Review Summary: A commendable debut album. Despite being riddled over-production here and there, it's one of the most personal and mature albums you will ever hear from a teen singer.
Its hard to believe that Ms. Swift was only 15/16 years old when she recorded this album, as well as co-writing or writing all of the tracks here, with a certain maturity and confidence, at the same time with innocence and yearning. To be honest, I wasn't impressed with her voice when I head "Tim Mcgraw" (but I was astounded by the fact that the melody and lyrics were outstanding), and her weak voice just isn't suited for slow balladry like "Tied Together with A Smile". Luckily, most of the songs here are more uptempo.
The first two songs I heard were "Teadrops on My Guitar" and "Picture to Burn", and by then, I was hoping that her debut wouldn't be bogged by endless (but good) drivel about the opposite gender. Luckily, about one-third of the album ISN'T about boys, but it's still a minor flaw in an otherwise great debut album. "Picture To Burn" is easily identifiable, about a girl complaining about her boyfriend and his truck (Before He Cheats, anyone?) "Teardrops on my Guitar" is cloyingly sweet, but in a good way. Usually most songs talk about how wonderful the subjects of their affections are, but she takes a step further and says that they can't be together because he loves somebody else, but she still has that yearning and love for him inside (Im turning soft, I guess).
Of course, Taylor Swift wouldn't make a "Totally Country album" and the "Pop" tracks are obvious: A Place In This World, The Outside and Should've Said No (and Picture to Burn). Taylor's voice just doesn't stand up to pop-rock like this (by the time I wrote this review, I am sure most of you will have listened to the horrible Change on Fearless), and it cracks on the bridge. Should've Said No also is the least identifiable song on the whole album, as in, very little people will be able to relate to it. Another problem is the over-production and use of electric guitar, which shocked the life out of me after the banjo started playing.
The album also has its highlights: The best songs on the album would have to be Stay Beautiful and Oh My, My, My. In terms of content, Stay Beautiful talks about a guy (well, duh) who's beautiful (well, du-uh) and the "highlight of her day". The song's strongest point is its verses, which sound a bit naive, and yet... there's something about this song that's really nice. Oh My, My, My is an ode to Love That Lasts Forever, which is something rare in songs (and life) these days. It chronicles the story of a couple through the childhood days, teen years, and their marriage and subsequent bliss. It's verses have one of the best lyrics I've ever heard, reinforcing Taylor's image as compelling storyteller and an outstanding songwriter. Cold As You also deserves a mention here, for being the most emotional and sophisticated song on the album. Love Lost is a common topic among all genres these days, but the manner in which Taylor tackles this song is very much a welcome change to the venegful rage that ruled on Picture to Burn and Should've Said No.
My conclusion is that She's come up with a commendable debut album, despite being riddled over-production here and there, is one of the most personal and mature albums I've ever heard from a teenage singer, and I'll definitely be looking forward to her third album (by the time I wrote this, Fearless had been released)
Recommended tracks (for pop fans):
2. Picture To Burn
6. The Outside
10. Oh My, My, My
12. I'm Only Me When I'm With You (Deluxe Version)
Recommended tracks (for country fans):
1. Tim McGraw
8. Stay Beautiful
10. Oh My, My, My
11. Our Song
