30 April, 2009

16 April, 2009

Taylor Swift: a CD review

She's got talent. Undeniable, outstanding talent. Not only did Taylor Swift write or co-write every song on her debut album, but her voice is real; nothing like the high-pitched falsetto sound that comes from many female singers. At age 16 she burst on the scene with her hit single, Tim McGraw. Sweet song, like most (but not all!) on her first album. Well written, catchy, enjoyable...but relatable? Not for me. All but three of the fourteen tracks on Taylor Swift are about boys. This leaves me in a quandry. I am fond of Taylor's voice, and I enjoy country pop. But in order to really love a song, I think you have to connect. Feel it. Empathize with it. Being a girl who isn't currently into dating, I honestly don't understand the song I'm Only Me when I'm With You. When Our Song or Picture to Burn comes on the radio, I can sing along, but I can no more relate to getting a dozen roses (or planning revenge against a guy!) than I can to walking on the moon.

On the other hand, Taylor's song A Place in This World is fantastic. Why? Because I can associate with it.

Got the radio on, my old blue jeans/And I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve/Feeling lucky today, got the sunshine/Could you tell me what more do I need/And tomorrow's just a mystery, oh yeah/But that's ok

I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know/I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh but life goes on/I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world

In conclusion? Taylor Swift is a fenomenal singer and songwriter. If you can relate to her music, you should definitely add both Taylor Swift and Fearless (her newest album) to your CD collection. And if you can't, sing along when she comes on the radio, but save your money.

15 April, 2009

Super Sister