Taylor Swift’s first three albums introduced the world to the innocent country star. Red presented a poppier version that was more honed in on 1989, but the singer still played it relatively safe when it came to the lyrics. But on the superstar’s latest album, Reputation, those parts of Swift are dead — she’s full on pop with little innocence.
Swift released her sixth studio album Friday. In 15 tracks, she sheds her good girl image and surpasses any expectations people had for the album.
On past albums, her most risque lyrics were one liners like “His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room” from “Wildest Dreams.” The PG lyrics are turned up to an R rating. Many of the songs involve drinking and sexual innuendos. The most provocative song of her career is “Dress.” She sings, “Carve your name into my bedpost/Cause I don't like you like a best friend/Only bought this dress on you could take it off, take it off.” Despite Swift’s stray from her typical child-friendly lyrics, it’s done tastefully and not over the top. If every other musician on the radio can sing about sex, why can’t Swift?
Swift addresses her reputation throughout its entire duration, creating her most cohesive album to date. Most of the songs flow together and present a similar vibe. That being said, all of the songs are different enough and listeners won’t be saying, “Oh, this sounds like another song on the album.”
There are only two songs that are completely different from anything else on the album. Swift’s single “Look What You Made Me Do” has no place on the album. It feels completely out of place. Had the single been released as a stand alone single, the album would have been perfect. But “LWYMMD” is positioned poorly in the tracklist and sticks out like a sore thumb.
On the flip side, the closing track “New Years Day” is a ballad — the only one on Reputation — and it is fantastic. The lyrics, the peppy piano playing and amazing vocals bring a poetic end to the album. Had the song been placed anywhere else on the album, the song would not have worked. The slower beat would have slowed down the pace of the album. With it at the end, Swifties will leave feeling content.
“...Ready For It?” is the perfect opening track, as it prepares listeners for the refined pop style that was fully put in place on 1989. Swift’s collaboration with Future and best friend Ed Sheeran on “End Game” is a perfect follow up to track one, and it sets up the “reputation” theme.
Swift is a more cultivated artist now — lyrically and sound wise. She doesn’t come off as a country artist who is trying to go pop, thus presenting her most genuine self. Her self reflection on Reputation makes it her best album.
The timeless piece of art is perfect for playing at full volume everywhere you go and expressing your true self — without any worry to what people will think about you or your reputation.
Rating: 4.5/5
