Taylor Swift’s Debut Album

What I’m doing—listening to all of Taylor Swift’s albums in chronological order for the first time. My deadline is October 2nd so I can experience her new album on the 3rd with the rest of her fandom.

I finished her debut album this morning. A lot of people on Threads commented that her first one wasn’t the best. And it wasn’t mentioned amongst anybody’s favorites. I can’t really comment on that yet since it’s the only one I’ve listened to so far, however, it really wasn’t bad.

People also suggested I start with an album that fits the genre of music I like. I do like almost all genres, including country. So this first album was definitely something I liked. I’m a 90s kid. Well, born in the 80s, raised in the 90s. I went through a country phase back then and I really think 90s country is a genre of its own. I think those were the best country songs. With that said, her debut album reminded me so much of those country songs I liked back then. And honestly, if I was in high school when this album came out, I would have swooned over many of these songs.

I made notes about my thoughts as I listened to each song. I’ve been listening on Apple Music where the lyrics go by as the song plays. I wanted to make sure I don’t mishear any lyrics (Starbucks lover anyone?) What I found interesting is that most of the songs have multiple writers, except for three. One song that’s only written by her is interesting. I’ll expand on that when I get to it below.

(Side note—Some people said they love the reaction videos that people post when they listen to Taylor Swift for the first time. I’m no good with videos. However, I’m fine with pictures. So here’s a cheesy picture of me during a listening session, complete with my airpods and a cute pen for taking notes).

Tracks:

1. Tim McGraw: Made me think of that song “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter (from the 90s). Who is the guy singing in the background?
2. Picture to Burn: What you really want to say during a break-up. No heartbreak/sorry, just anger. I love it! Don’t be sad over a boy, get mad!
3. Teardrops on My Guitar: I love it, very teen angsty, crushes, big feelings. I would have loved this song in high school. Something catchy about the melody in the chorus, sounds familiar, where have I heard this before?
4. A Place in This World: Can definitely tell she’s young with this one, I’ll bet a lot of young girls related to this. Honestly, I probably would have related to it this last summer when I had quit my career and was trying to figure out what to do next. Kind of like Kelly Clarkson’s song “Miss Independent”, similar message. There’s back up singers on this one too.
5. Cold As You: “Coming easily to me?” Curious what that means. A sense of “I give up”, throwing hands up. Another song where she’s telling it like it is to someone. How old was she when she wrote this? Is this based on experience? Was she old enough to have had these experiences?! Not everything has to be based on an experience though. These songs are kind of short and simple. Good, but…short and simple.
6. The Outside: Just wants to be given a chance. Reminds me of Madonna’s “Open Your Heart”, was that song for me in high school. I would have loved these songs in high school! I was always on the outside. This was written only by Taylor Swift.
7. Tied Together With a Smile: Is she giving herself a pep talk? Pressure to be perfect. Pressure to be more than you are. Parents putting on the pressure? Friends? Could be both. This is deeper than the other songs. Wanted love, gave it away, he leaves you…geez! That was me! Omg! How does she know?!
8. Stay Beautiful: Now this is a pep talk! But is she talking to Cory and encouraging him? I love that though. She likes him, but if he doesn’t like her back, that’s o.k., still wishes him well. So positive! Upbeat and sweet. Name edited was my Cory! Does she think this way about all her exes? Lol! I’m guessing not! **It was after this song that I went back and made notes about the writers of each song.
9. Should’ve Said No: Why is it so upbeat? Kind of serious. He wronged a girl. Oh! Her! He cheated on her! Girl, yes! Good for you for not sticking with him. Girl power! I’ll bet a lot of girls sang along really loudly to this! Dude, you messed up. **Taylor Swift was the only writer on this one. Actually, no, Taylor Alison Swift wrote this one! She put that middle name on there for emphasis. She must have really felt this one.
10. Mary’s Song (Oh My My My): Nostalgia, like a lot of country songs where time passes and it tells a story of growing up. Kids, then teenagers, then grew up and got married. Kind of like “Don’t Take the Girl” by Tim McGraw. Who were her inspirations for these songs?
11. Our Song: Very familiar sounding. Was this a radio song? I like this. It’s sweet. Catchy. This is really cute. She is the only writer on this one.
12. I’m Only Me When I’m With You: Being really comfortable with someone, but also she’s just being honest. He’s her person. Good message—I wanna be me and I’m only me when I’m with you. **Are the deeper, more meaningful songs written by her alone?
13. Invisible: Crushes, longing, again, lots of young girls would relate to this, I felt that way about name edited. Reminds me again of Madonna’s “Open Your Heart”.
14. A Perfectly Good Heart: Typical break up song. Nothing especially interesting about this one. Nice melody.
15. Teardrops on My Guitar (Pop Version): Why a pop version on a country album? Was she testing the waters? Went back and forth listening to both versions to see which I prefer. I think I like the country version better. Part of this sounds like that one song from the movie “Fall Guy” where Ryan Gosling was listening to a Taylor Swift song in his truck and then Emily Blunt came and made fun of him. It’s definitely not the same, but the music is similar.

Favorite songs from this album: Teardrops on My Guitar (the country version) and Our Song

On to the next…