Taylor Swift

“Lover” Lyric Poem

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

 

I forgot that you existed, she said to the man after one long cruel summer.

It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference.

Boys will be boys, where are the wise men? A constant thought.

Baby-doll, when it comes to a lover- you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.

Soon, you’ll get better.

It’s a story. A love story.

Cinematic.

We were Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince with a death by a thousand cuts.

It’s not as tragic as it sounds, I’m older now. And you’re not my baby.

Walking along Cornelia Street, I found myself a London Boy.

He got that boyish look that I like in a man. Lyrical Smile. Daylight in his indigo eyes.

You may be from London, boy, but I’m New York City, I still do it for you babe.

My heart’s been broken, yours has been blue. Let me travel the world with you.

I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey, I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was the man.

How hard is it to find your forever Lover. Hiding undercovers, in the winter I’ll be your Summer.

I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you. Paper things, I think.

I like shiny, fancy things, but I’d marry this man with paper rings. Cuz cruelty only wins in the movies.

ACTION!

Lost in a film scene.

CUT.

Help me hold onto you.

Bring me back into reality.

I feel my heart beat, skipping down 16th Avenue. Thinking, Bless my soul. Would we still worship this love, even if it’s a false god? I think he knows.

STOP, think to myself- You need to calm down. Is this real? Or are we just friends?

It’s nice to have a friend, I guess.

But you’ll never get just what you see, I promise that you’ll never find another like me!

Fighting with a true love, is like boxing with no gloves. I don’t wanna lose this with you.

Meet me in the afterglow. ❤

 

See what I did there?

How many Taylor Swift lyrics/song titles did you spot?

*I do not take credit for Taylor’s music, lyrics, or her cover art used.*

-<3-

MUSIC I fell in love with this Summer

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

MUSIC

Tori Kelly 

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Inspired by True Events [released August 2019]

So I actually saw Tori back in April for the her Acoustic Sessions- where she not only performed songs from her incredible Gospel album “Hiding Place”, but also a lot of unreleased music that she just recently released in this new project.

And holy crap…what an absolute masterpiece. Not only are the songs/lyrics incredible… but the concept “Inspired by True Events” is so beautiful and personal. She wrote from personal memories and she even included voice clips of her younger self. It’s just so amazing.

My favorite tracks are, Coffee, 2 Places, Kid I Used To Know, and Pretty Fades.

Shawn Mendes

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Self titled album [released May 2018…but it’s been releasing new material well into this year.]

My favorite tracks include, Senorita, If I Can’t Have You, Fallin’ All In You, Where Were You In The Morning, Nervous, Particular Taste [Gives me serious Prince vibes!], Mutual,  Queen and When You’re Ready [That’s like the whole album LOLOL, omg I told you I LOVE his music.]

The Shawn Mendes Tour

I saw Shawn in concert at Barclay’s Center on August 23rd. I randomly bought tickets because it dawned on me how much I love his music- I’ve been listening since Handwritten, yo! I also became obsessed with his new single “If I Can’t Have You.” So my friend and I were super excited to get our cougar on, and go and sing our asses off with all the little teens. Fun Fact: we were those some older girls a few years back when we went to see Justin Bieber. Haha.

However, I promised you the full concert experience story so here it goes…

Shawn Mendes was AMAZING! Such a stinking cutie pie. I know I have a few years on him, but I have such a stinking crush on this cutie! If only I was 21 again. 😉 Boy can SING! And his music is so damn good. I kind of was hoping for a Camila Cabello surprise, but she wasn’t there. He did do a short mash up of Senorita/I Know What You Did Last Summer, but we definitely missed Camila. He shortened the songs significantly. He also surprised us with a coldplay cover and a FREAKIN WHITNEY HOUSTON cover. LIKE BOY….WHAT? He definitely put on a great show.

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BUT had it not been for one sweet woman who exchanged our seats for closer ones, I think I might have had a panic attack in that arena in the upper level. I had purchased tickets in section 206, because frankly it was all I could afford. The structure is INSANELY dangerous. Walking up those stairs was terrifying. I just tried to keep my cool, because it would have been very easy to let my anxiety take over. But I knew I had to keep it together, if I had any chance of enjoying the show.

My friend has a fear of heights (which sadly I did not know, otherwise I never would have bought those seats!) and so I realized quickly we needed to do something. Thankfully she came up with the idea to see if we could get our seats changed. And so the craziness continued. Not only did the venue let us in later than they should (seriously how do they expect thousands of people to be seated in 10-15 minutes/security check alone was like 10!), and they let us in a weird side entrance where we could not catch an elevator, escalators weren’t working and there was no one really telling us where to go. We had to walk up flights of stairs to get to our seats, not to mention that you had to walk a marathon to get food. All of this drama, causing so many people to miss the opening act- Alessia Cara. I heard her and caught a few bits, she was AMAZING. WHAT A DAMN VOICE. SHE SANG “How Far I’ll Go” from MOANA! #FEELS

I have to say in an emergency situation, I would not have felt safe in that arena. It just seemed like no one cared.

Anyway once we let Alessia’s set finish, I knew we had a small window to change our situation before Shawn took the stage. So my friend and I had to look for an usher, yes WE HAD TO LOOK FOR THEM, and ask if we could get our seats changed. I have to be honest, I didn’t think that was a thing. But my friend was like, we have to try, and she was right, the longer we sat up in those steep seats, the scarier it got. We definitely would not have felt safe to get up, let alone dance.

So the usher (although nice) told us he couldn’t help us and to go to guest services, to which the man there kept ignoring our complaints stating, “you don’t have a disability,” so he can’t help me. I was pissed.

So finally another woman told us to try the box office. We get to the box office and they tell us to go to guest services, and I was like “no, we were just there, they sent us here.” She almost told us there’s nothing they can do, that all we can do is purchase ANOTHER ticket. MIND you those nose bleeds seats COSTED $85. I was like “That’s insane, we paid to be here, and we can’t sit there, I’m not asking you to give me some crazy front row seats, we just have to get out of ours.” The woman was very understanding, but you could tell she was not sure if she could help us, claiming that guest services keeps sending people to her. So, this is not the first complaint they’ve gotten. If you have vertigo, you’d probably pass out up there. I mean I myself almost had a panic attack up there, it was so scary. Anway,  the woman came back a few minutes later with two tickets, saying, “It’s your lucky day.” And it got me thinking, how many people who complained weren’t THAT lucky.

There really should be a change made. I know we are not the first people to complain about the steep seating. Not to mention that Barclays Center actually has a policy that says special accommodations can be made at the venue day of. I understand anxiety may not be a disability, but it IS real. We happen to get “lucky” that the seats we were given were being saved for someone who didn’t show. We went from section 206 to 124, and it was AMAZING. We were able to dance freely and enjoy the rest of our night…thankfully. Just out of curiosity I looked up our tickets…and they were about $200+. THAT’s INSANE. I guess safety costs! HUH?

