RED by Taylor Swift

I know I know. This is not a book. But, Taylor writes lyrics, which in some ways can be construed as poetry, and she just released this album last week. Plus I’m a big fan of Taylor. So here’s what were gonna do. I’ll share my thoughts on the music, which are my initial favorite songs, and include some of the lyrics I like the most.

To start, Taylor writes these prologues at the beginning of each CD booklet. I think they are phenomenally written (truthfully that is what gave me the idea to do a review about the CD). She says: “There’s an old poem by Neruda that I’ve always been captivated by, and one of the lines in it has stuck with me ever since the first time I read it. It says ‘love is so short, forgetting is so long.’” She writes a decent amount about her inspiration for the CD and I always find it thoughtful.

I listened to the CD probably once or twice a day since I've owned it. The first time I immediately thought the CD was too quiet and slow. The middle does pick up, but overall, the album is a softer tone. That’s not to say it’s bad. Some of those songs are really good. I think it depends on the mood you’re in and what you’re feeling at the time. Also, you have to be very tolerable of listening to Taylor rant about all her boyfriends and love experiences.

I’ll share my top three songs. The first is “I Almost Do”, which is probably the best slow song on the CD. Many friends have commented they enjoy this song. It’s also the most relatable song on the disc. “Stay Stay Stay” is upbeat, sweet, and contains my favorite lyrics on the album. I’ll also give props to “22”, which is in the same ballpark as “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. It’s dance-ish and starts in a similar fashion to a Ke$ha song. It’ll probably be on the pop radio stations eventually. (Honorable mention: “All Too Well”, “The Last Time”, “Begin Again”, “The Lucky One”.)

I’m going to wrap up with some of my favorite lyrics from the CD…

You took the time to memorize me / My fears my hopes and dreams / I just like hanging out with you / All the time / All those times that you didn’t leave / It’s been occurring to me / I’d like to hang out with you / For my whole life / Stay [Song: Stay Stay Stay]

And I just want to tell you / It takes everything in me / Not to call you / And I wish I could run to you / And I hope you know that / Every time I don’t, I almost do [Song: I Almost Do]

I bet you think I either moved on or hate you / Cause each time you reach out, there’s no reply / I bet it never ever occurred to you / That I can’t say hello to you and risk another goodbye [Song: I Almost Do]

Tonight I’m gonna dance / Like you were in this room / But I don’t want to dance / If I’m not dancing with you [Song: Holy Ground]

My rating for RED by Taylor Swift: 4 stars out of 5. Get it here!

P.S. She just announced tour dates. Check here!
P.S.S. How’s that for showing some personality on the blog?