Album Review: Taylor Swift – Fearless

Worship? Wow, just because Jim didn’t turn the snark on full power doesn’t mean he loves this album. After reading the entire review, I’d say his feelings are a mixed bag – and that probably sums up the album pretty well. I say probably because I have no idea, having not listened to it yet …

I can’t figure out why I always seem to agree with Jim on these things, but I absolutely do. This is not a bad album. I’ve only gone through it once, so I won’t back this up yet with any lyrics, but some of these songs have some real raw emotion and fine writing in them.

I’ve been as quick to bash the sloppy songwriting in “Picture to Burn” and “Our Song” as anyone. But she’s coming into her own here. In a few places I actually felt like I was listening to something off of Kathleen Edward’s “Failer” album.

Some of “Fearless” is over the top pop, and there are moments of corniness and sillyness. I thought that “Hey Stephen” was unbearably bubble gummy and I still can’t listen to “Change” all the way through. But I thoroughly enjoyed tracks like “Fifteen” and “You Belong With Me”

I wish she’d stop trying to be such a pop star and try a more rootsy approach. I chuckled a couple months ago when she was quoted as saying she’d like to do a darker, more alt-country type album- but now I really think she could pull it off.

I had a hard time finding a legitimate top ten hit on this album. It all sounded way to poppy.

Kelly… it’s as surprising to me as it would be to you. “Failer” is one of my favorites. Still listen to it all the time. Don’t get me wrong- Fearless is no Failer- but some of Taylor’s writing style and phrasing completely reminds me of that album. And then some of it doesn’t. at all. I’d be really interested to hear broke down versions of some of these songs.

I’m pleasantly surprised with this album. I agree with the review for the most part and can definitely see some progress from her first album.

I don’t think it’s our job to develop a standard of segregation between traditional country music and the new style that is taking over our industry. Getting upset because Jim praises an artist who is on the pop-country side is only asking for a greater separation in support for what our industry is compared to what our industry was. Quality music will always be quality music, regardless of the way it is composed. Sure, many of us prefer the traditional country sound, but we have to be able to acknowledge that our genre is being transformed and still be able to give credit when credit is due. Taylor Swift deserves some credit for producing a quality album and I hope she continues to attract listeners to country radio so that they can explore the rest of our genre for themselves and make up their minds from there.

I think this was a very well-written review. Taylor Swift is tough to review–especially for the adult reviewer outside of Swift’s demographic.

I think Jim hit the nail on the head when he stated: “It is a mistake … to assume that because Swift is writing songs about the adolescent experience that those songs have less artistic merit or emotional complexity than songs about so-called adult situations.”

I can’t, and probably will never be able to, relate to Swift’s songs. But, I have the sneaky suspicion that I would have LOVED this back in junior high, when I was experiencing the same stuff she’s going through now. Sorting through complex adolescent emotions (which sometimes conflict) is tricky business and she does a great job. I think some reviewers have bent over backwards in lavishing her with praise to account for her age, but Jim doesn’t do that here.

That said, from what I’ve heard, I wouldn’t remotely call this album country. Everything about it is straight-up pop. However, country will keep her around as long as she sells; and she’ll stick around as long as she can walk easily in both worlds – country and pop.

JR:
“Breathe” stands out to me too, not because of the lyrics, but the gorgeous sound. I think the inclusion of Colbie Caillat (Her voice is perfect for harmonies) just elevates the song so much.

Anyway, I was impressed with this album as well. I like her debut album, but I stopped listening to that one very quickly. I have a feeling this album will be in heavy rotation for me for a while. I like the great writing in “White Horse”, it’s a very real song that she really does a good job with.

“You’re Not Sorry” is also a standout for me.

Not a bad review :)

I do like “White Horse” very very much <3 I hope it gets released as a single soon

What the heck is up with these Miranda Lambert fans and all their hate?

I would recommend actually listening to the album before you rip apart her vocals (yet again). I think on a lot of the more toned down songs, she does very well with her range and doesn’t show the girly pitchiness we saw in songs like Picture To Burn and Should’ve Said No.

