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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what the appeal is for Taylor Swift?

298 replies

lingo1234 · 12/02/2024 08:39

Maybe it's just me, but I find her music really average and I don't think she's anything special.

The Chief's Super Bowl win seems overshadowed by her and I don't understand why. I watch a lot of sports and I don't recall a team's final win ever being mostly about one of the players' spouse/partner.

AIBU to just not understand the appeal?

OP posts:
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5
BurnerName1 · 12/02/2024 15:27

beguilingeyes · 12/02/2024 09:32

I'm 62 and I like her very much. There's a lot more depth to her music than the hit singles. Listen to 'Ronan' or watch the video and I defy you to not be moved.

She's smart and talented, write all her own songs, and some for other people and the re-recording of her first six albums to get the rights back is a work of genius, IMO,

If you don't like her, that's your prerogative, but why do threads need to be started about it? I don't like Take That or the 1975 but that's fine.

Beautiful song 😭

MilitantMommyBFArmy4Life · 12/02/2024 15:29

@Yaddayaddayadda12345 it's perfectly fine to call her out if you're genuinely concerned about greenwashing and think she could do more.

What I find tiresome is the type of people who just hate a celeb (e.g. Prince Harry). So, they're never happy.

Celeb talks about climate = virtue signalling, don't tell me how to live my life, climate conspiracy

Celeb doesn't do enough = hypocrite, why aren't you doing enough

RobertaFirmino · 12/02/2024 15:30

Not too fond of her music but she seems like a great person. Takes absolutely no shit in her career, funny, friendly and absolutely adores her fans.

GingerIsBest · 12/02/2024 15:33

@Yaddayaddayadda12345 from a safety, security and overall crowd control perspective, I'd say it is. If PoW was out in public just using the tube, it would create pandemonium. But arguably, even MORE so for TS - her bus would be followed, there'd be traffic, her security would be compromised etc etc.

midnights0 · 12/02/2024 15:33

I'm 27 and been a huge fan since I was 14. I personally just connect with her music on a deep level. The words really mean a lot to me & I really feel what she is singing with the emotion. Love her as a person also, she's beautiful inside & out.

Uricon2 · 12/02/2024 15:33

Yaddayaddayadda12345 · 12/02/2024 15:22

@Uricon2 are we ignoring Madonna?

I said the closest comparison I could draw was with Madonna, but different times pre internet (and I can't see TS releasing the 21st century equivalent of a book like Sex anytime soon!)

whenemmafallsinlove · 12/02/2024 15:36

Well I love her. I love the lyrics, the expression, the honesty and the vulnerability and I love the impact it has on women. TS helps a lot of women value themselves. Plus Marjorie got me through the worst bereavement of my life.

If you don't like her that's fine. But don't call her mediocre or overrated. You just don't like her. She's cold with that. After all she said 'haters gonna hate' Grin

Yaddayaddayadda12345 · 12/02/2024 15:38

MilitantMommyBFArmy4Life · 12/02/2024 15:29

@Yaddayaddayadda12345 it's perfectly fine to call her out if you're genuinely concerned about greenwashing and think she could do more.

What I find tiresome is the type of people who just hate a celeb (e.g. Prince Harry). So, they're never happy.

Celeb talks about climate = virtue signalling, don't tell me how to live my life, climate conspiracy

Celeb doesn't do enough = hypocrite, why aren't you doing enough

I am generally concerned at how many billionaires pay their way out of unpleasant realities, it's certainly not just TS, but it does shock me how far her fans are prepared to go to defend her actions.

I don't hate anyone for the sake of hating them - I don't hate TS, I just don't enjoy her music and don't get the hype around her being 'such an amazing person' etc. She can write songs, she seems reasonably intelligent, she is probably a decent businesswoman (though did get a financial head start) etc., but there are lots of other people who tick those boxes too, and who don't have such a cult following!

