Over the past few years, avoiding Taylor Swift has been nearly impossible. She seems to be everywhere — from TV ads promoting Diet Coke and Capital One credit cards, to Toyota commercials in China, and her much-talked-about appearance at the 2024 Super Bowl. Furthermore, there are now several Taylor Swift movies in circulation, with talks for more stemming from a recent studio deal. What truly propelled Swift to global fame, however, 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, delivering an album nearly every two years, summing up to fifteen releases. Remarkably, despite such an extensive discography — a situation that would often yield a few mediocre or subpar releases — every one of Taylor Swift’s albums has been successful. 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 ventured into her catalogue. That dynamic has now changed, and I, too, have transformed 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 had a passion for music for as long as I can remember, and I’m far from a musical purist. Open to various genres – if it sounds good, I’ll give it a chance – but country music has never particularly resonated with me. When Taylor Swift emerged as a country-pop star in 2006, I initially dismissed her music. While the awards and accolades she accrued made her talent undeniable, I remained somewhat disconnected from her work. In fact, **until December 2023, I couldn’t name a single Taylor Swift song**. Although I might have heard one in passing, I wouldn’t have recognized it as hers.
This confusion left me wondering how she could be named Person of the Year. Regrettably, I held a cynical viewpoint, a sentiment not shared by all, especially considering that Kanye West once referred to Taylor Swift as fake. Yet, before jumping to conclusions, I knew I needed to at least listen to some of her music. After requesting recommendations from family and friends — many of whom were astonished I’d never actively listened to a Taylor Swift song — I opted for “Shake It Off“, a single from her 2014 album 1989, as my entry into Swift’s discography.
Upon my first listen, I was genuinely impressed. I had always categorized Taylor Swift as a country artist, but “Shake It Off” unveiled itself as an infectiously jubilant dance tune, leaning more towards hip-hop than country. Even more impressive was Swift’s vocal performance. **Despite the euphoric horns, beats, and layered background music, her voice — strong, distinctive, and versatile — always shone through**. It became 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 pursued her music far earlier than December 2023.
Why I Can’t Get Enough Of Taylor Swift Now
A friend who recommended several Taylor Swift tracks warned me that once I heard a few, I would likely be drawn to more. In essence, I was likely to become a fan — or at least an admirer. As it turned out, my friend’s caution proved true. After “Shake It Off,” I craved more — not simply as a “heat check” but out of genuine intrigue about Swift’s entire vibe. Unlike the eccentricity of artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, or Billie Eilish, Swift presents as… normal. However, my fascination grew with each song I explored.
**What captivated me was the impressive variety evident in Taylor Swift’s music**. Her musical styles reflect remarkable diversity. For example, “Tim McGraw,” a single from her 2006 debut album, is a quintessential country tune that aligns with my initial perception of her as an artist. However, tracks like “Shake It Off,” along with “Cruel Summer” from her 2019 album Lover and “Anti-Hero” from her 2023 album Midnight, illustrate her bold departure from her country roots, showcasing Swift’s versatility and continuous artistic evolution, allowing her to experiment with diverse genres.
Each album showcases such distinctiveness that one can hardly blame Taylor Swift for not embracing repetitiveness. Additionally, what makes her work even more exceptional is that Swift pens all her materials. From her country beginnings to her indie rock and folk periods and her transitions into pop and hip-hop, **Swift’s musical genius reflects a significant breadth of the contemporary music scene**. She stands as a remarkable one-woman musical movement.
Why Taylor Swift Is A Good Choice For All Music Lovers
All those musical styles converge into one voice. Undoubtedly, Swift’s most recognizable talent lies in her voice. It exhibits a unique capability to adapt seamlessly to various musical genres — from the country elements of “Tim McGraw” to the pseudo-soul rap bass of “…Ready for It?” from her 2017 album Reputation — showcasing a rare gift. This 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, while admitting that rappers can sing country music.
While not everyone may claim to be a fan — I certainly wasn’t until recently — Taylor Swift’s remarkable ability to evolve as an artist, resonate with the public through her music, and leave a significant cultural impact makes her a compelling figure in the industry. Indeed, **Taylor Swift** merits the accolades of Time‘s Person of the Year. It’s clear that all music enthusiasts could benefit from exploring her music.