I’ll just leave this article HERE. Because I am not the only one who feels this way. Concerts are supposed to be a fun experience not a dangerous one. (And no I wasn’t drinking, (and my friend barely finished hers because she got so anxious from the seating) I can only imagine how many people have fallen because of the combination of alcohol and steep seating.)

^ The left we were sitting way high up in the nose bleeds. The right we were in our new seats.^

From all these pictures you would never know the kind of concert experience we had! I may not be a fan of the venue, but I am a fan of the very sweet woman who accommodated us when no one else would. I will NEVER purchase tickets that high up again, and if this venue wasn’t so convenient for me to go to, I probably would never purchase tickets there again at all. An unforgettable night for sure, a list of things that went wrong. But girl, we hung in and we conquered it! #FightForYourHealth #Memories #AnxietyIsReal #SafetyIsAPriority

Shawn is a class act, the arena lit up beautifully with everyone wearing the bracelets they gave us as we walked in. And Shawn barely ever left the stage, performing an epic 23 song set! He is an insane talent. THAT is what I am choosing to focus on, that in the end, we were STILL able to have a good time. I just hope that Barclays takes measures to create a safer environment for concert goers.

 

Set list (via setlist.fm)

Lost in Japan

There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back

Nervous

Stitches

Señorita / I Know What You Did Last Summer

Mutual

Bad Reputation

Never Be Alone

B-Stage:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
(Whitney Houston cover)

A Little Too Much / Because I Had You / Patience / When You’re Ready

Life of the Party

Like to Be You

Ruin

A-Stage:
Treat You Better

Particular Taste

Where Were You in the Morning?

Fallin’ All in You

Youth

If I Can’t Have You

Why

Mercy

Encore:
Fix You
(Coldplay cover)
In My Blood

By the way…Here was my concert going outfit. I was really excited about it!

I basically just wanted an all black base so I could rock this funky kimono. And of course I did gold jewelry and gold nails. Mind you, I was on a budget and this WHOLE outfit (aside from the bag and jewelry which I already had) costed me about $40! I think it kinda turned out pretty cool! 🙂

Taylor Swift

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Lover [released August 2019]

We know how I feel about this new album!

***** 5 Stars!!!

My favorite tracks include- I Forgot That You Existed, The Man, I Think He Knows, False God & Afterglow. But honestly I love every single track. Her lyrics are GOLD! She truly was born to do this!

Ed Sheeran

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No. 6 Collaborations Project [released July 2019]

Some of my favorite tracks are Beautiful People ft. Khalid, South of the Border ft. Camila Cabello & Cardi B., I Don’t Care with Justin Bieber (of course cuz it’s a JAM!), I Don’t Want Your Money ft. H.E.R, Put It All On Me ft. Ella Mai [this gives me suchBlackstreet & Mya-“Take me there”/City High “What would you do” vibes and the very beginning of this track is very “My whole life has changed” by Ginuwine.

Ok so I know I’ve been sleeping on this album and I’m kind of mad at myself because I consider myself an Ed Sheeran fan. He is actually on my concert bucket list, along with Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Joy Williams (previously known as 1/2 of The Civil Wars). I had given it a quick listen one day, but didn’t really let it sink in, but recently I have just been playing it at random times, and I mean I totally dig the concept of creating a full album of collabs. He really collaborated with such a variety of artists and he killed it. He really can do anything. Such an incredible artist. I’m just going to leave you with this Dublin concert video, because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this in the past….him and a loop pedal…EPIC!

The Jonas Brothers

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Happiness Begins [released June 2019]

So this was a THING! The brothers reunited musically after being separated for the past 6 years. I wasn’t A HUGE DIE HARD fan of the JoBros, but I did vibe with them and their music. I LOVED their A Little Bit Longer Album and I’ve loved their solo music too. When I heard they reunited, my boy band loving heart was HAPPY. If tickets were cheaper, I’d probably go see them just to fill my boy band void. #IMLOOKINGATYOU*NSYNC

My favorite tracks include, Sucker (OBVI…it’s a damn BOP!), Only Human (loved it before it was a single), I Believe, Used To Be, and Rollercoaster.

I really like this album. Do it JOBROS! I know it’s been a minute, but I love that they are brothers/family first.

 

You can listen to these albums on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.

 

*I do not take credit for any album art used.*

*All other images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

Summer 2019 Vibes!!!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know I haven’t posted much this summer… I guess I’ve just been busy…

LIVIN MY BEST LIFE! 😉

As this Summer officially comes to an end for me, (I start work back up tomorrow!) it has dawned on me that this Summer has been pretty great. Which is not always the case for me. No, I wasn’t able to go on some luxurious vacation, but I was able to have some really fun times with great family, friends, food, and lots of wine! 😉 I got to do more than I usually get to, because this summer I decided to take off of work. Granted, my job is different then most, I can either apply to work the summer or not, it’s my choice. Normally I work every Summer, but something made me decline this Summer. And I’m glad I did. My credit card isn’t happy, but I think it was the right move for me personally. 

No my Summer wasn’t perfect, it actually started off really difficult for me and my family. And I have had many emotional moments and hard times, but when I look at all the good. Somehow, that wins. Good always wins. And so, I thought before I jump back into my usual work routine, I should just take a second and reflect of the Summer memories I was blessed with. 

JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST 2019

My Summer started with my usual tradition of taking my mom to see a broadway show. I get her tickets for her Mother’s Day gift and then we usually see the show in June. This year we saw Waitress, and it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. [Fun Fact: I actually just watched the movie and it was good, but I LOVED the play even more!)]

4th of July we celebrated with some family and it was really sweltering hot, but it was a really great time.  As an anxious person, heat really tends to effect me. But I’ve really learned to manage my anxiety in the Summer better. The 4th was really fun! Especially since my cousin and his family were in from Florida. It was really nice to be able to spend a holiday with them, it’s been a minute! I also found this super simple COOKIE RECIPE, and they were a hit! I think I made them, like 3 times for 3 separate occasions this summer, I just switch up the sprinkles depending on the occasion. A kid favorite for sure! *You could totally make these for Fall, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. I would even like to try it with chocolate cake mix. BTW if you look closely, you may spy that I wore a Britney Spears t-shirt…it was the only red, white, & blue I had. And like I was cool with it! 😉 #ITSBRITNEYBITCH Guess you can tell, I’m kind of a graphic tee fan…more to come on that later on!

A Stranger Things themed Coney Island! So if you are a fan of the sci fi/mystery Netflix show, you would know that this Summer Season 3 was released. [I’M ONLY UP TO EPISODE 6…SHHHHH!!!!] Coney Island was transformed into a Stranger Things theme park in the show’s 80’s fashion. It consisted of just posters hung around of the logo and the characters, the theme song was placing on the speakers, and the staff had on custom tees. Nothing crazy, I was kind of disappointed. BUT I went with my mom, aunt and my aunt surprised us by bringing my goddaughter, so we got to go on some rides, play games, and eat some food court summer food. 

Local Baseball Game for my Cousin’s husband’s 40th birthday! I’m not a super fan of baseball, but we had a box room, and there was catered food, and the weather was great. The kids even got to run the bases after the game. 

