I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift's music. I mean, I just don't get it.

[Sogo]

But I do admire how she conducts her business, her philanthropy, and how she stands up for principles she believes in. The White House is hoping for another endorsement this year. I can see why.

This article provides good insights into her influence:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/30/opinions/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-nfl-campoamor/index.html

[NewHendoLib]

1. totally agree - it is simply not my genre. but I appreciate what she is doing.

[B.See]

33. Same here. As I said in another thread...

.. I'm a baby boomer, and an ex Army brat at that, so my musical tastes are, to say the least, eclectic and rather... uhmm.. enigmatic (hah, see what I did there?)

But I too appreciate what she's doing, motivating people to be active participants in Democracy via the power of their VOTE. Which is why MAGAs hate her so.

And it's also a far cry better than the few raggady mfs scrambling to get air time by sticking their heads far up Trump's AZZ while selling out their own fan base.

Sure glad I never spent a dime on any of their sht.

[BannonsLiver]

2. Im in the same boat

I appreciate the talent but her music isn’t meant for me. Which is fine. A lot of the stuff I listen to probably wouldn’t appeal to her core audience either.

[canetoad]

3. Earlier today

As I'd never heard her music, looked up a song on the Tube. Ok, not my taste - but the few comments I read seemed like it was the lyrics that counted. She's a modern day torch-song poet. That may be what drives her popularity.

[limbicnuminousity]

14. My GenZ daughter pointed some songs out.

Seems pretty empowering to me (the lyrics, that is).

[CTyankee]

102. In my day it was "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan

It was a freaking anthem...

[emulatorloo]

40. She'a a great storyteller, lyrics very moving and emotionally rich.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

88. She's a really good poet.

[Srkdqltr]

4. Some people just have something. Its amazing.

And they are smart enough to see it and use it.

[gab13by13]

5. Missing the point

She can lead a movement.

That’s why Magats bash her.

[rubbersole]

7. She can and is.

One of the most influential people on earth. And a really good person. Her endorsement will mean a lot. It's coming.

[Sogo]

8. I think you missed the point of my post.

I did go on to talk about her influence....and cited an article that is all about that.

I very much get her in that regard. That's why the WH is hoping for her endorsement again.

[Submariner]

6. Wondering if she'll invite her BFF Kanye to her skybox suite

we haven’t seen them together in awhile. It might bring some excitement to the game.

[ripcord]

9. I have always hoped he would win another award

So Taylor could walk on stage, take the award from him and tell everyone "Yo, Kanye its good to see you again, I'm really happy for you, I'ma let you finish, but Drake had one of the best videos of all time!"

[RussellCattle]

24. Oh, THAT was Taylor Swift! Funny stuff. I'd pay to see it.

[LeftInTX]

68. Here

&ab_channel=Alecharts

[B.See]

37. Lmao

[rubbersole]

10. He's busy.

Selling ugly-ass Croc lookin' jelly shoes curbside in Burbank. On weekends.

[Johonny]

11. I believe he's now selling teeth

Because he's nuts.

[rubbersole]

23. There's a pillow manufacturer lookin' for investors.

[ancianita]

12. Why would she? Did you forget the sarcasm emoji?

Why would you even suggest that she try to help MAGAs?

They're not now nor have ever been BFF.

[Scrivener7]

15. I am pretty sure it was a joke. Because of their history.

[ancianita]

17. Fine, Scrivener.

Given how many don't care for her music here, I doubted how much they even know about her and Kanye at all.

I defend against such clever by half statements because she's worth defending.

[Scrivener7]

18. Fine, ancianita.

[Celerity]

19. +1....... yes, of course it was, lol

[limbicnuminousity]

13. If you're curious

take a look at some of her lyrics. Anti-hero in particular...she has something to say.

[SouthernDem4ever]

20. I am definitely way past her generation

but I was impressed at her courage and candor. I hope she stays well protected and far away from the crazy-ass wingnuts.

[Ferrets are Cool]

21. You don't have to like someone's music to appreciate their goodness.

[Sogo]

27. I think that's exactly the point I was making in my OP.

Thanks, anyway....

