As Taylor Swift’s new album continues to spark online discourse, many students are debating whether it will go up against other big artists. While some listeners are embracing this new direction, others are feeling extremely disappointed. From enthusiastic excitement to very harsh critiques, here's what students had to say. 

“I was very underwhelmed,” said Bethany Wagner, 21. “When you listen to the lyrics, you ask, ‘What is she even saying?’” Wagner, like several others, felt that the album was missing the depth that Swift’s past albums had. 

“This one was so surface-level,” she said. “In the past, she’s had some really good ones, and I can see why people call Tyna Romoff, Staff Writerher a lyric genius.”

Others shared the sentiment, including Aubrie Austin-Elliot, 20, who described it as “very Kids Bop coded.” She said, “It felt very childish… like if ChatGPT wrote her lyrics.”

Some criticism came from listeners who compared the new album to Swift’s previous releases. “In her earlier albums, Taylor took more creative risks,” said Colin Wheeler, 20. “This one feels like she’s just going through the motions. It’s very on-brand, but not especially intriguing.”

However, not all students were disappointed. Lauryn Scoon, 21, appreciated the return to a more pop sound. “I thought it was really cool that she worked with Max Martin again, her producer from ‘’1989,’” she said. “It brought back the vibe of fun pop songs, which in comparison to her last album, was more emotional.”

Scoon also pointed to Swift’s use of metaphor and narrative. “Her storytelling was well done,” she said. “Songs like ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ really stood out to me. I think it helped me understand Taylor Swift’s experience with life recently.”

Sarah Wagner, 20, said it was one of the few songs she enjoyed. “It included a bunch of easter eggs like her White Diamonds perfume and the fact that she had a million and a half husbands.” Still, Sarah Wagner admitted, “Most of the songs were not amazing. I’d maybe recommend just two.”

How does this represent where Taylor Swift is in her career? Responses ranged from supportive to skeptical. “She’s in a good relationship now, and usually she profits from being broken up with,” said Bethany Wagner. “Now she’s just trying to flip the script because she’s getting married. I think she’s run out of material since she’s in a healthy relationship.”

Wheeler offered a more critical take. “She’s at a crossroads. People are learning to criticize her more thoughtfully. The music feels basic, and her social messaging can seem shallow. She either needs to evolve creatively or risk burning out.”

As for whether the album represents a bold creative move, the students were once again split. “I think she took a creative risk,” said Sarah Wagner. “It didn’t pay off right now, but it might in the future.” 

Scoon agreed, “Working with Max Martin again was a risk, but it paid off well.”

Others weren’t convinced. “No, I think she took a risk … but not a creative one,” said Austin-Elliot. 

Wheeler added, “The only possible ‘risk’ is ‘Canceled,’ but even that feels like a defensive response to criticism rather than genuine innovation.”

Did students have a song they replayed the most? Most students answered no. “‘Canceled’ caught my attention,” said Wheeler. “But mostly because it was weird, not because it was good.” 

Scoon said, “I like ‘Opalite.’ It feels like a very dance-y song, and I take dance classes, so it’s easy to move to.”

In the end, whether students loved it, hated it or felt unsure, one thing is certain: Swift still knows how to get people talking. As Sarah Wagner put it: “Maybe this album just needs time. People didn’t like ‘Dead Poets Society’ at first either, and now it has some of her most iconic songs.” 

Tags: music, Review

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