Overnight fame can do strange things to people, especially youth. Taylor Swift’s name exploded into America’s households, even after her single “Love Story” hit radio stations in 2008. The rest of the album “Fearless” broke all kinds of records, with its country narrative roots and pop sensibilities.

It wasn’t long before people fell in love with Swift’s smooth voice and willingness to bare her soul rather than her skin. On her latest offering, “Speak Now,” fans will be happy to discover that she has not sacrificed the elements that made her famous, in light of the attention she has received.

Swift delivers some refreshing takes on old topics

“Back to December” is a refreshing take on the pining pop song, free of overly needy speech. Through a rather infectious melody, Swift declares, “This is me swallowin’ my pride standing in front of you sayin’ I’m sorry for that night and I’d go back to December turn around and make it all right.”

Hearing Swift’s stories, it’s easy to be on her side — but I can’t help but be a little put off by her puerile judgment of an ex-lover’s bride on the title track “Speak Now.” Even though the song’s story is ficitional, the prospect of breaking up a wedding deserves a pretty good reason, and Swift never really gives one.

A slew of poorly written lines do not help her case much, “and she is yelling at a bridesmaid/ somewhere back inside a room, wearing a gown shaped like a pastry.”
But her fear of her sweetheart tying the knot with “the wrong girl” reflects her attitude that marriage is final, so at least someone still acknowledges that prospect.

Swift bases song on relationship with John Mayer

“Dear John” addresses Swift’s fling with musician John Mayer, proving that 19-year-old girls can still be more mature than grown men: “I ignored when they said run as fast as you can/Dear John, don’t you think I was too young to be messed with?”
She later takes responsibility in part for ignoring advice from others, which is something Mayer never does very well in his songs to former partners. Whether ironically or aptly, the song does sound like a Mayer slow jam, and Swift’s vulnerable confessions make it a highlight of the record.

“Mean” exposes the futility of acting up at the expense of others, and finds Swift returning to her country roots. Sounding more like a Kelly Clarkson b-side, “The Story of Us” retains Swift’s narrative songwriting style, chronicling a bitter history of a failed relationship. “Never Grow Up” is an intimately reflective wish to hold on to the elements exclusive to youth.

There are not any singles as strong as “Love Story” here, but Swift still has the ability to craft legitimately catchy hooks, such as in “Enchanted” and “Mine.”

Album shows Swift’s perspective

While most of her songs are about relationships, her more specific perspectives on life are reflected through those songs. While generally peaceful and romantic, they are not always devoid of belligerence.

“Better Than Revenge” is essentially Swift’s version of Paramore’s “Misery Business” and reflects a sad trend in young female vocalists fantasizing about getting even with rival girls.

“Innocent” speaks a rather biblical message against merit-based identity, “It’s okay life is a tough crowd/32 and still growing up now/who you are is not what you did/you’re still an innocent.” Swift pushes her vocal abilities on the violin-laced “Haunted” before a final poignant ode to an ex-lover in “Last Kiss.”

Swift capitalizes on formula, but shows authenticity and maturity

Most of her songs follow a basic topic pattern of “something happened, this is how I felt, and it was about that one boy,” and those who need variety in subject matter might find the album a bit grating.

I don’t foresee spending a great deal of time listening to Swift, but I won’t deny her place as an important musician in the mainstream.

Most of the music being pushed through America’s airwaves is not only lyrically dry, but dishonest— or if they are honest, they are genuine yet sick worldviews people feel must be shared.

“Speak Now” shows that Swift is maturing and not afraid to state the lessons she is learning. It also shows her awareness of her youth, and that she has much to learn.
In a world where young stars easily believe their own hype, Swift is simply being honest and humbly stating her experiences, desires and failures.

Although the album is nowhere near as solid as “Fearless,” fans of her older material will find plenty to like here.