Was the hype all for nothing?
The country starlet we were introduced back in 2006 was killed for 1989. Now, it appears Taylor Swift is murdering yet another incarnation of herself in preparation for her upcoming sixth studio album Reputation and its revengeful, disjointed lead single. Seemingly inspired by her highly publicized feuds with the likes of Kanye West and Katy Perry, the new “Look What You Made Me Do” highlights Swift’s completed journey to the dark side, using her questionable songwriting skills to lash back out.
While we’ve witnessed a pristine, innocent façade from Swift over the years, it is clear there has always been a more authentic sinister beast brewing underneath the surface. On “Look What You Made Me Do”, the artist finally lets her true side be revealed while being supported by frenzied backing beats and overly dramatic production. What begins as a very bright promise, quickly progresses into a mess of influences, with eyes focused on her enemy target, instead of the quality of the product.
Besides a drastic change in tone and personality, listeners will draw a conclusion that Swift is both bitter and fearless. That attitude can be appreciated. However, instead of using anger to her advantage, the writing just reads as petty. “The world moves on, another day, another drama, drama, but not for me, not for me, all I think about is karma, and then the world moves on,” she sing-speaks on the second verse, aiming her daggers and unleashing a stern warning.
Pieces of the new release do work. The tightened atmosphere within the first notes and verse are commendable, perhaps the entirety of “Look What You Made Me Do” should have stuck down this route. Unfortunately, we then get a strange interpolation of “I’m Too Sexy” for the disappointing chorus and an overall sound that comes off as a copy, an unsuccessful mix of Lorde, Marina and the Diamonds and Britney Spears during her Blackout era days.
Clearly fans have been eagerly waiting for the time when Swift’s claws would come out. “Look What You Made Me Do” represents that moment, it just does not seem to be executed as flawlessly or effectively as it could have been. Playing the “mean girl” role is not an authentic fit for the artist, she struggles with her back handed disses, which are actually too vague to deliver a lasting impact. In the end, Swift sounds like she’s playing a role too demanding for her skill level.
The teased upcoming music video featuring Todrick Hall could be a polished hit, but can we all be honest with ourselves here? Swift released a dud.
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