Taylor Swift - Cultural Phenomenon, or over-Hyped Media Creation?

jackspratt on 06/03/2024 - 00:12

Is the "swiftie" adulation a result of talent, or something else?

In recent times she has thrown the RWNJ's in the USA into a frenzy, merely by suggesting eligible voters should register, and then vote.

More recently, the dopey Australian media has creamed its collective jeans over her arrival; the later arrival of her squeeze; her stepping out for fish and chips; her packed out "performances"; and finally her departure from our shores.

But now we have the current ASEAN meeting in Oz, thrown into an almighty tizzy by the fact that Singapore has signed her up for exclusive performances in the island state, much to the disdain of other regional leaders.

FFS!

Entertainment

Comments

  • spackbace on 06/03/2024 - 00:20
    +11

    Who else do the gen Z's have to admire? Let's face it, they're listening to the last generation's music, except for Taylor Swift.

    No longer is the current generation mainly focused on the latest music, top 40 etc

    • SydStrand on 06/03/2024 - 22:47
      +18

      Taylor Swift isn't Gen Z. She's right in the middle of Millennial bell curve, which means she's already 'last generation's music.'

      • spackbace on 06/03/2024 - 23:10
        +6

        She's releasing music currently for this generation, so if you really want to be specific you could say she's multi-generational. Far from being millennial only when she's releasing albums in 2024

        • Salternative on 07/03/2024 - 01:21
          +29

          My friends kids love her, and i think she is a better role model that "kim horse ass "kardashian or any shallow instagram so called ""ïnfluencers"" .
          My kids are toddlers, but i would prefer them to have them idolise her than Kylie jenner , kim kardashian , nicki minaj, Cardi "former stripper "j or any other Wh**es, ( not sexist, the male contingent is equally shit) .
          In a world devoid of proper role models , i would take her for my kids .
          I grew up idolising Foo fighters , RHCP, CCR etc , "salt of the earth types" , and i dont get how people idolise these curated """celebrities"" that became celebrities because of sex tapes or because their parents are famous or rich or they have asses that look like horses ( looks like bestiality is flavour of the day).

          • coolfriendjoachim on 07/03/2024 - 14:02
            +17

            @Salternative: For sure, real "salt of the earth types" like RHCP and Anthony Kiedis' twin addiction to heroin and having sex with 14 year olds.

            • miicah on 07/03/2024 - 14:55
              +8

              @coolfriendjoachim: Hahah yeah was going to mention this. Like any rock stars from ANY era are people we should be looking up to.

            • SolitaryMan on 07/03/2024 - 22:53

              @coolfriendjoachim: Don’t forget the handies from his mum.

            • Salternative on 08/03/2024 - 14:49
              +1

              @coolfriendjoachim: LOL yeah, maybe I shouldnt type in comments at half past one in the morning , totally forgot Mr Kiedis and his antics . I meant more on the talent side, If you are talented , then you deserve the money, fame and adulation , if not you should not . I know it sounds simplistic and naive .

      • neonlight on 09/03/2024 - 19:18

        Most talent people are previous gen. Gen Z music is terrible

    • nobro25 on 07/03/2024 - 22:28
      +2

      I listen to Joji…. Remember that pink guy all over the internet. He has an amazing voice.

      • Elegant Giant on 08/03/2024 - 21:59
        +1

        Sounds like he's your Sanctuary

    • sardines on 09/03/2024 - 13:22
      +1

      Daughter and friends in high school like billie eilish, tyler the creator, queen, Michael jacson, that ed pale dude and some i never heard of. So its a mixture.

  • AustriaBargain on 06/03/2024 - 00:21
    +12

    She used to be a country singer. She transitioned to pop very successfully. I preferred Madonna in the 80s, her songs were about sex and being a bad bitch.

    • TheRealCher on 06/03/2024 - 09:51

      Back in the days with a black Jesus….

      • Antikythera on 07/03/2024 - 18:07
        -2

        all Jesus' were black.

        • TheRealCher on 07/03/2024 - 18:28
          +1

          Not the one I had drinks with in Argentina …to be fair, not that weird white that the Italians painted but, you know.

