It seems that everyone who isn't dumping buckets of ice water on themselves is talking about your new video and single "Shake It Off" and your upcoming album 1989, named after the year you were born. Although I am not a fan of your music, when I read the Internet press hype stating that your new songs were influenced by the music of the late 1980s, I decided to check it out. I was extremely disappointed as I grew up in the 1980s and, having experienced the entire decade firsthand, found numerous errors in what you purport to be a depiction of late '80s trends. As I get older, I find myself wanting to elevate my thoughts and actions to a level of positivity so instead of "hating" on you (to quote your own lyrics) I have decided to help you better understand the era, seeing that with your birthday of December 13, 1989, you experienced the 1980s for about 3 weeks.
First of all, your video. Breakdancing was dead in the US by 1989, and those Saturday Night Fever upwards hand thrusts you exhibit? Those reached the height of popularity in 1978, when I was 3.
Here, let me help. Here's some footage of the most popular female performer of 1989 performing her 3 chart-topping hits from that year. You may only know Paula Abdul as an American Idol judge, but she was a pretty big deal as a performer back then. Note the "fly" (you'd better start learning some 1989-era slang if you're going to be authentic) dance moves and fashions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bLUSXBgNVw
Another thing: about your song. It sounds nothing like anything that was popular then. I don't want to preach or talk down to you as you have obvious singing and performing talents, but your tune is lacking. Pay attention to the last song of Abdul's medley, "Forever Your Girl." It is no pinnacle of songwriting ability and nowhere close to what masters like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan released that year, but it is obvious that some work went into it. The song has a positive, joyous feel and gives you the warm fuzzies if you're in the right mood. Taylor, or Miss Swift if you prefer, your song sounds like it was written in one hour and is clinical and mechanically processed. I was happy to read in your ABC News interview that you enjoy the '80s work of Peter Gabriel and the soundtracks of John Hughes' movies. Pay attention to Simple Minds' "Don't You Forget About Me" (from The Breakfast Club) or Orchestral Maneouvres in the Dark's' "If You Leave" (from Pretty In Pink) to get an idea of how a song can maintain its emotions amid synthetic keyboard backup.
Finally, I would like to congratulate you on your tune's positive lyrics. Steer clear of negative thoughts - after all, Paula Abdul was divorced twice (once from one of the most popular actors in Hollywood at the time) and never performed a song negating either person. Just keep moving forward.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Walburgh