Taylor Swift's new 'State of Grace' channels U2: Listen
Fifth tune from 'Red' rock out
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Taylor Swift's "State of Grace"
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Hear that sound? That’s the sound of Taylor Swift waving country music goodbye. Today, she released her fifth song from “Red,” her fourth studio album out Oct. 22.
[More after the jump...]
“State of Grace” is a full-on rock song with U2-like big, propulsive drums and an spiky Edge-like guitar. The overall, dense, echo-y feel also recalls the Cranberries.
So if you’re keeping score, of the five songs previewed, only “Begin Again” really fits country radio —and that’s even accounting for how pop country radio now leans. Yes, I’m aware that she just had the No. 1 and 2 songs on the Billboard Country Songs chart but that is because of a change in methodology made two weeks ago that now incorporates digital sales and streaming, as well as airplay (which previously was the sole determiner of chart position on that chart). “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Red,” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” are all pop and/or rock leaning. We’re hearing the rest of the album on Friday and will file a review on Monday.
But back to “State of Grace,” which Swift wrote by herself. It is, by leaps and bounds, the best song so far from “Red.” Swift’s singing sounds strong, but she also is often lower in the mix at parts, especially on the chorus. Often, and this has rarely happened on a Swift track, the music overshadows her lyrics and her vocals completely blend in with the other instrumentation to create a galloping, immersive round of sound that is compelling and rich.
She’s front and center as the song, about the wars we wage in love, draws to a close: “This is a state of grace/this is the worthwhile fight/love is a ruthless game/unless you play it good and right.”
Taylor aimed for pure pop on “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” adult contemporary/country with “Begin Again,” and even flirted with dubstep on “I Knew You Were Trouble.” This is a sweeping rock ode. It’s clear, even without hearing the rest of the album, that Swift is spreading her wings and bringing in all her myriad influences.
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October 17, 2012 at 9:09AM EST Reply to CommentTotally unoriginal, derivative, near-plagiarized, pre-fabricated, corporate swill.
shuddup calm your titties, jfc.
October 17, 2012 at 3:37PM ESTMainreed Rather like your comment. Using big words doesn't make you sound intelligent, just like an ignorant cynic. This song is excellent, as is Miss Swift.
October 17, 2012 at 5:12PM ESTmdk Sorry. Forgot you red-staters don't "cotton tuh big words 'n' whutnot."
October 17, 2012 at 7:24PM ESTacestyle
October 19, 2012 at 8:36AM EST Reply to CommentChill guys. its just a few songs. and even if th entire album is diff thats alright she is just giving us options