“Lover” by Taylor Swift

By Megan Bormann

Taylor Swift’s journey consists of over a decade of transformations, both personally and musically. Now with her new album, titled “Lover,” Swift has emerged on the softer side of the pop genre while still providing her unapologetic and fearless energy. “Me!” was one of the first singles that dropped, and with the nostalgic beat of drums and collaboration with Brendon Urie, it’s an anthem of high spirits and fun. 

The album is a big departure from previous versions of Taylor. This Taylor is more mature, socially aware, and comfortable with the celebration of herself and her accomplishments. She explores personal aspects of her life, like her mother’s battle with cancer, in the song “Soon You’ll Get Better,” featuring the Dixie Chicks. Along with a melancholy instrumental backtrack, listeners get to see the raw, human side of Taylor Swift.   

With tracks such as “You Need to Calm Down” and “The Man,” Taylor stays true to her role as an activist for both women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. In “The Man,” Swift sings, “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man.” Through this song, she’s shining the spotlight on how she’s viewed as bossy or selfish for going after what she wants, something society applauds most men for. Swift recalls the double standards and misogyny that she has encountered personally as a powerful woman in the music industry. 

“Lover” advocates messages about self-love, acceptance, and humanity that the world desperately needs.