When it comes to artists twenty and under, I tend to, how do I put this, ignore them.
If, on the rare occasion, these stars actually pen the music they sing, I have a difficult time relating to their stories about bubblegum and falling madly in love at the age of twelve.
But, in recent years, the likes of Rihanna, Joss Stone, Adele and, more specifically, Taylor Swift, have proved me (*cringe*) wrong.
And no, I do not consider Miley Cyrus or The Jonas Brothers remotely close in that category.
From all of the young artists who have emerged in the last few years or so, Taylor Swift, without a doubt, is my favourite. Although barely 20, Taylor has cemented her place in the country-pop world.
Here are five reasons why I think Taylor will rock for years to come:
5) She refused to sell out: At fifteen, it’s a bit rare to see young artists stand their ground and not give into the cookie-cutter image that many record labels want them to be. According to other media reports, when RCA Records offered Taylor a development deal, the young artist rejected the offer because the record label would not allow her to write her own music. Taylor would later sign with Big Machine Records. And like they say, the rest is history.
4) Her record sales: When Taylor released her self-titled debut album ‘Taylor Swift’ in 2006 (an album in which she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs), it spent eight consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and remained there for 24 weeks—an accomplishment achieved in this decade only by two other country stars, The Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood. Her current single ‘Love Story’ became the most paid downloaded country song in history.
Did I mention she’s only 19?
3) She’s Joe-less: Yes, the fact that Taylor is no longer dating Joe Jonas is something to be proud of—even if she was dumped. In ten years, Taylor will still be making chart-topping music while The Jonas Brothers (as a trio) will probably be where their blond and older counterparts, Hanson brothers, are right now musically. Somewhere, *fingers crossed*, where no one has to hear them.
2) She’s actually a good girl: Even though she and Miley Cyrus are good friends, they both appear to be quite the opposite. While Miley’s behaviour is constantly under scrutiny (rightfully so), we never see Taylor in any semi-nude or racist photos. Perhaps Miley should take more than just some song writing cues from her elder friend.
1) Her actual songs/lyrics: The New York Times described Taylor the most accurately when they referred to her as “one of pop’s finest songwriters, country’s foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner self than most adults.” Listen to her self-titled album or ‘Fearless’ and you will have a hard time believing Taylor is so young. She’s wise beyond her years. Her songs ‘Should’ve Said No’ or ‘I’d Lie’? Straight to the point yet beautiful.
And, most importantly, Taylor proves that just because you are twenty or younger, it doesn’t mean you have to make whiney-like music just to sell hit records.