   I got to catch up with my coworkers…and eat this load of calories! 😛

NIA fam

Atlantic City Overnighter with my fav ladies, my mom and my aunt! We stopped in the small town Smithville on the way. Gambling isn’t my fav, because I HATE losing money. But there were a few fun games I liked, like CRAZY MONEY! BUT I got some sweet Gilmore Girls/Stars Hollow vibes from the small, quaint town, and picked up some goodies.

[INSERT MINI SMITHVILLE HAUL-SLIDESHOW BELOW]

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Two small jars of honey, peanut butter, a candle, a jar of jam, worry dolls, a tie dye t-shirt [this was from one of the boardwalk shops in AC], and a wine opener in the shape of a wine bottle with my name on it and a cute saying-my Aunt bought me as a gift!

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TOY STORY 4! THE LION KING! ALADDIN! #RELIVEDMYCHILDHOOD Thank you!

So I never had a super strong connection to The Lion King or Aladdin as a kid. I was never a super big Disney kid, I had my favorites but they weren’t it. But I really had to see the new live action films. Because, duh? However, Toy Story was a thing! My brother and I were a fan of the films growing up.

I really enjoyed all three films.

[INSERT MINI MOVIE REVIEWS!]

The Lion King was a little bittersweet because I felt like Nala being played by Beyoncé kept taking me out of the story, because I was just thinking ok you’re Beyoncé. And I just felt annoyed by it. And I just felt like the real animals (although Timon and Pumbaa were HYSTERICAL) were just weird to watch in this sing along world. I felt like the color in the animation helped with suspending reality and enjoying the world. But I did enjoy it for the most part, the original is better, in my opinion. The music was better in the original too. 

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My friend and I in the theater with our cherry cokes and our granny glasses. 

Aladdin was amazing! I loved the romance between Aladdin and Jasmine. You know me, if there’s a love story, I AM IN IT! I thought Jasmine’s vocals were INSANE. And Will Smith as the genie….I mean he cracked me up the whole damn time. The music was beautiful…And I watched a crappy boot leg copy because by the time, I got around to watching it, it wasn’t playing in theaters near me. But I really loved it, and if I watched it in a clear, crisp copy, I’d probably love it even more.

Toy Story 4 was EPIC! It was everything-emotional, funny, nostalgic, scary….like those dummy dolls were legit! It was amazing and I actually didn’t think the ending was as sad as everyone made it. I think it actually left room for other films.  

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Had to see Toy Story 4 with my big bro, cuz… childhood. #Nostalgia Peep the shirts! #PIZZAPLANET

Pool/Beach Vibes

So I actually got to go to the beach TWICE this Summer, which is kind of a big deal for me. There have been some Summers I wouldn’t get to go at all! I went once with my mom to a local beach, then I went to Ocean City with some family, and stayed with them in a rented house for a few days. I also got to have some fun pool days, one with my best friend at her house and one with some family, my cousin has a pool membership. I kid you not it was very Stranger Things-80’s pool vibes. Super fun! 

[INSERT MINI OCEAN CITY HAUL]

We were only there for 5 days, but we did so much! The beach, the amusement park, the water park, the arcade, BBQ nights in, shopping strips, dinner night outs, we played cards and other games, mini golf AND survived the crazy heat wave too! 😉 

Goodies ocean city

Clearly you see I was vibing with the Tie Dye trend! I’ve always liked it, but now I actually own it! I bought two t-shirts, an ankle bracelet, a cross necklace, a candle, and Spice Girls wine glass charms. I mean I just thought they were hysterically awesome!

I bought my family tickets to see Ain’t Too Proud! It was my dad’s father’s day gift this year! And the talent was incredible! I honestly was so amazed by their vocals. I grew up with the music of The Temptations playing in my house. I’m definitely a MOTOWN influenced kid. I love their music, songs like My Girl and Just My Imagination were some of my favs! The show was so amazing, I felt like I was seeing them live in concert.

Descendants 3 Premiere with my God Daughter!

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My cousin threw a party for her daughter & her friends, and so I made some fun treats for the girlies. Besides, I was kind of excited for the 3rd film too! I was a bit obsessed with Evie’s blue and red vibes from the second film. The second is my favorite, but I enjoyed the new film too!

Descendants premiere party

I love planning themed parties, and believe me I have a few TV related mini parties I had throughout this summer, but I’m going to do a whole separate post on my Summer TV and Music Favs! So STAY TUNED!

Fun with Fashion!!!

I got to play around a little more with fashion this summer. More than I usually do, because I didn’t have to dress a certain way for work. Also, I became a huge fan of hats and tassel earrings. Also the two white t-shirts with the logos on them are both shirts made by my brother. The “she writes her own story” tee was a custom made for me, but the “You’re Making Me Blush” tee is available on his etsy shop! He has some great designs up, please take a look and follow him on instagram @mytshirtaddiction 

I told you I love graphic tees, I guess it runs in the family! 😉 

I just got a fresh new cut and color because my hair was kind of looking rough from dying it purple in April. I basically had Mermaid hair all Summer. Which was like cool, but I was growing sick of it and I needed a darker vibe for Fall! I’ve had Pink, Blue, and Purple hair over the years and I still have yet to show any of that on this blog! One of these days, I’m going to do a whole Hair Chronicles! LOL. 

Had My God Daughter over for a sleepover- and we did everything under the sun from making tie dye tees to baking a cake for my brother’s birthday to making our own chipwiches- I also created a scavenger hunt for her! We also had my brother and his family stay over unexpectedly one night, and it was my niece’s first sleepover at our house. So I had to scramble and make it festive for her and get her some goodies. We decorate every time we have my god daughter for sleepovers so we had to do the same for my niece too! I also babysat my niece by myself for the first time! (It’s not like I can’t… I just never have until this summer, I can be a nervous Nancy when it comes to watching kids all by myself. LOL) Great times with my two favorite little girlies!!!!

 

Music & TV Vibes!

So I do want to share with you all the shows and music I fell in love with this Summer in a separate post, but I just wanted to highlight a few things! I saw Shawn Mendes in concert with my friend and needless to say it was kind of an anxious experience. I will get more into it in a separate post. But let’s just say I will never sit in Barclay’s upper seating again. It’s quite terrifying! Shawn however, was AMAZING! And it ended up being a fun night. Taylor Swift dropped her new album #Lover as you may have guessed from my last few posts, I’m KIND OF a fan! It’s EPIC and I love it! So there has been lots of fun Taylor Swift memories this Summer. As for tv, there were so many shows I saw premiere, shows end and all the feels in between. But the two that I hold so dear to my heart has to be the new 90210 reboot- BH 90210. SO GOOD! And the announcement of the Lizzie McGuire reboot! I AM DYING!!!! SO SO PUMPED for that! I’m already planning my premiere party in my head guys! Nostalgia is a dish best served nice and toasty. Childhood memories….feels like home. 

Family Day at the Aquarium! We got caught in torrential down pour, but it was still a good time! 

