Reviewed by E.R. Grade 8

On December 11th, 2020, Taylor Swift released an album called Evermore capturing a Indie and somewhat whimsical feel. This album captured a myriad of emotions and challenges throughout Taylor Swift's life from the passing of her grandmother, to falling out with friends and partners. An example of these events occur in the songs Marjorie, which Taylor dedicated to her grandmother, as well as Dorothea which describes the way her and a close friend grew apart over time. Taylor Swift  also included songs which showed the way in which she loved her partner as well as being taken advantage of in a business deal, making it possible for nearly every person at any stage in their life be able to find a song that they feel resonates with them. Throughout this album Taylor Swift gives the listener the ability to come along with her in the journey of her life, giving them the chance to relate to the events she shares in her albums. However, not only the lyrics, storytelling, and true meaning on evermore gave the album 4,093,002,950 streams. The rhythms, instrumentals, and vocals are what really pushed the album over the top, making it the best selling CD and vinyl album in 2021.

Reviewed by E.R. Grade 8

The album I chose to review is “Guts” by Olivia Rodrigo. I had listened to Olivia Rodrigo's debut album “Sour” and realized how much I felt a connection to her music. From her song writing to lyrics I finally felt understood which is why I chose to review her sophomore album guts. Guts is an album with 12 songs that range from heartbreak to insecurities. The album guts shows the ups and downs Olivia Rodrigo goes through trying to balance her teenage years and young adult life. This album helps connect so many people from all over the globe and help their feelings feel validated and heard. Another reason I believe Guts is an extraordinary album comes with the musical talent of Olivia Rodrigo. From her vocals, to the instrumentals in the songs, it is hard not to sing along. I enjoy listening to every song on this album and feel I can listen to her music in every mood. Overall I believe “Guts” is an album with so much thought, creativity, and talent.

Reviewed by E.R. Grade 8

A song  that I feel really resonates with me is called “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” This song is on Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album “Guts” and has 91,906,884 streams on Spotify. This song revolves around Olivia Rodrigo's insecurities and her trying to fit a narrative that somebody else makes for her. In this song Olivia Rodrigo talks about the way in which no matter how much makeup she puts on and no matter what “trendy clothes” she buys, she never feels it is enough to be confident. I believe this song can connect to many teenagers and help them feel not so alone in the way they are feeling about their appearance and trying to fit in with their peers.

Reviewed by E.R. Grade 8

One song that I feel so many teenagers around the world, including me,  might relate to is “Lacy” by Olivia Rodrigo. This song is on Olivia Rodrigo's sophomore album, Guts and has over 144,941,919 streams on Spotify.  In this song Olivia Rodrigo describes a person who she wishes she was. She captures the jealousy many people feel as well as the pity for the way they feel about themselves when they are so focused on trying to be somebody else. This can describe the way so many teenagers feel toward their friends, mutuals, and people on the internet. This song can show teenagers that they are not alone in feeling jealous, and even the people they may be jealous of wish they were someone else at times. 

Reviewed by N.B. Grade 8

 I give this album a 9.5/10. Olivia Rodrigo has an amazing voice and the edition of five new songs showed it off even more. GUTS is an intricately messy album, something hard to articulate in a perfect way, especially as a music collection. This album reminds me of Red by Taylor Swift, but with a younger, pop punk perspective. My favorites overall were Lacy, Teenage Dream, and Obsessed. My favorite deluxe tracks were Obsessed and Stranger. My only disappointment was in Girl I've Always Been, which the fake twang found it a little hard to listen to. 

Reviewed by B.K. Grade 12

I recommend the song "Tolerate It" by Taylor Swift. "Tolerate It" is featured on her album "evermore," delves into the complexities of unreciprocated love and emotional longing. Swift's poignant lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where one partner feels unnoticed and unappreciated. With haunting melodies and evocative storytelling, she captures the essence of silent suffering and the struggle to maintain composure despite inner turmoil. The song's melancholic tone and introspective narrative invite listeners to empathize with the narrator's feelings of resignation and frustration. "Tolerate It" showcases Swift's ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability, making it a standout track in her discography.

Reviewed by B.K. Grade 12

My favorite song is "This Is Me Trying" by Taylor Swift" This song is a poignant track from her album "folklore." In this song, Swift reflects on feelings of vulnerability, insecurity, and the struggles of communication within relationships. Through introspective lyrics and a haunting melody, she captures the essence of grappling with personal demons and striving for connection amidst internal turmoil. Swift's raw vocals coupled with stripped-down production create a deeply emotive atmosphere, inviting listeners to empathize with her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. "This Is Me Trying" stands as a testament to Swift's ability to convey complex emotions with sincerity and authenticity.

Reviewed by G.C. Grade 12

Guts is the second album released by pop star Olivia Rodrigo. After her hit single "Driver's License" released on January 8, 2021 her popularity immediately grew. The song spent eight consecutive weeks on Billboard. Her album "Sour" also gained a lot of attention, being released on May 21, 2021. Fans love her "punk rock" vibe and also the messages she spreads throughout her songs. For example on her new album "Vampire", she talks about the trauma and abuse she experienced in a former relationship. All of the songs on her album are relatable. This album I would say is mostly directed towards teenagers. 

Reviewed by G.C. Grade 12

This exciting pop album crafted by Taylor Swift expresses her hardships with love and relationships in general. The look and overall vibe of the album cover is very interesting and not angled toward one specific audience. Many of her other albums are enjoyed by many different kinds of people as well. Her music is not only catchy and rhythmic, but relatable as well. For example one of her most popular songs "Anti-hero" captures Swift's insecurities and how to embrace them. Overall, I would argue that this is one of her best albums. It is very well thought out and crafted for all ages and genders.  

Reviewed by C.A. Grade 12

Preacher’s Daughter follows Ethel Cain - a persona invented by musician Hayden Silas Anhedönia - in her journey from teenager to adult. This album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Through song alone, Cain is able to construct a fictional life, making the listener feel just as Ethel does. Because of its nature as a linear story, I can’t go too far into detail about specific songs, but I will say that my favorite is “Strangers” - the final song of the album. Here, Ethel is returning from her lowest and reflecting on her life, hoping that her mother won’t miss her too much. It’s a tragic song, and the context that can be inferred from the album’s other tracks only makes it more so. 

Reviewed by C.A. Grade 12

In October of 2020, Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief released her fifth solo album: Songs. It has a very gentle, soothing sound, which contrasts greatly with its subject matter: loss. Lenker had composed the album shortly after a breakup, isolating herself in a cabin in order to record. My favorite song from the album has to be “anything.” The tenderness expressed by Lenker in the chorus is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before, as she expresses her love for someone who no longer loves her. My favorite bit is: “I want to listen to the sound of you blinking / Want to listen to your hands soothe / Listen to your heart beating / Listen to the way you move.” 

Reviewed by T.S. Grade 12

This song is my best song in the whole American pop song. I think the most intriguing point of this song is that this song can attract people without understanding the meaning of lyrics. I listened to this song for the first time when I just came to the USA. At that time, I struggled with a new place life. Then, I met with this song by Spotify shuffle. I was crying even though I didn't understand the meaning of the lyrics. I especially like the intro part of this song. I felt a very beautiful piano melody cuddling up to me. Now, after I got to know what this song means, I think that this is singing about the person who wants to see a loved one again. I still cherish this song as a song giving me strength.