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Entertainment
A Deep Dive Into Taylor Swift’s Albums: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Edition
I just know that the idea of releasing vault tracks came out of the moment Taylor remembered she wrote 'Is It Over Now?'
6h
5
Edited by Hailey Hastings
I am fully emersed into diving deep into every single Taylor Swift album, which I do on my own all the time, but wanted to do it in a way where I am sharing what a special discography she has. I feel like 1989 is the perfect place to start, it's an era that changed everything, and will always be an album people automatically think of when you say "Taylor Swift."
Welcome To New York
Not a single song on this record could have better kicked off Taylor's first full-on pop era quite like 'Welcome To New York.' This track is hopeful, and joyous, and encapsulates the dreams people come to chase in New York City, which is a wide-eyed approach to a city that is easy to feel jaded in.
Blank Space
This album is chalked full of some of Taylor's biggest hits, and 'Blank Space' may just be the biggest. This track being the smash-hit it is has always felt like the sweetest version of karma. Taylor penned this track all about the media and their depiction of her as some jet-set woman who plays men and serial dates, and she played into that and it sent her into full-on superstardom. That's my girl!
Style
This song was written purely while Taylor was daydreaming about strutting down a catwalk, I am almost sure of it. 'Style' has the perfect beat to create wind in the hair and act like you're on America's Next Top Model. This song meant everything to me when this record came out and I think is one of the leading reasons 1989 is often referred to as the pop bible.
Out of the Woods
And speaking of why 1989 is referred to as a pop bible, 'Out The Woods' may be the leading reason. I revisit this song often and have not left those listening sessions without feeling like I have found a new line to hang onto. There are so many emotions that flow through this track, there is longing, longing for freedom, for privacy, and there is so much fear, and so much love. I feel like Taylor let us into her world in a whole new with the way she described the role media plays in her relationships.
All You Had To Do Was Stay
I know that some people criticize 'All You Had To Do Was Stay' being a track five, saying the sound is too upbeat. But I've always found it to be a quite heartbreaking song. The premise of having to plead with someone, of saying literally all you had to do was stick around, the bare minimum, is devastating. Don't let the glittery beat fool you!
Shake It Off
I think everyone on the planet may know this song. It's taken on such a life of its own, and become one of those songs that is synonymous with pop music. From the beat to Taylor's playful lyrics where she pokes fun at the people who poke fun at her, this song is the hit of all hits. Also, nothing is as fun as being in a room with thousands of other people at a Taylor Swift show singing and dancing along to this track.
I Wish You Would
Top three on 1989, and I will take no questions! This song just scratches a part of my brain that I didn't know needed to be scratched. I think as far as this album goes, this is the best chorus. And I will die on that hill. I will always be a 'I Wish You Would' defender.
Taylor Swift - Bad Blood (Taylor's Version) (Lyric Video)
The OG music video for this song was my Joker when it came out. It was that serious to me. Similarly to 'Blank Space' and 'Shake It Off' this song became bigger than I am sure even Taylor was ever expecting and is now one of those songs that people automatically think of when they think of Taylor Swift.
Wildest Dreams
This song in any romantic movie ever, automatically makes it ten times better. 'Wildest Dreams' is both sultry and sweet, giving me everything I had ever wanted out of this sound from a Taylor pop album, and this was one of the first times we got to see this side of Taylor.
How You Get The Girl
She wrote y'all a playbook! There are no excuses! This bubble-gum pop track, which is filled with so many great lyrical moments has been an album highlight for me since my very first listen, and judging by how I just danced around my room, it still is!
This Love
"This Love' is a bit of a paradox in a song. There is both a positive take on this while feeling utterly heartbreaking all at once. Taylor going through the list of all the things that this love is, on both ends of a spectrum, is such a beautiful element of the track.
I Know Places
'I Know Places' was our first taste of this darker sound that could have easily fit on Reputation. This song followed suite of a few other songs on this record and shined the mirror back on the media, and painted herself as feeling hunted by them. Saying she has to jump through hoops to keep things private. It's a sad reality, and I can't even imagine now, in 2024, how that has intensified given she's the biggest artist in the world, and only getting bigger.
Clean
This song breaks me, I don't think I have ever listened without ugly crying. That feeling of being out of a toxic situation and feeling so emotionally drained, feeling like you're drowning, but then looking around and realizing despite the pain, the hope of a better tomorrow is finally there, that is just a freeing experience. 'Clean' will forever hold such a special place in my heart.
Wonderland
Having a Taylor Swift song chalked full of Alice in Wonderland references still makes my Disney-loving heart so happy. This is one where I find new things I love about it all of the time. The production gets better with every listen, it's a true smash.