Do we all have to pick a blonde?

You gotta respect Swift for sticking to her demographic.

In contrast, Underwood sings a teeny bopper “All-American Girl” then releases an ode to alcohol, one night stands (presumably… did they consecrate the shotgun wedding?), and bad decisions in “Last Name”.

Now, I’m one to enjoy the latter much more, but there’s a difference between inconsistency and diversity. Look for this theme to arise in my Zac Brown Band review next week.

As somewhat of a defender of Taylor in the past, I’m not liking this album so far. I prefer her first one to this one. I actually thought it was more organic.

I’ve only listened to this record once through so far, but I think I like it. It’s definitely quality.

And for the record, I’m a Miranda fan.

If forced to choose between the two, it’d be Miranda. If forced to pick a blonde- it’d probably be Lucinda Williams.

Jim, I really enjoyed this review and am even more eager to hear the album now. I’m especially glad you make the point that Taylor’s songs aren’t necessarily “fluffy” simply because they’re about teens. Frankly, I think her songwriting skills put some older Music Row scribes to shame.

That said, if I’ve had any complaint about Taylor’s songs, it’s another thing you mention: the “don’t-get-mad-get-even” theme in her breakup songs. It’s 100% authentically high school (I admit to burning a few photos myself) but I think those songs are the hardest for the larger audience to relate to. It really struck me when I heard the song she co-wrote on Kellie Pickler’s album, which had that same tone. I’ve just found that post-adolescence I’ve been more sad than angry about relationships ending, and I’m really curious to see her explore these other angles.

Why some immature Carrie Underwood and/or Miranda Lambert fans like to bash Taylor Swift puzzles me. Carrie tapped directly into the American Idol viewing audience and Taylor tapped indirectly into the Disney Channel demographic audience and I think their core fan bases are totally different, and especially in age.

Nice review, Jim. Ultimately a dependable critic strives for objectivity and in matters of artistic endeavor, and that can be a tough thing to pull off. This review strikes me as imminently fair regarding the subject matter as it should be. I don’t care for Taylor’s style of music and would never consider buying any of her albums, BUT its still nice to know she is growing as an artist. Thank goodness one of the most powerful forces in Top 40 country music today is not regressing musically or lyrically…

Great comments everyone. A few points I’d like to touch on:

First of all, as has been pointed out, I wouldn’t exactly say that this review demonstrates my worshiping of Taylor Swift (hallowed be her name).

It’s an album that has very appealing qualities and certain distinct weaknesses, and I’ve tried to balance those here. For those of you who think the rating was too high, might I remind you that this is the same rating I gave to Blly Ray Cyrus’ latest album, a half-star below what I gave to Crystal Shawanda’s.

Secondly, do I even need to point out the irony that people are criticizing this album for being pop by holding up Carrie Underwood as an example of country? That’s a bit like the hen calling the kettle the pot, isn’t it?

Lastly, regarding the pop/country issue…
It’s something I specifically avoided in this review, other than to discuss the fact that when Swift’s music slips into a pop aesthetic, it isn’t very good.

The truth is that we spend a lot of time talking about what is country and what isn’t. I’m even going to be talking about it later today in my post CMA Awards commentary. It’s a topic that merits careful consideration and lengthy discourse. But that doesn’t mean that every piece of music criticism surrounding a so-called country artist must deal with that question, and, in this case, I felt like there were more important things to discuss. Taylor Swift might be pop, or she might be country, but, for the most part, you’ve already made up your mind about which one she is.

So I decided to spend my 800 words focusing on the substance of the music.

Personally the reason is because most of her songs are going to chart high on country chart when they’re basically pop

I wouldn’t put up a fight if country radio didn’t play her music. But I’d want them to remove all traces of Rascal Flatts and Jessica Simpson while they were at it.