Yaddayaddayadda12345 · 12/02/2024 15:42

whenemmafallsinlove · 12/02/2024 15:36

Well I love her. I love the lyrics, the expression, the honesty and the vulnerability and I love the impact it has on women. TS helps a lot of women value themselves. Plus Marjorie got me through the worst bereavement of my life.

If you don't like her that's fine. But don't call her mediocre or overrated. You just don't like her. She's cold with that. After all she said 'haters gonna hate' Grin

With all due respect, people can call who they like 'mediocre' or 'overrated', you don't get to police how people feel about a person, TS or anyone else. Also calling people 'haters' because they have different tastes isn't exactly a mature approach. I do find a lot of her music mediocre, at best, you may feel that way about artists I like. That's allowed. Enjoy TS and I will enjoy the artists I like!

Caerulea · 12/02/2024 15:42

I (45) don't actively listen to her but won't turn it off if my son's put it on cos she writes very good pop music & there's nothing wrong with that. Though I veer towards much heavier stuff...

However, as a women, I think she's deeply impressive & a damn good role model for young ppl. Girls see a strong woman who is articulate, funny & doesn't take her looks seriously. Boys see...the same thing & that's really important.

I saw the video of her talking with her dad about Trump & the fact she hadn't spoken out, how much pain that caused her & she knew her fans too. She also knew it put her in danger, real physical danger to speak against him but she couldn't stay quiet anymore. That is very worthy of respect imo

Yaddayaddayadda12345 · 12/02/2024 15:43

Uricon2 · 12/02/2024 15:33

I said the closest comparison I could draw was with Madonna, but different times pre internet (and I can't see TS releasing the 21st century equivalent of a book like Sex anytime soon!)

I honestly wouldn't even put TS in the same league as the legend that is Madonna, but I get that views will differ on that.

BakedBeansforabrain · 12/02/2024 15:50

What was the score? Oh, that's right...

Taylor Swift 1 - 0 NFL

Years of dedication and sacrifice for these players to reach the pinnacle of the game overshadowed by off-field irrelevance.

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 15:50

I really enjoy her music, I've seen her live several times over the years and am looking forward to seeing her in London for the Eras tour; I also think as a person (from what is released into the world via her PR team) she's pretty problematic but I separate the 2 out.

The reason the NFL has been capitalising on her dating TK is because it makes them money, gets them views and people talking about American Football when historically most of the world isn't bothered about the sport. As much as they 'exploit' her she does the same.

AdrianaLaCerva · 12/02/2024 15:53

BakedBeansforabrain · 12/02/2024 15:50

What was the score? Oh, that's right...

Taylor Swift 1 - 0 NFL

Years of dedication and sacrifice for these players to reach the pinnacle of the game overshadowed by off-field irrelevance.

Except the NFL are pleased about it because it’s introducing a new fan base and increasing their revenue.

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 15:54

But don't call her mediocre or overrated

Music is subjective though isn't it. I find it boring when people who evidently haven't listened to much of her work say all of her songs sound the same or state she doesn't write them herself etc; but people's opinions on whether they enjoy it are surely all valid. I absolutely for example hate Madonna's music, to me I don't understand the appeal at all and find her wildly overrated, but it doesn't mean my opinion matters or that I'm claiming its the truth- i respect she's had a very successful and game changing career it's just not for me and that's fine.

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 12/02/2024 16:27

BakedBeansforabrain · 12/02/2024 15:50

What was the score? Oh, that's right...

Taylor Swift 1 - 0 NFL

Years of dedication and sacrifice for these players to reach the pinnacle of the game overshadowed by off-field irrelevance.

For a lot of non American football fans, the Super Bowl is often about the entertainment. Yes generally that's the half time show - I (not an NFL fan) can tell you who performed at the last few half time shows even though I didn't watch them. I can't tell you who won the match though.
So for football fans, the sport matters. And for non football fans, the half time show, and this year Taylor Swift, are what you've probably heard more about.

