Red. The color red is fierce, bold; it evokes passion, fire. Tuesday, October 22, Taylor Swift’s fourth album “Red” hit stores.

Since “Speak Now,”, Taylor Swift’s songs and voice have evolved. Based off the new vibe of the first song she released, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like the new album. The song is very catchy, but it is annoyingly redundant. I liked it the first few times I heard it, but after that, I just became annoyed with it. Or perhaps I was just annoyed with myself for singing along to it everytime it came on the radio.

I decided not to listen to any of the other songs she released early and to just wait for the album release. Once the album was released, and I listened to the clips on iTunes, I was pretty sure that I wasn’t going to like “Red.” Nevertheless, I purchased and then listened to the entire album only to reinforce the fact that I really didn’t like it at all. Red? I was seeing “red” alright; upset about wasting my money-convinced Taylor just didn’t have “it” anymore. Being a diehard Taylor Swift fan, I decided to listen to the album once more.

It’s safe to say I fell in love.

    “State of Grace” is the album opener. With lyrics like “We are alone with our changing minds,” the song is relatable to most people. It’s about love and falling in love at unexpected times. Listening to the song, it’s not hard to picture Swift belting it out on her next tour.

“Red” the title track is catchy, and it gives off a different vibe than her past songs. “Treacherous” is more reminiscent of her previous albums. The song is trusting and almost innocent. “I Knew You Were Trouble” is one of the best songs on the album, it’s upbeat and energetic. “22” is a song perfectly fit for a night out with friends. It’s happy, carefree, and fun. “We’re happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time,” is by far one of the best lyrics in the whole album.

Other notable songs include “Starlight”, “Stay Stay Stay”, and “The Lucky One.”

One of the best songs on the album is “Everything Has Changed” featuring Ed Sheeran. Swift and Sheeran’s voices blend beautifully together. The song is simple, sweet, and perfect. Swift also duets with Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol, in the song “The Last Time.” The song is unbelievably moving, and tends to sound more along the lines of a Snow Patrol song than a Taylor Swift song.

“Sad Beautiful Tragic” is a soft ballad recounting on a lost love. The song is filled with emotional lyrics like, “we had a beautiful magic love affair.” “All Too Well” is another great song from the album. Swift paints pictures in your head, singing about her and an ex, and “dancing round the kitchen in the refrigerator light.”

              After listening to the album multiple times, it is safe to say that Taylor has definitely not lost “it.” Swift has a way of showing us that we are not alone. She puts the emotions we feel into words. Taylor Swift is confident, strong, and fearless. She embodies the color red.

Have you heard Taylor Swift's new album, Red?

• Yes, I bought it the first day and I love it!
• Not yet, but I heard it is pretty good.
• I'm a guy so...
• I've heard a couple songs--it's alright.
• Definitely not. She is way overrated.

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