Speaking of rain, I think I got caught in crazy down pours and thundering and lightning like 4-5 times this summer. I’ve been soaked from head to toe on multiple occasions. One time my umbrella wouldn’t even open! Some days I could laugh it off and some I just wanted to stop and cry! But looking back at this summer I can just say Thank You! Thank You 2019 for getting me through some really hard emotional blocks, and testing me and proving to me that I can handle so much more than I give myself credit for. Anxiety does not define me. And just because I feel the weight of the world one day or even a week doesn’t mean that it’s forever. That my funky moods, don’t have to be my all day moods! I’m so hoping to bring that knowledge with me into this new Fall Season…MY FAVORITE SEASON! Such a basic bi*ch, I know! #FIGHTME. 😉 BRING ON THE PUMPKIN EVERYTHANG, the flannel, the leather, the cool air, the crisp leaves and the HOLIDAYS! I feel so blessed to have had the Summer I did. And blessed to start this new fall year, that is already filling up with some exciting things!

Time to focus on the positive. 

 

How was your Summer?

*All images are my own, except the movie posters, the Taylor Swift image I stole from my bestie, and the Lizzie McGuire pic I reposted from Hilary’s instagram.* 😉

 

-<3-

 

 

Lover Deluxe Album Unboxing & Mini Taylor Swift VMA Party

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Back with another Taylor Swift post, as promised this is my Taylor Swift Lover Unboxing. In crappy cell phone pics! 😉 Enjoy!

To read my initial reaction to the album with my first listen…CLICK HERE!

First Listen

Picking it up at TARGET…

UNBOXING…

I basically didn’t want 4 copies of the album so my friends and I all bought different versions. I chose Version 3, because I watched an unboxing video on YouTube and saw Version 3 was the Blue one and her poster has her holding a sunflower and basically blue and sunflowers are my favs. I thought it was a universal sign. So there’s my logic for why I chose Version 3. Haha.

Album Unbox

The Deluxe Target Version comes with 30 pages from Taylor’s Diaries some including fun personal pics, lyrics, and fun doodles. The 18 Track Lover Album, A Lyric book, a poster, and a bunch of blank pages for you to write your own entries. My version also included her diary entry from the night Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech at the VMAs. #SpillThatTeaGirl 🙂

JT diary

Here’s a sneak peek into her diary pages for Version 3. Of course she mentions JT in mine. Like I knew there was a cosmic reason why I bought this one. Also she discusses writing her hit track “22” from the RED album. The RED album is when I fell in love with her music. And 22 came out when I was 22, I was just graduating college and I had a big Graduation party with all my family and friends and when that song came on we were all screaming “I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I’M FEELING 22!” Some were still 21 though. HAHA

22

2019 VMA’s VIEWING PARTY SETUP…

Cuz, I’m a total geek, I felt like doing a little Taylor inspired set up in honor of her opening the show. So this is kind of what I had lying around and I think it came together.

vmas viewing party 

Set-up Included:

The Lover Album… of course.

 

A Heart decorated wine class, (I just had a glass of red wine with some frozen fruit and seltzer, so I made like a little sangria spritzer.)

Pastel rose petals and butterflies, because…Taylor Swift.

And the dessert is actually from Little Debbie’s limited edition line. Mermaid Vibes fit that Taylor Vibe too. 

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Catch Taylor’s Performance Below! 

 

IT’s NICE TO HAVE A FRIEND! (to have a girls night/listening party with!) 

So the day after the VMA’s I had planned to meet up with some friends to swap diaries and have a little Taylor Swift listening party. We grabbed lunch and some coffee and then unexpectedly ended up at my friend’s house and drank wine, had dinner and listened to Taylor’s many albums on repeat. A fun girls day that turned into night… it was one for the books. Love you ladies! I encourage everyone to just listen to the album with a friend, it’s that much more fun! 

Listening Party

I also caved and bought the $60 t-shirt I’ve been eyeing. The Taylor Swift x Stella McCartney designs were only released in spurts over a small time period and once the day was over the designs were no longer available and new ones were available. So I was sure I lost my chance at my favorite one. But Yesterday the whole collection was brought back for the day and I just had to get it. It was haunting me! No my credit card is NOT happy. But I am! 😉 Taylor’s Merch shop still has her merch available, just not the Stella McCartney line. Visit the shop HERE!

So there’s my recent Taylor Fangirl News!

I really hope she tours for this record. I feel so connected to this album and I just think it’s such a fun vibe for her and I can only imagine what the sets could look like on tour. The pastel colors! I can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

 

*All images/unboxing video are my own, except the VMA performance/T-shirt images/Songs used.*

-<3-

 

Lover Listening Party! [Album Review]

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Taylor Swift. My words fail me right now, because I don’t know if I have words that will do this album justice- Lover. We really needed you. 

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LISTEN to LOVER on YouTube, Spotify, etc. Purchase Deluxe (or regular) Editions at Target! 

Swift has been tweeting teasers and posting to instagram for quite a while. And we were gifted with the first single – “Me!” featuring Panic! at the Disco’s Brendon Urie back in April. My high school self was flipping her shit at this collaboration. Urie is the cutest thing ever! What a fantastic first track to introduce the new record. The video is an epic pastel universe as well. 

Taylor also released 3 other tracks prior to the release of the full album this past week on Friday, August 23rd. 

You Need To Calm Down

The Archer

Lover (video) strategically released the eve before the album release! And shocker, it’s BRILLIANT!

Now as usual when I know I want to write a review for an album, I listen to it, with a pad and pen in hand and take notes. Nothing crazy just things I notice, things I like, lyrics that strike me, or just things I hear that I like and notice in the music. This album (the deluxe version) has 18 TRACKS! So it is quite the treat for us swifties!

Let’s get started. Keep in mind, this is a FIRST LISTEN. So my thoughts are kinda random. LOL. 

1.) I Forgot That You Existed 

*Break up song/ANTHEM! (happy)

*A Bob! *Strong first track

2.) Cruel Summer

*I noticed some lyrics from this song are in the Lover music video “Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes.” 

^ Taylor and her Easter eggs. 😉 

*Fun!

3.) Lover

*The release of this song/video was so perfectly planned. 

*Lyrics!!! [Engagement?]- Sure sounds like she’s engaged. 😉 

*Romantic

4.) The Man

*YES!!!

*FEMINISM!

*Badass Boss Lady!

5.) The Archer

*I didn’t love it my first listen when it was an early release.

*But I watched her YouTube special the eve of the album release and she performed it, and I just liked it so much more!

*Love her voice- breathy/airy/light

*Sonic

***She shares some fun info about the album here too! And the fact that she’s OPENING the VMA’s tonight- Monday, August 26th! OMG I CAN’T WAIT! ***

6.) I Think He Knows 

*Sexy/Rap

*”Wanna see what’s under that attitude.” “I think he knows he better lock it down.” Haha love those lines!

*Girl is so good with metaphors and symbolism.

*Engaged? (Again it appears to be a possibility, lol)

*90’s girl jam (I just feel like I could see like a girl group singing this in the 90’s #GIRLPOWER)

7.) Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

* Darker sound

*Auto tune

*Synthesizer?