On kind of a side note, I was listening again to Fearless and it struck me just how wordy Swift’s songs are.

amen Vp, lets sit back and enjoy the talent while we have it, you don’t know what you got until it’s gone. Please, lets stop comparing her to Carrie, she will never be Carrie, she is just Taylor. She does need to eventually write more mature material, but right now, this is her, so let’s appreciate the talent we’re staring at even if we all don’t like her.

Yeah, except I didn’t compare Taylor Swift to Emmylou Harris, I said that there were moments on the album that hinted at Emmylou Harris.

Why am I not surprised that there is very little country music in Taylor’s iPod? And ditto for Sugarland. I can remember a time when country music produced artists that actually grew up listening to the genre and knew something about it and its history.

I’m curious- for those of you who have commented that you like Taylor’s first album better, which songs exactly do you find better than what is on Fearless? While I believe the first album had a few moments of genius (Teardrops On My Guitar and Cold As You- even if the latter wasn’t a very good example of her vocals) the new album refrains from any mentions of “you won’t let me drive your truck? Well fine I’m dating all of your friends now and I’m going to spread a rumor that you’re gay so nanny nanny boo boo I win!”

Mimi– you are so wrong. You think every person who doesn’t like Taylor is tsharky. Talk about a paranoid obssession with someone just because they legitimately call Taylor out for what she is— a bad singer and a pop sell out.

All Taylor fans try to blame every bad review on a few people– pretending no one could possibly dislike taylor’s singing, etc… so they attack one person who is not even on this board, and did nothing wrong- to try to make it out like Taylor is loved by everyone. NOT! (tsharky always uses her real name and never hides under false names. I respect that).

It is really funny actually, and sad. I am a grown man and if I say I don’t like Taylor, i am called someone named tsharky. Talk about delusional rabid fans.

I am perfectly capable of making up my own mind- and this album is pop. Period. It is also bubble gum horrid pop with lyrics that are clique and done before, and better.

I see no real talent in her songwriting- and I see no talent in her singing.

Jim— I actually agree with some things you said- but Carrie is much more country then Taylor because she never remixes her songs to pop, and panders to the MTV crowd like Taylor. Taylor is trying to have her cake and eat it too– and that is fine. Carrie’s new album is much countrier then her original album, whereas Taylor’s went even more pop then before.

But the problem is- country music slammed all the other ladies who remixed their songs to pop… so why are they giving Taylor a free pass?

Jim– if you could honestly answer that question for me, I would greatly appreciate it, since you seem to be pretty well informed on this subject. Thank you.

Stop bashing me for having a valid opinion. I am not tsharky but I respect her opinions on other boards–and she is not insane, nor am I. The people who bash her everywhere are jealous Taylor fans who hate that she tells the truth. I applaud her honesty.

I am from Texas and I am a grown man. I have as much right to my opinion on country music as you do… and I have never bashed the 9513. so please stop trashing other people for having an opinion different from yours.

The only names I go by are MirandaFan and now-TexasFan- interchangeably, since to me, Texas and Miranda are one and the same.

Taylor is over-rated and way over-exposed. It is going to come back to haunt her eventually when people stop giving her a free pass for her bad live performances.

I have heard every excuse in the book for her: her mike didn’t work, she was sick, she was nervous, her dress weighed her down (that was original), she will get better with age, etc. She can’t possibly be sick or have a bad mike at every concert and live show for 3 years. sorry. Won’t fly. she is very confident on stage- not nervous- so that is not the problem.

Well- Leanne Rimes and Carrie Underwood both sang beautifully, and on key, at age 14, when both were approached for record deals. Though Carrie’s deal fell through due to a management change in Capitol records, I have her demos and some are on youtube. At age 14, she was already 10 times the singer Taylor is at age 18. Age does not really improve your singing voice much. You are either meant to sing, and born with a beautiful voice and tone, or you are not. Taylor is not meant to be a vocalist.

Ps– how is one delusional just because they tell the truth about Taylor’s singing?

Why can’t you just accept the fact that some of us call a spade a spade?

Talk about the thought police.

You do remember making the first comment on this thread, don’t you, Miranda Fan?

