As Taylor Swift lights up the internet and social media with a new album announcement, there may be quite a diverse reaction from music lovers. You can imagine the excitement of hardcore Swifties. They’ll all be buzzing with anticipation and planning listening parties for the upcoming Life Of A Showgirl album.
Then there will be other music fans, perhaps seeing themselves more seriously, probably even too seriously. They’ll be sticking on the headphones, tuning into some grunge, classic rock, or deep cuts from a favourite hair metal album. As they batten down the hatches to prepare for the onslaught until, and of course beyond, the new Swift album release.
I guess there are a lot of people somewhere in between who aren’t that bothered about the album. That will include a decent number who would swear they don’t know a Taylor Swift song, despite most having sung or danced along at some point to a blast of “Shake It Off.”
Taylor Swift and her classic rock influences
It can be as fashionable to dislike or disown Swift’s music as it is to be a huge fan. But that point about not knowing her music starts to become relevant. Many haven’t knowingly listened to her work, quite a few would likely wear a badge to declare as much.
Without intending to set out in a direct attempt to sway all of those non-fans, there may be some relevant points to be made in terms of Swift’s musical influences behind many of her songs. Classic rock fans, for example, might be surprised to hear some familiar sounds if they listened to a few songs from her albums.
If you want to check out Swift’s classic rock influences, there are a few top songs to have a listen to. You might be pleasantly surprised if you do, so go look some up on a streaming service. I’m already assuming you won’t be an album-owning fan.
Swift is known for her acoustic guitar style, pop, and country songs, but she does add some different twists along the way. The influence becomes apparent through some slightly different song structures or lengths, or perhaps by adding an edgier electric guitar or drum sound in places.
Her Red album from 2012, (Taylor’s version from 2021), has several great examples. Songs from that and other albums are perhaps the softer side of classic rock, but still fit the label.
Taylor Swift ‘nicks’ the Fleetwood Mac sound
Let’s pick up that softer side with a touch of Stevie Nicks or Fleetwood Mac from Swift. “The Last Great American Dynasty” from her Folklore album brings in layered harmonies, some great storytelling, and vibes of the classic Rumours album.
Likewise, Red has a track, “The Lucky One,” with a soft rock style that is very Nicks-like. Swift’s Midnights album featured “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” another Mac reminiscent song.
If you want to step it up a bit, then let’s dial in some U2. Now, admittedly, you have to skip past Swift’s vocals in terms of the comparison here. She doesn’t go all Bono on us, thankfully. But pick out “State of Grace” from her Red album and focus on the bigger sound, the harder guitar, and think of the Edge and the way U2 sound.
Her 1989 album also has “Clean,” which fits in with U2 with a layered approach and a slow build-up to a peak. Swift has already conquered many arenas, but there is a big stadium sound to these.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were a cool-sounding band for sure. If you listen to Swift's “Holy Ground” from Red, or “Change” from her Fearless album, can you hear some jangly guitar and Petty style in there?
“Betty” from the Folklore album could also be a similar example, although its harmonica-backed sound and folkish storytelling could make it another like Petty. Or even from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. As does “All Too Well,” another from Red, a 10-minute epic tale built through the song.
As I said earlier, this is unlikely to convert many non-Swifties. Especially those who have closed their ears and shunned her music. Maybe, though it might make a few people think twice and listen at least once.