the song but it comes right after the masterpiece called “Cornelia Street.” Perhaps if it was before “Cornelia Street,” it would work better.

London Boy

Okay, even with Idris Elba making a guest appearance in this song, it’s not my favorite. I don’t get the point of it? So yeah. Not my favorite. We’re moving on.

Soon You’ll Get Better

This song hit me right in the feelings. Like just stabbed me in the heart. It made me cry. Also, I love the Dixie Chicks and them teaming up with Taylor Swift? Yes. I love it. This song is about her mother’s cancer and god, as someone who lost someone to grandpa, it hit me hard. It really did make me cry. I imagine most of us know someone who has or had cancer. It’s a rough journey not only for them, but also for you.

And this song is Taylor telling her mom the things she’s never been been able too. And it’s so sad and beautiful and raw. I love it. She’s telling herself all this because she has too.

“And I hate to make this all about me
But who am I supposed to talk to?
What am I supposed to do
If there’s no you?This won’t go back to normal, if it ever was
It’s been years of hoping, and I keep saying it because
‘Cause I have to“

False God

After “Soon You’ll Get Better,” this song also falls flat. Maybe because it’s such a dramatic shift. “Soon You’ll Get Better” is a song about Taylor’s mother. “False God” is I’ve listened to it and I like it, but maybe I need to listen to it when my brain isn’t full of the other beautiful songs on this song. I mean, the trumpet in the background is incredible. And these lyrics:

“But we might just get away with it
Religion’s in your lips
Even if it’s a false god
We’d still worship
We might just get away with it
The altar is my hips
Even if it’s a false god”

It’s a sexy song, but it’s overshadowed by songs like “Cruel Summer” and “Miss America and the Heartbreak Prince.” It’s sad, but true.

You Need To Calm Down

Here’s the thing. The world is filled with these people who are so negative. They bring everyone down. Have you ever read the comments on Facebook or YouTube? Yeah, it’s a hole of negativity and really. . . .they need to calm down.

This is like my aunt and I’s theme song. It’s our happy song. We need t-shirts that say “You need to calm down.” Because trust me, the trolls on the internet need to calm the hell down. Everyone is always attacking others over the smallest, tiniest thing. It’s so annoying. It’s like damn, can’t I watch this movie without people telling me I can’t because it’s not like the video game? Damn, can’t I listen to this artist without being told I’m a Femi-Nazi? Damn, I can’t watch a Marvel movie without someone telling me I shouldn’t because they killed Iron Man?

This song is also like a power song to the LGBTQ+ community. There are SO many cameos in the video that it’s insane. I’m talking Rupaul, the guys from Queer Eye, so many cameos. It’s beautiful. Check out the video below. Seriously. Do it!

“You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace
And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate
‘Cause shade never made anybody less gay”

Afterglow

This song is about self-sabotaging and ruining a good thing. She’s owning up to that. And again, if you compare this song to similiar songs like “The Archer,” it falls flat as well. Which sucks. Because I really enjoy the lyrics of this song. Maybe I need to only listen to this song and “False God” to really appreciate them better.

“Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves
Chemistry ’til it blows up, ’til there’s no us
Why’d I have to break what I love so much?
It’s on your face, and I’m to blame, I need to say”

ME!

This was the first single off Lover. I have to say at first I was a bit iffy about it. . . .the radio kept playing it over and over again. And just like with “Shake It Off” I grew to adore this song. “ME!” is so catchy and upbeat. It’s quirky and fun. It’s a pastel daydream with cats and Brendon Urie from Panic! At the Disco. Who doesn’t love him?

This song is about loving someone for them and also, being yourself. It’s cute. Not chalk full of hidden depths like her other songs on this album, but still about. . .you guessed it, love.

“And when we had that fight out in the rain
You ran after me and called my name
I never wanna see you walk away”

It’s Nice To Have A Friend

I can’t even with this song. I hate it. Sorry, Taylor. But I hate it. I don’t like it so much I almost forgot to include it on this. My bad. Oops.

