As the sun shines across the Emory University Quadrangle, students are rushing to the pharmacy for allergy medication and midterm grades are unfortunately surfacing. Therefore, it is evident that spring is upon us. In fact, March 20 marks the first official day of the season.
It is no secret that spring brings transformation — the sun sets later, the branches regrow their leaves and the residual tan lines from spring break eventually fade. To celebrate this season of change, this edition of Cat’s Collection explores four pivotal albums from the queen of transformation herself, Taylor Swift. Beginning her career as a country singer, Swift reinvents her musical identity with almost every new album. From wearing cowboy boots to sparkling knee-high Christian Loubitons, the singer is unafraid to adopt new musical identities. In following her chameleonic career, one can learn a lot about change, growth and shedding old skin.
‘Taylor Swift’ by Taylor Swift (2006)
Coming off her record-breaking Eras Tour, it is hard to imagine the superstar was ever anything but a chart-topper and all-time show-stopper. However, the starlet comes from humble beginnings — if that is what we are calling country radio.
At 16 years old, Swift entered the music scene with gorgeous golden curls, an acoustic guitar and big dreams. Her self-titled debut album was released in October 2006, and the album’s lead single and opening track “Tim McGraw” became a Billboard Hot-100 charting song. This song introduces Swift’s signature diaristic songwriting and unassuming pitch. “He said the way my blue eyes shined / Put those Georgia stars to shame that night,” she sings. In the song, Swift continues to describe the phases of her heartbreak and the desire to remain etched in her ex-lover’s memory.
Another standout debut track is the now-cult classic “Our Song.” Beginning with a wiry banjo riff, the track pulls the listener into an immersive storytelling experience, presenting a shotgun-seat perspective. “I was ridin' shotgun with my hair undone / In the front seat of his car / He's got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel / The other on my heart,” she sings. The song hinges on a clever and catchy conflict, that Swift and her love cannot find a track as good as “Our Song.”
‘1989’ by Taylor Swift (2014)
One would be remiss to discuss Swift’s genre acrobatics without discussing an absolutely pivotal turning point in her decades-spanning career, her entrance into pop music. “1989” (2014) begins with the upbeat, though lyrically lame, “Welcome To New York.” In this track, Swift explores the sensation of living in New York City and letting go of the past. “When we first dropped our bags on apartment floors / Took our broken hearts, put them in a drawer,” she sings.
“1989” received multiple Grammy awards in 2016, including the highly coveted Album of the Year designation. This academy approval solidified Swift’s successful transition into pop music. However, the songs truly speak — rather, sing — for themselves. In the second track, “Blank Space,” Swift flirts with the public’s perception of her as a crazy ex-girlfriend out for blood, turning racy rumors into an absolute banger. “Got a long list of ex-lovers / They’ll tell you I’m insane / But I’ve got a blank space, baby / And I’ll write your name,” she muses.
Another standout track is “Out Of The Woods,” a pop ballad rumored to be about her relationship with pop star Harry Styles. In this track, Swift showcases her now-famous architectural skills, building a powerful, evocative and all-encompassing bridge. “Remember when you hit the brakes too soon? / Twenty stitches in the hospital room / When you started crying, baby, I did too / But when the sun came up, I was looking at you,” she sings. Every line packs a serious punch, leaving the listener wanting more, but ultimately ending up as unsatisfied as Swift was with the conclusion of this romance. “1989” is not only a phenomenal record but also marks the beginnings of who Taylor Swift is now — a multifaceted, multigenerational star.
‘Reputation’ by Taylor Swift (2017)
Although not representative of a massive genre shift, “Reputation” (2017) nonetheless marks a major transition in Swift’s career. Following a feud involving rapper Kanye West and then-wife Kim Kardashian, Swift witnessed a radical shift in her public perception. She disappeared for almost a year, deactivating her Instagram and presumably leaving her stardom behind. However, in 2017, she made a fierce comeback. “There will be no explanation. There will just be reputation,” she posted on Instagram in August 2017.
While “Reputation” did not receive the critical acclaim of “1989,” this album is nonetheless a testament to Swift’s resilience and commitment to her craft. The album opens with Swift’s rendition of rapping, asking listeners if they are “... Ready For It?” Of the record’s more combative tracks, “I Did Something Bad” emerges as the perfect balance between camp and competition. “If a man talks s---, then I own him nothin’ / I don’t regret it one bit ‘cause he had it comin’,” she declares.
Although marketed as a triumphant return to the spotlight and clap back at industry antagonism, “Reputation” marks another, if not more inspiring, change in Swift’s style. “Reputation” stands out as her most love-struck album. With ballads and bangers exploring intimacy, privacy and human connection, this album paints a complete portrait of Swift’s public and private persona. Of the many love songs, “Call It What You Want” and “Delicate” emerge as true stars.
‘folklore’ by Taylor Swift (2020)
In concluding this tour of Taylor Swift’s ever-changing discography, the natural stopping spot is her indie-folk album “folklore” (2020). A surprise album released during the COVID-19 pandemic, “folklore” explores themes of isolation, anxiety and uncertainty while also showcasing Swift’s songwriting prowess. In the album, Swift takes on a storytelling role and embodies multiple perspectives, including members of a teenage love triangle dubbed James, Betty and Augustine.
The album received 80.6 million streams on Spotify on its release day, marking the highest amount ever achieved by a female artist. However, the album did more than break records, it shattered perceptions of Swift’s capacity as an artist. For example, “folklore” proved that Swift could look outside her personal experiences for inspiration. With the record’s release, Swift conquered not one, not two, but three genres. Of the many hauntingly beautiful tracks on the album, “cardigan,” “my tears ricochet” and “invisible string” demonstrate Swift’s ability to weave intricate personal details with fictionalized characters to present a cohesive and engaging project. As spring beckons forth and transformation calls, maybe we can all take a page from Swift’s ever-evolving book.
