It’s here! It’s finally Taylor Swift day. Today the pop singer is celebrating her 33rd birthday and while Swifties honour the occasion, we do understand that Miss Tay isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Whether you love her or not, there’s no denying that she’s one of the most influential artists of this decade or else she wouldn’t be UK’s most listened to artist on Spotify of 2022 — don’t @ me, these are just facts! But if you are still a bit sceptical, let these seven reasons change your mind!
1. Taylor Swift changed the music industry for good
If there is something Taylor knows how to do, it’s to beat a bully. After she learned she was no longer the owner of the master recordings of her six studio albums, the award-winning artist began releasing re-recordings of her past albums, skyrocketing her as the highest-paid female artist of 2021, according to Rolling Stone.
But her contributions don’t end there — did you really think we would end our case here? Miss Americana has consistently condemned the low retribution policies that streaming platforms have regarding artists, prompting a discourse around artists’ rights, intellectual property, private equity, and ethics in the music industry.
2. She’s one of the most promising songwriters of her generation
While some “argue” that Taylor Swift doesn’t write her music, her twelve studio albums say otherwise. Her second album, Speak Now, which is entirely self-written, charted on the US charts for 137 weeks – proof that, even in her beginnings, she had all the ingredients to be one of the future’s top songwriters.
Following Taylor’s new album Midnights, we see an evolution in her songwriting skills as she concentrates on more personal matters. Lyrics such as “Midnights become my afternoons/When my depression works the graveyard shift” tackle the artist’s deep insecurities and feelings of self-hatred.
3. She’s the queen of breakup songs
Even though Taylor Swift didn’t invent breakup songs —they’ve been going around for quite some time now— she paved the way to tell heartbreak stories more directly and intimately than seen before.
Through her clever bridges, Taylor uses punchlines to tie the whole song together and discreetly leave clues as to who she is directing the song to. Sometimes, though, you don’t have to look too far, as songs like Dear John and Styles name-check her former boyfriends, John Mayer and Harry Styles, directly in the title.
4. She’s turned pop into a multiplayer puzzle
Going back to the clues, the American superstar has turned pop into a multiplayer puzzle. Fans dedicate their time, for example, to look for the precise moment of her life she sings about in her All Too Well song — and SPOILER ALERT!— it’s about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal. Gotta love a petty queen!
Taylor Swift has made a common practice for pop artists to turn their artistry into a game for fans to play as way to grab people’s attention in an overly saturated market.
5. Taylor owns her power
It’s no secret that Taylor has had a rough time in the music industry, from feuds with Kanye West to losing the rights to her previous music. However, in the face of all adversity, Taylor Swift keeps coming back stronger and stronger. The artist has repeatedly reclaimed and owned her power, not only for herself but for what she stands for.
6. She’s a musical chameleon
Throughout Taylor’s 16-year musical career, she has seamlessly transitioned from genre to genre. A feat few musicians can accomplish, let alone succeed at. Her success is due to the nature of her songwriting — and our constant replay of her latest album. Guilty!😬
It’s because Taylor’s lyrics have always felt so personal, yet relatable, that fans have constantly clung to her music over the years. Her constant evolution, both in music and image, has led her to continue to flourish well past most artists’ peaks. And this is what makes her so effortlessly timeless.
7. Her music is enchanting in every genre
Although we have heard Taylor sing in almost every music genre, there is one you didn’t know you wanted but needed. Can you guess which one? Let us paint you the picture!
Imagine yourself arriving at an enchanted venue in your best outfit. As you sit, you see yourself surrounded by hundreds of sparkling candles. The ambience is warm and relaxing just like a Cardigan. Then, a string quartet begins to play Love Story, followed by some of your favourites: All Too Well, Invisible String, Lover, and many more.
Never in your Wildest Dreams did you think an evening hearing Taylor Swift’s fan favourites in a classical repertoire could be so magical. If we left you craving for more you can Shake It Off with Candlelight’s Tribute to Taylor Swift here!
If you made it this far: congratulations you’re officially a Swiftie! And if you still won’t admit it, you clearly made it this far anyway, so our job is done.
