Reputation Album Review - H
Taylor Swift has gone through a lot of changes recently . . . again. 😂 The release of her new album "reputation" has stirred up more controversy and dissenting opinions than ever before. Since I consider myself to be somewhat of a music connoisseur, I decided to do a song-by-song review of the new album, including an overview of the music, an honest take on the lyrics, and also my favorites from the album!
reputation
artist: taylor swift
release date: november 10, 2017
1. . . . Ready for It?
I know the tone of this whole album is really off-putting for most people, just because they still remember country Taylor and the way she used to sound. But personally, I never really felt . . . betrayed, like most people did when Taylor changed her sound. For me it was more like, "Oh, we're doing this now? Okay."
That said, "Ready for It" is a shot of pure badbutt slaying queen. It's a power song, like most of the others on this album. If you look at it alone, and not in comparison with her early songs, "Ready for It" is a great new fav. When you hear the beat, you feel like strutting down the street in your stilettos, daring people to talk to you.
As for the words . . . "Ready for It" tells the story of a man-eater, pretty much. She has seen her prey, and she has heard the rumors about him, but she doesn't care. She's got a plan . . . are you ready for it? 😉 😂 Sorry, I had to say it. But in all seriousness . . . the example that Taylor sets in this song isn't really the best one to follow. In my opinion, women of God should let the men chase them. Like the saying goes: "Why should I chase him when I'm the catch?" 😜 In conclusion: groove to the beat, but don't heed her words.
2. End Game ft. Future, Ed Sheeran
"End Game" brings another sweet beat to the table, as well as some smooth pad work (if you don't know what I mean by "pad," I'm just referring to the humming instrument in the background). The chording is fairly simple, but catchy, resulting in a song that sticks in your head far past its expiration date. 😂
The raps shake it up. The rapper Future obviously drops some sick rhymes, but in the second verse Ed Sheeran tries his hand at something halfway between rapping and beat poetry. 😂 Taylor also raps a little--I think I might try to memorize it at some point. 😊 If rapping isn't your thing, don't worry; the chorus of "End Game" has some singing too, but it might not end up being your favorite track on the album.
The lyrics are basically a dialogue between a couple who have been together for a while, and they are having DTR conversation--Define the Relationship. They are trying to decide the next step; Taylor makes it clear that she wants to be his "end game"--his one and only, forever. However, the boy (voiced alternately by both Future and Ed) expresses his hesitation at a lifelong commitment (although he clearly loves her). Overall, this song is pure, except for the line "drinking on a beach with you all over me." I'm not saying her reference to alcohol completely reverses my opinion of the song; I'm just saying alcohol shouldn't be your source of joy and contentment. That should come first and foremost from God.
3. I Did Something Bad
Taylor said she did something bad, but she obviously had fun while she did it--the sound of this song is very unique and catchy. For starters, she begins with a plucking violin paired with some wonky audio fades to throw the listener off-balance. Then an explosion of head-bopping techno in the chorus, including some sick gunshot sound effects. She even experiments with DJ-like remix in the interlude before the second verse.
The whole song is in a minor key, but the underlying beat makes it sound more dangerous than sad. It's definitely catchy--my favorite part might be the beat drop after the bridge. I also appreciate the way she builds the music to a peak, and then brings it back down again for the end, so that it doesn't feel abrupt at all.
However, despite all of my positive notes on the music, the words completely ruin the song for me. Taylor tells the story of how she plays the boys--how she looks for the playboys, then hands their own crap right back to them. On the surface it might seem like poetic justice, but any and all judgment of wrongdoers should come from God. As much as I'd like to kick some boys in the family jewels . . . it's not my job. My job is to forgive, and to leave the punishment to God. Also, Taylor drops the s-word in the first verse, which is an immediate turn-off for me. I don't know how you feel about this song, but I definitely think Taylor "did something bad." In the words of Simon Cowell: "It's a no from me."