And while we’re at it, can someone get RedMaz off the CMT blog? I mean, really.

Ok can we stop this bickering and attacks? I am sorry if I over-reacted in my first post. I read it after and I should have counted to 10 before posting, good rule.

I was mad when I first read your review, Jim, and I over-reacted- so for that I apologize to you. I disagree with you, but I had no right to say I lost respect for you or this site. I still like this site and I often agree with you. It just seems that you guys are very harsh to CArrie’s albums, – yet you praise Taylor’s, and that makes no sense to me.

I guess I did assume you were a traditional country fan because you list many core traditional acts as your favorites. I thought that was why you often blasted contemporary country album’s like Carrie’s. So when you praised Taylor’s 100% pop album, to me, it seemed hypocritical and unfair. I now read your comments that you actually like some pop country, so I was wrong to assume.

I love Trisha Yearwood, Martina, Reba, dolly, Loretta, etc.– and see great merit in Ashton Shephard etc. I also love Miranda and Carrie. Kellie Pickler has some potential and a decent voice- but she hasn’t found that huge hit song yet that fits her voice.

Aside– Mimi is a rabid delusional Taylor fan trashes carrie on many boards, and has a personal vendetta against Carrie fans. Mimi thinks the whole world is in love with Taylor– so anyone who dislikes her, is tsharky. lol classic.

The only reason I asked is because you forgot to change your teesharky@XXX email address when you left that comment. We can cross reference your email addresses and IP addresses and determine all the names you’ve used. So, if you don’t stick to one name or refrain from posting multiple times in a row, we’ll have to remove your comments and ban you. Oh, and you’re not from Texas, either.

Miranda Fan said Can you guys at least answer my question: Why is country music not calling Taylor on the pop remixing, when they slammed Faith, shania, Leanne Rimes and others who remixed their songs and album to pop to manipulate sales? Is there a reason she is getting a free pass?

All of these singers remixed their song years before Taylor when being pop-country wasn’t as acceptable as it is today. All genres have styles changes over the year and progress. Those artists were some of the first. Really who cares if she remixes them to pop. It not likes its on country radio its on pop.

I like all three of them

Ya um MIRANDA FAN Taylor has a AMAZING voice way better than Carries (My Opinion) But dont talk that way about her that way!!! Geez CARRIE SOUNDS POP TAYLOR IS ALL THE WAY COUNTRY! TAYLOR WORKED HER WAY UP TO THIS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!! CARRIE GOT FAMOUS ON AMERICAN IDOL.

>.<
TAYLOR IS AMAZING.

Taylor has never been country.

I’m a fan of pop-country and I’m not disappointed at all of this album. Taylor does sound pop-country as someone before said listen to pop album and her and there are many difference.

First of all, I did not write the Carnival Ride review that appears on this site–although I did write one which was published in Denver and Houston, and it was probably more harsh that the The 9513 review. Simply, I think Underwood oversings every song on the album, and I thought the songs were very weak.

Since we’re on the Carnival Ride discussion….

I thought that the album was nice and that the review here wasn’t very fair, IMO. I loved most of the songs on the album, and while she did oversing, she didn’t sound horrible doing it.

Gosh, Carrie’s a powerhouse. It’s a given that she will sing her songs on notes that Taylor can’t even sing in her dreams. And you call that oversinging. Then tell Mariah Carey she’s oversinging her songs, too. And what kind of progess did Taylor have on her second album? More teeny bopper songs about boys boys boys. Look at how Carrie handled “Just a Dream”. Perhaps Taylor has a better song than that one. Or correct me if I am wrong. It’s like you are actually telling me that Taylor can sing Just a Dream better than Carrie (since Carrie was oversinging)…And vocally Taylor and Miley Cyrus is eons better than Carrie…Haha.

With all this site’s adoration of teeny bopper’s songs, and giving Taylor Swift a free pass rather than slamming her (like what others did when Shania, Faith and LeaAnne tried some poppish material and these women are ‘great’ vocalists) I think it’s safe to say that this site deserves to be renamed…”www.taylorswiftgetsafreepasswhilethegreatvocalistdeservestorot.com.”

