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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
18-year-old singing sensation Taylor Swift presents the listener with a conundrum. Her music isn’t particularly inventive--indeed it’s built largely on what you could call country music clichés--yet she does what she does so well you have to work really hard not to like it. With her blond hair, blue-eyes and pretty face, it’s easy to write Swift off as yet another "tweenie". But beneath the glossy exterior lurks some genuine talent: she writes her own tunes, plays (some of) her own instruments and even though she sings about the inevitable pop themes of love and heartbreak, she doesn’t rely on any "sex-sells" cynicism to shift her records. All of which is to say that Swift’s second album, Fearless, while it won’t win any awards for innovation, makes for pleasurable--if highly predictable--listening. --Danny McKenna
Review
19-year-old Taylor Swift is something of a phenomenon in America. The story is ever so country: inspired by Faith Hill and Leanne Rimes, a 13-year-old girl persuades her parents to take her to Nashville. She then cunningly records a version of the national anthem, sends it to sporting events and gets to open the 2003 Tennis Open. A year later she's signed to Sony, and the whole family move to Nashville where she's re-signed to indie country label, Big Machine. Her debut album is still in the US album charts two years on, and Fearless is now triple platinum. But will it fare similarly in the UK?
Firstly, is this actually country music? While she cites the Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain as influences, she is definitely driving country squarely into pop's rightful parking space, with a couple of mandolins on the roof rack. Every song is polished to a high gleam; you can see your face in the production, and the playing and arrangements cannot be faulted.
But the album's lyrical palette has few colours: Swift deals in the prosaic imagery of high school boys, first dates with cars, and dating someone in the football team. This is swiftly followed by being jealous of cheerleaders, having an unrequited crush on the male friend, being bullied and having the greatest dad in the world who makes everything better. Oh, and wishing on a wishing star. And it's repetitive: She uses the phrase ''Face of an angel'' in Hey Stephen's chorus, only to to recycle it in the opening line of White Horse next.
The populist chord progressions do little to differentiate each song: one might be forgiven for imagining all 16 songs bleeding into one.
In fact, the album is so wholesome it veers into Stepford territory, and so musically conservative it makes Eva Cassidy look like Cruella DeVille. So edgeless it doesn't touch the sides, it's best left to pre-teens as an introduction to pop music. And possibly Republicans. --Lucy Davies
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Taylor Swift's greatest appeal is her age - 16 when her self titled debut was released, 18 now. She is also a bit of a novelty in "popular" contemporary music in that she writes her own songs, or at least co-writes. She isn't a power ballad singer, and it's one of the main things I like about her. She doesn't feel the urge to scream her way through a song, she just sings.
I am surprised - and pleased - that "Fearless" has surpassed her debut. With age, her voice and her songwriting abilities have improved though she still retains the simplicity and innocence which make her so very endearing.
The album's opener "Fearless" is one of my favourites. It's very Taylor; young love and cute without being too sickly. It's followed by "Fifteen" which is undoubtedly my favourite. Those of us who are no longer 15 can look back wistfully and agree with her sentiements, and those that still are will find in it something to relate to.
"Love Story" is addictive. I have been listening to this for months now, and still haven't grown tired of it. I find myself singing all day "it's a love story, baby, just say yes". For me it's the best Taylor single to date. "Hey Stephen" though I like it isn't a particular favourite. It's listenable, and there's nothing unpleasant about it - it just doesn't stand out.
I first heard "White Horse" on an episode of Grey's Anatomy, and that was the moment I really anticipated her sophmore effort. It's beautiful and understated. "You Belong With Me" is something that many teenage girls [and grown ups] can relate to. It's a story old as time - girl wants boy, boy doesn't know she exists. However, it's well written and it doesn't make me sigh with irritation, that most every artist has a song like this.
"Breathe" is a duet with Colbie Caillat, who I am also a big fan of, though not of the song. It's the only few times on this album I was disappointed. "Tell Me Why" and "You're Not Sorry" are easy on the ear, and as always in their simplicity, beautiful. "That's The Way I Loved You" is the only 1 of 2 tracks on the album I skip. It has all the right formular, but for some reason I just can't take to it.
"Forever & Always" about a break-up and "Best Day" are, again, highlights and some of my favourites. "Change", I just don't like. It's the other song I skip.
All in all, Taylor Swift is a breath of fresh air in a world of Britney's [though I am a fan!] and her clones. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.
I am surprised - and pleased - that "Fearless" has surpassed her debut. With age, her voice and her songwriting abilities have improved though she still retains the simplicity and innocence which make her so very endearing.
The album's opener "Fearless" is one of my favourites. It's very Taylor; young love and cute without being too sickly. It's followed by "Fifteen" which is undoubtedly my favourite. Those of us who are no longer 15 can look back wistfully and agree with her sentiements, and those that still are will find in it something to relate to.
"Love Story" is addictive. I have been listening to this for months now, and still haven't grown tired of it. I find myself singing all day "it's a love story, baby, just say yes". For me it's the best Taylor single to date. "Hey Stephen" though I like it isn't a particular favourite. It's listenable, and there's nothing unpleasant about it - it just doesn't stand out.