[Mountainguy]

22. I didn't care for her teeny-bopper stuff

But as she got older I think her songwriting got better. I thought her 1989 album was great.

I'm not a "fan" but I've grown pretty appreciative of her over the past 10 years.


Now, I am a fan of Olivia Rodrigo. She's punk, love her.

[rubbersole]

25. My ex said I was a lecherous old pervert for liking Olivia Rodrigo.

She's always right. I'm told.

[Celerity]

86. Olivia Rodrigo - all-american bitch (live from SNL) 🖤🖤🖤

[Celerity]

106. taylor swift, olivia rodrigo - sad, beautiful, tragic x traitor 🖤

[WarGamer]

26. Agreed... no vocal talent.

Having said that... extremely talented, writes her own music..

And even though I DO NOT LIKE her music...

I watched her Tour video for over an hour. Couldn't turn away. Incredible performer, a true artist.

And AFAIK... she's an awesome person and loves animals.

A winner.

[GenThePerservering]

34. She's got an excellent voice

with great range and flexibility.

[WarGamer]

42. Oh yeah, she's another Sarah Brightman!

[MerryBlooms]

41. So much horseshit in so little space. Kudos! 🤣

[WarGamer]

44. Which part?

I'm assuming you're defending her vocal talent.

What level do you believe she's on? Streisand? Brightman? Ok... lol that's not fair.

How about Ann Wilson at TS's age?

Still not fair, I know...

Ok... I'll give you Britney Spears. Although Britney probably had a bit more ooomph... at TS's age too...

Hmmm... don't believe me

https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/music-theory/taylor-swift-good-singer/

With a middling soprano range that seems more secure in its middle and lower echelons, Tay-Tay’s singing voice is not the most technically adept in the pop world. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t doing interesting things with it…

She’s a country singer at heart

Country singers are in love with the sound of their own voices. That’s not to say that they’re self-obsessed, but something about the personal narrative in country music turns its most successful acts into storytellers as well as singers - and clarity of vocal expression is how you communicate those stories. Just think of Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette - fine singers on a technical level, but it’s the stories we remember. A young Taylor Swift, trying to break through the Nashville music scene just as Dolly and Tammy did in their day, would’ve lapped those stories up and sought to tell her own.

Like I said... a tremendous artist and generational talent... and not a great singer.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

91. Your comparisons are off because they don't sing the same style.

She's a great singer. Her pitch is impeccable. Watch some of the clips of her when her feedback earpiece stops working and how she gets back on. It's quite impressive. She doesn't do sound production like Streisand but she's not going for that style. Her sound production is great for what she's trying to do. Streisand doesn't have the sound production in her songs that an opera singer does, but that would sound ridiculous.

Is she as polished as Ariana Grande? No. Does she have the depth of Miley? No. Is she good? Absolutely.

[WarGamer]

97. Yeah I still don't hear it... BUT

She's a helluva performer and a great person so she's A-OK with me and a big thumbs up if she pisses off the GOP.

I'm from the 80's so come from all that great music... And in recent years I've spread out into the classics and some modern stuff like Within Temptation and NightWish.

I went on an Elvis kick after the great movie last year... and love me some Anna German.

In other words... I'm all over the place. I can listen to Slayer with my morning coffee and catch Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bodelli before bedtime.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

98. She is not my style of music by any shot.

I sing, so I do my best to pay attention to the talent. And it seems odd to say about someone so popular, but she is in a lot of ways very raw in vocal talent. She doesn't have an overly trained voice. I'll give that.

I graduated in 84, so I hear ya. We had our share of that style voice, then, too. Debbie Gibson for one.

[WarGamer]

99. Wow, class of 83 here...

Can you believe that decade?

Started off (ok off by a year or so) Van Halen I, to all the Hair bands like Poison, Ratt and Motley Crue... oldies like Judas Priest and Scorpions were going strong... then New Wave rolled in with DeVO and the like... MIssing Persons, Berlin and Kim Wilde...

And how could I forget... Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth!

And the decade finished up with Paula Abdul, Richard Marx and Gloria Estefan.