8.) Paper Rings

*Stalker Cool haha

*Snaps!

*60’s/70’s/swing vibes

*Rocker/2000’s vibes [Yes at the same time, she plays with a lot of sounds and genres but it’s all EPIC AF]

*Wedding themed [Again!] 😉 

9.) Cornelia Street

*”how this city screams your name.”

*pretty lyrics

*Voice!  *”Dress” vibes from Reputation album

10.) Death By A Thousand Cuts 

*Super interesting sounds

*Like I’m LISTENING to a Kaleidoscope.

*Chimes/taps/funky guitar/drums

*”Trying to find parts of my body you didn’t touch”- beautiful metaphor

*The title is clever, you wouldn’t think it would be so light sounding. From the name, I expected darker Taylor to creep out. 

11.) London Boy

*”Darling, I fancy you.”

*Stella McCartney name drop (the reason why we have that tye dye dream of a collection)

^I’ve been eyeing one tee, but it’s a bit pricey [$60] if you ask me, and I don’t even know if it’s still available. New merch was being released each day for only a couple hours at a time. 

*Cute

*About Joe Alwyn? (who’s voice is that in the beginning???- apparently it’s Idris Elba & James Corden)

12.) Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. The Dixie Chicks)

*Country Roots

*”Cause you have to.”- this line breaks me.

*CRYING!

*hit hard

“Who am I supposed to talk to?”

*Rough one to listen to, but beautiful. (I skip it when I re-listen, it’s just too much for me.)

^Taylor herself has said in recent interviews that she can’t listen to this song or perform it. It was hard to write and she and her family made the decision together, choosing to include the track on her album. 

13.) False God

*Jazzy/slow jam

*R&B

*”I’m New York City, I still do it for you babe.” 

*”We’d still worship this love.”

*OMG she can do ANYTHING! 

14.) You Need To Calm Down

*Clever Lyrics- “Cuz shade never made anybody less gay!” 

*Anthem

*Timing is perfect! “Political” stand.

*Inclusion

*Bop!

*Polite Diss song

15.) Afterglow

*”Hey it’s on me, don’t go.”

*Pretty

16.) Me! (feat. Brendon Urie)

*1st single-loved immediately

*video is magical!

*Brendon Urie!!!!

*Chanty!

*Chorus! 🙂

*Happiness!

*Self Acceptance

*Fun intro to this new album and the world she was creating for us.

*Great Collaboration. One we didn’t know we needed!

*Flash mob vibes

*Where is my fav line! “Hey Kids, Spelling is fun!”????

^So I did a little google search….So sad they took this out because people were giving her crap because it was “offensive.” I just don’t get it. People are way to sensitive these days, and that’s coming from someone who takes EVERYTHING to heart. So…yea.

17.) It’s Nice To Have A Friend

*Childhood

*Folksy

*Running with the fairies

*Harp

*Fantasy

*Chorus

18.) Daylight

*”I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you.”

*Lyrics!

*Perfect last song

^Taylor actually said this was almost the little of the album, but then she wrote Lover and felt like that embodied the theme of the whole album and she was spot on. This album is a lover of love. A celebration of it’s ups and downs. 

After the track finishes we get a little audio note from Taylor and what she leaves us with is quite the profound message…”I want to be defined by the things that I love…you are what you love.” Such an amazing body of work. 

LYRICS: I could sit here and tell you every lyric I loved, but that would take forever, because Taylor is such a genius with lyrics. you can really see how she’s matured and how she is writing from  a place of being in love and the things that come with that. It’s so beautiful that she’s so in love. I really hope she and Joe make it all the way to the aisle….or maybe that’s already “locked in.” 😉 Please feel free to READ all the lyrics and analyze for yourself. You won’t regret it!

Overall Thoughts: So dang strategic. Crazy feels and lyrics. A true artist. 18 songs. This album takes you on a journey. A roller coaster of emotions. A masterpiece. Brilliant album. I have 0 complaints. In fact I was texting with one of my best friends as I listened and after every song, I would text- OMG I love this one, I love that one, I can’t decide! It’s insane how much love and thought she puts into these albums and the campaign behind releasing them. I really respect her creative process. I love how she really is so involved in what she places her name on. She wrote/co wrote every track. She plans everything from the mood to the colors to the imagery she uses to convey the feelings of this album to her fans. I mean even if you HATE her, you can’t deny her! She is a true legend in the making. And I only say in the making, because she still has so much more to go. And I cannot wait for that TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!! I have yet to see her in concert and she is on my concert bucket list. I kicked myself for not seeing her in concert for the 1989 album. So this time, I am making sure I plan ahead!

Although I find it hard to choose favorites, I will say my current #onrepeat tracks are- I Forgot That You Existed, The Man, I Think He Knows, False God and Afterglow. But they are changing as I sit here, listening. She experimented with so many interesting sounds and touched upon some new genres. She really proved her voice can do so many different things. And I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Stay Tuned! My Lover Album unboxing is coming up next! 

And don’t forget Taylor opens the 2019 VMA’s tonight at 8 PM on MTV

Red carpet at 7

 

*I do not take credit for any images/videos/music used.* 

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor Swift’s Reputation Review

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

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I know I’m seriously late to the T-Swift first listen party, but I’ve been waiting to get to purchase a physical copy of the album, and today I got my butt to Target and finally did!

For starters the packaging is beautiful. I love the black and white, newspaper vibe. If you’ve noticed I’m a big fan of using the color scheme black, white, and red when I write my short stories. So I think the packaging is really sleek and chic. When you open the CD, there is a autographed double sided poster of Taylor, and then the CD booklet has LYRICS! I love when they put the lyrics in. I’m such a lyric junkie and this just makes life easier, having them right there in front of me.

**My current favorites include- End Game, Delicate, King Of My Heart, Dancing With Our Hands Tied, and Dress**

The first thing you see in the CD booklet is a note from Taylor herself the headline reads- “Here’s something I’ve learned about people.” In it she talks about how people have many different sides, angles, and feelings. As humans we can’t “simplify” ourselves into just one thing. When we feel emotion it comes in few. She also talks about how you have different relationships in life, and each of those relationships holds something different within you- your lover knows you differently than your best friend. And vice versa. Your mom knows you differently than your roommate, and so on. She also touches upon, how in this generation technology has made it easy for your every move to be documented, but that “we think we know someone, but the truth is that we only know the version of them they have chosen to show us.” And I think all of this is completely on point. And there is a sure relatability to her words. She also concludes with stating how fame has been both beautiful and used against her. How she knows gossip blogs will take her lyrics and run with them, but that “There will be no further explanation. There will just be reputation.” In other words, I think she’ll let the music do the talking. 

Notes Upon Listening: Girl knows how to write a damn chorus! She has this way of using colors, metaphors, and vivid images and displaying them through her words. I definitely saw a lot of gold, blue, red, black, grey colors mentioned to describe a certain feeling. With a 15 song set list, this is one sick body of work. Taylor Swift, as usual,  honey you never disappoint. And can I just say that she sounds AMAZING in this record! She hits some notes, tho! 😉

…Ready for it? 

