As a Swiftie since her debut days, I have been with Taylor for many of her releases. And there is always a consistent cycle of overwhelming hate that comes out before the fans swoop in with the opinion that her music was good and the change was necessary. From 1989, causing listeners to hate that she was no longer country, to reputation making her inappropriate for kids, to folklore being too lyrically difficult, and to midnights having too much synth, there is always a complaint that listeners consistently make. As if Taylor cannot perpetually win. Too many fans want something fun and upbeat, and when that gets released, it leads to fans not liking the change of genres that she is experimenting with. However, we must look at her discography and notice that the consistent change in sound and experimentation with lyrics has led to her astounding success in her career. Making her the largest musical artist there currently is.
Now I am not saying that Taylor Swift has to be your favorite artist. Frankly, if the album isn't your cup of tea, that is fine (the title is an attention grabber). My main point is that, as an artist, producing content with the intention of showing fans is something that leads to perfectionism and a desire to produce what you are proud of in that moment of your life. For instance, Taylor releasing sad songs during Tortured Poets department was her looking back at a relationship she was mourning the loss of. Of course, the music is going to sound different when she is happily engaged. Art's goal is based on emotion. Feelings is what allow art to be subjective. One drawing I made was of a woman who was crying inside of a teardrop. When making it I was obviously not in a joyous place in my life. It was a drawing all done in pencil with deep detail to shading that allowed for a sadder feeling than I could have created in the same painting or oil pastel coloring style I tend to do now. A lot of the current work I make now is very fairytale-esque. I can focus on the fictional world I plan to write about in my art because I feel comfortable with myself and confident in creating a way that is not a reflection of my sadness. Taylor is releasing different art that she is proud of that does not match a style that has allowed her to go downhill; it simply is her changing up genres as she has consistently done throughout her career.
Of course, not everyone is going to like everything an artist puts out, but I believe there is a way to criticize art or an artist that does not minimize their entire career because you simply do not like one piece. I personally believe that when talking about any piece of art that someone takes the time to make, it is critical to allow for constructive criticism with encouragement. Art is something that takes a long time to produce. And yes, you can build up that skill and talent, but regardless blatantly disrespecting the creative process is what minimizes artists from wanting to produce.
Art will not always speak to everyone. An artist may not be your favorite. But when plenty of young artists take inspiration from what an artist produces (Taylor Swift or not) and only sees hate, creativity is met with disappointment. Whether you believe yourself to be creative or not, art is what allows for passion, representation, and the change we want to see in the world. So learn the difference between critiquing and hatred.
Due to being a fan of Taylor Swift since I was younger, she has continued inspiring me creatively and wanting to produce art. I am by no means a musician, but with painting, drawing, crafting, or creating, I have gained inspiration in my growth as an artist. And I hope everyone finds an artist who invokes inspiration for their creativity.
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