Daylight

So I kind of like this song at the end. Because it’s all hopeful. . .but also. . .it’s almost cheesy? Like too cheesy? “I see daylight?” It reminds me of that song from Tangled. You know the one. “I See the Light.”

But again. No one writes lyrics like Taylor Swift. Even the songs I’m not fond of are still so beautifully written.

“Maybe you ran with the wolves and refused to settle down
Maybe I’ve stormed out of every single room in this town
Threw out our cloaks and our daggers because it’s morning now
It’s brighter now, now”

My thoughts are this. If she had gotten rid of like maybe a few songs such as “Death by a Thousand Cuts,” “London Boy,” and “It’s Nice to Have a Friend.” Then if she had put songs like “False God,” and “Afterglow” in a different place, the album would’ve been stronger. It’s still a strong album without these changes. In fact, I think this is her best album yet. Click the link to the left, to read what Buzzfeed (my favorite site ever) had to say about it. Pretty sure Lover is going to be like my anthem going into graduate school.

I hope you enjoyed my review! And if you haven’t listened to Lover, do it!

-K

Songs I’m Currently Obsessed With Part 6

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It’s that time again! Time to talk about the songs I am obsessed with. Like last week, I’m going to start with the newest songs.

We are starting off with my girl, Miley Cyrus. She’s here two weeks in a row. (Well last week it was Ashley O but that’s her alter ego so it’s all good.)

If you haven’t seen Miley Cyrus’ video for “Mother’s Daughter,” I need you to stop what you are doing and watch it right now. (If you are at work like I am you should not watch the video at work. It is NSFW at all.) It’s a powerful video. Miley doesn’t hold anything back. But has she ever?

The entire video is a tribute to woman empowerment and basically a giant middle finger in the air for any of the haters. It was released July 2nd, and already has had 16,339,126 views.

“My body, my rules.”

“Virginity is a social construct.”

“Feminist AF.”

“Not an object.”

We’re going to switch up gears drastically.

The next song is “tiny victories” by Christina Perri. The other day Mom and I (and by “Mom” I mean my aunt Meme) watched this HBO documentary called “Foster.” It was about the foster care system. It followed like 5 people and told their stories. It made us have feelings. This song played at the end of it. I find it to be a beautiful song. (Of course, it is Christina Perri. That’s all she does it beautiful meaningful songs.) And I now want to get a lyric from that song as my next tattoo. I don’t know which lyric yet.

“I’m a little more broken open, but a little more free
And that’s a tiny victory”

The next song is “I Think I’m OKAY” by Machine Gun Kelly ft. YUNGBLUD and Travis Barker. Is this rap? Pop? Rock? I’m not really certain. Whatever it is considered, I love this song. I love the beat and the lyrics and everything. I’ve never actually watched the video for this song so I have no idea what to expect. MGK’s videos are usually. . . .interesting though.

“I might say some stupid things tonight when you pick up this call
I’ve been hearing silence on the other side for way too long”

The next song is “Siren” by The Chainsmokers ft. Aazar. I love them. I don’t think I’ve really not liked a song of theirs tbh.

“I tell myself I love the silence
But maybe I just wanna hear the sound of the sirens”

“heavydirtysoul” by Twenty One Pilots is the next song. I don’t actually like them that much. I know maybe two of their songs. But I love this song. (Also the last of these songs I got on the way home from my Houston trip. My friend Bailey played them and I ended up liking them and listened obsessively like I do.)

“This doesn’t mean I lost my dream
It’s just right now I got a really crazy mind to clean”

I love when rappers pair up with like the opposite of rap. The next song is “Go for Broke” once again by Machine Gun Kelly ft. James Arthur. In case you don’t know who James Arthur is he sings this wonderful wedding song:

“I wanna live with you
Even when we’re ghosts
‘Cause you were always there for me when I needed you most”

And he also sings “Go For Broke.” I love the contrast.

“So I, hope that it was worth it when you was searched and you found what glitters ain’t gold
And I, knew I wasn’t perfect but I know that I made it all on my own”

Check out all these songs!

-K