1989 marks a new era in pop for Taylor Swift [Review]
Referencing the year she was born and the 80s vibe that underscores the record, 1989 is Taylor Swift's fifth studio album.
The opening track, Welcome to New York, sets the tone for the album. Synth and electronica dominate here but there are still the same contagious hooks and choruses that T-Swift is known for.
It's nice to see her broaden her scope to include some different styles and influences, such as Wildest Dreams which has hints of Lana Del Rey.
Abandoning her signature country sound, Swift has wholeheartedly embraced pop, nowhere more apparent than on the hit track Shake It Off.
Thankfully her lyrics steer clear of the usual pitfalls of the genre, as there is no mention of partying in a club. Lyrics are reflective and light-hearted in tone, and aside from speculation that Style and Bad Blood are about ex-boyfriend Harry Styles and frenemy Katy Perry respectively, the album has a feel-good vibe and the tracks are annoyingly infectious.
Some might criticise Swift using notoriously poptastic producers like Max Martin, but hey, haters gonna hate hate hate.