Swift's "Red" burns bright with maturity

For many, Taylor Swift’s music is “bubble gum” country, but with the release of her fourth studio album, “Red,” Swift has burst previous conceptions. 

At 22, Swift is a multi-platinum artist, and with every new single earning a top spot on iTunes and Billboard charts, this star is proving she has no limit. On her latest album, Swift isn’t pining over puppy love anymore; instead she has written sixteen tracks about mature relationships, which she considers to be passionate and deep, like the color red. 

Swift is known for her catchy lyrics and rhymes she writes in reference to relationships gone bad, friendships gone astray and love stories she hopes to find. Despite sold-out arena tours and a network scraping into the millions, she has continued to stick to her roots as the girl next door.

“Red” has burned through the music market and has sold over a million copies. The approach to her fourth studio album wasn’t the same as it had been for the previous three. With confidence, loyal fans and new lessons she has learned from relationships, Swift jumped into “Red” with new ideas. 

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is one of catchiest songs playing on the radio right now. With musical growth on her mind, Swift sings about empowerment and self-worth, which can be heard throughout her latest single. In this song, the melody strays from country due to Swift’s choice to take a chance on co-writing. The number one hit single was a collaboration by Swift, Max Martin and Shellback.

Duets can also be heard on the new album, which is something Swift had not done before. “Everything Has Changed” is a love ballad sung by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, a famous British musician. The lyrics express a love story in which the vibrant red fire has gone out. No names or harsh words are mentioned, but instead a nostalgic melody sung with hopeful voices between the two musicians.

Growth, maturity, confidence and excitement can be heard on “Red” as Swift takes a leap into another dimension of her musical career. However, Swift continues to write songs about young love and carelessness. For example, “Holy Ground” is a new song where Swift reminisces on a relationship that made her want to dance in a brand new dress.

“22” is the anthem for young adults. Swift sings about what it is like being young, happy and in love, not only with boys but with life.

Famous for writing the perfect song for a new relationship or for one that is slowly burning out, “Red” is a step in a new direction for the confident musician. Writing about her growth through relationships or through life lessons is something Swift does with ease and confidence.

The stars are not the limit for this young musician and just like the title of her record, Taylor Swift’s flame is burning bright “Red” with the new album release.