Americans will be Americans. They will love their country music endlessly, even when it is contaminated by pure pop melodies that have nothing to do with fundamental postulates of essential country. When you add young beautiful blonde lady to the mix, you get the most stereotypical album - Fearless. Back in 2009, this record opened many doors for Taylor Swift, a fox who changed her style drastically since then. But let's take a little time travel ride.
Taylor Swift started her career in 2006 when she dropped her eponymous debut. Taylor Swift, the album, was well received both critically and commercially, so it became clear that the new star is born. We just weren't aware how big that star will become. In 2009, everyone knew who Taylor Swift was, and the world was anticipating Fearless with the highest expectations. When the album dropped, it was everything that fans wanted, so it came as no surprise the singer broke all the records on Billboard charts.
What was the secret of her success? The answer is pretty simple. Fearless offered full blooded shallow pop melodies that are extremely catchy. She seduced younger audiences, but also older generations that wanted to feel like they are still teenagers. There was no country here, basically. But it was labeled as such for commercial purposes. Promotional single Love Story initiated the explosion of the album. It is a typical Romeo and Juliet romance which couldn't fail. It is the biggest standout on the album dominated by easy, mid-tempo lemonades that were previously perfectly executed by Faith Hill. Listening to Fearless, you find no surprises or songs that differentiate from each other. I found it tedious to listen to all 16 songs. Besides Love Story, she released few more singles but they were never hot potato as the one from her future efforts. For Taylor Swift, Europe was still uncharted territory during this era.
As Taylor was only 19 at the time of album's release, it was expected that all of her lyrics were preoccupied with adolescent love problems and tiny identity issues. What is more disturbing is that she is still writing in this domain. However, I give her kudos for writing her own songs, which proves that she is a talented young lady who knows how to score a hit. Meaning, she is not just your average pretty face who sells products someone else created (like Britney Speara). Taylor Swift is your average pretty face with below average music. I was hoping she would experiment with the style similar to Lily Allen's, but she just kept on degrading herself from this point onwards.
Should I mention the scandal at MTV VMAs with Kanye West during Fearless era? I am not sure whether Taylor would ever reach the status she enjoys now If she didn't have the support of the whole United States (even president Obama) at the time when Kanye publically said that Beyonce, and not her, deserved the award for the video of the year.
American sweetheart started ruling with Fearless. According to sales of Look What You Just Made Me Do, her newest single from the upcoming album Reputation, her reign is not going to stop.
