Taylor Swift, Why The Hate?

[Mr. Adventure]

Samaritan wrote:

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James Taylor

James Taylor Swift

I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I - always - always - always - thought that I'd see you again

[junxon]

for me, she is exactly 'meh'. not a terrible artist, but not a great one either.

[HaventGotALife]

The Mirrorball Man wrote:

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No, Michael Jackson had none of that when he was 23. And finding artists lacking because they're not as memorable as Michael Jackson sounds like you're setting the bar pretty high.

Then let's move to someone who has been as successful as Swift was at a younger age, Mariah Carey. All before the age of 23.

"Make it Happen"
"Hero"
"Anytime You Need A Friend"

Not her biggest hits, but talking about something more than "Vision(s) of Love" or "Emotions." (EDIT) And the bar moves when you are as popular as she is. I think it reflects poorly on our culture that we reward this as pop music. She's a forgettable artist in my book.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Derishton wrote:

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I'd agree with this. Up-thread someone argued that at least she's not the Kardashians. I'd also agree with that, but part of me thinks that there's a whole "middle" wherein Swift doesn't measure up.

She is pretty bland, but she's rather young, she can make hummable songs and write decent lyrics, plus she covered that Eminem song, so she's alright in my book.

[doubleohfive]

I don't understand the seething hatred she seems to illicit in some, either. I'm not a die hard fan certainly, but I've got one of her albums in my iTunes library and like it just fine.

Sometimes I will see people though bitching and moaning about her on Facebook, and my general response is "Why?" If she's so terrible, why bother listening to her? I'd be much more sympathetic if people would spend their energy boasting about music they do like or that they do enjoy and want to share, as opposed to the artist or music they can't stand.

You know what I can't stand? Okra. But you don't see me going everywhere complaining about it. I don't particularly like Grey's Anatomy, either, but it's in my interest (career-wise) to stay informed on that show and what's going on with the characters from week week. Do I go into the Grey's episode review threads and complain about how its sometimes just a show about doctors having sex with each other? No.

In conclusion, if you must hate on Taylor (or others like her) swell. I'd just rather not hear about it.

[the G-man]

HaventGotALife wrote:

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Then let's move to someone who has been as successful as Swift was at a younger age, Mariah Carey. All before the age of 23.

"Make it Happen"
"Hero"
"Anytime You Need A Friend"

In other words, at 23, Carey was a hot chick with a great voice who wrote and sang disposable, if very pleasant, pop songs.

Just like Swift is today.

[HaventGotALife]

the G-man wrote:

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In other words, at 23, Carey was a hot chick with a great voice who wrote and sang disposable, if very pleasant, pop songs.

Just like Swift is today.

Swift has a great voice? When did that happen?

[Samaritan]

doubleohfive wrote:

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I don't understand the seething hatred she seems to illicit in some, either. I'm not a die hard fan certainly, but I've got one of her albums in my iTunes library and like it just fine.

Sometimes I will see people though bitching and moaning about her on Facebook, and my general response is "Why?" If she's so terrible, why bother listening to her? I'd be much more sympathetic if people would spend their energy boasting about music they do like or that they do enjoy and want to share, as opposed to the artist or music they can't stand.

You know what I can't stand? Okra. But you don't see me going everywhere complaining about it. I don't particularly like Grey's Anatomy, either, but it's in my interest (career-wise) to stay informed on that show and what's going on with the characters from week week. Do I go into the Grey's episode review threads and complain about how its sometimes just a show about doctors having sex with each other? No.

In conclusion, if you must hate on Taylor (or others like her) swell. I'd just rather not hear about it.

I don't know why people go out their way to bash her, seems like a waste of energy.

[Derishton]

Yeah, people waste too mich energy on their pop culture pet peeves. But the difference between an artist you don't like and okra is that okra is never part of your mental landscape - especially if that artist defines an era, or partially defines an era. In other words, you eat okra or you don't okra. Nobody is throwing okra at you in the mall and demanding you open your mouth. Swift is unavoidable right now, and the "Never gettin backk togeddir" song is like someone jabbing a gerbil in my ear.

[gblews]

HaventGotALife wrote:

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You guys have to be kidding. Michael Jackson was an international star at age 13. He produced the biggest selling album of all time at around 24 years of age.

Comparing his career to Mariah Carey's or Taylor Swift's is unfair, to Swift and Carey. You need to find someone else for a comparison.

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Derishton wrote:

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Nobody is throwing okra at you in the mall and demanding you open your mouth. Swift is unavoidable right now, and the "Never gettin backk togeddir" song is like someone jabbing a gerbil in my ear.

Nobody is forcing you to listen to the radio, or pick up a magazine, or watch her on TV, or anything like that. If you don't want to hear that song, it's easily avoidable. Hell, I've never even heard it, or anything else she's ever recorded.

[gturner]

Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'm a let you finish, but Beyonce had one of dem best videos of all time. ONE OF DA BEST VIDEOS OF ALL TIME.

[Carcazoid]

Why the hate?

Two words: Jealousy.

Ok, that was one word but you could say it twice and it would still apply.

[Derishton]

Mr. Laser Beam wrote:

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Nobody is forcing you to listen to the radio, or pick up a magazine, or watch her on TV, or anything like that. If you don't want to hear that song, it's easily avoidable. Hell, I've never even heard it, or anything else she's ever recorded.

I did imply that I hear it at the mall where I really can't avoid hearing it, but if your brave defense means you get to be her next boyfriend-for-a-week, good for you.

(I'm joking ... I don't see Taylor Swift as a terribly serious issue one way or another, and thought that was clear from my earlier posts.)

[Kestra]

I love Taylor Swift. Not that I think she's the best artist or best person ever. I find her really ridiculous, but I like that, plus she makes catchy music.