Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift
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Three years ago, a 13-year old Taylor Swift set out to be a star and moved
from Reading, Pennsylvania, to Nashville. By 14, she had a publishing
deal, and by 15, a recording contract. In these days of Bianca Ryan (and
before her, Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes), many are called, but few are
chosen. Swift, it appears, is one of the chosen ones. Her vocal talent is
modest, though sweetly affecting, her style seemingly influenced by the
radio hits of early Sheryl Crow and Michelle Branch, and perhaps Cyndi
Thomson. And at times, her youthfulness shows--she encoded messages
in the lyrics of her CD booklet, starting with the name of the boy who
cheated on her from Shouldve Said No (the albums strongest offering). But
in writing or co-writing all 11 songs on this debut, Swift demonstrates
remarkable maturity, particularly in crafting a hooky, radio-ready chorus.
Though she sounds ridiculous looking back from the perspective of an 87-
year old woman on Marys Song, to her credit she mostly writes about what
she knows--unrequited high-school crushes (Teardrops on My Guitar),
teenage angst (Tied Together with a Smile), and complete immersion in

starry-eyed romance (her breakout hit Tim McGraw). Swift has such wistful
charm and tunefulness that only a curmudgeon could dismiss her, and in
fact, more than 60,000 fans lined up to grab this CD the first month of
release. No wonder Rascal Flatts and George Strait added her to their
tours. Look out, Carrie Underwood--theres a new kid in town. --Alanna
Nash
Personal Review: Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift
From the moment I got this CD, I absolutely loved it. I can deeply relate to
some of her songs and completely respect the fact that she writes or co-
writes all of her own lyrics. For someone who has really been affected by
tracks such as "Teardrops On My Guitar" and "Stay Beautiful," I'm happy
to know that these are actually her stories to tell.
This is my ratings of each track:
1. Tim McGraw - This song has great lyrics, but the music and vocals are
just okay compared to some of the other tracks. Nevertheless, it's a good,
sweet song. 4/5.
2. Picture To Burn - This song is great for when you're angry or just want to
have fun singing along to something catchy. It's got upbeat music and
hilarious lyrics. 5/5.
3. Teardrops On My Guitar - The most personal track on the album, for
me. I've been in a situation similar to this, so I found it very easy to relate
to. The music is beautiful and the lyrics are absolutely amazing. It's one of
the only songs I've cried several times listening to. 6/5.
4. A Place In This World - A good song about finding where you belong.
Pretty good, but mediocre compared to other tracks. 4/5.
5. Cold As You - This one is probably one of my two favorites, tied with
"Teardrops On My Guitar." The music is great, the vocals are really good,
and the lyrics are absolutely beautiful. Very deep; it's amazing that this
song was written by a teenager! 6/5.
6. The Outside - At first, I didn't care for this song. However, after listening
to it a few times, it started to grow on me. This talks about the very reason
Taylor being writing music; being left out. Good music and lyrics. 4/5.
7. Tied Together With A Smile - This is probably my least favorite track on
the album, because I can't really relate. Still, it's got a good message. The
song is all about Taylor trying to help someone who is struggling with self-
esteem - inspirational much? 4/5.
8. Stay Beautiful - This is one of the songs that I overlooked at first, but
when I came back, I was surprised I didn't see how great it was. I love the
lyrics and music, and her vocals are better than many of the other tracks
here. Very easy to relate to. 5/5.
9. Should've Said No - A great song. Like "Picture To Burn," it's good to
listen to when you're angry. The music is very good. One of the better
showcases of Taylor's lyrical skills, considering this is one of the three she
wrote herself. 5/5.
10. Mary's Song (Oh My My My) - Another song that grew on me. Beautiful
lyrics about love that really does last together. 5/5.

11. Our Song - The most catchy tune on the album! The music is good and
the lyrics are downright awesome. Great for anyone who's in a relationship
and loving it. 5/5.
12. I'm Only Me When I'm With You - Another good song about being in a
great relationship. The lyrics, as always, are great, and the music brings
some variety to the album. 5/5.
13. Invisible - This song is also very easy to relate to. It's all about liking a
guy who likes someone else - but she doesn't like him back. Good music
and great lyrics. 5/5.
14. A Perfectly Good Heart - Not one of my favorites, but it isn't bad. The
music, like "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," also brings something
different to the album. 4/5.
15. Teardrops On My Guitar (Pop Version) - As someone who connected
deeply with the original song, I didn't really like the pop version. If you're
not a fan of country, you'll probably like this version better, but I thought
that this was mediocre compared to the beautiful music of the original. 3/5.
Overall, it's a great album. Can't wait to see where she takes her career;
this girl has real talent.
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