The 80's were... wow.

[barbaraann]

28. I don't get it either, but maybe it's a generational thing.

I'm a Baby Boomer. Good lord, we had the best music ever heard in the universe.

[Skittles]

30. yup

it is fun watching all those music reaction videos - young people realizing their GRANDPARENTS generation was, well, freaking FIRE!

[barbaraann]

39. Yeah, maybe rock and roll is the whole meaning of life!!!

Oh, and my definition of rock includes disco.

[B.See]

43. To steal a line from a Bond movie,

We've had our kicks.

[GenThePerservering]

32. No, we didn't nt

[barbaraann]

35. What kind of music do you like?

[emulatorloo]

45. I'm a boomer too, I think she's a wonderful songwriter and story teller. You might like her albums

“Folklore” and “Evermore.”

?si=HK0MvgfNwilbpd67

[barbaraann]

54. Oh, that is a beautiful song.

Maybe the Oldies are so powerful because they bring back such vivid memories and songs I hear now don't do that.

[emulatorloo]

55. Ooo you and I need to talk boomer favorites sometime!

[barbaraann]

57. Where would we start!!!???

And we would need to have the album covers to pore over while we listened to the songs!

[emulatorloo]

60. Yes, those album covers with all the lyrics printed on the back!

[LeftInTX]

69. Her music is wholesome. Parents would rather have their kids listen to Taylor than hip-hop

We're lucky to have her on our side.
Everyone thought she was a Republican.

[Skittles]

29. I don't get the music either

too bubble-gummy

but I'll support anyone who fights fascism; yes INDEED

[Medical_Mom]

48. Hugh L. wanted me to send this one to you

Her 2020 pandemic-era album folklore has some great songs ... watch/listen objectively, even if you've heard it casually ... it's an excellent song, and this whole record is worth hearing ... even if I don't love all her stuff by any means

?feature=shared

He says he misses his DU friends! Especially the MA friends

[niyad]

53. Sorry to ask, but what is going on with Hugh L??? I seem to have missed something.

[Medical_Mom]

62. He's been FFR'd since August of last year

We're good friends from the AZ political scene and he occasionally asks me to post messages to friends on the board ... and says 'Hi, Niyad" just now

[niyad]

65. Oh my, I seem to have completely missed (or forgotten) that. Waving,

"Hi, Hugh! Hope all is well."

[senseandsensibility]

100. i guess i'm showing my igorance but what

is ffr'd?

[progressoid]

101. Flagged For Review.

Essentially locked out of DU for violations.

[senseandsensibility]

103. Oh, thanks!

[emulatorloo]

56. I love the Folklore album and the Evermore album too! Thank you for posting "Cardigan."

[Skittles]

59. sorry, I really don't like her voice

too schlocky for me, irritating

[herding cats]

64. You don't have to like her singing voice to respect her speaking voice.

Which is what truly matters. Yes, she's amassed an army of followers due to her vast popularity as a vocal artist, but her power to reach people on issues which matter is truly inspiring. At least to me.

Thankfully, she's also no Oprah promoting quacks and loons to lift them up. I never could stand that bull crap. She's strait up issues which matter and resonate with her, when she ventures there.

We most definitely could have a worse famous person out there on the side of decency, women's rights and democracy than her.

Overall, she's been maturing into one hell of a woman.

[Beachnutt]

31. Try to get a ticket to one of her concerts

Anywhere in the world, insane popularity.
The younger generation will dress up in swiftie outfits and head to the voting booth if she endorses our President.

[peggysue2]

36. It's not about her music

It's not about her talent or lack there of. It's about her influence, the huge, loyal fan base she's acquired. If anything, it's about her presence.

From everything I've read, Taylor Swift is a decent, kind, generous individual. She's passionate about what she believes. And passionate about what she does not believe. She's willing to voice that, even though she knows/knew that she'd attract exactly what she's getting now because her platform is massive, international. Her father and manager begged her not to publicly express her political views. She pushed back saying she wanted to be on the right side of history.

And she is, will be. I don't give a f*ck about her celebrity status. But I sure as hell admire her courage, her unwillingness to back off when she really has so much to lose.

