Taylor Swift kicks off new era with “ME!”
Alyssa Bunde
Staff Writer
Taylor Swift let us know in “Reputation” that she hears what we all say about her and while she cares, she’s thriving despite it. She is adorned by vicious snakes, dramatic scenes and witty digs at her critics in many of Reputation’s music videos. However, in her new single “ME!”, Swift’s snake bursts into butterflies and she reminds us that “spelling is fun!”
After weeks of pastel themed Instagram posts and hints at new music, Swift finally dropped her single “ME!” and its music video at midnight Friday, April 26. The single features Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco and according to Billboard, the song was a must-listen. Billboard explains “ME!” in its first three days, had 36.9 million in airplay audience. In addition, “ME!” debuted in the top 15.
According to Vulture, the single was produced by Joel Little and the music video was directed by Dave Meyers and partly by Swift.
After her edgy album “Reputation” was produced, few expected or welcomed this bubblegum version of her in “ME!”. Anna Gaca of Pitchfork stated Swifts single is “two steps away from a corporate jingle, innocuous feel-good music in an airtight clamshell package.”
Craig Jenkins of Vulture expressed, ““ME!” is a nostalgia trip. It’s back to basics, but it’s also a touch basic.”
Other critics were quick to point out the lack of attacks on former lovers. The inspiration to many of Swifts songs are typically recognizable. Harry Styles presumably inspired “We are Never Getting Back Together,” and John Mayer for “Dear John”. However, “ME!” Lacks any trace of this. Rob Garratt of The National elaborated, “such stunts may be tacky and tasteless, but they sure encourage a listener intrigue.”
Others have speculated that similar to her last album release, Swift put out a song that would cause discussion. “Look What You Made Me Do” evoked a similar confused response. It seemed unusual, but it drew the listener in.
People wanted to listen so they could decide for themselves how bad or good it was, “ME!” is no different. Nonetheless, even if you don’t personally seek out the song, it will likely find you. Like many Taylor Swift singles, “ME!” will likely be played heavily over the radio, until you either love it or hate it. There is something to be said about a singer that even when one of her songs is deemed bad, it still has high listener ratings.
Regardless of your view of Taylor Swift, the superstar isn’t going anywhere anytime soon because as her single stated, “you can’t spell awesome without ME!”
Header photo courtesy of the Associated Press.