Yea, teen songs can be very honest and true but this review just seems to suggest it’s way better than deeper country songs like Just a Dream, Gunpowder and Lead & Anyway. I just read this sites review about Carrie’s All-American Girl and it was totally bashed calling it lame and every insulting word that went into the dictionary. It was a cute, honest song too just like Taylor’s ‘cute’ songs (and that was other people’s opinion not mine) but gosh, this site really hates Carrie’s soaring choruses and deeply admires Taylor’s weak vocals adding Taylor has more honesty, etc. Was Carrie’s AAG pretentious? Or you just hate her just like that.

All I read from your comments about Carrie were all about her singing songs in the stratosphere, that shes was oversinging and such. Then why don’t you bash Taylor’s voice which was so obviously reliant on pitch correction during the recording process.

Honestly for me, Fearless is a tribute to the studio magic that can be done in the 21st century. I’ll hold my word on that. And please give me a youtube link where Taylor Swifts less oversinging can be called a magical performance and then tell me she’s better live than Miranda or Carrie or Martina…

Aljid Taylor has shown progress in her writing like in white horse and breathe and vocally she has hit new tones like in forever and always. Personally i thought Carrie’s first cd was better than carnival ride with before he cheats and Jesus take the wheel. I do really like Just A Dream. Coming off a cd that sold 7 plat i think expectations were a little higher when it came out and that the rating could have been lower because she can achieve better. I think it said something like that at the bottom about it not being bad but disappointing.

I also think that Taylor cant sing well at all. She has great writing skills and can out perform Carrie 10 to 1, but singing personally , Carrie has the better voice. I think Miranda’s voice is just as good as Carries, ive been to 6 of Miranda’s shows and never heard her miss a note, plus she doesnt “scream” or oversing like Carrie tends to do. Miranda also has songwritting skills like Taylor, although i think Miranda writes much better songs, and is much more mature (She did win ACM album of the year ;) ) Miranda also has AMAZING concerts! Alot of its opinion but 9 out of 10 people will admit Carrie and Miranda can sing circles around Taylor. And in my opinion Carrie and Taylor are both about the same amount pop (too much i think but…) Miranda is by far the most country, and if anything treads a little closer to “Texas country” or rock sometimes, but is usually pretty traditional, “More like Her”, “Bring me down” and “Dry Town” for example. Taylor did have “Teardrops” and “Tim McGraw”, and Carrie had “Dont Forget”….

Honestly, I don’t dislike Taylor at all. It’s just when it comes to reviews, this site keeps trashing Carrie’s vocals while totally ignoring Swift’s horrid voice focusing only on the content of her teeny bopper songs. It’s really unfair. That’s why I have a feeling this site’s full of Taylor Swift fans. Wahehehehehe…

But Jim, how can you be so negligent about the qualities of her vocals while you and your company keep on telling Carrie’s oversinging and that her voice is too thin, or she was having too much vocal gymnastics. I just don’t get it. All-American Girl was too bubbly too everyone here in this site and the vocals soared too much on the choruses like there was nothing good in the lyrics and the song. While Swift’s songs were more bubbly yet you praise its creativity? Where was the creativity? It was cute? AAG also a cute song. Just tell us if you hate Carrie and Nashville. Or prove me wrong about your fairness if you were ever between the two ladies….

I surrender. I guess this site will always favor Taylor Swift over Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood because she’s improved with her writings about boys boys boys whilst the other 2 stayed safe with boy-i’m-gonna-kill-ya-songs(Miranda) and powerful-over-the-top-choruses(Carrie). I think you may actually be a teenager Jim(kidding) or maybe Miss Swift brought back a lot of teenage memories to you. You really seem to like her…Wahehehehehe…..

Honestly, your opinion is worthless. If you think Taylor Swift is in the same caliber as Carrie Underwood that’s enough proof that you’re full of crap.