*End Game [Feat. Future & Ed Sheeran] *A Favorite!

I have to say when I first saw Future and Ed were both featured, I was like what, huh? How’s this going to work? But then I remembered Ed can rap too. And it’s DOPE! I love the theme of the song, I wanna be your end game. End game, your “it”, your “the one.” The one you start and end all your days with. Your forever. 

Fav Lyrics:

[Taylor Swift & Future:]
I don’t wanna touch you, I don’t wanna be
Just another ex-love you don’t wanna see
I don’t wanna miss you (I don’t wanna miss you)
Like the other girls do
I don’t wanna hurt you, I just wanna be
Drinking on a beach with you all over me
I know what they all say (I know what they all say)
But I ain’t tryna play

[Taylor Swift:]
I wanna be your end game
I wanna be your first string
I wanna be your A-Team
I wanna be your end game, end game

I hit you like bang
We tried to forget it, but we just couldn’t
And I bury hatchets, but I keep maps of where I put ’em
Reputation precedes me, they told you I’m crazy
I swear I don’t love the drama, it loves me

And I can’t let you go, your hand prints on my soul
It’s like your eyes are liquor, it’s like your body is gold
You’ve been calling my bluff on all my usual tricks
So here’s a truth from my red lips

I Did Something Bad

I love the rumble right before the chorus. And that weird chant-like thing. So cool. This song is kind of an in your face, song. (Many on this record are, but I dig it!) I feel like she’s kind of just like I did this bad thing, it felt good, because your ass deserved it. Bye Boy! 😉  

Fav Lyrics:

I can feel the flames on my skin
Crimson red paint on my lips
If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing
I don’t regret it one bit, ’cause he had it coming

They’re burning all the witches, even if you aren’t one
They got their pitchforks and proof, their receipts and reasons
They’re burning all the witches, even if you aren’t one
So light me up (light me up), light me up (light me up)
Light me up, go ahead and light me up (light me up)
Light me up (light me up), light me up (light me up)
Light me up (light me up), light me up

Don’t Blame Me

Girl hints some notes in this track! (@3:07)

Fav Lyrics:

Don’t blame me, love made me crazy
If it doesn’t, you ain’t doing it right
Lord, save me, my drug is my baby
I’ll be using for the rest of my life

My name is whatever you decide
And I’m just gonna call you mine
I’m insane, but I’m your baby (your baby)
Echoes of your name inside my mind
Halo, hiding my obsession
I once was poison ivy, but now I’m your daisy

And baby, for you, I would fall from grace
Just to touch your face
If you walk away
I’d beg you on my knees to stay

*Delicate *An Absolute Favorite!

Getting some Imogen Heap vibes, and I am here for it!

Fav Lyrics:

I can’t even decide. I love every lyric in this song! But I’ll try… 😉

This ain’t for the best
My reputation’s never been worse, so
You must like me for me…
We can’t make
Any promises now, can we, babe?
But you can make me a drink…

Dive bar on the east side, where you at?
Phone lights up my nightstand in the black
Come here, you can meet me in the back
Dark jeans and your Nikes, look at you
Oh damn, never seen that color blue
Just think of the fun things we could do

Third floor on the west side, me and you
Handsome, you’re a mansion with a view
Do the girls back home touch you like I do?
Long night, with your hands up in my hair
Echoes of your footsteps on the stairs
Stay here, honey, I don’t wanna share

Sometimes I wonder when you sleep
Are you ever dreaming of me?
Sometimes when I look into your eyes
I pretend you’re mine, all the damn time
‘Cause I like you

Look What You Made Me Do

So It Goes…

Fav Lyrics:

Gold cage, hostage to my feelings
Back against the wall
Trippin’, trip, trippin’ when you’re gone

And our pieces fall
Right into place
Get caught up in the moments
Lipstick on your face
So it goes…
I’m yours to keep
And I’m yours to lose
You know I’m not a bad girl, but I
Do bad things with you
So it goes…

Met you in a bar
All eyes on me, your illusionist
All eyes on us
I make all your grey days clear and
Wear you like a necklace
I’m so chill, but you make me jealous
But I got your heart
Skippin’, skip, skippin’ when I’m gone

You did a number on me
But, honestly, baby, who’s counting?
I did a number on you
But, honestly, baby, who’s counting?

Gorgeous

Whisky on ice, Sunset and Vine
You’ve ruined my life, by not being mine

You’re so gorgeous
I can’t say anything to your face
‘Cause look at your face
And I’m so furious
At you for making me feel this way
But what can I say?
You’re gorgeous

Ocean blue eyes looking in mine
I feel like I might sink and drown and die

Getaway Car (Yes I peeped that Hilary Duff Lyric, but I love both queens, so #NOHATE)

Fav Lyrics:

It was the best of times, the worst of crimes
I struck a match and blew your mind
But I didn’t mean it
And you didn’t see it
The ties were black, the lies were white
In shades of gray in candlelight
I wanted to leave him
I needed a reason

*King Of My Heart  *A Favorite!

YESSS with them tribal drum beats, this song has some serious soul!

Fav Lyrics:

Now you try on calling me, baby, like trying on clothes

Salute to me I’m your American Queen
And you move to me like I’m a Motown beat
And we rule the kingdom inside my room
‘Cause all the boys and their expensive cars
With their Range Rovers and their Jaguars
Never took me quite where you do

And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for
King of my heart, body and soul, ooh whoa
And all at once, you are all I want, I’ll never let you go
King of my heart, body and soul, ooh whoa

*Dancing With Our Hands Tied  *An Absolute Favorite!

This song is a dance anthem. If I make it to one of her concerts, I can just see myself dancing my ass off to this song, singing my lungs out! That beep drop! 

Fav Lyrics:

I, I loved you in secret
First sight, yeah, we love without reason
Oh, 25 years old
Oh, how were you to know and

My, my love had been frozen
Deep blue, but you painted me golden
Oh, and you held me close
Oh, how was I to know what

I could’ve spent forever with your hands in my pockets
Picture of your face in an invisible locket
You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it
I had a bad feeling
And darling, you had turned my bed into a sacred oasis
People started talking, putting us through our paces
I knew there was no one in the world who could take it
I had a bad feeling

But we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
Like it was the first time, first time
Yeah, we were dancing
Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied
Yeah, we were dancing
And I had a bad feeling
But we were dancing

I’m a mess, but I’m the mess that you wanted
Oh, ’cause it’s gravity
Oh, keeping you with me

(^Michelle why don’t you just post the whole damn song!… haha)

*Dress  *A Favorite!

Sexyyyy!!! Such a great song. 

Fav Lyrics:

There is an indentation
In the shape of you
Made your mark on me
A golden tattoo
All of this silence and patience, pining and anticipation
My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah)
All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting
My hands are shaking from all this (ha, ha, ha, ha)

Say my name and everything just stops
I don’t want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off (ha, ha, ha)
Carve your name into my bedpost
Cause I don’t want you like a best friend
Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off (ha, ha, ha)

This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things 

Getting a bit of a Lorde vibe here! #Royalssss This song is a toast to ex- friends. That laugh tho!

