# Can someone explain the Taylor Swift phenomenon to me? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [March 19, 2023, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339 "2023-03-19T02:50:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/322 "2023-08-09T14:44:56Z")
> [@Kelby2](#): > > I think my daughter paid about $400 to see her recent show in Denver. > > That compares to the total amount of money her old man has spent in a lifetime of concert attendance. I think that I’m really lucky that the stuff I listen to has never really been super popular and is also starting to age-out. I saw Judas Priest and Saxon a few years ago and I was in the floor area and I’m guessing (if I can recall correctly) that that may have cost me $120 or something like that. And a few days ago I saw Steve Vai in a 2000 capacity club for probably $100-ish. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/323 "2023-08-09T18:48:59Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > It’s pretty critical for teen development to rebel against their parents, I would say. It might be. But it might also be that today’s teens realize music-your-parents-hate, specifically, can be a really superficial form of rebellion. I mean, [look at Greta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwU2R6Q9KgE)… ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/324 "2023-08-09T18:54:39Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > There has been some pushback on that idea though. Some claim it’s not universal. The thing to keep in mind here is that a lot of psychology is not firmly grounded in evidence, so I can’t even say, “A bunch of psychologists think this is true, therefore it’s true.” Unfortunately every scholarly article I’ve found that might help us sort through the facts is behind a paywall. Thanks for the info. I guess it’s unsettled. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2023, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/325 "2023-08-09T22:48:01Z")
That’s amazing. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/326 "2023-08-10T01:01:51Z")
> [@psychobunny](#): > > I would never go to a concert of hers because I have no desire to listen to thosands of fans screaming her lyrics in a stadium so large you can neither hear or see her well. This is a peeve of mine, too (the scream-singing); it was almost unbearable when I saw Phoebe Bridgers last year, and surprisingly irritating the last time I saw Weezer. (Granted, for that one I was in the pit in the middle of a huge pack of drunken fan-bros.) But at the Eras show I went to (Cincinnati, night 1) it didn’t bother me at all. You could definitely hear everybody singing along but it didn’t interfere with the actual music at all; if anything, it added to it. Probably an issue of sound mix. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/327 "2023-08-10T18:41:24Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > But it might also be that today’s teens realize music-your-parents-hate, specifically, can be a really superficial form of rebellion. I mean, [look at Greta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwU2R6Q9KgE)… And I believe that kids today are much more open to all music in general than previous generations. Definitely much more than when I was a teenager. Knee-jerk hate for mom and dad’s music (or taste in general) seems silly. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/328 "2023-08-10T23:43:33Z")
Today was the first day of school. After 4th period, a student stopped to talk to me. “I see you have a Grateful Dead poster on the wall.” “A wall calendar, too” I replied. “My dad is really into the Dead. Posters and stuff everywhere. I’ve seen Dead & Co., but it’s just not the same.” Dad raised that girl _right!_ Back To School Night ought to be interesting. ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/329 "2023-08-11T01:14:52Z")
The PBS News Hour did a feature tonight on the Taylor concert tour frenzy. The show looks like quite the spectacle. She does a three-hour show (!) comprised of 44 songs. Good Lord that young woman has stamina! I said to my wife that in this world of division, disaster, war and tragedy, which can really wear on a person’s spirit, it’s nice to see people having fun enjoying something as simple and irrelevant as Pop music. When I was in radio, I played quite a few of her songs. I liked the later Pop stuff more than the earlier Country songs. As a 71-year-old guy, I’m hardly in the Taylor demographic, but as far as female Pop singers go, I like Taylor a lot more than, say, screechy Kelly Clarkson, who I absolutely cannot stand. I like Adele too. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/330 "2023-08-11T01:30:35Z")
