Its a little ironic that one of the worst years for album sales ever features the highest sales week of any album in the past twelve years. For this reason alone, Taylor Swift’s 1989 (The years only Platinum selling album) was always destined to become a pop classic. I have to admit, its more than a little refreshing to see everyone excited to listen to an album in an age where the medium is becoming less and less relevant. What makes this album successful is Swift’s ability to sound like herself through all the musical progression. Swift’s metamorphosis from country princess to bonafide pop powerhouse may not be as complete on a few of the 13 tracks here, but when she hits her stride, its clear why the artist has become a pop sensation without ever losing her artistic voice in the process.
When 1989 is at its best it combines it’s timeless pure pop production with Swift’s undeniable knack for catchy songwriting, (Blank Space, Style, Out of the Woods) culminating in her #1 smash “Shake it Off”. The poppy horn-lead shrug placed Swift amongst the few artists whose singles debuted at the top off the Billboard charts. It’s undeniably fun even with Swift’s high camp “Sick Beat” line. The saxophone and horns create a timeless pop feel, and I like Swift’s confidence on this track. Other highlights include two of the early songs on the album, “Blank Space” and “Style”. These are exactly the kind of songs Swift should be making at this time. Catchy, playful, pop gold. “Style” is vintage synth-pop straight out of the album’s title year, with an anthemic hook and Swift at her campy flirty best, while “Blank Space” is funny self referential pop goodness that may represent her musical progression best on this album. Its quietly sharp, and the hook is expectedly great.
Swift knows how to surprise as well, tackling new styles and sounds. “Out of the Woods” marks Swift’s first venture in the indie-pop realm, co-written by Jack Antonoff of fun. and Bleacher fame. Giant bursting drums and moody synths create a great atmosphere for Swift's dancibly anthemic chant-along. Songs like “Clean” and “I Know Places”, give 1989 a much appreciated boost in terms of lyrical quality and diversity. “Clean” being the darkest song on the album, chronicling a tale of addiction, risk, and grief. I love the warped bass over the rhythm section's textural pings and pongs. These tracks explore new territory for Taylor, and while they don't completely delve into their ideas, they are a welcome change of pace over some of the more "vintage Swift" songs here.
Unfortunately not every song showcases Swift’s musical progression as well as these tracks. “I Wish You Would” , and “How You Get The Girl” could have been on Red, and showcase a lot of the problems of that album (forgettable, shallow, boring), “Welcome to New York” goes a little too safe for my taste, painting a picture of a blandly magical New York. It just feels too clean, and Swift’s innocent country girl persona can wear thin on this track. “Bad Blood” features probably the worst beat on the album, and I personally don't care for the chanted hook whatsoever. Songs like “Wildest Dreams” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay” are merely forgettable, but showcase some nice production nonetheless. These songs just don't show off the focus Swift shows at 1989’s best moments.
The only ballad-like song on the album comes in the form of “This Love”. This may be the best song on the album, showcasing Swift's vocal ability over beautiful fluid harmonies, and tender stripped back instrumentation. It presents a more mature side of Taylor, and is a genuinely lovely song. Swift has shed her country crossover skin and transformed into a pop heavy hitter but manages to maintain her artistic voice through all her experimentation, and has produced her first truly fine album. Its not perfect, but its exactly what it wants to be, and to me; thats admirable.
I Liked These Songs: “Blank Space”, “Style”, “Shake it Off”, “This Love”
Least Favorite Song: “How You Get The Girl”
