A Guide to Loving Taylor Swift
The people’s pop star princess.
It seems like more people in the world have been making friendship bracelets than not.
Taylor Swift has made the world her stage with the Eras Tour spanning the past two years. Before that, Swift has carefully crafted her career since she was 16. 11 eras, six tours, and nearly 300 songs later, Swift has built a legacy no one can undo.
Swift’s popularity has ebbed and flowed with society’s outlandish standards placed on women, especially celebrities and women of influence. Swift has been under a public microscope for as long as she’s been releasing music, but with that, she’s always stayed authentic and inspiring. Some hate her, love her, or fall somewhere in between, but Swift and her artistry is something worth knowing.
If you fall under the category of Taylor Swift hater or you’re simply indifferent, this is where you should start when transitioning to a Taylor Swift lover.
1. Understand “Taylor’s Version”
On some of Swift’s more recent work, you can find “(Taylor’s Version)” next to album and song titles. This signature is attached to Swift’s six re-recordings. The masters of Swift’s Debut (Taylor Swift), Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and reputation were essentially stolen from her. Her previous record label, Big Machine Records, shockingly sold the original recordings of those albums for approximately $300 million to Scooter Braun and his holding company, Ithaca Holdings LLC.
Swift has since decided to re-record those six albums, emphasizing the importance of artists owning their work. Swifties show their support of Swift by not listening to the original recordings and only streaming the new ones. Now, Swift has recorded new, fully owned versions of all her stolen albums, except for Debut (Taylor Swift) and reputation. These releases are highly anticipated among Swifties, as each re-recording has given Swifties the nostalgia of the original era, but the excitement of a new one. With new merch, songs, fashion and more, Swift shows her appreciation for fans and her redefining of the music industry through her re-recordings.
2. Find your favorite album
Whether you love country, pop or folk, Swift has something for everyone. If you tend to gravitate towards young storytelling and Southern-sounding guitar strums, Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Debut (Taylor Swift), and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) may be the albums for you. Swift’s youth shines through in these albums – her lyrics are fun, flirty, and of course, fearless.
If you yearn for introspection and deeper lyrics accessorized with a pop flare, Red (Taylor’s Version) and Midnights could become your next signature album. These albums get you dancing, but can also get you thinking.
Then there are sister albums, folklore and evermore. Both of these albums are lyrical masterpieces, forms of escapism, and some of Swift’s best work. If you like folk music that transports you to secluded cabins and deep forests, look no further. Recently released The Tortured Poets Department also somewhat falls into this category. While a lyrical masterpiece, TTPD transports listeners to a different land – one that more closely resembles a private bedroom, surrounded by diaries that hold your deepest, darkest secrets.
Swift’s Lover, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), and reputation are Swift’s most pop-esque albums. Centered on being in love, healthy friendships, and moving to a new city – these albums will get you dancing and dreaming.
3. Follow Taylor Swift fan accounts
Aside from following Swift herself, following Swift fan accounts fully immerses you in the Swiftie community, oftentimes uncovering Swift’s infamous Easter eggs, and updating you on all things Taylor Swift. Whether that be @taylorswiftstyled, a Swift fashion account, or @swiftiesforeternity, a fan account with news and ticket updates, there are a plethora of profiles to explore.
4. Head to Netflix and Disney+
In order to see Swift as the powerhouse pop star she is while also understanding she’s still human, watch The Eras Tour on Disney+ and Miss Americana on Netflix. If you didn’t get a chance to see the Eras Tour in person, watching it on Disney+ is definitely the next best thing. Whether you see this tour on a grainy livestream, from the front row, or from the comfort of your couch, it does not go unnoticed that Swift is superhuman. Performing for over three hours, going through countless costume changes all while connecting with the audience, it’s no surprise this tour has broken records.
Miss Americana on Netflix puts the human in Swift’s inherent superhuman nature. Filmed during Swift’s Lover era, viewers learn about Swift’s eating disorder, her need to be perfect, her political views, and even see the intimacy of her home. This documentary tears down the wall often put up between celebrities and their fans – Swift is just like us in more ways than we realize.
Swift’s career has spanned nearly two decades and doesn't seem to be coming to a stop anytime soon. The tricks up her sleeve are endless, and her love for her fans is even greater. Take these four steps to join the Swiftie community – some friendship bracelets will be waiting for you.