For the younger set, she's an inspiration. For this Boomer, she is equally so.

Makes me proud. An all-American girl.

Go get 'em, babe!

[LeftInTX]

70. Amen!!

[NoMoreRepugs]

38. "I don't get her music" - I don't care some don't get it. It's music, like food and art -

everything isn’t for everybody.

[Skittles]

61. it's a legitimate response

not understanding the massive popularity of something - no one is saying it should be for everyone

[Tikki]

46. Never heard a song of hers. And I only know a couple Dolly Parton's song..doesn't mean..

…I can’t respect the singers and their personal message.

Tikki

[chouchou]

47. She's a corporate brand and that's fine for what it is. I DO appreciate what she's doing politically.

Most of the pop singers are for the teens and such.
People think they actually write their own music. Think again. Big media does not take chances...anymore.

[emulatorloo]

50. She does indeed write her own music. She's an excellent storyteller, emotional and nuanced.

She’s got a lot of interesting deeper songs for those who look beyond the hits. Of course YMMV.

[usedtobedemgurl]

49. One year my son wanted Swift concert tix for his birthday.

She eats up parent rooms at her concerts. You can listen to her music there or just tune everything out and play on your phone. I believe there may have been refreshments. My son was fine with me being away. He was mid- teens and independent. At one point my son asked me to come see one of her songs. I did. I stayed in my seat for the entire rest of the concert. Her singing, the great songs, her costume changes and theatrics (things like being in a bucket of sorts singing above the cheap seats so all fans had a chance to see her) won me over. I will now be a Swift fan for life.

[AllaN01Bear]

51. i havent heard her music to make a comment . but i do like how she is energizing her base to gotv to fight thie orange

menace .

[Initech]

52. I love that she's pissing off Fox News hosts.

[Zambero]

78. The Watters jerk suggested that

Swift might even be a LESBIAN. Oh Dear God, the horrors!

[Initech]

96. Their obession is weird, super creepy, and bordering on stalking / harassing territory.

I would hope she sues the shit out of Fox News for this.

[OAITW r.2.0]

58. LOL, can't name one of her songs. That's really good for her!

But I love her commitment to stand up for what's right. Must be going thru hell with the deep fake porn and basic fucking assholes that can't disengage from a for-profit conspiracy mindset.

[radius777]

63. What she does politically is good, but IMO her music is bland corporate

pop that appeals to parents and middle America - she's kind of the anti-Cardi and that is IMO her selling point.

I'm gen-x/male/poc and so not her target audience, and every generation sees things differently of course. But I'm also young enough to have seen 'girl power pop rock' done much better by artists like Pink and Gwen Stefani. So to me how big Swift is just doesn't compute. But as I stated every generation has tastes that can't (nor should) be fully understood by others.

[tornado34jh]

66. To be honest, I don't really like Taylor Swift's music or most modern music in general as someone who plays piano/synth

I have played at my sister and cousin's weddings, and have been taught by piano teachers. For me, I think most modern music to me is the same. Often times, I can't even tell who the singer is because many of them sound the same. I'll listen to electronic music, world music, etc., but I don't think most modern music is that good from a musical standpoint. I have to really like it to listen or even play it on piano. I remember one time my parents asked me to play Beverly Hills Cop, which I didn't like. I have never seen the movie and the music didn't really impress me.

I can't remember which ones, but there are some Youtube videos talking about how nowadays the music has really simplified. Back then, you had to really be talented to go to the big leagues, nowadays the process seems not as high. I'm not saying there isn't talent in modern music, but I just think everyone just more or less copies something else. I grew up listening to Backstreet Boys, Nsync, Aerosmith, Smash Mouth, etc. Those times, those bands were really good. I am not opposed to listening to new music, but there are certain things I look for to tell me if it is good (rhythm, lyrics, transitions, etc.)

Anyway, while I don't care for her music, there is no doubt what she is doing is good, I will give you that, which I can't say for many celebrities. But I get the feeling that the people crying about Taylor Swift got way too much time on their hands, almost like an obsession. Throw in conspiracy theories and all that, and yep, she got them in over their heads.

