On the "playing the victim" front, I think it comes across quite clearly that in songs like this, Taylor is adopting a persona to satirize the way she's portrayed in the media. I know she discussed this in the 1989 era (particularly about "Blank Space"). I think there's a certain irony in her lyrics when they're this way. I mean, it's called "Look What You Made Me Do." That's a phrase a villain would say in a movie. I don't believe this is Taylor speaking as Taylor, if that makes sense.
Imagine the fun Jack and Taylor were having in the studio when they decided to use the "I'm Too Sexy" melody
this was very good: Taylor Swift Goes to a Darker Place: Discuss Jon Caramanica and Wesley Morris were on point for me
I'm glad I only listened once last night and slept on it. I enjoyed it way more this morning. She definitely knows what she's doing and this song is probably more playful and satire than people will realize. I'm here for it all.
considering her heavy use of snake aesthetic so far, i wish the album was titled "Taylor Swift and the Chamber of Secrets"
I believe they bonded over their love of the drums in Fine Young Cannibals' "She Drives Me Crazy," so this makes a lot of sense.
Also, on the "Taylor's first singles are always bad" front: "Mine" is a solid, understated tune and I'll hear no other opinion on the matter.
100% true, but that song never got to #1. Taylor and her team definitely seemed to have learned that the lead single has to be a shock in many ways, and overtly poppy or popular
A few thoughts: -Listened a few times, and this song bangs. I don't know what half of you are listening to but this will be stuck in my head all year. -It's going to be a huge hit (obviously cus it's Taylor) -Really interesting and annoying how eager we seem to take down artists these days (Arcade Fire, Katy Perry, even Gaga when Artpop came out all come to mind). It's obviously ok not to like a song or album, but people just seem overjoyed to tweet about how these people are done. Call me crazy but I like to see artists have huge success. -Of course Taylor is calculated she's the biggest pop star on the planet. She has to be.
Listened again in my car. Still not in love with the chorus but the rest is fine. And I love the voicemail part
I hope you're all ready for the VMAs performance where she reveals this was tongue in cheek and Kanye and Katy Perry join her on stage.