“I think it’s you all who won’t leave us alone, but the private jet isn’t gonna pay for itself” LOL forever!
This album pissed me off so much that I spent the whole day reading critics tear it apart! So, I thought I had enough, but the whole piece was really good, Ira!
Idk who to admit this to but I’ll leave this here I guess. I think eldest daughter and a couple others gave me such a strong ick that it soured me for the rest of it but now I’ve come back around on much of it, I feel like I’m in a fever dream!
“I think it’s you all who won’t leave us alone.” — crying! so true!
Also that comment from Robyn at the end is incredible.
I thought that was an interesting parallel of Lorde’s vs TS response of XCX tracks. Charli’s song is speaking more to her own insecurity and anxiety than it is actually a critique of TS (or any other artist, for that matter) so it’s wild to me that TS would “fight back” instead of encouraging Charli or simply asking for an apology if she was offended. It feels very anti-feminist to add to the celebrity beef machine (especially as female pop artists that are already subjected to misogyny, infantilization, and etc.) instead of rising above. Granted, we don’t know what conversations were had behind closed doors but it’s still weird to me.
Maybe my opinion is biased or jaded or what-have-you, but I kind of feel like your feelings shouldn’t be *that* hurt when you’re part of the private-jet-owning, white, billionaire class, and happily engaged, *and* constantly selling out tours. Financially speaking, she is in another tier than most of the industry and nothing that Charli, Kanye, or anyone else says is going to take her down a notch at this rate.
At this point, I really think the beef has got to be for something that went on behind the scenes. There is no way SIAK pissed her off that much. That song wasn’t even a diss! (Or, maybe, TS is really that petty and thin skinned)
Truly either/or at this point. We’re not given any real insight about this, not that we’re owed anything necessarily. But even then, I don’t know that I would feel this butt-hurt about what ended up being such a short-lived relationship (which even majority of her fans were opposed to) and releasing a song about it while you’re currently engaged to presumably the love of your life. I know the songs were written pre-engagement but it still feels like a low blow or at the very least an unnecessary response to the situation or SIAK.
Oh, I agree! The response is too late and the diss is not even good! Also, if you really don’t care for what this person has to say about you, why are you immortalizing that beef in one of your albums???
Yes, exactly my sentiment! It’s such a deeply uncool choice all around. This is not the Drake/Kendrick moment you thought it was, Taylor 😂 (I don’t pretend to know what she or her team is thinking but that would actually be so bizarre if that’s what they were going for.)
Does it have to be only about Charli? The first verse is obviously about her, the rest of the song could be about anyone who spends all their time talking about people they claim to hate
You're right, she won't leave us alone. Because why release 5 dozen variants of these albums? I think it's also worth noting that it's not as cool to be a liberal girly (especially around her current fiances circle) and is giving aspirational tradwife content... which yuck.
The most original, thoughtful criticism of the album I’ve read, of course by Ira ☺️ There’s something hollow and “try hard” for me with TS lately and this album specifically. Gonna be reflecting on your piece for a minute, thanks!
For all the hate Jack Antonoff gets I 10000% prefer his work with Taylor to this try-hard mess. Also, Doja Cat performed some songs on SNL this weekend. I lost my mind watching them only to find out they were produced by Jack. They are exquisite and some of the best songs out right now. He is capable of doing something different but it really does depend on the artist, like Robyn noted about Max Martin. It doesn’t all rest on the producer.
I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about this album, but this one does it for me. I’m just gonna pass on it. I don’t even like orange that much and I’m admittedly not a Swiftie so I think this fandom is just not for me. Beautiful gowns.
I already liked Reputation when it came out but your commentary on it overtime made it one of my favorites. I won’t talk on this album since I’m not planning on listening it. I really enjoyed how you took Charli commentary on Autumn Sonata and took it to Sympathy is a Knife commentary.
“I think it’s you all who won’t leave us alone, but the private jet isn’t gonna pay for itself” LOL forever!
This album pissed me off so much that I spent the whole day reading critics tear it apart! So, I thought I had enough, but the whole piece was really good, Ira!
not Mama Kelce catching strays!
listen i’m sure she’ll be fun but it’s giving rise of a dynasty
It’s a little boring, Barbie is sending me
SENDING ME
Idk who to admit this to but I’ll leave this here I guess. I think eldest daughter and a couple others gave me such a strong ick that it soured me for the rest of it but now I’ve come back around on much of it, I feel like I’m in a fever dream!
“I think it’s you all who won’t leave us alone.” — crying! so true!
