Taylor Swift
- Thread starter pinkinthecity
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To be clear, Max Martin and Jack Antonoff aren't just collaborators. The producer of an album (even the co-producer) plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the album. While I'm sure Taylor takes the lead on all of that, it's impossible to ignore their contributions to the overall style of her work. Same goes for Speak Now--she wrote all the music herself (a huge feat and worthy of mention), but she still worked with another producer who helped shape the album. And, of course, all of this ran through Big Machine and there were definitely known, recognizable people behind the scenes helping to make it happen.
Anyone who puts out an album or other work is an artist, regardless of whether they wrote the whole thing themselves or all they did was show up and record the vocals (Sinatra recorded 59 studio albums in his lifetime and, as far as I can tell, never produced one; is he not an artist?). But that doesn't mean that everyone's artistry is on an equal footing. Taylor produces enjoyable, commercial music and that's totally fine, but no one should be surprised when I say that there are more artistic, interesting songwriters and composers out there.
You say that like there’s something wrong with it.
Being an artist can be a double-edged sword. Genuine creativity and originality often comes with a price. History is riddled with examples of artists who were true geniuses of their time but they also suffered horribly from deep depression, mental illness, or alcoholism. All things considered being mainstream sounds pretty good to me.
I think Taylor creates so she is an artist. Moderns think that art is only art if it is EDGY. But that is only their POV. There is no big T truth that says someone's visual or musical creations have to be subversive to be art.
It may come across that way, but it wasn't my intent. I differentiate the two because so often when a person criticizes Taylor, her fans come at the criticism with such a passionate defense - as if not liking her is not an option. Art is subjective. Her sales do not negate an opinion that the "art" in her work is lacking.
Well… she got to be the one watching adoringly from the sidelines.. now it’s his turn. The pics and vids will keep coming
There's nothing inherently wrong with being mainstream, and I hate the image of the "tortured artist." I hardly mean to suggest that one is better than the other.
I'm a big theater lover, so I'll use an example from the theater world. I enjoy Mamma Mia. Not because it's great art, but because it's pure fun and it's impossible not to smile along. But it's far from my favorite musical, and I certainly wouldn't hold it up as an example of a brilliant, artistic musical. Nonetheless, it's been a smash-hit worldwide, spawned two highly successful films, and been a gateway to the theater for a lot of people. On the other hand, Into the Woods is one of my all-time favorite musicals, and I believe it is truly a work of art. The music, the book, the nuance...it takes something very basic (fairy tales) and goes so much deeper, and does so in such a creative and beautiful way. Into the Woods has never been the kind of runaway hit that Mamma Mia was. In fact, it had the misfortune of coming out against Phantom of the Opera, so it didn't even do as well at the Tonys as it may have in another year. But those who know and appreciate theater recognize it as an exceptional work. I can enjoy both! I can appreciate both. They're just different.
According to whom? And compared to whom? Mozart?
Taylor reminds me of Stevie Nick, a hitmaker and still going strong.
Both reflects the spirit of their times, imo.
Lacking or not, it is art.
According to me. I express my opinion. I don't expect anyone else to bow down to it. But others are not going to convince me to think a different way just because she sells a lot of records and fills stadiums. I don't think that 100% of content creation is art. That would mean a kid messing around posting videos and dreaming of being a viral sensation is art, and I don't think it is. I know there are people who disagree with me, and it will not ruin my day in the slightest to have that knowledge.
It depends on the video. Is Ken Burns an artist? Probably not. He is a historian and compiles history. But Taylor creates melodies and lyrics.
Rather than people saying Taylor is an artist because of her success, I think people are busting on her for her commercial success. It’s a very SNL Sprokets POV.
Rather than people saying Taylor is an artist because of her success, I think people are busting on her for her commercial success. It’s a very SNL Sprokets POV.
I think many people, including myself, have articulated why they dislike her. I don't understand the desire to project reasons rather than just taking us at our word.
It is completely fine, I thought that perhaps she was not a critically well regarded musician at large , that is all.
Art is subjective. Not everyone thinks a Jackson Pollock is art. Net everyone likes Jazz or thinks it is music. Not everyone thinks a photograph is art. Not everyone thinks (insert name here) singer has any talent, etc…
Whatever Taylor is doing, she’s taking it straight to the bank, though. Whether or not one thinks she has talent, or is an artist, isn’t relevant to that.
She does create some catchy tunes and write some clever lyrics. Folklore album is what got my attention. Before that I didn’t listen or think of her much more than a pop/country singer. With Folklore I started to pay attention (it was during Covid and there was nothing better to do) and saw how clever her writing is.
It’s ok to not like her, or to think she has no artistic talent, or to think she’s a hack job, or whatever. There are lots of musicians and artists in other mediums that I think that about. That’s what makes these discussions interesting!
If anyone cares, Travis has arrived and evidently it was all over the news in Australia
pagesix.com
Whatever Taylor is doing, she’s taking it straight to the bank, though. Whether or not one thinks she has talent, or is an artist, isn’t relevant to that.
She does create some catchy tunes and write some clever lyrics. Folklore album is what got my attention. Before that I didn’t listen or think of her much more than a pop/country singer. With Folklore I started to pay attention (it was during Covid and there was nothing better to do) and saw how clever her writing is.
It’s ok to not like her, or to think she has no artistic talent, or to think she’s a hack job, or whatever. There are lots of musicians and artists in other mediums that I think that about. That’s what makes these discussions interesting!
If anyone cares, Travis has arrived and evidently it was all over the news in Australia
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoy day out, meet koalas at Sydney Zoo as he lands in Australia
It seems the pop star enjoyed her visit to the zoo so much that she wasted no time showing Kelce the wildlife hours after he touched down in Sydney.
pagesix.com
I think they're over-exposed at this point. but I guess until her tour is done, they will continue to be photographed/posted on social media, etc.
I heard her publicist is the best in the biz so I guess they know what they're doing.
I heard her publicist is the best in the biz so I guess they know what they're doing.