You Are In Love
I like to pretend this song isn't about Lena and Jack, personally. 'You Are In Love' is one of, in my opinion, one of the most beautifully written tracks of all time. I do indeed cry every time the line "pauses then says, you're my best friend" is uttered.
New Romantics
Before Taylor's Version, this was the OG ending track to the 1989 era, and it is beyond perfect. This song is indeed a heartbreak anthem, and you don't feel heartbroken for one moment when you are singing and dancing along to the track. Another track that is pure joy when it's performed live.
Slut!
As soon as 'Slut!' started I knew we were in for a flawless 5-track run of vault tracks. This track takes a close look at how the media has treated Taylor over the years and is finally her saying that she is going to let people think what they want, but that she is going to continue to operate as though no commentary is being given.
Say Don't Go
'Say Don't Go' wasn't initially my favorite track out of the vault tracks, but has definitely grown on me and become a song that holds its own with these other four stellar additions to a ffront-to-backperfect album. I don't go back to this one as much as the other tracks, but that could change at any time.
Now That We Don't Talk
This song perfectly describes what it's like to watch an ex from afar and ponder if not talking, if being apart is for the best. There are two sides of the coin Taylor talks about, on one side she's saying she's watching this person change into someone who she doesn't recognize, someone who "looks like they are trying life on," someone who she doesn't recognize, and on the other side of the coin she's looking at it as a positive thing by saying that at least she doesn't have to continue to be the one pretending to enjoy all these things she did to fit with him.
Suburban Legends
This song belongs on in a coming-of-age soundtrack. The idea of being meant to be frozen in time, meant to be those people that everyone from your hometown knows about, that everyone talks about, that is very Paper Towns, Margo Roth Spiegelman coded. This track should have been on the OG version, teenage me would have made myself the main character with this as the soundtrack.
Is It Over Now?
One of the best songs in Taylor's discography (the highest compliment a song could receive) and of the best pop songs ever released. Is It Over Now? is simply just THAT girl! I can not believe Taylor kept a song this good locked away for all these years, but I am also so glad this song was waiting for us with this release. A slam dunk if there ever was one. She could not have waved goodbye to the 1989 era with a better song.
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Entertainment
The 21 Different Friends You'll Meet In Life
Personalities that keep it interesting.
10 January
4056
Here you will find a list of many of the people you will come across in your life, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to give a name to all these characters that you hopefully see day to day. Don't take these friends for granted because they all add a little something to your life, and if you can't name all of them to your personal friends, chances are it might be you...
The Brutally Honest Friend:
They are going to tell you that you that dress isn't flattering or your shoes are awful even if you don't ask. They are the ones you go to for advice, and the ones you run from when you're having a bad hair day.
The Pretty One:
The unsigned model- they just never take a bad picture. Their hair always looks perfect, and you secretly want to be them but will never admit it.
The Smart One:
The smart friend is a tricky one. Some of these creatures are secretly smart and able to go out every night of the week keeping a 4.0 and a positive attitude; while some are always stressed about work and tests but end up doing well anyway. Even though they are not the first person you run to after a bad exam, the smart friend will always be an asset to you.
The Athlete:
They can never hang out because they have practice, a game, a lift, team bonding, fundraising- or they are just too tired to even go out. Either way, when you do finally get to hang with The Athlete, you know you are in for a good time.
The Patriotic Friend:
They always have an American Flag around- on their shirt, in their car, wallet, you name it they have it. They listen to country music and are always up for a debate.
The Singer:
Basically, the rest of us are just waiting for this friend's mixtape to hit iTunes and become a hit, because when we are all in the car singing they always seem to steal the show.
The Dancer:
For some reason, when you go out, this friend always has moves that you remind you why you should stick to the occasional head bob.
The Dramatic One:
Everything is always blown up and out of proportion with this friend. Sometimes you aren't in the mood to put up with the drama, but you know when your boyfriend is acting crazy and you need validation this friend will have your back.
The Gossip Girl:
Always stirring something up. Doesn't matter the day. At least she keeps things interesting. Right?
The Party Animal:
On a Friday night after a long week, you know exactly who you can call for a good night out.
The Drinker:
Now, it is important to remember you love this friend even while you're dragging them back to their room at the end of the night. When you want another round, you always know who to look for.
The Quiet One:
You know what they say, silent but deadly. The quiet friend can sometimes be underestimated because even though they don't say much, they see everything. So be smart with this friend.
The Mom
The Mom of the group is usually easy to spot. She is the one calling for the cab, or taking your friends to the bathroom to make sure they don't fall in. She's fun enough to go out, but smart enough to always be on alert and ready to react.
The Snap Chatter
A classic. This person's snap chat story is filled with pictures, videos, filters and geo-tags. If you want to see a step by step run through of the night, just check out their story and see how it went, because it's basically a movie trailer for the evening and you know they captured every important event from the perfect angle.
