Over the past few years, avoiding Taylor Swift has been nearly impossible. She seems to be everywhere — whether in TV ads promoting Diet Coke and Capital One credit cards, Toyota commercials in China, or her much-talked-about appearance at the 2024 Super Bowl. There are now also several Taylor Swift movies out there, and talk of far more thanks to a new studio deal. But what truly propelled Swift to global fame, of course, is her exceptional musical talent.
Since the release of her debut album, Taylor Swift, in 2006, she has consistently put out new music at an almost alarming rate, releasing an album nearly every two years for a total of fifteen. Remarkably, despite such an extensive discography — a situation that often leads to at least a few mediocre or subpar releases — every one of Taylor Swift's albums has been a hit. However, I was genuinely surprised when Time magazine named her Person of the Year in 2023. It wasn’t that I doubted her popularity warranted consideration, but I simply never took the leap into her catalogue. That much has changed, and I have too as a result.
I'm A Newcomer To Taylor Swift, And I Wish I'd Started Earlier
Listening To Swift For The First Time, I Was Surprised By Her Talent
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember, and I’m far from a musical purist. I'm open to various genres – if it sounds good, I'll give it a chance, but country music has never resonated with me. So, when Taylor Swift emerged as a country-pop star in 2006, I initially dismissed her music. While it was clear from all the awards and accolades she received that she was talented, I remained somewhat isolated from her work. In fact, until December 2023, I couldn't name a single Taylor Swift song. I might have unknowingly heard one in the background, but I wouldn't have recognized it as hers.
That’s why it was such a massive mystery to me that she could be named Person of the Year. Regrettably, I was cynical, and famously, I wasn't alone for a time, given the fact that Kanye West once called Taylor Swift fake. But before jumping to conclusions, I knew I at least needed to listen to some of her music. After soliciting recommendations from family and friends —many of whom were shocked I’d never actively listened to a Taylor Swift song— I settled on "Shake It Off", a single from her 2014 album 1989, as my first foray into Swift’s discography.
I’ll admit, after my first listen, I was genuinely impressed. I had always considered Taylor Swift a country music singer, but "Shake It Off" turned out to be an infectiously jubilant dance tune that leaned more toward hip-hop than country. What impressed me even more was Swift’s voice. Despite the horns, beats, and layered background music, her voice —strong, distinctive, and versatile— consistently stood out. It was immediately clear that Swift was a talented vocalist, and I couldn’t "shake off" the feeling that I had been missing out. I wished I had started listening to her much earlier than December 2023.
Why I Can't Get Enough Of Taylor Swift Now
A friend who had recommended a few Taylor Swift songs as an introduction warned me that once I heard a couple, it would be hard to stop. In other words, I was likely to become a fan — or at least an admirer. As it turned out, my friend’s warning was spot on. After "Shake It Off", I wanted to hear more — not just as a “heat check,” but because I was genuinely intrigued by Swift’s whole vibe. She doesn’t exude the quirkiness of artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, or Billie Eilish. Instead, she comes across as... normal. Yet, the more of her songs I listened to, the more fascinated I became with her music.
What drew me back for more was the impressive variety in every aspect of Taylor Swift's music. Her musical styles, for instance, showcase remarkable diversity. Consider "Tim McGraw," a single from her 2006 debut album – a quintessential country tune that aligns with my initial perception of her as a singer. Yet, songs like "Shake It Off," or "Cruel Summer" (2019's Lover album), and "Anti-Hero" (2023's Midnight album) demonstrate a bold departure from her country roots, highlighting Swift's versatility and artistic evolution, and her ability to experiment with various genres.
Each album is so distinctive that one can’t be blamed for thinking Taylor Swift isn’t someone who enjoys repeating herself. What makes her work even more remarkable is that Swift writes all her own songs. From her country music beginnings to her indie rock/folk era and her pop/hip-hop phases, Swift’s musical genius spans a significant portion of the contemporary music scene. She's a true one-woman musical movement.
Why Taylor Swift Is A Good Choice For All Music Lovers
All those strands of music converge into one voice to rule them all. Undeniably, Swift’s most apparent genius lies in her voice. Its remarkable ability to adapt seamlessly to various musical styles —from the country twang of "Tim McGraw" to the pseudo-soul rap bass of "...Ready for It?" from her 2017 Reputation album— is a rare talent. It also serves as strong evidence that the “exceptionalism” many fans attribute to their favorite musical style or genre is misplaced. Swift demonstrates that country singers can rap, just as she would likely agree that rappers can sing country music.
While not everyone may be a fan – I wasn't until recently – Taylor Swift's remarkable ability to evolve as an artist, resonate with the public through her music, and leave a lasting cultural impact makes her a compelling figure in music. Indeed, Taylor Swift deserves Times' Person of the Year accolades. Certainly, all music fans could benefit from giving her music a listen.
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