Mahima Nandivada

THIS ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! Taylor has already proven herself to be an incredible lyricist and create enchanting melodies, but she really outdoes herself on this particular album. The lyrics have such deep meanings, and the stories she tells in these songs portray so much emotion. The song "this is me trying" is just so relatable, even though it is so specific. It is about no one realizing that you are trying your best, and that your best never seems like it will be enough. It talks about the idea of just driving off the cliff, so you do not have to worry about these issues anymore, but backing away when you realize that you can do it. The way she able to tell this story in a song is just astounding. Do not even get me started on the love triangle! This album is unlike anything Taylor has ever done because it is not autobiographical, but is composed of made-up stories and ideas. Taylor tells the story of a 17 year old boy named James and his relationship with his girlfriend, Betty, and how he cheats on her with a girl named Augustine (she is never officially called this in the album, she is just referred to as this by Taylor). There is one song on the album from each of their points of view (James's point of view is on the song "betty", Betty's point of view is on the song "cardigan", and Augustine's point of view is on the song "august"). Together, these songs piece together the puzzle that is known as The Love Triangle, well still hold their own. By the end of this album, you will be sobbing to "my tears ricochet", having a marvelous time with "the last great american dynasty" (the Rebekah Harkness story), and wanting to go to "the lakes" where all the poets went to die.