4. Don't Blame Me
O. M. G. If I had any song from this album that is my favorite, it would be "Don't Blame Me." 😍 It's one of those songs that you can listen to a million times, and always find something new. I'm so in love with everything about it! And you can bet I'm thinking of my boyfriend whenever I listen to it. 😂
First of all, Taylor uses so many unusual vocal tricks in this song, making it almost addicting to try and imitate. She's up and down the scale, riffing in the background, adding echo and harmony in the most unexpected places, grooving with the music one second and going acapella the next. 😻💘 I'm so obsessed! Secondly, she implements piano in multiple places, which you already know is appealing to me as a pianist. 😂 (I'm eager to put together a piano rendition of this song!) The whole song maintains a slow, steady tempo, with lots of reverb no matter the volume, which is quieter for the verses and louder for the chorus.
The words might give pause to some people at first, because the whole song is about how Taylor is comparing her love to a drug. But as someone who has felt love multiple times, I can confirm that love definitely feels like a drug sometimes. One line to be aware of is "for you I would cross the line." Despite how addicting love can be, we shouldn't compromise our beliefs, standards, or boundaries. If he ain't a Christian, or asks you to do something you know is wrong, or pressures you . . . you know what to do, girl.
5. Delicate
"Delicate" truly is a beautiful song in terms of music. The song is in a major key, meaning it sounds happy, and although it utilizes a fairly weathered chord progression, Taylor's use of echo and reverb coupled with a bopping beat helps to present the familiar sound in a new light. Also she hits some seventh chords in the bridge right as we're getting tired of the sound again. The whole song ends up sounding really dreamy and gooey.
The lyrics make me hesitate though. First of all, she says the d-word twice, which I don't like. I know some "lesser" cuss words are creeping into more and more media nowadays, but I still don't tolerate it to any degree--but that's another conversation.
Taylor uses the song "Delicate" to confess her deepest thoughts to her lover. I like how she is promoting being straightforward and clear in her relationships, contrasting some of the other songs on this album, like "I Did Something Bad," where she condones being completely fake with people. However, Taylor is almost too straightforward--clearly in this relationship she goes all the way with her boyfriend, which personally I don't support. Also, Taylor mentions drinking again--just something to be aware of when listening to this song. In conclusion, Taylor, be real in your relationships--but don't give yourself away to someone who could mistreat you and gives no consideration to the value of your heart.
(Wow, this blog post is getting really deep. 😂)
6. Look What You Made Me Do
If there is any song from this album that you have heard, it's "Look What You Made Me Do." It was overplayed on the radio a few months ago when it was first released. It's definitely hardcore, with an abundance of unusual audio effects and beats that make me think of a post-apocalyptic hip-hop dance, to be honest. 😂 The bursts of piano and violin hearken back to Taylor's past albums, but I'm sure that wasn't her intention according to her small speaking bit in the bridge: "The old Taylor can't come to the phone right now . . . why? Oh, 'cuz she's dead!" Dang, sista! You fierce!
As for the words, it's another power song like "Ready for It." The lyrics tell the story of a girl who is fresh from a bad relationship, recovering stronger and better after a boy used her. Which is a message I can totally get behind--you go, girl! He don't deserve you. But just like "I Did Something Bad," Taylor is taking judgment into her own hands. She takes it upon herself to get revenge, which is a message I can't get behind, no matter how strut-worthy and fierce the music behind it is. *drops mic*
7. So It Goes . . .
Honestly . . . I'm not crazy about it. Like the other songs on this album, the music is phenomenal. For me the highlight of "So It Goes" is the different ways Taylor utilizes her vocal talent. There's a fair amount of up-and-down, the center-point of which is the title lyrics, "so it goes," three words that will get stuck on repeat in your head. I also like the bridge, when she repeats the words "who's counting?" then the music fades out, and she whispers, "1, 2, 3." Taylor might've changed her sound, but her creativity hasn't changed a bit!
The song has a smooth, slow speed, and a lot of the music behind the verses is muffled, as if you're hearing it underwater. This causes the chorus to have that much more wow factor, because suddenly you're hearing the music with perfect clarity.