The Insta Obsessed:
You know them, you love them. This friend is constantly posting pictures on Instagram of their Starbucks grande iced caramel macchiato, or salad, or cat, or toes in the sand. They ignore the unspoken rules about putting up two instas in one day, and are confident enough to post at any hour.
The Tweeter:
They tweet every passing emotion and thought. If you're mom doesn't have a twitter account, then why are you tweeting: "Happy Birthday Mom"? When you scroll through this person's page its basically a diary of feelings, thoughts, daily activities, threads of "meaningful" rap lyrics, or worse: their political opinions.
The Dog Lover:
Most people like dogs, but the dog lover is another easy one to spot. They are always making snap stories of their dog or random people's pets, and when they come over you question whether they're there for you or your pup.
The Gym Rat:
They live in the weight room. They can be seen wearing muscle tees, roshes and elite socks. They hate CrossFit and live and die by the bench and rack. Do you even lift, bro?
The Sarcastic One:
Always have a quick witted and snide remark to mostly anything you say. As cynical as they seem you can't help but laugh at this friends attitude.
The Couple:
The Couple in your friend group can just be called one person at this point. They are always together, if you invite one you invite the other, and you already expect that you have to put up with the excessive PDA that night.
The Best Friend:
You only get a few of these that embody a little something from each of the other friends you have. They are smart enough for good and honest advice, but crazy enough to go out and have a good time with. These are the ones you keep close.
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Entertainment
12 Things To Learn From Blair Waldorf
Queen B always had the best life lessons.
10 January
3672
On the Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf is an icon. She's what every girl aspires to be. She's beautiful, confident, and can handle any obstacle that life throws at her. Sure, she may just be a television character. But for me, she's a role model and theres a lot that can be learned from Queen B.
It's okay to be crazy sometimes.
Being "crazy" is often times looked at as a negative in todays society. But Blair understands that theres nothing wrong with being crazy. Sometimes its the only way to deal with people, especially when you're dealing with a Georgina Sparks. Now, I'm not suggesting that genuinely being psychotic is a good thing by any means. But crazy situations call for crazy measures, and theres nothing wrong with being crazy as long as you're owning it.
You never give up on the people you love.
I can't say that I've ever been traded for a hotel, or even that my "fairytale wedding" was ruined by Chuck Bass. Regardless, Blair's love and dedication to Chuck, through all the ups and the downs, proves that you can never give up on the people you love. Of course, things may get difficult and it may seem impossible for your relationship to work. But despite all the hardships, you can never give up on the ones you love.
Always know your own worth.
One of the greatest things about Blair Waldorf is that she knows she's Blair Waldorf. She knows how talented she is, and how lucky people are to be graced with her presence. Although this may come across as being a bit full of herself, I say theres nothing wrong with knowing your worth and being confident in who you are.
Don't take shit from anyone.
It didn't matter if it was Little J, Georgina Sparks, Jack Bass, or even her own friends: Blair took shit from no one. Too many times people get walked all over because they'd rather be considered "compliant" than "argumentative." But Blair understood. No one can mess with you unless you let them.
Tights are not pants. But leggings might be...
Since Blair was always the fashion icon on the Upper East Side, I'll take her advice on this one. I agree, tights are not pants. They never were. Tights were meant to go under dresses and skirts. However, if Queen B says leggings aren't pants, that's where I'll have to draw the line.
It's always okay to break down once in a while.
Everyone breaks at some point... even Blair Waldorf. For some reason, people don't like to admit when they're feeling broken. Its as if by admitting you're hurt, you'll lose your status as being strong. But if Blair Waldorf can realize that the world is a little too much some times, than so can I. And there's nothing wrong with breaking down every once in a while.
There's nothing that can't be solved by a shopping spree
However, breakdowns can't last forever. At some point you have to pick yourself up and feel better again. I don't know if it's spending money that feels so good, or if it's the new pair of shoes that you get to bring home with you, but shopping sprees can cure almost any problem. This is proven science, I swear.
Stay classy, even if you're pissed off.
I'll be honest... I curse far too often. I swear at slow drivers. I swear when I stub a toe. I swear when I burn myself on my straightener. With all of the curse-worthy moments in Blair's life, it amazes me that she manages to stay so classy and rarely let a curse word slip. Someday, I hope that I'll learn this ability as well.
You never need to act on your emotions.
I'm impulsive, and more times than not, that will get me into trouble. Blair understands emotions though, and understands that you're never required to act on impulse emotions. With enough willpower, you can overcome your emotions and potentially avoid saying or doing something you'll regret later on.
No matter how rough it gets, it could always be worse.
