Music Review: Taylor Swift
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that Taylor Swift, a teen country
sensation, writes from the heart about subjects of interest to
other tweens and teens -- mostly the tricky business of
negotiating relationships when you don't have a lot of
experience and can't help wearing your heart on your sleeve.
The lyrics and messages are fine for kids to hear.
Families can talk about the song "Teardrops on My Guitar,"
about a girl's unrequited crush on a guy who loves someone else
(raise your hand if you've never been there!). What would you
do if you were the one with the crush? Also, "Should've Said
No" draws a hard line with a boyfriend caught cheating. Do you
think dumping the guy is appropriate, or might there be some
room for explanation and even forgiveness?
Like many established artists who've preceded her, Taylor Swift tends to write the same song over and over again -- but it's a darn good one, with the radio-friendly musical hooks, catchy lyrics, and expressive delivery that have made this teen a country music sensation. She nails teen love and heartbreak in lyrics like "he's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar/he's the reason I've been wishing on the wishing star" and "so watch me strike a match on all my wasted time/as far as I'm concerned you're just another picture to burn."
With lovely production heavy on acoustic instrumentals (you'll hear dobro, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin tracks carefully mixed over a highly-skilled rhythm section with journeyman professionalism), Taylor's dusky yet childlike vocals reach directly for the teen heart. Though she has her vocal limitations, this young artist is smart enough to understand her strengths and play to them -- and smart enough to write a terrific song.
Taylor Swift will perform on June 19, 2010 at Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas. Fans won't want to miss these intimate performances. Packages for 5 day/4 nights start at $499, plus a free companion airfare. Tickets to the Atlantis LIVE shows and reservations can be booked by calling 1-800-Atlantis or at Atlantis.com.
Joss StoneCarrie Underwood
Vintage Tanya Tucker
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Member Comments On...
Music Review: Taylor Swift
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Tylor continues to draw a crowd with her popular tunes. Her last concert in London was a huge success and I hear tickets sold out. Is she likely to appear again on London's stage?
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