  • boomramada on 06/03/2024 - 00:29
    +32

    FFS!

    Im not much of a fan but if you looking to her past, she worked her a$s off to get to this stage.

      • ForkSnorter on 06/03/2024 - 12:25
        +19

        I don't like his music, but I would have to disagree about not working his arse off. I've seen videos of him busking when he was 16 or 17. He had brilliant guitar skills, singing skills, and wrote his own songs with original melodies and lyrics. It would take a lot of work to reach that level of musicianship, especially at such a young age.

        • Anvariel on 08/03/2024 - 18:28
          -3

          yeah he's got skill but he's still ugly, and a ranga…

    • poppingtags on 07/03/2024 - 22:18
      +8

      She's clearly worked hard - but people also seem to forget that her parents were very wealthy finance and marketing execs with connections in the music industry, that goes a long way too.

      • alienurbanite on 09/03/2024 - 17:40
        -3

        Who cares??? Having wealthy parents and connections she got lucky with but she took that and blew it up with handwork and passion. I don't like her music but I like her story.

        People go to concerts for the entertainment value and not for social equity reasons or "how they got there".

        Imagine picking and choosing your daily activities based on that….

        How about other traits people were given that others don't have that give you a massive head start? Good looks? Intelligence? Ability to run faster? Height to play basketball?

        The reality is everyone is different and most people who do really well in life had some genetic or born with advantage or another. They get to the very top for their hardwork. For those people, I say… great job.

        • poppingtags on 09/03/2024 - 18:53

          Never said people should pick and choose who they see or not based on how they got there - but it does pull the veil away from the self-made image a lot of superstars like to cultivate, pretending that they didn't have a highly advantageous leg up over so many others. You can like Taylor's music, while acknowledging the factors that got her to where she is, it's not one or the other.

          As for who cares? Certainly musicians who are just as good as her - if not better, without the money or the connections, working a 9-5 just to be able to fund making music. But we all should too - it's good to reflect on who society lifts up and who we keep down - who gets the opportunities, and who does not. We can't create a fairer society by not caring.

      • Agret on 10/03/2024 - 01:45
        +1

        That helped her get a foot in the door but she still had to work hard to release that many albums and stay active for this many years, I don't know exactly how she became the biggest musician in the world but it wasn't by accident.

  • sumyungguy on 06/03/2024 - 01:16
    +15

    Some Americans believe Taylor Swift is a Pentagon asset who became 'activated' as part of a government psyop to prevent the Republicans from regaining the White House. The Chiefs rigged victory in Super Bowl LVIII is part of the conspiracy theory.

    • Gunnar on 06/03/2024 - 01:27
      +40

      Sadly this theory still makes more sense than their 45th president

      • skidexa on 06/03/2024 - 22:59

        Phew…thought you meant the other guy but i agree…and it seems like he's back on track to winning again. Sigh

        • Antikythera on 07/03/2024 - 18:09
          +3

          i didn't think you could be Pres more than twice. didn't he win in 2020?

          • TheRealCher on 07/03/2024 - 18:29

            @Antikythera: No more than two consecutive terms

            • jackspratt on 07/03/2024 - 18:58
              +5

              @TheRealCher: It's actually 2 terms, whether consecutive or not.

              • TheRealCher on 08/03/2024 - 12:16
                -1

                @jackspratt: Intriguing. Thanks for clarifying. It's a relief really….we'll have four years of hell but…it's only four years. What could go wrong? 😞

    • richadam on 06/03/2024 - 10:22
      +13

      The same people also believe Trump is a good candidate.

    • try2bhelpful on 06/03/2024 - 14:11
      +6

      Where do we even start with people like that?

      However, you forgot the bit where Kelce would use his Superbowl ring to propose to her, well that aged well. Honestly why on earth would she marry him? At the moment she is probably looking for what rhymes with "football player' for the break up song on her next album.

      Me. I'm not a Swiftie but I do like a few of her songs. Particularly Anti Hero and Look What You Made Me Do. This lady is whip smart and self aware. The idea that she is a Pentagon asset is just hilarious. What on earth could they, possibly, offer her to get her to do that?

