I’ve had a one-sided love-hate relationship with American pop star Taylor Swift for years. Although I’m sure she needs no introduction, you may know her from her hit songs, such as ‘All Too Well’ and ‘Blank Space.’ I was raised in a religious household and mainly listened to church music; Swift was one of the first mainstream artists I was allowed to listen to, so she holds a special place in my heart. Though, as I grew up, I started to learn more about Swift beyond her music, and her actions have consistently confused me.
Despite my reservations, I’ve kept up with her music and well-publicized personal life. I have my thoughts about her performative friendships, weird attempts at shifting personas and her other questionable lifestyle choices. However, I still believe it’s safe to say she’s one of the most influential singer-songwriters on Earth.
Last month, Swift released her latest album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ alongside new merchandise. After listening to the album and surfing reviews on her merch, I’ve realized her most recent projects lack the heart her previous work had. The new album is honestly terrible. It’s filled with cheesy lyrics and a corporate sound that was hard to ignore. I listened to the album and couldn’t help but notice I didn’t hear one authentic instrument; everything sounded electronically generated.
Even some of Swift’s biggest fans complained about the merch drop and the odd sexual comments heard in the song ‘Wood.’ I think her new corporate sound reflects the kind of person she’s turned into, a brand. I don’t really think Swift is a person who loves making music anymore, but a brand trying to sell itself to anyone with money.
One of her newest products, the $70 ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ cardigan, has drawn widespread criticism for its cheap material. Social media complaints compared the cardigan to fast-fashion brands, and many have called it overpriced and low-quality. I thought the reviews I saw on social media were dramatic until I was able to see the SHEIN-like material for myself. It’s surprising that Swift, coming off the hugely profitable Eras tour, would release merchandise so underwhelming.
Other criticism has focused on Swift releasing multiple album covers, which some have called a cash grab. I don’t see the big deal, as such practices are fairly commonplace in the music industry; however, on the whole, I do think Swift’s newest projects don’t exude the passion I’ve seen from her in the past.
Swift’s earlier music was full of passion and widely regarded as influential. Her work helped shape an entire generation of female pop artists. However, the overpriced merchandise and quality of her latest album have left many fans and casual listeners, including myself, disappointed. It seems large swathes of the music industry are more interested in her celebrity persona and brand than her work as a musician. It would be crazy to deny her impact and success, but she’s definitely not the person and musician she once was years ago.
