Taylor Swift

T-Swift is back with an indie vibe that no one could have seen coming.

The artist’s fourth record is clearly meant to be a step toward maturity based on the album art alone. Swift takes a break from curly-haired whimsy to show off red lips and shadows.

Throughout the album, Swift attempts to find the balance between experimentation and the aspects that gained her an impressive fan base. “State of Grace” has a nice alternative feel in its drumming, while “I Knew You Were Trouble” goes a little dubstep.

Unfortunately, Swift draws on the past a little too much with tracks like “Starlight” in which she loses her maturity and hunger for creativity. Guest artists Gary Lightbody and Ed Sheeran are a nice gesture, but they end up lost in the overall album and are unnecessary.

Overall, the album is a step in the right direction for a maturing Swift. This is an album that will make it onto a few guilty pleasure lists.

By Sam Ostrowski