      At least here fans aren't out there destroying things or doing a heap of drugs. There are worse options.

      • Nalar on 06/03/2024 - 23:50
        +4

        "He Quarter-Broke my heart?"

        This song writing stuff is tough!

        Wait I got it!

        "I held him so tight but I knew it had to end…"

        • Antikythera on 07/03/2024 - 18:11
          +1

          "I found him with hail Mary
          he said there was no touch down."

        • Anvariel on 08/03/2024 - 18:30

          take your filthy upvote…

      • Matt P on 09/03/2024 - 22:29
        +1

        (Verse 1)
        In the stadium of love, we played the game,
        You wore your jersey, I learned your name.
        But on this field, the final whistle blew,
        I'm leaving, babe, it's time we're through.

        (Pre-Chorus)
        Oh, you scored my heart with your charming moves,
        But now it's time for me to change my groove.
        I can't be the cheerleader in your game,
        I need my own spotlight, my own fame.

        (Chorus)
        Breaking up with a football star,
        No more touchdowns, no more scars.
        I'm trading cleats for high heels,
        Walking away from what used to feel real.

        (Verse 2)
        Friday night lights, we danced in the glow,
        But I've got dreams, and it's time to go.
        I won't be the trophy on your shelf,
        I need a love that's true to myself.

        (Pre-Chorus)
        Oh, you tackled my heart with your powerful gaze,
        But now I'm sprinting through life in my own ways.
        I won't be confined to the sidelines,
        I'm writing my story, rewriting the signs.

        (Chorus)
        Breaking up with a football star,
        No more touchdowns, no more scars.
        I'm trading cleats for high heels,
        Walking away from what used to feel real.

        (Bridge)
        I'm stepping out of your shadow,
        No more playing second fiddle.
        I'm the captain of my own ship,
        Navigating waters with a new grip.

        (Verse 3)
        You may have a stadium full of fans,
        But my heart's not a part of your game plan.
        I'm scoring goals in my own field,
        No longer content to be your shield.

        (Pre-Chorus)
        Oh, you kicked my heart with your perfect aim,
        But now I'm breaking free from your fame.
        I won't be confined to your playbook,
        I'm the author now, changing the outlook.

        (Chorus)
        Breaking up with a football star,
        No more touchdowns, no more scars.
        I'm trading cleats for high heels,
        Walking away from what used to feel real.

        (Outro)
        So here's the final play, the whistle's blown,
        I'll find my own path, make it on my own.
        No more cleats, just heels on the run,
        A new chapter started, the game is done.

        • ChatGPT
    • Randolph Duke on 07/03/2024 - 06:32
      +1

      You mean Fox News hosts?

    • bp2000 on 08/03/2024 - 11:38
      -1

      I was thinking about this yesterday. Maybe I'm slow but I finally came to the conclusion this was all just a ploy to try to make it more difficult for her to endorse Biden. Like now a relatively low level political action of endorsing a mainstream candidate, will be blown up as the completion of a psyop and evidence of "the matrix".

      That is to say I don't think any commentator is believing it, and it was a shot across the bow to say be careful if you get involved.

  • altomic on 06/03/2024 - 02:40
    +44

    The Beatles - Cultural Phenomenon, or over-Hyped Media Creation?

      • altomic on 06/03/2024 - 18:35
        +42

        Nah, just pointing out the banality of your thread.

    • initiateit on 07/03/2024 - 14:43
      +2

      Comparing Swifty to the Beatles is like comparing Trump to JFK.

      • gromit on 07/03/2024 - 19:13
        -1

        Trump and JFK are actually pretty good comparison, both dirty, corrupt and undeserving, Just JFK died before most of his misdeeds were discovered.

      • KozieSeller on 07/03/2024 - 20:51

        Every future gen sucks, but I prefer equality gen

      • coffeeinmyveins on 13/03/2024 - 09:04

        literally everyone says this. I'm sure your parents thought the same about the beatles and their favourite band. In fact, they did.

    • KozieSeller on 07/03/2024 - 20:50

      Sheep trend, everyone had nothing else to do but fan girl.

