The Age of the New Romantics//

In the wake of Taylor Swift's newest - and first documented pop - release, 1989, I wanted to take the time, simply to say: THIS ALBUM IS A MASTERPIECE.

Now, I'd also like to take the time to say that this will not be objective or an official review; I was just suddenly compelled after about my twelfth listen to the album to share my personal thoughts on it, as well as the girl behind it.

Although I've had complete faith in Taylor Swift for about seven years now, I was completely terrified when she announced a "pop" record. I thought that she had finally succumbed to the industry's pressure to dilute her material to make it more salient to the Top 40 savvy general public. But she didn't, and what came out of all the doubt was pure shock.

Every song is different sonically, yet the album is so coherent. It's eclectic and nostalgic and fearless (in true T-Swift fashion). The 80's influences are evident, fitting for an album titled 1989. Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel are most likely celebrating the return of their glory days' sound. Swift could have easily ripped off the greats of the decade, trying to replicate a sound under all the autotune, but she doesn't. She realizes that she is Taylor Swift and has the talent and capacity to create something new and refreshing, Again, she does just that.

My favorite track off the album is "Out of the Woods", and there is no doubt about this one. Perhaps it's that it was co-written by Jack Antonoff (of fun. and Bleachers) - and it is pleasantly noticeable. Swift's voice is most passionate and urgent in this one. It's airy and dark, and, composition-wise, out of the park. A close second is the fun and angular track, "Blank Space". I'm hung up on the line, "but I've got a blank space, baby, and I'll write your name." On paper, it's nothing that will take your breath away, but the melody aces it.

And once I got past the blinding sounds, I opened the album booklet. Her foreword is another masterpiece in itself. She argues that we should celebrate each day. She's advocating change here, people. C H A N G E. But the good type of change, the one in which we grow to be luminescent and legendary. Perhaps the most poignant among these words are, "I've told you my stories for years now. Some have been about coming of age. Some have been about coming undone. This is a story about coming into your own. And as a result... coming alive." In those five sentences, Taylor Swift has captured life, particularly the things we often hide behind dusty curtains and forget about. Yet, she makes sure to bring them back into the light, as they are so important.

The vintage Polaroid, scribbled black handwriting, pale aesthetic of this "new" Taylor is commendable, especially in the age of bright-colored pop stars with tight ponytails. It still shines, but she shies away from the sun, and instead embraces the moonlight and all the songs that come with the night.

So, Taylor Swift has done it again. She's brushed off and hushed the critics. She's made a soundtrack to be played in the background of neon teens' lives. She says it herself, "These songs were once about my life. They are now about yours." So, if you find this album to your liking, make it your soundtrack and dance, cry, lead, and love to it. Because it's no longer hers, it's ours.


//Angelia//