However, once again, the words throw me off. She says "getting caught up in a moment," which in and of itself seems harmless, but as Christian young people, we need to guard our hearts against falling into the temptations that moments might bring. Another cause for concern is the words "I'm not a bad girl, but I do bad things with you." Like I mentioned with "Don't Blame Me," we shouldn't sacrifice our standards or our boundaries for our boyfriend or girlfriend. Taylor also talks about "scratches down your back," which is a sexual reference. With each song on this album, it becomes clearer and clearer that Taylor holds a very worldly view of relationships, which in my opinion is the biggest red flag for "reputation."
8. Gorgeous
First of all, isn't Blake Lively's daughter James so adorable in the beginning of the song?! 😻 "Gorgeous" might be my second-favorite song on the album after "Don't Blame Me." Overall, the tone is upbeat and peppy, probably one of happiest-sounding songs on the whole album. I love the use of the synthetic marimba, as well as the bell providing a cheerful ding! right before each chorus.
The lyrics are a little shallow, unfortunately. Taylor is talking about how she sees a gorgeous guy, and automatically she has to have him. I'm as inclined to admire a fine-featured boy as the next girl is, but in my opinion you should seek a relationship with someone based on their personality, not their body.
9. Getaway Car
This one is good! Cautiously naming it my third-favorite--I say cautiously because I'm not sure I 100% understand the story she's telling. 😂 But the music is delightfully complex! Like "Don't Blame Me," there's always something new to hear even after it's been on repeat for a week. 💘 The synth in the background gives me an other-worldly feel--like a glimpse of the same magic possessed by prisms and mirrors and glitter. 🌟 I'm not sure how many people will understand this, but I love how the composers used the chords to create tension, and then resolved it with the completion of the progression. 😂 And the key change in the bridge--I'm in awe! 😍 This song kinda has an 80s vibe to it, now that I think about it . . .
There's nothing outright bad about the words. Taylor is reminiscing about a relationship she had that was doomed from the start--there are a lot of Bonnie-and-Clyde-like references, making me think it's about two bank robbers who fell in love, but they loved the money more than each other, sadly. At its root, I think the song is about what happens to a relationship when there is a lack of commitment--but that's getting a little deep. I prefer to just enjoy the story and the music and the bittersweet tone.
10. King of My Heart
Just like "Getaway Car," "King of My Heart" has a fair amount of synth. Heck, this whole album has a fair amount of synth. "King of My Heart" uses the synth in a way that seems magical and romantic to me. The chorus segue tries to bring back the hardcore, badbutt sound standard set by "Ready for It" and "End Game" with some drum action, but the other-worldly, echo sound of the chorus and verses kind of throws me off. Almost like it doesn't match up . . . I don't know. Listen to the song. You'll understand what I mean.
The words are very romantic, presenting a contrast to the fierce Queen Taylor we hear in the earlier songs of "reputation." She talks about how her lover is rich (like a king, hence the title of the song); but Taylor is telling him that she doesn't care about the money, she just wants him to be the king of her "heart, body, and soul." It's a sweet sentiment that puts me in a mushy mood, especially in the bridge when she says this relationship is "the end of all the endings," calling him "the One." After all the heartbreak Taylor suffered earlier in this album, I'm happy that she's finally in a good relationship.
But there are multiple references to sex, which is typical in a secular relationship; but you already know I don't support that. For that reason, "King of My Heart" won't be a fixture in my Spotify playlists . . .
11. Dancing With Our Hands Tied
So. Much. Synth. Okay, I'm just going to say it: this reminds me of Nyan Cat, or Rainbow Road from Mario Kart--outer space! 😂 Taylor kicks up the tempo with this song; the magical sound and beat of the chorus might be my favorite part. I was thinking that all of these songs would be epic to hear live, but if I had to pick one to hear live, it'd be "Dancing With Our Hands Tied." It'd be lit. 🌠
The song is about a couple who is in the limelight a lot, and therefore they experience a lot of criticism from media sources. I think Taylor is lamenting having to go through that--being constantly analyzed when all she wanted was just a real relationship. There's nothing "inappropriate" about the lyrics, thankfully; just a personal note, when she says "I knew there was no one in the world who could take it"--I don't think that's true. I think the couple brought together by God, in His time, can withstand any kind of opposition.