Also to say it's 0 to NFL is silly when they've actively been leaning into it. Their social media has referenced her for example. The sport as a money making machine (as opposed to players) is more than happy with her attendance. As they are with the half time show getting a lot of attention

Gowlett · 12/02/2024 16:37

I don’t know much about her music, but I like the couple of hits that I’ve heard. I like her look, I like her vibe. She’s talented, in world of Kardashians it’s great to see a woman like Taylor Swift.

In terms of her fella, they are on an equal footing success-wise. So, it’s fascinating to people-watch them. She’s not just someone’s girlfriend. I hope they get married & have babies. Gorgeous couple!

ChlorineSalt · 12/02/2024 16:39

Not everybody has to like her. It’s not compulsory. I find her meh, but it is absolutely fine that so many people love her music. Who cares that much? Good for her.

Getthethrowonthesofa · 12/02/2024 16:49

BakedBeansforabrain · 12/02/2024 15:50

What was the score? Oh, that's right...

Taylor Swift 1 - 0 NFL

Years of dedication and sacrifice for these players to reach the pinnacle of the game overshadowed by off-field irrelevance.

Oh give over, what she’s not allowed to go to the Super Bowl where her partner is playing due to the media? And it’s her fault? Aye. That attention grabbing minx, she shoulda stayed home.

Anyway, back on planet earth, some comical clips doing the rounds, one is due to the drinking game that went viral , where you had to drink each time Taylor swift appeared on screen during the game , there is a clip of her seeing herself on screen, lookin up, elbowing her mate, quickly grabbing her beer and downing it , she’s looking at her mate and doesn’t turn to screen, so basically she joined in and played the game of drink when you see Taylor swift on screen😂

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 16:53

Gowlett · 12/02/2024 16:37

I don’t know much about her music, but I like the couple of hits that I’ve heard. I like her look, I like her vibe. She’s talented, in world of Kardashians it’s great to see a woman like Taylor Swift.

In terms of her fella, they are on an equal footing success-wise. So, it’s fascinating to people-watch them. She’s not just someone’s girlfriend. I hope they get married & have babies. Gorgeous couple!

I do find this interesting, I agree she is talented and worlds apart from the Kardashians in that regard, but there are plenty of similarities.

She creates a parasocial relationship with her fans in order to financially exploit them. Sure people have freedom of choice, but releasing 4 of the same album as collectors editions and saying they're limited edition to get those panic buys in is shady (especially as they're still on sale now, limited my eye), to then release several more versions with a few different songs because you know people idiolise you and will is grim. Her merch is poor quality, often very late arriving and expensive; again people can choose to buy, but for a billionaire to be fine with the complaints she isn't arsed about her fans.

Her private jet use is obscene and instead of just owning it there are always ridiculous excuses. If you're just going to carry on taking tonnes of short distance flights because you can then remain silent if you don't want to call it what it is.

A section of her fans are absolutely disgusting, and whilst she can't control them there are plenty of times she's fanned the flames an failed to step in to stop them.

She lies a fair amount in interviews for some reason for stuff that's easily proven or contradicts her previous comments. Sure it doesn't really matter but it's the PR version of Taylor Swift grappling against the 'real' Taylor I expect.

She hangs out with some questionable people and only stands up for 'what's right' when it directly affects her. Again, why not remain silent if you're going to be a massive hypocrite, particularly gross around sexual assault.

She's a billionaire. I hate the saying generally but there really aren't any ethical billionaires. Sure she's generous with bonuses etc for staff (nice tax write off, something she's aware of for sure given where her accounts are registered), why not pay them more if she's that fussed? Sure the more people are kind the more they're judged, but it's all part of the image.

Her actions at events often show the mask slipping and how self absorbed she is- most celebs are so nothing shocking but it interesting how juxtaposed this is with her 'relatable' persona.

People I'm sure will say a man wouldn't get the same criticism, but plenty do for different aspects- none are comparable to her overall though really.

Again I love her music and it's amazing seeing a woman be so successful, but I really don't think her image reflects her actions (same as most celebs).

