Taylor Swift is going through her VSCO girl phase

By Meghan Aslin

Artwork by Ella Benitone

I think that we can all agree that Taylor Swift has been through a number of phases throughout her career. It can be difficult to track what category Swift’s music career actually fits in, and I think that the only way to describe it is through the metaphor of a middle school girl. Confused? Let me explain ...

Swift started her career with a soft and simple country style in her albums “Fearless” and “Speak Now,” just as most middle school girls spent their fifth- and sixth-grade years in the uniform of naivety and innocence: oversized t-shirt dresses and chevron skirts. 

Then the slight edge slips in over the summer after 6th grade, much like her album “1989” which not only continues the 2000s legacy of Swift with the iconic girly, uplifting sound but also introduces a new side of Tayor Swift,  the “bad girl.” 

Then, the angst of 7th grade hits. The “reputation” album is completely different than who she’s ever been. Even the use of an uncapitalized title contrasts all social norms. After all, it’s not a phase. 

Not so surprisingly, only two years later, or at the end of eighth grade, her most recent album “Lover” drops. This is the inevitable VSCO girl phase that none can escape. The dreamy cotton candy album cover and the song “Cruel Summer” will practically make any listener grab the nearest Birkenstocks and metal straw. 

Even if the VSCO girl vibe isn’t your reality or even your aspiration, don’t give up on “Lover.” It is the ultimate summer album, perfect to blast in the car with the windows down.  After listening to this album on repeat for the past five days, I am incredibly biased; however, I am full of song recommendations for those who might be too busy to listen to the entire album.
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• In need of a snazzy song with good lyrics? Never fear: “False God” has got you covered. This is my favorite song on the album. 
• My next choice would be “Death By A Thousand Cuts.” It’s full of melancholy lyrics describing the end of a relationship, bu tthe a dreamy and airy music detracts from that harshness. It perfectly represents the bittersweet components of saying goodbye to a friend or significant other. 
• Looking for a nice confidence booster to get over all those toxic people in your life? Taylor is right there with you. She is right there for you with “I Forgot That You Existed.” 

These three are easily my favorite songs on the album but don’t give up on the others. I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan since day one, and this is by far my favorite album of hers because it is so happy and uplifting.

I hope to see many more albums like this from Swift in the future. But for now, my best advice to you is to enjoy the songs now before they are overplayed on the radio. Kick out your hydroflask and jam out.