  • Benoffie on 06/03/2024 - 03:26
    +2

    Dunno and dont care. Still believe good music died after 2003 and I'd hardly rate her with great female singers tbh…

    🍿

    • EightImmortals on 06/03/2024 - 07:03
      -2

      Yeah definitely went downhill in the 90's, my kids really like the 80's, tons of great mixes here:

      https://www.mixcloud.com/genericmaledjs/

      • dogboy on 06/03/2024 - 12:28
        +10

        Are you mental? 90s was the greatest ever decade for music so far. You had the birth of R&B, Hip Hop, Grunge, Techno. Come on, what did the 80s have - just rock?

        • EightImmortals on 06/03/2024 - 13:08
          +3

          lols

          "You had the birth of R&B, Hip Hop, Grunge, Techno. "

          You say that like it's a good thing. :) (techno evolved out of German electro-pop and American house music in the 1970s and 1980s and yes continued in the 90s)

          OK there were a lot of good songs that came out in the 90's but generally speaking it wasn't anything impressive or that I find myself going back to listen to.

          Here's some tunes for ya.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rueFB85JhxM

        • Eeples on 07/03/2024 - 17:44
          +1

          I believe The Smiths saved the 80s.

        • darkmoss on 08/03/2024 - 22:42

          none of those genres were born in the 90s

    • Stuj on 06/03/2024 - 07:12
      +22

      I love these “back in my day” posts, the fact that someone closes the eyes and ears to what’s around them and then claims nothing new is good is clearly not listening… oh and for the record im 57. I think she is a pretty darn good song writer and entrepreneur, she isn't just a female “singer”. Also too look at the fact whilst recording new albums she also has the dedication (and motivation) to re-record her first 5 albums to give a (profanity) You to Scooter Braun who tried to screw her.

      • ThithLord on 06/03/2024 - 09:37
        +7

        I'm in my thirties and still finding lots of fantastic new music.

    • ginormousgiraffe on 06/03/2024 - 08:13
      +36

      When people say good music died after X year they're just saying they turned 25 in that year.

      • ThithLord on 06/03/2024 - 09:36
        +5

        Nailed it

      • SimAus007 on 06/03/2024 - 10:25
        +3

        100%, although I am in my 40's and I'm gonna put it out there, I prefer the music of today, not decades ago, I rarely listen to music I grew up with, I must be the odd one out.

    • smartazz104 on 06/03/2024 - 21:57

      Was that around the time of your mid-life crisis or…

    • Southoz on 08/03/2024 - 08:22

      There is still good music being produced just don't look for it in the charts that's all

  • onetwothreefour on 06/03/2024 - 06:28
    +15

    Meh if the kids like her why does it matter what we think?

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 06/03/2024 - 07:23
    +8

    honestly speaking like any other artist, cultural phenomenon etc you are either a fan or you're not

    when i was young i loved Pokemon cards they were everywhere, so much so schools had to ban the cards - some kids just didnt get it but the bulk us it was a crazy that took over our lives and parents wallets for years

    im not a 'Swifty' however i kind of 'get it' she is very talented, writes a lot of her own music, she is beautiful but not in the plastic Kim K kind of way but more Jen Aniston during friends girl next door kind of way, she is also 'somewhat' likeable the way she interacts with fans makes her seem a bit more 'human' than some other artist and she has a football [NFL] superstar boyfriend a long with a LONG list of past famous and rich boyfriends and heart breaks which makes her seem like her 'life isnt prefect' [in a world where ppl try to pretend their life is perfect via Instagram pictures telling only half truths] and even being a mega star love is an even- she essentially has relatable traits for [more so] women of almost all ages.

    the media love her because she is raking in so much money for the cities she tours in it is literally a talking about the RBA governor mentioned in her last speech on inflation

    im 33 years old i never saw the beatles but in my life time i have never seen a star have so much impact in my life - so i wouldnt say she is 'over rated'

    • whatwasherproblem on 06/03/2024 - 14:44
      +2

      with a LONG list of past famous and rich boyfriends and heart breaks

      I remember back in the day when her 'Love Story/Romeo+Juliet' song first came out there was a Valentine's day special episode of Funniest Home Videos that Taylor Swift was guest hosting for some reason, and the usual host kept referring to her as the "love expert" and getting her to espouse "love advice" between segments. I chuckle a bit every time I think of it now. If only we all knew what the next decade+ would hold.