12. Dress
"Dress" is another popular song from "reputation," though I'm not sure why. I don't like it so much. There's not much variation with the vocals, aside from a bit of harmony which adds to the dreamy synthetic sound. I think the chording is the most interesting thing about the music of this song. :/
Obviously, you know what I'm going to say: the words are almost as shallow as "Gorgeous." "Dress" does talk about looking past the outward appearance, but, if you'll forgive my French, Taylor seems incredibly horny. 😅 One of the most-repeated lines in the song is "only bought this dress so you could take it off," not to mention her lover apparently carved his name into her bedpost. In short, an alternate name for "Dress" is "Horny." 😂
13. This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" = "Look What You Made Me Do" + "Royals" by Lorde. I like it, though! It's another power song, which I can always jump on. She couples a sick bass beat with a major chord progression, along with some happy violin and piano accents.
Taylor was really feeling herself with this song. The whole thing is a sassy retort to someone who stabbed her in the back, and honestly it sounds like something I would say. 😂 It's one of those songs that you can sing along to no matter what mood you're in--if you're happy and life is good; if you're annoyed at all the fakes; if you're sad and need a pick-me-up. "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" is a yes from me. 😁
14. Call It What You Want
If I had a fourth favorite, it'd be "Call It What you Want." I'm not sure if you've noticed, but for most of the songs on this album, I've liked the music more than the words, but with this song it's the opposite. 😂 Honestly, if you took away the drums and the bass, I feel like this song would sound like the ugly younger sister of "You Are in Love" from 1989. 😅 It's just so similar . . . sorry, Taylor.
The lyrics are fantastic, though. So romantic! Taylor's just so in love with her boyfriend, and she spends the song describing him and their relationship. 💘 This boy sounds like a catch! He has always stuck by Taylor, even through the hard times when she was experiencing a lot of animosity. Keep him, girlfriend!
15. New Year's Day
This song is a refreshing change from the rest of the album. It's entirely acoustic, with mainly piano and a bit of guitar and violin. The sound is pure and real; we get a true feel of Taylor's vocal talent now that everything else is taken away. She adds in harmony in a way that sounds almost angelic; overall the sound reminds me of Regina Spektor, with a dash of "old Taylor."
The words are sweet, similar to "Call It What You Want" or even "You Are in Love." Just true, genuine, innocent love. Taylor is in love with a guy, and she expresses her hopes that this relationship won't end. She wants to stay with him "forevermore"; I just hope she's not with him in an attempt to redeem herself for her last relationship, hinted at with the line "don't read the last page."
That's all I have for you guys today! I hope you enjoyed reading my review of Taylor's new album, and don't be afraid to disagree with me! Tell me what you think of the songs in the comments below. 😉
Until next time, much love, H xoxo 💝
The lyrics make me hesitate though. First of all, she says the d-word twice, which I don't like. I know some "lesser" cuss words are creeping into more and more media nowadays, but I still don't tolerate it to any degree--but that's another conversation.
Taylor uses the song "Delicate" to confess her deepest thoughts to her lover. I like how she is promoting being straightforward and clear in her relationships, contrasting some of the other songs on this album, like "I Did Something Bad," where she condones being completely fake with people. However, Taylor is almost too straightforward--clearly in this relationship she goes all the way with her boyfriend, which personally I don't support. Also, Taylor mentions drinking again--just something to be aware of when listening to this song. In conclusion, Taylor, be real in your relationships--but don't give yourself away to someone who could mistreat you and gives no consideration to the value of your heart.
(Wow, this blog post is getting really deep. 😂)
6. Look What You Made Me Do
If there is any song from this album that you have heard, it's "Look What You Made Me Do." It was overplayed on the radio a few months ago when it was first released. It's definitely hardcore, with an abundance of unusual audio effects and beats that make me think of a post-apocalyptic hip-hop dance, to be honest. 😂 The bursts of piano and violin hearken back to Taylor's past albums, but I'm sure that wasn't her intention according to her small speaking bit in the bridge: "The old Taylor can't come to the phone right now . . . why? Oh, 'cuz she's dead!" Dang, sista! You fierce!