Fav Lyrics:

Here’s a toast to my real friends
They don’t care about that he said, she said
And here’s to my baby
He ain’t reading what they call me lately
And here’s to my momma
Had to listen to all this drama
And here’s to you
‘Cause forgiveness is a nice thing to do
Haha, I can’t even say it with a straight face

Call It What You Want

This song is beautiful. She talks about falling in love with someone who knows her for her and loves her as she is.

Fav Lyrics:

All my flowers grew back as thorns
Windows boarded up after the storm
He built a fire just to keep me warm
All the drama queens taking swings
All the jokers dressing up as kings
They fade to nothing when I look at him
And I know I make the same mistakes every time
Bridges burn, I never learn
At least I did one thing right
I did one thing right
I’m laughing with my lover
Making forts under covers
Trust him like a brother
Yeah, you know I did one thing right
Starry eyes sparking up my darkest night

I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck
Chain round my neck
Not because he owns me
But ’cause he really knows me
Which is more than they can say, I
I recall late November, holding my breath
Slowly I said, “You don’t need to save me
But would you run away with me?”

New Year’s Day

This is the perfect song to end her album with. A look at the year gone by, full of heart, and full of hope. 

Fav Lyrics:

Don’t read the last page
But I stay when it’s hard, or it’s wrong
Or we’re making mistakes
I want your midnights
But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day

Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you
Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you
Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you
And I will hold on to you

Please don’t ever become a stranger
Whose laugh I could recognize anywhere
Please don’t ever become a stranger
Whose laugh I could recognize anywhere

**Read all full lyrics HERE!

Bravo T-Swift! Taylor Swift is an incredible song writer, yes- but she is also a smart business woman. Her marketing strategy- I don’t give a f- attitude has placed this album in a new league. However she still has her true Taylor heart, writing songs about true emotion, and creating her own world for you to live in for an hour. A Taylor Town if you will. She comes at us with a range of sounds, emotions, and life lessons. Anger, Betrayal, Love, Lust, the list goes on.

As I make reference back to her opening statement in her booklet, she says, “We are never just good or just bad. We are mosaics of our worst selves and our best selves.”  We aren’t meant to be boxed in. And this album shows that Taylor Swift can be anything, and do anything she puts her mind to. Just like you. In many ways she’s quite the role model. Not because she writes vengeful tracks about ex- lovers and ex-friends, or because she has choppy layers now, and wears black eyeliner, and dark red lips, but because she seems to be highly aware of her humanity, and she is highly self- aware as a human being. It can be a scary thing, reflecting on your reputation, and yet she managed to take the good, the bad, and the ugly, and wrap it all up into one big ass blockbuster bow.  

Looking forward to all the new things! Get it girl!

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

Taylor Swift drops sexy new single- …Ready For It?

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

We didn’t have to wait long for the Queen to drop yet anther track off her upcoming 6th studio album- Reputation due out November 10th!

Ready for it

 

After her big music video premiere for her first single- Look What You Made Do at this year’s Video Music Awards- Taylor strikes again just a week later! After teasing new music last night, today, Sunday September 3 she dropped a sexy new track- …Ready For It? 

This song is FIRE! Is it not? Yet again, Ms. Queen proves she is here to stay. Sampling some Bad Blood Vibes there, we get to hear Taylor sing a sexy serenade to a “new love.” (I’m not getting into comparing the lyrics to who she’s dating now…no drama, just music.) I feel like these lyrics are more mature and in your face. It’s almost a Taylor Swift version of a rap song, and I’m with it! She speaks about how this current love interest is above all those from her past. And that in her dreams they have quite the scandalous relationship. She’s basically asking him if he’s ready for it? Ready for her- in all her crazy Taylor glory! 😉 I have to say although the track sounds like a “nicer” Taylor Swift with remnants of her old sounds, I still think it fits well into her new image. It’s still very different. I love the ending, how it’s very chanty and very audience sing-a-long friendly. “Baby, let the games begin…” 😉

FAVORITE LYRICS:

From Verse 1:

Some boys are trying too hard
He don’t try at all though
Younger than my exes but he acts like such a man, though
I see nothing better
Keeping him forever

From Verse 2:

Knew I was a robber
First time that he saw me
Stealing hearts and running off and never saying sorry

But if I’m a thief then
He can join the heist and
We’ll move into an island

Every lover known in comparison is a failure
I forget their names now
I’m so very tame now
I’ll never be the same now

***

Pre-Chorus
I-I-I see how this is gonna go
Touch me, and you’ll never be alone
I-Island breeze and lights down low
No one has to know

Chorus:
In the middle of the night, in my dreams
You should see the things we do, baby, mmm…
In the middle of the night in my dreams
I know I’m gonna be with you
So I take my time
(Are you ready for it?)
(Ooh, are you ready for it?)

Post-Chorus:
Baby, let the games begin
Let the games begin

*Read full lyrics HERE

I’m sure we’ll be getting a music video for this one shortly too! Fingers Crossed!

Until her next move.

XO

 

*I do not take credit for any images, music, lyrics or videos used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

Taylor Swift- “Look What You Made Me Do” Video Premiere

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Taylor Swift made tongues start talking once again, after premiering her Music Video for her latest single Look What You Made Me Do at the 2017 Video Music Awards this past Sunday.

Although Swift was not there to present it, (definitely a strategic move on her part #LetTheMusicDoTheTalking) her presence was largely felt in the strong images on the screen.

The video opens up in a cemetery with a zombified Taylor clawing her way out of her grave which reads “Here Lies Taylor Swift’s Reputation.” And the dark levels of imagery do not stop there, as Zombie Taylor proceeds to shovel dirt on top of her more “nice girl” self, lying there peaceful, arms crossed.

There’s a massive car crash scene, a scene where Taylor swings on a swing literally inside of a gold cage, robs a bank, lifts motorcycles with her bare hands, builds a squad of robots, and then dominates a dance routine in a sexy black number. Seriously though, my fav look of hers from the video. When I heard this song, this is the look I pictured her in.

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Needless to say, Taylor GOES ALL IN for this video. She calls out EVERYONE! Even herself.

At the 2:21 mark in the video, where Taylor begins singing the Bridge-

I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me
I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams

and then hitting us with the infamous line-

“I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.”
“Why?”
“Oh, ’cause she’s dead!” (ohh!)

the hair on my arms stood up as I got the chills as we see current Taylor standing on a pyramid of past versions of herself- the fallen Taylors if you will, all clawing to stay alive as they battle it out for the top spot- eventually losing their grip.