[LeftInTX]

67. Her music is wholesome, country/western based.

Wholesome music doesn't appeal to alot of people.

Her roots are country/western.

This is her first big hit from 2008. I would always hear at WalMart when I was shopping. They really promoted her music and I believe she had a WalMart clothing line.

Another interesting fact about Taylor: She kept her political views to herself for years. Everyone thought she was conservative because she was so wholesome and CW. I believe she shyly expressed her feelings in 2016 and took a bunch of flack from the CW scene.

&ab_channel=TaylorSwiftVEVO

[honest.abe]

71. Why lead with that?? No musician appeals to everyone.

That’s not surprising or even worth mentioning much less making it the title of a post sbout her.

[B.See]

80. Precisely. And I got the same "vibe"

,........

[no_hypocrisy]

72. The last musical performer that had sway like TS

was John Lennon. Perhaps more. Nixon considered him to be an "enemy of the U.S." because of his influence.

[retread]

73. I have become a huge fan.

[Patton French]

74. What's not to get?

She’s a talented artist and classy person. Not every musical genre appeals to me, but I appreciate talent.

[Vinca]

75. I couldn't name one of her songs for a million dollar prize, but if she can crank the right wing up to

this level just by watching a football game, I'm a fan.

[Paladin]

76. My sentiments, exactly. Thank you! (nt)

[gab13by13]

77. This doesn't have a damn thing to do about her music

she could be a tennis star or rodeo start, this is about her leading a movement to get Joe Biden back in the White House.

Why do you think Magats are attacking her? Criticism of her is playing right into what Trump wants, he has begun criticizing her.

Carry on bashing her.

[doc03]

79. I don't know if I ever heard her music. That goes for about 90% of the rest of

today's "stars". I saw Justin Timberlake on SNL Saturday, WTF was that?

[Jarqui]

81. I don't mind what I've heard of her music

but I'm not really a 'fan' of it.
There's nothing wrong with it. Seems pleasant. I just haven't made a connection to it.
I've looked at her chord progressions, etc. I need more time.

I researched her beyond checking out her music & lyrics. Mostly reading or watching interviews or reading articles.

I like what she is about and admire her as a person. She's a good human being trying to give back.

[Pendrench]

82. I'm a fan of her music - I think she's great!

[Voltaire2]

83. Kids these days with their 'music'.

Also they need to get off my lawn.

[onenote]

90. Beat me to it...

[Voltaire2]

92. I have to go yell at some clouds.

[Torchlight]

84. Yeah, my dad didn't like The Beatles at all

but really admired their consistent support for the peace movement. However he oddly opened up every conversation about with "I really don't like the Beatles, but..."

[Croney]

85. Taylor Swift reminds me of Bob Dylan.

I was going to make this an OP, but then I got over myself.

Bob Dylan either can or cannot sing, but we don't care. His writing is Nobel Prize material.

Taylor Swift either can or cannot sing, but we can't seem to just let it slide. Her lyrics tell stories and express feelings.

I like them both. I've seen Dylan many times; tried to get Swift tickets for granddaughters but would have had to sell the car.

[Goodheart]

87. She can definitely sing.

[Croney]

89. I agree.

[Chakaconcarne]

93. Note to self... everyone has differing tastes in music and likes for others to know that.

[Tommy Carcetti]

94. Like a lot of popular artists, she's hit or miss for me.

I'm mostly exposed only to her singles, and some of them I think are really good, and others I feel are thoroughly "meh."

Felt the same way about Lady Gaga.

I did listen to her Midnights album in its entirety, and I really liked "Anti-Hero," "Maroon" and "Karma." Some of the others I really don't remember.

Most popular musical artists and bands will be like that--hit or miss. Unless it's someone you really, really like.

[Happy Hoosier]

95. I can;t stand country.... but a lot of people love it.

Musical tastes.... go figure.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

104. You do not have to be a fan of Taylor Swift's music to admire and appreciate her as a good person

[Sogo]

107. I think that's exactly the point I was making.

Thanks!

[underpants]

105. Taylor and Barbie 👍