The gorgeous Taylor Swift is an undeniable powerhouse in the music industry, and with her countless awards, sold-out tours, and hit songs, it’s no surprise that she has earned her international fame. In her twelve-year music career, Swift has gone through a major transformation: from a country princess to the ultimate pop queen. As we trace her fascinating journey through music, we are able to witness her immense transformation, and appreciate the full range of her artistry.
1. Passing the Torch: Taylor Swift’s Evolution From Country Princess to Pop Queen
Taylor Swift’s reputation has evolved and changed over the years, from her early country-folk days to her current status as one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. While fans of her newer sound may not be as familiar with her roots, you can still hear echoes of her previous music in her current hits. Here’s how Taylor made the transformation:
- A Smoother Transition: Initially, Taylor released a few pop-influenced songs that blended her signature songwriting with more mainstream production. Songs like “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me” had elements of country music, but also made use of a synthesizer and other contemporary touches, allowing fans to make the transition to her newer sound more seamlessly.
- Branching Out With Collaborations: Taylor continued the transition to her current style by collaborating with other artists. By working with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Future, and Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, Taylor was able to stylistically break through genre barriers, giving fans new and exciting interpretations of her musical vision.
- Innovative Music Videos: Each of Taylor’s singles received the video treatment, but not just any old video. Drawing from her years of experience in the music industry, Taylor created cinematic yet relatable music videos, such as “Shake It Off” and “Look What You Made Me Do,” which blurred the lines between pop music and film. The result was a series of visually stunning videos that pushed pop music further than it had ever been pushed before.
- The Reputation Album: For her sixth studio album, Taylor went full-on pop, embracing the electronic production that had begun to emerge in her work and turning it up to 11. From the very first track of “Reputation,” it was clear that this Taylor had come been replaced by a pop queen, taking her sound to a whole new level and solidifying her transformation to one of the most iconic pop stars of our time.
Taylor’s journey from sweet country-folk singer to battle-hardened pop queen has been both fascinating and rewarding for long-time and new fans alike. With her latest album, Lover, Taylor proves that she can evolve her sound even further, exploring bolder and more mature themes in her songwriting and production.
2. Singing Her Way Through the Generations: Making Country Music History
Many of the legendary country music stars started their rise to fame through singing with various bands and groups. But for the generations that follow, some of those trends have been lost in the dustbins of time. Artist Loretta Lynn has the distinction of being the first female artist to break through into mainstream country music, and she’s still touring and recording now. But as a trail blazer in her genre, Lynn has had an especially strong influence on other country artists.
Her hard-edged, but emotionally resonant songs first made an appearance in the ‘50s, bringing traditional Tennessee country elements to the forefront with the help of her uncle, known as Oakland Wilburn. With tracks like “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl”, “You’re Lookin’ At Country” and “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)”, she was a powerful influence on the next generation – covering topics that weren’t considered suitable for such public discourse.
Fast forward to the present and Lynn’s influence continues to be felt. She’s a Grammy winner and has her own star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lynn’s legacy has been kept alive and passed down through the generations with hits from artists like Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and many others.
To this day, elements of Lynn’s lyrical and traditional country stylings remain well-represented in the genre. Her heartfelt lyrics, touching on themes of love, heartache, and family still give her songs an enduring quality. And for her efforts, Lynn’s contribution and the door she opened for other female artists will be remembered and celebrated long into the future.
3. Pop Stardom Takes Flight: Swapping Her Cowboy Boots for the Catwalk
- At the age of 7, Taylor set her sights on a career in country music and by the age 10, she had signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Records.
- In 2006, Taylor’s music career began to take off with her self titled debut album, Taylor Swift.
- By 2008, Taylor’s single, “Love Story”, had topped the Billboard Country Charts and was a crossover hit on the Hot 100 Charts.
The rise of Taylor Swift from Nashville sweetheart to global pop star began in earnest in 2009. When the release of Fearless, her sophomore album, propelled her to world-wide fame and a record-breaking album cycle. She won four Grammy awards in 2010 and became the youngest person ever to win Album of the Year. She had obviously struck a chord with listeners around the world – an impressive feat for someone who had just celebrated her 20th birthday.
The success of Fearless marked an important shift in Taylor’s public persona. She changed into a more fashionable, glamorous look, swapping her cowboy boots for the catwalk and made appearances at multiple fashion events. Her fashion sense became a defining feature of the business savvy that she had quickly developed. She made savvy and calculated moves such as becoming a spokesperson for cover girl and Keds, and launching her own fragrances and fashion lines.
The fashionista in Taylor had been there all along, but the strategies implemented around it were what helped place her permanently on the A-List. She had become a true multi-media celebrity and a perennial fixture on the red carpet. With this transition to pop stardom came even more mocking and ridicule from the press, but Taylor would continue to grow and show the media and A-List attendees alike, that she was here to stay and to dominate the music world.
4. From Fearless to Lover: The Surprising Return to Country Music and Beyond
In her earliest years as a young artist, Taylor Swift was famously known for her country-pop albums and anthems such as “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me”. In the past years, she has become an acclaimed pop singer-songwriter with her 2017 album Reputation. Swift has now emerged with her critically acclaimed seventh studio album, Lover, and a surprising return to her country roots.
One of the standout tracks from Lover, “Soon You’ll Get Better” features Dixie Chicks on back-up vocals, while “It’s Nice to Have a Friend” draws on steel guitar and twang comparable to traditional country music. It becomes clear with these tracks that she is making a return to her country music days, but with a contemporary twist.
Swift has cited her return to country music roots as a result of her newfound freedom. She has also covered other country-style songs such as Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September”, with a country twang and her own spin. Not only that, but her Emmy award-winning 2016 performance of “Better Man” is a great testament to her newfound versatility and skillfulness with music.
- Steel Guitar: Used in “It’s Nice To Have A Friend”
- Dixie Chicks: Featured on back-up vocals in “Soon You’ll Get Better”
- Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” : Covered by Taylor Swift with a country twang
Taylor Swift’s return to country music has been both well-received and praised. Her move away from her previous collaborations with Max Martin and Shellback to her recent partnership with venerable Nashville producer Nathan Chapman is evidence of Swift’s ability to challenge herself and grow as an artist.
As her career continues to span different eras, genres and music styles, it’s clear that Taylor Swift is a modern-day musical pioneer and will continue to bring her uniquely eclectic style to the charts for years to come. Her musical journey is one that is sure to excite us with each new twist and turn that she takes: when it comes to Taylor Swift, we know anything can happen!