Haven’t you heard, Jim? The rule is that you must be fiercely devoted to one young blonde female artist and vehemently denounce all others.

Haha, so funny that people think that you have to be in either the Carrie or Taylor camp. I happen to like them both but can definitely say that Carrie has much better pipes, but that is all relative. Just enjoy both of their albums; they’re both good for the country genre, although you can of course argue that they both implement too much “pop” into their songs.

I’ve tried…really…bought her albums for my daughters. I leave the room when it plays. I mute the TV when she sings live on TV and awards shows. Sorry, not my cup of tea.

Comparing Swift and Underwood vocally is just plain wrong. Carrie really does have some pipes… she can flat out sing from a technical standpoint. Swift on the other hand, has neither the voice or the control to be a good vocalist.

Yeah, whatever you do, don’t treat music like art!

alos to add on to my little rant, I personally think that carrie and taylor are uncomparable and this never ending arguement should just stop. Carrie has a great voice but sometimes (not too often) her voice can be a little overbearing and I can’t excatly stand it. Not everyone can sing that high

this review is gud (nd bad, at points), but y does carrie get dragged into it so much??????? v all know that she (carrie) is a gr8 vocalist. if u don’t, bad 4 u. taylor is not a gr8 vocalist, nd i am sick nd tired of her singing songs abt boys!!!!!!!!!! at least carrie doesnt do that.
gud points: taylor’s songwriting is better than her debut, which means i will not hve to hear abt daddy bashing some ex-bf b-cuz he cheated on taylor. (THANKS, GOD!!!!!!!!!!!)
bad points: most of her songwriting requires me 2 hear abt boys (again, like every other ts song isn’t like that, actually change and fifteen and the best day aren’t) and ur right, it does sound more pop than country. so pop-country fits better, but at least u can hear a touch of country (in the base of the songs if u listen 2 it very intently). nd daddy interferes again in ‘love story’ by not allowing romeo 2 meet her (wat’s that daddy-in-the-song’s problem? can’t taylor date a guy in peace????????? apparently, not) nd y do all d boys end up begging 4 forgiveness? i expect anything’s possible, this, after all, is a fairytale-type album.
conclusion: this is like a teen girl’s diary (gud, very gud) but a diary of a teen girl with a mindset limited to boys, boys nd boys again (bad, very bad). nd it claims to b country (gud) but unfortunately, 4 d most part it is not (bad).
fav tracks: white horse, tell me why, fifteen, youre not sorry, the best day nd of course love story. (worth listening, they’re sensible, see? can’t say much abt love story cuz of daddy interfering, but its a very catchy song).
taylor dis is better than ‘taylor swift’ :) but not as gud as other COUNTRY albums :(. hopefully, u’ll do better next time. waiting 4 u 2 release ur next album. in d end, i am diplomatic, ain’t i?? actually, i’m not (hahaha) but still, i like it.

I thought we can to a consensus that Shania was pop back in 2002.

How is Taylor “change?” How is she any different than everything else that is going on in mainstream country right now?

How is she any different than everything else that is going on in mainstream country right now?

The only difference is her CDs are selling while most of the others’ are not. Other than that, you’re right, it’s just more of the same.

@Gaetano. You are a retard with horrible taste in music! Taylor’s awesome! She’s got the brains and the talent, her songs are great, and you are a stupid arrogant jackass! Everyone with sense loves Taylor and knows how great she is and how incredible her songs are. You can go f*** yourself; nobody agrees with you. Why can’t you just let people like what they want to like? And for the record, it’s not just kids who love Taylor, it’s anyone with a brain who likes her!
STOP BASHING HER!!!

Erik: Her lyrics are halfway decent? Half way from decent to where?

“Fearless” is back to number 3 on the Billboard 200. It sold over 109,000 copies this week.

Her debut album is breaking records by surpassing Nickelback for longest appearance on Billboard 200. Nickelback logged in 156 weeks. Her debut has reached 157 weeks and is still performing strong. The one cd that can probably beat it will be her second cd, “Fearless.”