I first heard "White Horse" on an episode of Grey's Anatomy, and that was the moment I really anticipated her sophmore effort. It's beautiful and understated. "You Belong With Me" is something that many teenage girls [and grown ups] can relate to. It's a story old as time - girl wants boy, boy doesn't know she exists. However, it's well written and it doesn't make me sigh with irritation, that most every artist has a song like this.
"Breathe" is a duet with Colbie Caillat, who I am also a big fan of, though not of the song. It's the only few times on this album I was disappointed. "Tell Me Why" and "You're Not Sorry" are easy on the ear, and as always in their simplicity, beautiful. "That's The Way I Loved You" is the only 1 of 2 tracks on the album I skip. It has all the right formular, but for some reason I just can't take to it.
"Forever & Always" about a break-up and "Best Day" are, again, highlights and some of my favourites. "Change", I just don't like. It's the other song I skip.
All in all, Taylor Swift is a breath of fresh air in a world of Britney's [though I am a fan!] and her clones. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
As I bought her main Fearless album I was wondering if it would be worth the extra money... boy am I pleased I did.
The Platinum version comes with all songs from the first album except 3: "Our Song", "Teardrops on My Guitar" & "Should've Said No", which are the UK's bonus tracks from the main Fearless album, not having these would've been disappointing however I have the main Fearless album so I'm covered, so those who don't just keep that in mind.
With this album you are getting 6 great bonus tracks: "Jump Then Fall", "Untouchable", "Forever & Always* Piano Edition", "Come In With The Rain", "Superstar" & "The Other Side Of The Door", these are all a fantastic edition to your music library, especially "Untouchable" which has now made my #no.1 favourite song from Swift, the lyrics are fantastic and the aurora of the song is relaxing and emotional.
As for the bonus DVD, it really shows how talented of an artist she is and really brings out her bubbly, lovable personality.
From the opinion of a male who normally listens to more rock types of music, since hearing Taylor's music, it really been the best "Guilty Pleasure" I've had in years.
This album really is worth getting.
The Platinum version comes with all songs from the first album except 3: "Our Song", "Teardrops on My Guitar" & "Should've Said No", which are the UK's bonus tracks from the main Fearless album, not having these would've been disappointing however I have the main Fearless album so I'm covered, so those who don't just keep that in mind.
With this album you are getting 6 great bonus tracks: "Jump Then Fall", "Untouchable", "Forever & Always* Piano Edition", "Come In With The Rain", "Superstar" & "The Other Side Of The Door", these are all a fantastic edition to your music library, especially "Untouchable" which has now made my #no.1 favourite song from Swift, the lyrics are fantastic and the aurora of the song is relaxing and emotional.
As for the bonus DVD, it really shows how talented of an artist she is and really brings out her bubbly, lovable personality.
From the opinion of a male who normally listens to more rock types of music, since hearing Taylor's music, it really been the best "Guilty Pleasure" I've had in years.
This album really is worth getting.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
wow Taylors Voice Is Amazing if you have never listened to her music you dont know what you are missing a couple of my favourite Tracks From her Album would have to be love story White horse And teardrops On My guitar.
Her songs are mostly Romantic And thats why I love them So much.
Give her a listen i promise you Wont be disappointed.
Her songs are mostly Romantic And thats why I love them So much.
Give her a listen i promise you Wont be disappointed.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Best music in the world!
Wow. This was my first Taylor Swift cd i was already aware of her songs before but this was the first album i got. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tabby
A Grower - and good to start with!
Bought two of Taylor's CDs (this plus 'Speak Now') purely from Amazon reviews and sampling the snippets of the downloads samples. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Tim Kidner
compressed and loud
On playing through a good system this sounds awful. The music is great and yet has been ruined by the mastering. Read more
Published 3 months ago by pete
This is the best present ever!!!
This has got to be the best present my mum has given me. The cd has all my fav tracks on. It is realy good and would recommend this cd.
Published 5 months ago by Sarah
Impressed
Got this for my Grandaughter as she's a big fan. Having listened to it myself (I'm 50+), I have to say I was pleasantly supprised. This is one tallented young lady.
Published 5 months ago by Phil Grainger
really good country - not too poppy or rocky
The best country cd since shania twain's "UP!"
Good lyrics lovely singing and not one dull song.
And she writes songs herself too. Read more
Good lyrics lovely singing and not one dull song.
And she writes songs herself too. Read more
Published 9 months ago by dan the fan
Comforting music
I have an album that I listen to when Im reading, as background noise. This changes every month or so but I have been listening to Fearless for about two months or so now as it is... Read more
Published 11 months ago by E. Murphy
Great album!
This is a fantastic albuum that really demonstrates Taylor Swifts talent as a singer! Would definetely recomend. A good chillin album!
Published 12 months ago by becky
Lovely sound and lyrics
Taylor Swift has a lovely sound - kind of country gone mainstream. The only downside is that she is only a teenager so the experiences she writes about are very much based on the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by HellyMel
Good price, good songs
If you've listened to any Taylor Swift at all and liked it, this does the job. Pop/country music with some banjos. Bit girly, and that's that!
Published 15 months ago by MT
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