Speak Now

Swift, Taylor. Speak Now. Big Machine Records (2010). ASIN B003WTE886

Plot Summary

                Taylor Swift’s newest album Speak Now features songs of love, heartbreak and growing up.  Several songs were written for old boyfriends about the experiences she had with them.  Although not admitted to in so many words, Taylor leaves messages in her CD notes about who/what the song is about.  “Back to December” is supposedly about her relationship with Taylor Lautner while “Dear John” reflects her brief relationship with John Mayer.  She also has the song “Never Grow Up” which she wrote when she moved out for the first time.  Taylor also uses songs to get revenge, or say things she probably wouldn’t say otherwise.  “Better Than Revenge” is a scathing song written about an actress who stole a boyfriend of hers.  The final song on the album “Long Live” was written for her band and the amazing experiences they’ve shared on tour.  The songs are country, but not so country as to turn those people who aren’t a fan of the genre off.  The melodies are beautiful, yet powerful. 

Critical Evaluation

Taylor has the ability to make her fans want more and more of her.  Her songs are so relatable to the general feelings that most people have in relationships.  She has the ability to write songs that make the listener feel something.  Some may say her songs sound too much alike, but that is simply because they don’t know her music well enough.  She writes every song – when people think about that, it is amazing.  Lots of people can just sing lyrics given to them.  Being able to write a song, and a song based on true events and feelings, is the mark of a true artist.  Speak Now is her best album yet.  A must have for any country fan, and definitely for any Taylor Swift fan.

Reader’s Annotation

Take a ride on the fantastic, emotional roller coaster that is Taylor Swift’s new album, Speak Now.

Author’s Information

Taylor lives in Nashville and learned to play the guitar when she was 12.  She has been performing and writing her own music ever since.  She was named the Entertainer of the Year at the ACM awards two years in a row and was named Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2011. Her website is here: http://taylorswift.com/.

Genre

CD - Country

Book Talking Ideas

For people put off by the fact that Taylor Swift is country, I would say don’t be!  Her songs can speak to anyone who has dealt with heartbreak in any sense.  Her songs are catchy, her lyrics witty and fun.  Taylor Swift sparkles and it is hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind that she is.

Reading Level/Interest

14/15

Challenge Issues

I see no challenge issues with Taylor Swift’s music.

Why Include This Title?

While Taylor Swift’s music spans generations, the messages in her songs are especially pertinent to a teen audience.  Most teens will deal with heartbreak at some time or another in their youth and Taylor’s songs certainly deal with that topic.