      • BluebirdV on 10/03/2024 - 00:11
        +1

        15 years ago is back in the day?

        • whatwasherproblem on 10/03/2024 - 15:46
          +1

          It pains me and makes me feel old, but yep, I'd say so.

          "It was only 15 years ago" doesn't sound like a big deal. But you can also phrase it as "her song came out one year after Apple released the first version of their newfangled iPhone thingamabob that they reckon was going to 'revolutionise personal telephony'".

  • larndis on 06/03/2024 - 07:52
    +7

    Ok, so you don't like her so it must be all a media conspiracy? Not sure if you're aware but different people can like different things.

    You would think selling out stadiums all over the world, consistently being the top streamed artist, etc etc would be enough for this question not to be asked.

    Maybe listen to her song 'The Man'. She wrote it for you.

    FFS!

    • 600dollarman on 06/03/2024 - 10:03
      +11

      Chill out. When grown men are acting like teenage girls it raises some curiosity. e.g. my 53yo boss and his 23yo son spent the weekend before the concert making dozens of bracelets. Nothing wrong with it, just not usual dad/adult son behaviour. Things like this make the situation a bit strange for some people. My entire office spoke about nothing but TS for 2 weeks. The behaviour of a lot of people started to feel a bit off, like their actions didn't match the situation. The non-obsessed people just can't see the big deal, there is no standout here, in looks, personality or music, nothing to warrant a global obsession and begin to think WTF is going on??? Has music become so bad lol?

      This is not people liking different things, its the exact opposite. They don't have to justify anything and no one really gives a shit, but you can't claim there is no phenomenon going on here, and to some it is a strange one.

      • larndis on 06/03/2024 - 10:51
        +1

        So what is your theory on her popularity if indeed there is nothing about her that stands out? Media conspiracy or something else?

        Different things appeal to different people. Taylor appeals to more people than other singers/celebrities. If she doesn't appeal to you that's ok.

        In my workplace Taylor Swift is rarely if ever mentioned. If others are 'obsessed' that's not an issue for me, regardless of their age or gender. I just don't feel the need to question her popularity or undermine her successes.

        Seriously, listen the 'The Man'.

      • photonbuddy on 06/03/2024 - 21:58
        +1

        Nothing wrong with it, just not usual dad/adult son behaviour.

        Not a fan of the NEWS when the footy finals roll around then?

        The non-obsessed people just can't see the big deal

        I'm pretty sure every Swiftie feels the same about whatever it is that you have passion for!

        there is no standout here, in looks, personality or music, nothing to warrant a global obsession

        Again … your opinion, which you're allowed to have, of course. You can't really say that with a straight face, and then count the money Taylor has made on this tour.

        I'm not a Swiftie as such. I like her music, but wouldn't go to her concert. Could think of nothing worse than me, a 55yo guy, being surrounded by screaming teens - most of which are girls.

        That sad truth for people who don't understand her, is simply they don't understand her. I've seen first hand how her music has pulled a family member out of deep depression.

        • Charmoffensive on 07/03/2024 - 02:22
          +1

          You can't really say that with a straight face, and then count the money Taylor has made on this tour.

          Beanie babies made a squillion dollars. Popularity or income has no bearing on quality.

          • photonbuddy on 07/03/2024 - 11:02
            -1

            @Charmoffensive:

            Popularity or income has no bearing on quality.

            Perhaps not, but the post said nothing about quality. It said there is no standout here, in looks, personality or music which is just not true in any of the 3 areas chosen.

            • Charmoffensive on 07/03/2024 - 14:16
              +1

              @photonbuddy: Beanie babies were not stand out products in looks, features or materials, yet they were still incredibly popular.

              I'm not saying OP is right about Taylor Swift, just that pointing to the amount of dollars a product brings in is not a great argument for how good it is in any particular area. I think the only song I know of hers is that "haters gonna hate" song, so I'm not really in a position to judge her one way or the other on her merits as a musician.