It is awesome to see younger people bringing it in a genuine way, and without trying to sidetrack the thread, I’ll drop the name Louis Cole, then not mention it again. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/331 "2023-08-11T02:31:25Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I asked the Lil’wrekker. She’s been a ‘Swifty’ since day one. > It’s the lyrics. I’m going with this as the answer. She has a decent voice but she’s no Aretha Franklin. Her band can play music without hurting themselves. None if it is particularly original or noteworthy (pun intended). A lot of effort is put into the videos. Every song I’ve heard of hers could be recorded in 1 take in a studio unless someone sneezes. She represents a change in pop and country music music today. It’s singing in the shower/formula driven songs with fun lyrics. Her songs play well on car stereos. I think she will eventually be crowned Queen of Karaoke. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/332 "2023-08-11T02:48:10Z")
Some of her new stuff might be a little, umm, not ready for karaoke. The lil’wrekker has been home alot since her hip surgery and I’ve heard more of it. It’s pretty “real” I don’t suggest people take their tweens to these shows expecting the old Taylor. She’s grown up. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/333 "2023-08-11T02:55:32Z")
Yes, a song in which a revenge murder is plotted and a body hidden in the water doesn’t feel quite ready for karaoke. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/334 "2023-08-11T02:58:43Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Some of her new stuff might be a little, umm, not ready for karaoke. Listen to Karaoke in a honky-tonk bar and and you will hear people adjust the words according to the level of alcohol consumed. It’s like listening to Red Foxx. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2023, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/335 "2023-08-15T01:01:44Z")
> **[Why Taylor Swift’s Eras Road Trip Feels Like the Career-Capping Beatles Tour...](https://variety.com/2023/music/reviews/taylor-swift-eras-tour-career-capping-sofi-stadium-1235693870/)** > > What, in pop music history, is anyone to compare Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to? If you’re at all flummoxed by that question, join the club, populated by scores of journalists and commentators who’ve … This is pretty much over the top, intended to enrage boomers and get clicks, but it entertained me. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2023, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/336 "2023-08-15T01:51:31Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > Yes, a song in which a revenge murder is plotted and a body hidden in the water doesn’t feel quite ready for karaoke. Nobody said that murder songs can’t be catchy. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Gw7gNf_9njs/maxresdefault.jpg "The Chicks - Goodbye Earl (Official Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs) https://www.youtube.com/embed/z7cbq4iQuPc?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2023, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/337 "2023-08-15T13:54:02Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Nobody said that murder songs can’t be catchy. LOL, I immediately thought of Goodbye Earl after that post. I believe I’ve heard it sung to great fun at a karaoke night. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/338 "2023-09-03T03:33:31Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Not for nothing that “Miss Americana” is one of her nicknames. really? … Americana is for me Bob Seeger … I’d describe her as white, urban coffee house “girl-w-guitar” music - well done, well produced … just don’t expect innovation what i doe actively like - she seems like a really positive role model for a lot of yournger girls … (not just on stage but also off-stage ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2023, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/339 "2023-09-03T21:11:27Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Swift is talented, writes her own songs, is creative, very pretty, and loyal to her fans. Me? I’d rather be one of Gaga’s monsters, but Swift is one happening frood (is that what the kids say?) After listening to more of her songs, this is about where I am. She’s fine. Her songs are o.k., but none I’ve heard really make me want to listen to them more than once. > [@Danger\_Man](#): > > I think that is what my generation finds a bit boring. It just sounds a bit more bland, while the earlier music had its ups and downs. We remember the hits and forget the rest. I just finished listening to that Folklore song that pschobunny (IIRC) posted upthread. And, yeah, I didn’t hate it. It didn’t make my ears bleed. But it was one note and boring to my ears. Like cotton candy. And I can remember a lot of really bad songs from the 60s onward, but there was a lot more music that was exciting and made me sit up and pay attention. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/340 "2023-09-04T03:39:50Z")
Got primo seats for opening night of the concert movie with my 17yr old and 2 of her friends. They’re already planning my ‘outfit’. I guess I’m the cool dad. 😀 I love Taylor’s music. She’s a great pop artist. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2023, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339/341 "2023-09-04T04:10:33Z")
Awesome! Got a friendship beaded bracelet yet? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-taylor-swift-phenomenon-to-me/981339.md?page=18)