Taylor Swift May Be 'Fearless,' But Artists Should Fear Her

Douglas Boultinghouse
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Courtesy of Taylor Swift

Fearless - Taylor Swift's sophomore album "Fearless" continues to dominate the charts. Her songwriting puts her in a category by herself, giving her the success other artists can only dream of.

   It has been three years since Taylor Swift invaded our lives with her debut single “Tim McGraw,” sang “Our Song” and set the radio on fire with “Picture to Burn.”

   In that short time she has dominated the music industry. Yes, 19-year-old Taylor Swift wears a crown bearing ‘Princess of Country and Pop.’

   Her self-titled debut sold over three million copies and led her out on the road with some of country’s biggest artists such as Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and even country veteran George Strait.

   While Swift has a good voice, she cannot belt it out there like the big voices Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. However, Swift has something Underwood, McBride and many wish they had. She can write songs better than most writers in Nashville, Tenn.

   After all, Swift is a singer-songwriter.

   She defined herself with her sophomore album, “Fearless.” The album hit stores in November 2008 and has since gone triple platinum.  The first single, “Love Story,” rocketed to the top of the charts and recently crossed over to top the pop charts as well as the country charts, according to Mediabase.

   To add to the excitement of “Love Story,” the album, “Fearless,” just topped the charts again for the ninth non-consecutive time. Her stint at the top is the longest stay since Santana’s “Supernatural” in 1999 and 2000, according to Billboard. Santana had the top for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Swift may break that record.

    I wondered what the deal was with this album and with Swift. Why is she so popular? I knew she was a gifted songwriter, but wasn’t grasping the appeal just yet.

   Then I heard the album.

   Track after track, the lyrics impress more and more. Her voice has grown and to my surprise, she released one of the best albums I’ve heard in a while.

Courtesy of Taylor Swift

   Undoubtedly, “Love Story,” the infectious track that will make bust into “He kneeled to the ground and pulled out a ring and said ‘Marry me, Juliet. You never have to be alone. I love you and that’s all I really know.’” stands as a highlight.

   The chorus of “Hey Stephen,” grabs you instantly against the guitar riffs and slight drumming. 

   “Cause I can’t help it if you look like an angel / Can’t help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so / Come feel this magic I’ve been feeling since I met you / Can’t help it if there’s no one else  / I can’t help myself,” she sings.

   The teary second single, “White Horse,” fits into a category titled “Perfect.” The country-pop ballad builds and Swift lets her pain out at the end.

   “Cause I’m not your princess, this ain’t a fairytale / I’m gonna find someone someday / Who might actually treat me well / This is a big world, that was a small town / There in my rearview mirror disappearing now / And it’s too late for you and your white horse,” she breaks.

   An instant-favorite, “Tell Me Why,” sounds reminiscent of her number-one hit “Our Song.” But the difference lies with the bitter lyrics.

  “I’m sick and tired of your attitude / I’m feeling like I don’t know you / You tell me that you want me then cut me down / I’m sick and tired of your reasons / I’ve got no one to believe in,” she slams in your face.

   The proof that her voice has matured comes in the form the song “You’re Not Sorry.”

   By far the best song on the album, her hurt is on the table as well as her strength.

   “You had me crawling for you honey / And it never would’ve gone away, no / You used to shine so bright but I watched all of it fade / So you don’t have to call anymore / I won’t pick up the phone / This is the last straw / There’s nothing left to beg for / And you can tell me that you’re sorry / But I don’t believe you baby / Like I did before,” she sings, progressing her voice along with the climaxing music.

   The album also includes; “Change,” “Fifteen,” “You Belong with Me,” “The Way I Loved You,” “The Best Day,” “Fearless,” a duet with Colbie Caillat titled “Breathe” and the kiss-off song to ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas, “Forever and Always.”

   Swift completely surprised me. She’s not just the role model girls can look up to, she’s America’s sweetheart and the girl the guys can fall for.

Courtesy of Access Hollywood

Taylor Swift to Guest Star on "CSI" - Country darling Taylor Swift will guest start on "CSI: Crime Scence Investigation" as Haley Jones. The episode airs Thursday, March 5 on CBS.

   To further prove she’s a “Jack of all trades,” she will guest star on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in March. She will play Haley Jones, a girl whose parents run a shady Vegas motel. Their actions cause major consequences for her, according to Access Hollywood.

   Swift’s appearance will air March 5 on CBS.

   This summer, taking the success of her albums and the experience from opening for others, she’s hitting the road on her first headlining tour.  The “Fearless Tour 2009” will kick off April 23 in Indiana.

   Swift’s best friend Kellie Pickler will join her on the tour as a supporting artist. You can bet there will be plenty of pranks pulled throughout the tour.

   Good luck getting tickets to some shows. According Yahoo’s finance news, she sold out the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. in less than two minutes.

   The tour includes two stops in Arkansas. The teen queen will play the ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro April 24. She will return to the natural state for a show scheduled for Sept. 26 in Little Rock. The venue information has not been announced yet.

   Go pick up a copy of Swift’s albums so you can sing along when she rolls into your town. For more information, check out her Web site or MySpace.

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