As for the words, it's another power song like "Ready for It." The lyrics tell the story of a girl who is fresh from a bad relationship, recovering stronger and better after a boy used her. Which is a message I can totally get behind--you go, girl! He don't deserve you. But just like "I Did Something Bad," Taylor is taking judgment into her own hands. She takes it upon herself to get revenge, which is a message I can't get behind, no matter how strut-worthy and fierce the music behind it is. *drops mic*
7. So It Goes . . .
Honestly . . . I'm not crazy about it. Like the other songs on this album, the music is phenomenal. For me the highlight of "So It Goes" is the different ways Taylor utilizes her vocal talent. There's a fair amount of up-and-down, the center-point of which is the title lyrics, "so it goes," three words that will get stuck on repeat in your head. I also like the bridge, when she repeats the words "who's counting?" then the music fades out, and she whispers, "1, 2, 3." Taylor might've changed her sound, but her creativity hasn't changed a bit!
The song has a smooth, slow speed, and a lot of the music behind the verses is muffled, as if you're hearing it underwater. This causes the chorus to have that much more wow factor, because suddenly you're hearing the music with perfect clarity.
However, once again, the words throw me off. She says "getting caught up in a moment," which in and of itself seems harmless, but as Christian young people, we need to guard our hearts against falling into the temptations that moments might bring. Another cause for concern is the words "I'm not a bad girl, but I do bad things with you." Like I mentioned with "Don't Blame Me," we shouldn't sacrifice our standards or our boundaries for our boyfriend or girlfriend. Taylor also talks about "scratches down your back," which is a sexual reference. With each song on this album, it becomes clearer and clearer that Taylor holds a very worldly view of relationships, which in my opinion is the biggest red flag for "reputation."
8. Gorgeous
First of all, isn't Blake Lively's daughter James so adorable in the beginning of the song?! 😻 "Gorgeous" might be my second-favorite song on the album after "Don't Blame Me." Overall, the tone is upbeat and peppy, probably one of happiest-sounding songs on the whole album. I love the use of the synthetic marimba, as well as the bell providing a cheerful ding! right before each chorus.
The lyrics are a little shallow, unfortunately. Taylor is talking about how she sees a gorgeous guy, and automatically she has to have him. I'm as inclined to admire a fine-featured boy as the next girl is, but in my opinion you should seek a relationship with someone based on their personality, not their body.
9. Getaway Car
This one is good! Cautiously naming it my third-favorite--I say cautiously because I'm not sure I 100% understand the story she's telling. 😂 But the music is delightfully complex! Like "Don't Blame Me," there's always something new to hear even after it's been on repeat for a week. 💘 The synth in the background gives me an other-worldly feel--like a glimpse of the same magic possessed by prisms and mirrors and glitter. 🌟 I'm not sure how many people will understand this, but I love how the composers used the chords to create tension, and then resolved it with the completion of the progression. 😂 And the key change in the bridge--I'm in awe! 😍 This song kinda has an 80s vibe to it, now that I think about it . . .
There's nothing outright bad about the words. Taylor is reminiscing about a relationship she had that was doomed from the start--there are a lot of Bonnie-and-Clyde-like references, making me think it's about two bank robbers who fell in love, but they loved the money more than each other, sadly. At its root, I think the song is about what happens to a relationship when there is a lack of commitment--but that's getting a little deep. I prefer to just enjoy the story and the music and the bittersweet tone.
10. King of My Heart
Just like "Getaway Car," "King of My Heart" has a fair amount of synth. Heck, this whole album has a fair amount of synth. "King of My Heart" uses the synth in a way that seems magical and romantic to me. The chorus segue tries to bring back the hardcore, badbutt sound standard set by "Ready for It" and "End Game" with some drum action, but the other-worldly, echo sound of the chorus and verses kind of throws me off. Almost like it doesn't match up . . . I don't know. Listen to the song. You'll understand what I mean.
