Taylor Swift really shakes things up in her newest album, “1989,” with an 80s pop twist, something far different from her previous country twang.
It is a drastic change from the old curly-haired, countrified Swift she started off as. But, fans seem to embrace this new retro side of Swift.
“1989” was rated number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart for three consecutive weeks after its release on Oct. 27, and sold 1,287,000 copies in its first week. The album had the highest sales week since 2002, and made Swift the first artist to have three albums sell a million or more copies in a week, as well as becoming the best-selling album released in 2014.
Many fans wonder what inspired Swift to write “1989.” Swift expresses her admiration of how the 80s culture evokes inspiration: “The idea that you can do what you want, be who you want, wear what you want, love what you want — bright colors, bold chances, rebellion. The idea of that was so inspiring to me.” Say goodbye to her old signature curls, as she now tackles on a new sophisticated 80s look with a straight bob and bold red lips. Combine this rebirth of a past generation with her birth year, and you’ve got the title “1989”.
Compared to Swift’s previous albums centered on love and heartbreak, “1989” marks the first change in her musical theme. Although a few songs are centered on her most recent breakup with One Direction singer Harry Styles, the songs mostly have to do with facing new experiences in the world and discovering who you are. Given that Swift is in her 20s, it is no surprise that most songs have to do with figuring out your purpose in life and who you want to become. Her life mainly consists of prioritizing friends, making music, playing shows and traveling the world.
She makes it clear in “1989” that she is no longer smitten with romance and the idea of falling in love. The album marks a turning point where she wants to define her life on her own terms, not by who will be her next heartbreak. This theme of change and new experiences will most definitely be felt as fans listen and sing along to her clever and unique lyrics.
“1989” consists of fresh hip-hop beats and fun 80s bass lines that will make fans want to get up and “shake it off.” The throwback in time is a celebration of pop domination and marks the first official genre change for Swift. Swift describes the perspective on “1989” as being all about “when you go out into the world and make changes in your life on your own terms,” which is exactly what she does. With yet another successful album release, it is safe to say that Swift has changed for the better.
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