              • photonbuddy on 07/03/2024 - 14:51

                @Charmoffensive:

                Beanie babies were not stand out products in looks, features or materials, yet they were still incredibly popular.

                But you see … that's your opinion!

                You're not seriously suggesting that a product which looks ugly, has no features, and is made of cheap rubbish materials is going to be that popular? I mean … I suppose something aimed at really young kids with a catchy ad campaign, followed by toddler pester power, might get over the line.

                But again, it comes down to the original line. I mean, I'm not gay, and in no way attracted to men, but I can see Brad Pitt is a handsome man. Similarly, if Taylor is not your cup of tea in the looks department, for anyone to say she's ugly, plain, etc. shows they clearly have no idea what real people think.

                The same can be said for her other talents.

                I was discussing this with a friend who claimed she couldn't sing, and his idiotic line was "She couldn't sing Opera!!" To which I replied "And very few renowned Opera singers could pull off pop. Does that mean they can't sing either?" He didn't know what to say.

                I think it's a simple case of people who can't understand why someone is famous just don't get humans. They have a line of thought that excludes anyone from liking things they don't … or perhaps they've just come out from the rock they've been living under!

                • Charmoffensive on 07/03/2024 - 21:38
                  +1

                  @photonbuddy: Stop with the strawman arguments, I can only take so many in one post!

                  I think it's a simple case of people who can't understand why someone is famous just don't get humans.

                  Nobody is saying she's ugly or can't sing or don't understand why she's famous, the whole goddamn question is "why is she as big as the Beatles were?". Nothing she does seems to suggest she has influenced the musical zeitgeist more than any of the greats before her, yet she seems to have an equally zealous fanbase and people want to know why. Are her songs really that good?

                  • photonbuddy on 07/03/2024 - 22:16

                    @Charmoffensive:

                    Nobody is saying she's ugly or can't sing or don't understand why she's famous,

                    Hmmm … I think maybe you ought to read some …

                    Are her songs really that good?

                    Define good!

                    Do you think The Beatles influenced the musical zeitgeist?

                    Pretty sure all the crap thrown at Taylor would have been thrown at them. Oh wait … they weren't female, so I guess not …

                  • larndis on 07/03/2024 - 22:53
                    +1

                    @Charmoffensive: Taylor Swift writes and performs pop music. Any idea what pop is short for? Clearly, by any objective measure, she is an incredibly successful pop artist. What objective measure do you propose to determine how good music is?

                    Is it likely that every Taylor Swift fan is somehow "wrong", and OP is "right"? Or is it more likely that OP doesn't like Swift and is looking to undermine her success and popularity?

                    If it was possible to measure how good her songs are - so what? Preferences are subjective; no one needs to have an opinion about what other people should and shouldn't like.

                    • Charmoffensive on 08/03/2024 - 11:24
                      +1

                      @larndis:

                      Clearly, by any objective measure, she is an incredibly successful pop artist.

                      No argument from me here. She is objectively the most successful current pop artist. My and OPs question weren't measuring her success as a pop artist, but as a cultural phenomenon. I understand why she is a successful pop artist, but I don't know why she is a cultural phenomenon.

                      What objective measure do you propose to determine how good music is?

                      In the context of a cultural phenomenon? Well, has her music forever changed the way other artists make music. Take Kanye for example: I don't like the man and I have no love for his music, especially his inability to write deep lyrics, but there's no doubt that his production changed the way hip hop was made. So despite not liking the guy or his music, I understand why he was a cultural phenomenon. Again, not knowing much about Swift's music, I'm genuinely asking, is her music transformative of the industry? If so, then that would pretty neatly answer the question of why she is a cultural icon at the moment.

                      • larndis on 08/03/2024 - 21:02

                        @Charmoffensive: Maybe there is more than one way to be a cultural phenomenon?

                        OP has proposed two possible answers - "Cultural Phenomenon, or over-Hyped Media Creation". If those are the options, I'm going with cultural phenomenon. I'm not sure what definition OP had in mind.

                        • Charmoffensive on 14/03/2024 - 12:12

                          @larndis:

                          Maybe there is more than one way to be a cultural phenomenon?