Also that comment from Robyn at the end is incredible.
I thought that was an interesting parallel of Lorde’s vs TS response of XCX tracks. Charli’s song is speaking more to her own insecurity and anxiety than it is actually a critique of TS (or any other artist, for that matter) so it’s wild to me that TS would “fight back” instead of encouraging Charli or simply asking for an apology if she was offended. It feels very anti-feminist to add to the celebrity beef machine (especially as female pop artists that are already subjected to misogyny, infantilization, and etc.) instead of rising above. Granted, we don’t know what conversations were had behind closed doors but it’s still weird to me.
Maybe my opinion is biased or jaded or what-have-you, but I kind of feel like your feelings shouldn’t be *that* hurt when you’re part of the private-jet-owning, white, billionaire class, and happily engaged, *and* constantly selling out tours. Financially speaking, she is in another tier than most of the industry and nothing that Charli, Kanye, or anyone else says is going to take her down a notch at this rate.
At this point, I really think the beef has got to be for something that went on behind the scenes. There is no way SIAK pissed her off that much. That song wasn’t even a diss! (Or, maybe, TS is really that petty and thin skinned)
Truly either/or at this point. We’re not given any real insight about this, not that we’re owed anything necessarily. But even then, I don’t know that I would feel this butt-hurt about what ended up being such a short-lived relationship (which even majority of her fans were opposed to) and releasing a song about it while you’re currently engaged to presumably the love of your life. I know the songs were written pre-engagement but it still feels like a low blow or at the very least an unnecessary response to the situation or SIAK.
Oh, I agree! The response is too late and the diss is not even good! Also, if you really don’t care for what this person has to say about you, why are you immortalizing that beef in one of your albums???
Yes, exactly my sentiment! It’s such a deeply uncool choice all around. This is not the Drake/Kendrick moment you thought it was, Taylor 😂 (I don’t pretend to know what she or her team is thinking but that would actually be so bizarre if that’s what they were going for.)
Does it have to be only about Charli? The first verse is obviously about her, the rest of the song could be about anyone who spends all their time talking about people they claim to hate
You're right, she won't leave us alone. Because why release 5 dozen variants of these albums? I think it's also worth noting that it's not as cool to be a liberal girly (especially around her current fiances circle) and is giving aspirational tradwife content... which yuck.
I really admire that you practice cultural criticism. Someone has to still have their brain turned on.
🙏🏾
The most original, thoughtful criticism of the album I’ve read, of course by Ira ☺️ There’s something hollow and “try hard” for me with TS lately and this album specifically. Gonna be reflecting on your piece for a minute, thanks!
Celebrity had such bops that my tween self couldn’t appreciate at the time. It is clearly Reputation’s Mother sonically and thematically!
I gasped at Taylor’s lack of knowledge about Liz’s oeuvre, contrasted with Charli having a Letterboxd and gagging at Bergman.
That song with Sabrina …… My God, what a waste.
For all the hate Jack Antonoff gets I 10000% prefer his work with Taylor to this try-hard mess. Also, Doja Cat performed some songs on SNL this weekend. I lost my mind watching them only to find out they were produced by Jack. They are exquisite and some of the best songs out right now. He is capable of doing something different but it really does depend on the artist, like Robyn noted about Max Martin. It doesn’t all rest on the producer.
loving the doja album
I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about this album, but this one does it for me. I’m just gonna pass on it. I don’t even like orange that much and I’m admittedly not a Swiftie so I think this fandom is just not for me. Beautiful gowns.
I love how most of your review was about the music and the songwriting
Razor sharp, Ira, thank you!!!!
If TS has no haters, I am dead so I will just say thank you for speaking so highly of my people and its culture (Swedish pop)!
this was a great one Ira ✍️🔥
I love how many different angles writers are taking in dissecting TayTay’s new album. Even I had a go as a non swiftie.
I found this particular piece very enlightening. I see now why fans had such high expectations. The swedes are hit machines indeed.
Strangely though, I liked this album. And the only other album of her’s I liked was 1989.. waaaay back when.
You are always right about Taylor (aren't you also of the 'I Look in People's Windows is the most interesting track on TTPD' school of thought?)
"Beautiful gowns" has never been more apt than this inspid era.
oh that song was my jam absolutely
I already liked Reputation when it came out but your commentary on it overtime made it one of my favorites. I won’t talk on this album since I’m not planning on listening it. I really enjoyed how you took Charli commentary on Autumn Sonata and took it to Sympathy is a Knife commentary.
Thank you for this great commentary Ira!