A bit of a change of tune: I’m spotlighting one of the biggest music superstars in the world.
Whether it’s on TV (in particular awards shows), the radio (with hit after hit), in the tabloids (eight confirmed boyfriends – most recently actor Tom Hiddleston), on social media (81 million Twitter followers – 3rd most popular, only behind Katy Perry and Justin Bieber) or even in the movies (“Valentine’s Day”, “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”, “The Giver”), no one dominates the entertainment scene quite like Taylor Swift.
One of my platforms – FLY 92.3 – is the No. 1 hit music station in the Albany, NY market. Over the years I have heard A LOT of Taylor Swift songs not only played on FLY, but other stations, as well as on iHeartRadio and other online and digital services. Therefore, I feel qualified to release my picks for Taylor Swift’s five best songs:
1. “HIGHWAY DON’T CARE” – I know, it’s technically not her song, but it’s, arguably, one of the best music collaborations of the decade. Swift joined country superstars Tim McGraw and Keith Urban to record this emotional tune, with an accompanying, effective music video. And when all three performed it live for the first time, on the 2013 ACM Awards, it was the country music equivalent of the epic “Les Miserables” performance at the Oscars less than two months earlier.
2. “MEAN” – When it comes to having a clear, deep message (about being who you are and overcoming the bullies in life), this is Swift’s defining song.
3. “SWEETER THAN FICTION” – One of Swift’s two Golden Globe nominations was for this song from the little-seen true-story music biopic “One Chance”, starring “Late Late Show” host James Corden as opera singer, and “Britain’s Got Talent” champion, Paul Potts. It lives-up to its name and is packed with meaning.
4. “RED” – It’s one of her most “colorful” songs (and likely helped Maserati sales). The live acoustic version at the 2013 CMA Awards, featuring Vince Gill and Alison Krauss, was a classic.
5. “SAFE AND SOUND” – “The Hunger Games” franchise earned a Best Original Song Globe nomination for the first three of its four movies. The original “HG” featured Swift’s “Safe and Sound” during the closing credits. A collaboration with the band, The Civil Wars, it’s simple but memorable, with the perfect tone for the dark, gloomy atmosphere of the film.
BONUS TRACKS
“LOVE STORY” – Her take on a modern “Romeo & Juliet” romance was one of the songs that put Swift on the map and, deservedly, shot her to stardom.
“SHAKE IT OFF” – This gets stuck in your head from the moment you hear it begin, but it’s extremely catchy and quickly became a pop culture anthem.
With her bold fashion statements and immense popularity, it’s surprising that we continue to hear more of Swift in the movies than see her. “Welcome to New York” (which accompanies the opening scene of “The Secret Life of Pets”), is her latest soundtrack contribution.