                          Sure, OP offered an alternative. If you're not making groundbreaking music, you're probably a bit of an overhyped media creation, especially if you're taking the top spot.

                          • larndis on 14/03/2024 - 22:37

                            @Charmoffensive: OK, so what agreed definition of cultural phenomenon are you using?

                            Seriously, "I don't see it so it must be the media" is an incredibly arrogant, ignorant and lazy inference to make.

                            • Charmoffensive on 15/03/2024 - 12:24

                              @larndis:

                              OK, so what agreed definition of cultural phenomenon are you using?

                              The one I've talked about in the last 3 posts I've made: Has their music changed the way music is made in their respective genre? If they're popular without being transformative, then they're a media hype train.

                              You replied with:

                              Maybe there is more than one way to be a cultural phenomenon?

                              Which I took as a defacto answer of "no, she has not changed the way music is made".

                              Seriously, "I don't see it so it must be the media" is an incredibly arrogant, ignorant and lazy inference to make.

                              What about when I ask multiple times if her music is transformative and the best response I get from fans is "I dunno, she makes a lot of money, she's successful"? It's not really an inference anymore so much as asking people and getting an answer.

                              • larndis on 16/03/2024 - 09:18

                                @Charmoffensive: What I meant was, is there a single, generally agreed definition of what makes a 'cultural phenomenon'? Do you have a source for your definition?

                                I don't follow how 'she hasn't changed the way music is made' is somehow proof that she is therefore only an 'over-hyped media creation'. Stretching much?

                                My hypothesis is that she is most likely super successful because she is really good at making music that people enjoy listening to. People trying to take that away from her most likely have a problem with successful women, period.

                                • Charmoffensive on 16/03/2024 - 17:15

                                  @larndis:

                                  People trying to take that away from her most likely have a problem with successful women, period.

                                  Stretching much?

                                  I think most people who think she's overhyped probably aren't fans of pop music at all and find all pop music, no matter the gender of the artist, to be shallow, manufactured products.

                                  I'm sure she's a great musician and clearly there's an audience who absolutely loves what she does, but I wonder if in 10-20 years, people will still care? Will there be new, upcoming artists who will name her as their inspiration and a large influence on the music they make?

                                  I'm not questioning why she's popular, but she's more than popular now, she's hit a level of mega fame generally reserved for those who change or shape the cultural zeitgeist of their generation.

  • Brian McGee on 06/03/2024 - 07:53
    +6

    Is there any difference between Swift, Madonna or Michael Jack-off-your-son?
    Maybe we just hear about it more in Aus because we now have cable TV and 60 free to air channels, all trying to keep up with social media to sttay relevant and keep viewers and advertising dollars?

    • afoveht on 06/03/2024 - 22:53
      +3

      Not sure. Nothing against Swift even though I'm not a fan, but I can't identify anything novel about her that Jacko and Madonna had. Can't see any artistic or cultural boundaries pushed. If I'm just blindsided I'd love to know. (That said all the females in my house love her, it's been an expensive month.)

  • saltypete on 06/03/2024 - 08:04
    +3

    Making the assumption that a ‘cultural phenomenon’ makes a definable change in our culture. Is she doing this? Can someone give some examples?
    A comparison would be Bob Dylan perhaps.
    Disruptive to the point that many his original fan base hated him.
    Wrote lyrics that aimed directly at his country’s political establishment. That championed social justice.
    Lyrics were of such effect that he was given a Nobel prize for poetry.

    Is Ms Swift demonstrating some of this? If yes, perhaps she is. Would be good to have something like this atm.

    • Agret on 18/03/2024 - 18:40
      +1

      Majority of her songs are about new relationships and breakups. Whenever she breaks up with this NFL guy you know there is going to be a good album to follow.

  • Ryanek on 06/03/2024 - 08:58
    +11

    My 7 year old daughter has no access to social media and just finds her music very appealing. Her songs are very catchy.

    Swift knows exactly what she's doing with her songs.

  • pharkurnell on 06/03/2024 - 09:40
    -3

    over-Hyped Media Creation

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