The words are very romantic, presenting a contrast to the fierce Queen Taylor we hear in the earlier songs of "reputation." She talks about how her lover is rich (like a king, hence the title of the song); but Taylor is telling him that she doesn't care about the money, she just wants him to be the king of her "heart, body, and soul." It's a sweet sentiment that puts me in a mushy mood, especially in the bridge when she says this relationship is "the end of all the endings," calling him "the One." After all the heartbreak Taylor suffered earlier in this album, I'm happy that she's finally in a good relationship.
But there are multiple references to sex, which is typical in a secular relationship; but you already know I don't support that. For that reason, "King of My Heart" won't be a fixture in my Spotify playlists . . .
11. Dancing With Our Hands Tied
So. Much. Synth. Okay, I'm just going to say it: this reminds me of Nyan Cat, or Rainbow Road from Mario Kart--outer space! 😂 Taylor kicks up the tempo with this song; the magical sound and beat of the chorus might be my favorite part. I was thinking that all of these songs would be epic to hear live, but if I had to pick one to hear live, it'd be "Dancing With Our Hands Tied." It'd be lit. 🌠
The song is about a couple who is in the limelight a lot, and therefore they experience a lot of criticism from media sources. I think Taylor is lamenting having to go through that--being constantly analyzed when all she wanted was just a real relationship. There's nothing "inappropriate" about the lyrics, thankfully; just a personal note, when she says "I knew there was no one in the world who could take it"--I don't think that's true. I think the couple brought together by God, in His time, can withstand any kind of opposition.
12. Dress
"Dress" is another popular song from "reputation," though I'm not sure why. I don't like it so much. There's not much variation with the vocals, aside from a bit of harmony which adds to the dreamy synthetic sound. I think the chording is the most interesting thing about the music of this song. :/
Obviously, you know what I'm going to say: the words are almost as shallow as "Gorgeous." "Dress" does talk about looking past the outward appearance, but, if you'll forgive my French, Taylor seems incredibly horny. 😅 One of the most-repeated lines in the song is "only bought this dress so you could take it off," not to mention her lover apparently carved his name into her bedpost. In short, an alternate name for "Dress" is "Horny." 😂
13. This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" = "Look What You Made Me Do" + "Royals" by Lorde. I like it, though! It's another power song, which I can always jump on. She couples a sick bass beat with a major chord progression, along with some happy violin and piano accents.
Taylor was really feeling herself with this song. The whole thing is a sassy retort to someone who stabbed her in the back, and honestly it sounds like something I would say. 😂 It's one of those songs that you can sing along to no matter what mood you're in--if you're happy and life is good; if you're annoyed at all the fakes; if you're sad and need a pick-me-up. "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" is a yes from me. 😁
14. Call It What You Want
If I had a fourth favorite, it'd be "Call It What you Want." I'm not sure if you've noticed, but for most of the songs on this album, I've liked the music more than the words, but with this song it's the opposite. 😂 Honestly, if you took away the drums and the bass, I feel like this song would sound like the ugly younger sister of "You Are in Love" from 1989. 😅 It's just so similar . . . sorry, Taylor.
The lyrics are fantastic, though. So romantic! Taylor's just so in love with her boyfriend, and she spends the song describing him and their relationship. 💘 This boy sounds like a catch! He has always stuck by Taylor, even through the hard times when she was experiencing a lot of animosity. Keep him, girlfriend!
15. New Year's Day
This song is a refreshing change from the rest of the album. It's entirely acoustic, with mainly piano and a bit of guitar and violin. The sound is pure and real; we get a true feel of Taylor's vocal talent now that everything else is taken away. She adds in harmony in a way that sounds almost angelic; overall the sound reminds me of Regina Spektor, with a dash of "old Taylor."
The words are sweet, similar to "Call It What You Want" or even "You Are in Love." Just true, genuine, innocent love. Taylor is in love with a guy, and she expresses her hopes that this relationship won't end. She wants to stay with him "forevermore"; I just hope she's not with him in an attempt to redeem herself for her last relationship, hinted at with the line "don't read the last page."
That's all I have for you guys today! I hope you enjoyed reading my review of Taylor's new album, and don't be afraid to disagree with me! Tell me what you think of the songs in the comments below. 😉
Until next time, much love, H xoxo 💝
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