As if that visual wasn’t enough to convince us that Taylor has completely transformed into a “Give No Fucks” kinda girl, we then get a real treat at the end of the video as we see all the different versions of Taylor cat fighting, so to speak. We see sweet country singer Taylor calling everybody ya’ll and trying to keep the peace, we see circus ring leader Taylor bully her and call her fake, biker Taylor call her out for “playing the victim,” “snake lover Taylor” hissing, and many others who some may say call out the disses made about her by other famous celebs. It’s as if a tell all and a satire had a baby and this was the result. It is dynamite and ballsy as all hell. Hats off girl, speak your truth. #WEWILLLISTEN  

And yes there are tons of countless little references and hidden/not so hidden Easter eggs that point directly to the many people who have contributed to the down fall of the old, nice girl Taylor Swift. I won’t go into speculations, because let’s face it the internet is already going into overdrive with theories. Watch that video a ton of times and you won’t be able to unseen them! But girl damn. I am so intrigued by the route she is taking. I feel like she is pretty much a genius strategist. I don’t think she has really spoken out about anything publically regarding her new material and quite frankly I don’t see her doing so for this record. She’s lost all faith in the media to tell her story and do it justice.

In one of her latest social media posts, Taylor announced that her new album Reputation will be sold in partnership with Target. And with the album, fans will be able to purchase two collector magazines, which give them an insight into her creative process. Kind of like the personal voicemails she released on 1989 regarding how she wrote some of her lyrics, but more visual. The caption of the cover art for the magazine reading… There will be no further explanation. There will just be reputation.

rep mags

reputation

All of her posts have been quiet formal, very commercial. Almost a disconnect there. I think she is done with sharing her personal life, because somehow the media always spins it and she ends up adding fuel to the fire that others have taken and burned her with. I look forward to seeing more of THIS Taylor’s journey. It may be scaring the living daylights out of me, but I am in it and ready to see what you got for us TS.

Until we meet her next move.

xo

 

-<3-

 

A look back on Taylor’s Swift’s edgiest fashion choices

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Taylor Swift has experimented with edgier fashion over the years but in 2016 she dyed her hair bleach blonde and began rocking more unique pieces. Definitely a stray away from her old Hollywood vibes of polka dotted bikinis, skips, and cardigans. 

It’s no secret that Taylor’s newest album Reputation due out this November, is set to be a clap back at those who have wronged her, just listen to her latest single- Look What You Made Me Do.

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Swift dawns a sleek- slicked back hair style, loose torn clothing, a tight chain choker, and a dark lip that contrasts her flawless porcelain skin, in her new album’s cover art. Very rebel, rocker-esque. Let’s take a look at some of Taylor’s edgiest looks.

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Taylor Swift arrives at the 64th Annual BMI Pop Awards

64th Annual BMI Pop Awards - Arrivals

 

2015 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals

 

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And now for my favorite…

 

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I love the cut of this dress, it’s so visually stunning. And I love how the bleach blonde hair and deep purple lip compliment each other, and those shoes! Such a cool look on her!

I cannot wait to see the evolution of Taylor’s style throughout the release of this new album. I’m confident she’ll SLAY it!

 

 

*I do not take credit for any images, lyrics, videos used.*

-<3-

Taylor Swift Goes Dark

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

It’s no secret that the world has been in a whirlwind ever since Taylor Swift apparently deleted all of her social media posts. To be honest I didn’t think much of it, I thought oh maybe she was hacked, maybe she’s looking for a clean slate.

But then I heard she posted some images of a snake and low and behold the speculation amongst the media beast began.

Who is the snake?

Is she referring to the obvious choices- Kanye? Kim? Katy?

I’m not even going to go there. There are plenty of fans who have their theories- Google it if you must. I’ll let Taylor’s music do the talking.

FYI that snake image is actually quite terrifying.Screen-Shot-2017-08-23-at-12.48.24-PM-1503507325[1]

Taylor’s following social media posts included the announcement of her single which dropped at midnight on Thursday, and the release date of her 6th studio album. Along with those announcements Taylor also released her album title and artwork.

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EDGY, huh?

The album is entitled Reputation and is set to be released on November 10th! I am so ready! I didn’t realize how long it’s been, until now. Man I’ve missed T-Swift!

Something tells me this is going to be a whole new Taylor.

Not to segway, but I recently was checking in on Miley Cyrus (I know her album should be coming out soon too and she’s got new music out- Malibu, Younger Now) and in a recent interview on Jimmy Fallon she said something that really resonated with me and I am sure rings true here in Taylor’s case too. Wait Demi Lovato has new music out too and her album is coming out September 29th, damn the trifecta is coming! 

“With Bangerz too, I never tried to prove anything or not be myself. Anytime I say I’m being myself, whether I look like this, or I look completely different or I’m [dressed as] a panda, that is myself. I’m always being myself. It just depends what that is.” –Miley Cyrus

And I think her saying that makes absolute sense. Everyone goes through different parts of their lives, and we all change, we all grow, we all adapt. We all feel emotions and some of those emotions can lift us up, or tear us down, or help us write kick ass revenge anthems. Cue-the single. #LookWhatYouMadeMeDo

I totally dig this lyric video, the visuals are super cool and eerie, and the black, red, white, gray, color scheme, is GOLD when you hear the lyrics it all just goes.

In this song Taylor bites back at someone for making her change into a harder, more untrusting person. She does not make herself a victim, she does not act innocent. She owns up to her wrong doing, but also throws on the shade to this person (or people) that have stinted her once caring and generous ways. Basically saying that she tried with this person, gave them an inch and they took a yard.

Some lyrics that really have a bite include:

[Pre-Chorus]
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red underlined
I check it once, then I check it twice, oh!

***

The world goes 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, but one thing’s for sure
Maybe I got mine, but you’ll all get yours

***

[Bridge]
I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me
I’ll be the actress, starring in your bad dreams

(Look what you made me do)
(Look what you made me do)
“I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.”
“Why?”
“Oh ’cause she’s dead!”

***

That last lyric mentioned is actually now, Taylor’s new twitter/instagram bio-

Bio

If you ask me, Taylor’s return to music (after three years since releasing the epic 1989) is highly calculated. She has a master plan here. Wiping her social media clean. Her edgy new look. The snake imagery. The new bio. She’s putting out a new vibe. She’s saying that all of this drama has caused her to change drastically. The old Taylor is gone, and we’re about to meet her evil twin sister. It’s a straight up telenovela. And I don’t hate it!

This is where she’s at now. And it looks like she’s ready to kick some ass. We got a taste of this boss lady in 1989’s Bad Blood…but I think this new album will be an entirely heightened level of calculated revenge. Shit’s been stirring for three years.

If we thought Dear John, and Better Than Revenge were intense because it shaded some of her famous exes…just wait! 

Everyone reinvents themselves- artists especially. With everything that she has been through- publically being shaded my Kanye and Kim and her recent assault case, it’s no wonder Taylor has been keeping a low profile and has gone a little edgy when it comes to expressing herself through music. Her reputation has been tested. Her life exploited. This is the new Taylor Swift. Fan or not, I know you’ll learn to love it. You just have no chance here. This song is going to be EVERYWHERE.

I’m super intrigued to see how this new Taylor Swift Era plays out, and I’m eager to hear what the rest of her album will sound like. I know I’ll be getting my tickets, when she goes on tour! I’m already planning an edgy outfit in my head, #ShesOnMyConcertBucketList

 

Look out for a full album review COMING SOON!

 

*I do not take credit for any images, lyrics, or videos used.*

-<3-