With as many negative situations that Blair was put in, you'd think she'd be more negative herself. Her best friend stole her boyfriend, she was traded for a hotel, she lost a baby, her royal marriage got destroyed, and yet, she remained positive throughout it all. A little bitter at times maybe, but always positive. No matter what situation she was put in, it always could have been worse than it was, and that's a motto for everyone to live by.
Be dedicated to your own success.
There's nothing I appreciate more than someone who know's what they want and won't stop at anything until they get it. Sometimes Queen B has to be a little manipulative in order to get to her success, but no matter what, she never lets anyone or anything hold her back from what she wants. Her dedication to herself and her priorities is something everyone should have.
And if people don't love you, that's okay.
Often times, people worry too much about appealing to others. They focus too much on making other people love them, and usually for the wrong reasons. If someone doesn't want to love you though, than I guess making them fear you is the next best thing. Either way, you'll be all they can think about.
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Lifestyle
The Perks of Being a Girl
“I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”
10 January
2854
As frustrating and annoying as it can be, being a girl is really awesome. We are beautiful inside and out. Not a lot of people may see that, but girls have a ton of amazing qualities.
We have unique flirting skills.
Us girls have a significant way to flirt with other people. Even when we say the most random or awkward things, we have a way of making everything sound cute and planned. It’s just a gift; we’re good like that.
We know how to fight back.
While maybe not literally, that is Guy Territory. However, when it comes to dealing with drama and other people, we learn, and eventually know, how to deal with other people’s issues with us. We also do a lot more payback.
We pick pretty great friends.
Some girls may have a lot of friends in general, but for the most part, we know how to pick and keep the friends that are the most special. Through experience (of course) we learn how to see people and keep the ones who will stay by our side. Go us!
We have a pretty great fashion sense.
Yes, there are many times when we just want to lay around wearing sweats and not care if we match or not. But when we go out, we are really good at picking out outfits and rocking everything we wear. We know how to clean up pretty well, if I say so myself.
We each have one heck of an imagination.
Whether it is thinking about a boy or our future careers, we girls can think of some pretty vivid scenarios, even though we know deep down they may never come true. But the beautiful thing is we never stop dreaming. Even if we think of something that is impossible, we still dream it, because it makes us feel better. What we imagine can maybe even affect how others think, and who knows? Maybe in the end we do get the prince we’ve been dreaming about.
Never be ashamed of being a girl, because we are truly amazing people. No one should tell us that we are not good enough or are not capable of doing something. We are special and unique. We know how to make someone smile and make someone's day. We go through a lot, but we learn. We have the power to do anything, and no one should try and tell us otherwise. And hey, girls just want to have fun, right?
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Entertainment
21 Gossip Girl Gifs That Describe Life In The Library
Hello, Upper East Side.
10 January
1848
Us college students know all about the struggle of spending the day in the library. Whether you are writing a ten-page paper, studying for a biology exam, or struggling through math homework, you somehow find the strength to get to the library to get it all done. Let's just say you have a lot of different thoughts that run through your head during the many hours you spend in the lovely library.
1. The looks you get from people as you enter the library with your sweatpants on, hair tied back, looking like a homeless person.
2. As soon as you find a place to sit down to do work, and you realize that you'll never see your bed again (or until your work is done, so basically never).
3. Wait, that's due tomorrow?
4. Ugh, why do I need to know if John buys Becky a car, how many apples will it take to fill the bowl in his kitchen?
Which by the way – is 1034 square feet.
5. When you're clearly stressing, but five strangers pop up out of nowhere and try to squeeze into the 3 inches of space next to you.
6. When the accidental eavesdropping begins, and you hear something juicy.
7. When you're trying real hard to concentrate, but they keep on talking about how Matt is hooking up with Rachel now instead of Lindsey.
8. Alright, maybe I'll just give up and drop out of college.
9. But then you suddenly become motivated once again.
10. Motivation.
11. You get back from getting coffee and find that someone stole your spot.
12. The cycle begins again, and you think it's time to give up on college because this is way too much work.
13. But your squad finally decides to show up.
14. However, they leave ten minutes later because they don't want to be here, but you beg them to stay.
15. Hmm, I'll just go on SnapChat real quick...45 minutes later after checking all of your apps and answering in the group chat you feel ready to work, and also feel bad about almost giving up.
16. Oh look another online quiz I forgot was due tomorrow.
17. Luckily all of the quiz answers end up being online.
18. When the library is supposed to have Wi-Fi all the time, yet it is currently down and you're feeling some type of way because of it.
19. You zone out and think about how you could be watching Netflix in bed right now.
20. How you feel after spending hours of doing work that you probably should have done two weeks ago.
21. FEELING LIKE CHUCK AND BLAIR WHEN YOU'RE FINALLY DONE AND GET TO GO HOME.
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