Taylor Swift

The Gay Writing Doesn’t Stop: Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?”

Swift’s records resonate with the LGBT community, but why? …

May 20, 2024

Against a purple background, a pile of Taylor Swift's "Midnights" are stacked next to a copy of Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts" served on a platter. Ms. Rodrigo's face has blown out, leaving splatters of purple and red across the white porcelain dish and the background. Within the tattered hole, the title is engraved on the purple back cover.

Instant Download or Delayed Gratification: The Dilemma of the Deluxe Album

In our current era of on-demand downloads, it really must be asked: Is it more fulfilling to have every piece of content at once or to wait?…

April 11, 2024

Illustration of Taylor Swift in Kansas City Chiefs Jacket in storm clouds.

Taylor Swift and the Maritime Superstition of Football Fans

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

Taylor Swift’s current media backlash from Chiefs fans dates further back than anyone previously thought.…

February 5, 2024

What’s Behind Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s Massive 2023?

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Both veteran entertainers broke into new levels of popularity and success with their mammoth tours and film releases. …

January 5, 2024

Against a pink background, a graphic of Miley Cyrus swings on a wrecking ball from her iconic music video while Beyonce sings into a microphone in a black leotard.

Then vs. Now: Have 2014 Artists Withstood the Test of Time?

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Exploring the longevity of artists and their albums from 2014 to 2024.…

December 27, 2023

Similar to the album cover of "Born to Die", a drawing of Lana Del Rey stands in front of a blue sky with the words "Born to Die" around her.

Born to Thrive: The Lana Del Rey Album Ahead Of Its Time

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

Revisiting the impact of Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” on the music industry (I never stopped listening).…

December 12, 2023

The Best Hidden Gems Christmas Albums

Karla D. Galvan, The University of Texas at San Antonio

These albums don’t always get the attention they deserve, but they hold the same magic that can make your holiday season special.…

December 5, 2023

A downtrodden Rachel Zegler in her snow white costume stands in front of a red background that reads "cancelled".

Modern Witch Hunts: Public Silencing of Women in Hollywood

Farah Shah, University of Central Florida

The persistent undercurrent of patriarchal influence in Hollywood and the societal tendency to scrutinize successful women.…

December 3, 2023

For an article about "Piece of Me" by Britney Spears and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, three photos of blonde hair Britney with her left hand up are in the bottom row. three photos of blonde Taylor on the top (upper left corner with mascara running, middle in action smashing a car hood, on right yelling with a kitchen knife in hand). In the top right corner, text in bright yellow letters, "Pop Idols Off the Deep End!" On the bottom a pink better with yellow text, "Bank Space Breaks Records. Piece of Me Breaks Britney."

How Britney Spears’ ‘Piece of Me’ Laid the Groundwork for Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Taylor Swift found herself in a somewhat similar position to Spears’ mid-2000s public scrutiny.…

November 15, 2023

For an article about music samples, a variety of artists are in a pitcure — Ray Charles in the upper left corner (man with sunglasses), Robin S in the lower left corner (woman with short faded hair singing into a microphone), Beyoncé in the center left (woman with long curly hair looking back while holding microphone), Taylor Swift in the center right (woman with gelled down hair and suit winking into the camera), Kanye West in the bottom right corner (a man with a jacket staring into an audience), Sister Nancy in the top right corner (woman with short hair singing into microphone) and Olivia Rodrigo in the top center (woman with dark brown hair screaming into the camera in front of an enflamed room.

Sample or Stealing? How the Music Industry Recycles Tunes

Christine Bardos, Santa Clara University

A hot take on the use of sampled songs in the music industry. …

October 30, 2023

For an article about Taylor Swift's marketing strategies, a dark image of a blonde woman with a white collar necklace holds her two fingers up like a "gun." In the background, a red figure with a similar pose is seen with red horns and a tail drawn on her.

Taylor Swift: Evil Genius?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Is Taylor Swift a well-intentioned lyrical genius or a mastermind of manipulation?…

October 27, 2023

in an article about pop culture online courses, a woman in a red dress (Beyoncé) stands talking to another woman in a red dress (Taylor Swift).

5 Pop Culture College Courses We Wish We Could Take

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

Certain schools and programs offer specialized entertainment courses that might feel a bit more tailored to college students’ interests. …

October 14, 2023

In an article about joint film releases, multicolored figures stand and stare in front of a dark movie screen.

Joint Films Releases That Made History

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

Barbenheimer has made film-lovers more aware of the joint-film release trend.…

September 28, 2023

In an article about autumn songs, a black vinyl sits against a goovy retro 70s background.

10 Songs Perfect for Any Fall Playlist

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Bid summer anthems adieu and welcome the return of cool and cozy songs for autumn.…

September 22, 2023

In an article about stan culture, a stan livestreams an artist's performance at a concert and receives thousands of views on social media.

A Deep Dive Into Stan Culture

Kimberly Vazquez, Columbia College Chicago

Despite its unflattering origins, the term “stan” has become a badge of honor to many fans who have dedicated their lives to promoting and defending their artists — by any means necessary. …

August 31, 2023

In an article about concert etiquette, an arm tosses a phone over the heads of a faceless crowd.

Is Concert Etiquette a Thing of the Past?

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

From airborne iPhones to hospital trips, concert etiquette is being replaced by every-man-for-himself attempts at snatching a moment of fame.…

August 19, 2023

In an article about 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version),' Swift, clad in a frilly purple dress, gazes at the viewer over her shoulder as her curly hair ripples against a background of purple splotches and the album title in cursive letters.

Hidden Narratives in the ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ Vault Tracks

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

The songs that didn't make the cut the first time around prove that, even at 18, Swift knew her way around a melody.…

July 25, 2023

In an article about the top eight tips that Taylor Swift fans should follow when they attend the 'Eras Tour,' Swift gazes downward as her long blonde hair ripples across a starry sky and surrounds a purple sign that reads, 'Tips for Taylor.'

8 Tips for Taylor Swift Fans Attending the ‘Eras Tour’

Sarah Deavers, University of Virginia

Follow this Swiftie's advice to mastermind your concert experience.…

July 5, 2023

The History of the Crazy Cat Lady

Abby Worthington, Arcadia University

With cats gaining more of a positive reputation lately, it’s time to uncover the fraught history that women share with their feline companions.…

April 27, 2023

In an article about upcoming tours, the dark silhouette of a musician stands against a fuschia background with an adoring crowd at their feet.

Tours To Look Forward to in 2023

Andrea Cepeda, University of North Texas

After years of isolation, these artists are ready to take the spotlight once again.…

February 24, 2023

In an article about the Ticketmaster controversy over Taylor Swift tickets, an image of Taylor in front of a blackboard that says "everyone will betray you."

There’s Truly Nothing Better Than Revenge

Teagan Angell, Fordham University

On Dec. 2, 26 Swifties filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster for its mishandling of the sale of Eras Tour tickets.…

January 4, 2023

Jake Gyllenhaal is the Master of His Craft

Ally Najera, California State University, Northridge

The chameleonic actor continues to give a face to countless films.…

December 6, 2022

Illustration of a song playlist on a smart phone

Songs For Every Scenario Playlist

Andrea Cepeda, University of North Texas

Spotify and Apple Music wouldn't be half as fun if they weren't full of playlists for every emotion or fictional scenario. Here's something for every themed playlist.…

December 5, 2022