Introduction
Taylor Swift’s album “reputation,” released in 2017, marked a major turning point in her career as she addressed her public controversies head-on. With this album, Taylor Swift aimed to reclaim her narrative and confront the various controversies surrounding her personal life and public image. As a long-time fan and authority in the music industry, I will delve into how “reputation” tackles these controversies, showcasing Taylor Swift’s growth as an artist and her ability to address criticism through her music.
The Kanye West Incident
One of the most notable controversies Taylor Swift faced was the infamous incident involving Kanye West at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. In her song “Look What You Made Me Do” from the album “reputation,” Taylor directly references this incident, expressing her frustration and reclaiming her power. The lyrics “I don’t like your little games, don’t like your tilted stage” allude to Kanye West’s floating stage during his “Saint Pablo Tour,” where many fans speculated that it was a dig at Taylor. By addressing this controversy in her music, Swift subtly asserts herself and highlights the impact the incident had on her reputation.
Fueds with Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian
Taylor Swift has also been involved in high-profile feuds with fellow artists, most notably Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian. In “reputation,” Swift touches upon these conflicts in various ways. In the song “Bad Blood,” released prior to “reputation” on her 2014 album “1989,” Taylor addresses her falling out with Katy Perry. However, the impact of this feud is felt throughout “reputation” as well. For instance, in the song “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” Swift references the loss of a friendship due to betrayal. While she doesn’t explicitly name anyone, it’s widely believed to be about her strained relationship with Katy Perry.
In the case of her feud with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Swift demonstrates her resilience and ability to rise above the drama. In the song “End Game,” featuring Ed Sheeran and Future, she sings, “I bury hatchets, but I keep maps of where I put ’em,” suggesting that she is willing to move on from conflicts but also won’t forget or tolerate being mistreated. By addressing these feuds indirectly, Swift shows that she is focused on growth and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past controversies.
The Transformation to ‘Reputation’
“reputation” as an album represents a transformation in Taylor Swift’s public image and her approach to addressing controversies. The album’s dark and edgy aesthetic, coupled with its energetic and assertive lyrics, marks a departure from her previous music. It exemplifies her willingness to confront her critics and take control of her narrative. The lead single, “Look What You Made Me Do,” serves as an anthem for resilience and reclaiming power. Through this album, Swift rebuilds her reputation, embracing her flaws and past controversies, and ultimately emerging stronger than ever before.
Gossip and Public Reception
Throughout the release of “reputation,” there was significant gossip and speculation surrounding the album. Swift’s deliberately cryptic social media posts and promotional campaigns sparked intrigue and anticipation among her fans and the media. The use of snake imagery, which was previously used against her to discredit her, became part of her own brand narrative, signifying the shedding of her old skin and embracing a more empowered version of herself.
When the album dropped, “reputation” broke multiple records, selling 1.23 million copies in its first week alone in the United States, making it the best-selling album of 2017. The album resonated with fans and critics alike, further solidifying Taylor Swift’s position as a powerhouse in the music industry. It also demonstrated her ability to address controversies in a mature and artistic manner, effectively silencing her detractors.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s album “reputation” directly confronts her public controversies through powerful songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” and references to feuds in tracks like “Bad Blood” and “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” The album represents a transformative period in Swift’s career, as she took charge of her narrative and reclaimed her reputation. Despite the gossip surrounding its release, “reputation” was met with widespread acclaim, cementing Taylor Swift’s status as a resilient and influential artist.
