From kicking my legs in excitement to her self-titled debut album in the backseat of my mom’s minivan to scream-singing the bridge of “Cruel Summer,” “Illicit Affairs” and other various hits at The Eras Tour, I can confidently call myself a lifelong Swiftie. This title allows me to discuss and dissect the current era in which Taylor Swift has submerged us all: “The Taylor Renaissance.”
Now, you may ask, “What is ‘The Taylor Renaissance?’” Allow me to break it down. There are many definitions of the word “renaissance,” but for our purposes, I am referring to the Oxford Languages definition, “a revival of or renewed interest in something.”
Although she has been in the public eye for over 15 years, Swift’s consistent shifts in music genres cause her to appeal to different people at different times. For example, apart from superfans, many people who consider themselves fans of Swift’s older albums like “Fearless” or “Red” aren’t as invested in some of her more recent albums, such as “Folklore” or “Evermore.” However, in 2021, the release of her first re recorded album, “Fearless: Taylor’s Version,” transported listeners back to 2008.
This was only the beginning of reviving the interest in her music of old and new fans. “Fearless: Taylor’s Version,” was a kickstart to The Taylor Renaissance we see today. “Red: Taylor’s Version,” and its lead single, “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” only continued this trend. In addition to this, Swift made her filmmaking debut with the release of “All Too Well: The Short Film” on YouTube.
Amid the global excitement and nostalgia over rediscovering these classic albums, Swift announced the name and release date of her tenth studio album, “Midnights” on Aug. 28, 2022. While reclaiming her past and rediscovering her future, Swift began The Eras Tour in March of this year. The three-hour-long show showcases nearly every era Swift has been through. With songs for every level of fan, The Eras Tour features classics and hidden gems. The Eras Tour became the hottest ticket this summer, causing a Swifties battle in surviving the “Great War” on Ticketmaster.
Between surprise songs, short films, re-recordings, tours and easter eggs, Swift and her music have become something we cannot escape, even if we try. There is always something new to look forward to with the release of old music, new music and tours. Swift has been at her peak starting from 2021 to the present day, and the world has never been this invested in her career until this point. In a little over a month, Swift will release “1989: Taylor’s Version,” continuing The Taylor Renaissance even further. I can’t wait to see what she will do in the coming years of her career and the remainder of The Eras Tour.