Travis is a talented sportsman, but he has shown he can't control his temper several times now and his past views on stuff is gross. I find it interesting how someone who has been open with the press for the past 2 years about wanting to forge a career post football is absolutely not using her for clout.

Getthethrowonthesofa · 12/02/2024 16:55

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 16:53

I do find this interesting, I agree she is talented and worlds apart from the Kardashians in that regard, but there are plenty of similarities.

She creates a parasocial relationship with her fans in order to financially exploit them. Sure people have freedom of choice, but releasing 4 of the same album as collectors editions and saying they're limited edition to get those panic buys in is shady (especially as they're still on sale now, limited my eye), to then release several more versions with a few different songs because you know people idiolise you and will is grim. Her merch is poor quality, often very late arriving and expensive; again people can choose to buy, but for a billionaire to be fine with the complaints she isn't arsed about her fans.

Her private jet use is obscene and instead of just owning it there are always ridiculous excuses. If you're just going to carry on taking tonnes of short distance flights because you can then remain silent if you don't want to call it what it is.

A section of her fans are absolutely disgusting, and whilst she can't control them there are plenty of times she's fanned the flames an failed to step in to stop them.

She lies a fair amount in interviews for some reason for stuff that's easily proven or contradicts her previous comments. Sure it doesn't really matter but it's the PR version of Taylor Swift grappling against the 'real' Taylor I expect.

She hangs out with some questionable people and only stands up for 'what's right' when it directly affects her. Again, why not remain silent if you're going to be a massive hypocrite, particularly gross around sexual assault.

She's a billionaire. I hate the saying generally but there really aren't any ethical billionaires. Sure she's generous with bonuses etc for staff (nice tax write off, something she's aware of for sure given where her accounts are registered), why not pay them more if she's that fussed? Sure the more people are kind the more they're judged, but it's all part of the image.

Her actions at events often show the mask slipping and how self absorbed she is- most celebs are so nothing shocking but it interesting how juxtaposed this is with her 'relatable' persona.

People I'm sure will say a man wouldn't get the same criticism, but plenty do for different aspects- none are comparable to her overall though really.

Again I love her music and it's amazing seeing a woman be so successful, but I really don't think her image reflects her actions (same as most celebs).

Travis is a talented sportsman, but he has shown he can't control his temper several times now and his past views on stuff is gross. I find it interesting how someone who has been open with the press for the past 2 years about wanting to forge a career post football is absolutely not using her for clout.

You can’t be serious with this shit? I’m embarassed for you. Some of the male pop stars out there?

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 16:58

Getthethrowonthesofa · 12/02/2024 16:55

You can’t be serious with this shit? I’m embarassed for you. Some of the male pop stars out there?

What about it, none of its a lie? Every time its raised across any platform people say what about the men- I mean for starters what about them? Just because people like Elon Musk, Jay Z and whoever else use their private jets as we use our cars doesn't mean her usage is anymore palatable. Same with the other things, which man in particular are you thinking of? Most are problematic and no issue criticising them for it.

Getthethrowonthesofa · 12/02/2024 17:00

Bucakwoo · 12/02/2024 16:58

What about it, none of its a lie? Every time its raised across any platform people say what about the men- I mean for starters what about them? Just because people like Elon Musk, Jay Z and whoever else use their private jets as we use our cars doesn't mean her usage is anymore palatable. Same with the other things, which man in particular are you thinking of? Most are problematic and no issue criticising them for it.

You said none of the men come close to being as bad as she is. That’s an appallingly false statement. Kanye west?? The Rolling Stones and their drugs? The lost prophet paedo? I mean cmon.

SongbirdGarden · 12/02/2024 17:02

I don't get it either, but same with likes of Harry Styles and Robbie Williams. Nothing against them but certainly can't understand why so popular. They just come across as very average and uninteresting.

TonTonMacoute · 12/02/2024 17:09

No idea.

I'm sick to death of the sight of the bloody woman truth be told.

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