Taylor Swift has always been a p of intense scrutiny and fascination, but her journey as a feminist pop star has seen significant evolution over the years. A recent revelation of a "From the Vault" bonus track titled 'Slut!' from the rereleased "Taylor's Version" of her 2014 album "1989" sheds light on a pivotal moment in Swift's career. In this article, we will delve into the significance of this track and how it reflects Taylor Swift's evolving feminist identity.
The Pristine Image Of "1989"
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In 2014, when "1989" was initially released, Taylor Swift was a 24-year-old artist navigating the delicate transition from a teen star to a global pop sensation. Her image during this era was carefully crafted to be wholesome and clean.
The album was examined meticulously for any hints of sexuality or moral transgression, and aside from an occasional "damn" or "hell," Swift's lyrics were considered relatively innocent for a woman of her age.
Taylor Swift's Limited Expression
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Despite the public's obsession with her love life, Swift's lyrics in "1989" remained mostly within the confines of PG-rated language. While she occasionally addressed the media's portrayal of her, any frustration she may have felt remained veiled beneath the surface.
This phase in her career was characterized by a deliberate avoidance of controversy, with Swift attempting to strike a balance between her evolving maturity and her public persona.
The Evolution Of Taylor Swift As An Artist
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Fast forward to the present, and Taylor Swift is in her mid-30s, a more mature artist with a vast body of work. The newly recorded vault tracks from "1989 (Taylor's Version)" showcase a shift in her sound, leaning more towards the moody, verbose style of her 2022 album, "Midnights."
Notably, two of these tracks, "Is It Over Now?" and "Now That We Don't Talk," exemplify a shift in her musical style, embracing a moodier and more verbose approach, and showcasing her lyrical prowess.
The Enigmatic 'Slut!'
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The most attention-grabbing bonus track, 'Slut!,' does not necessarily deliver what its provocative title suggests. Instead, it's a dreamy, mid-tempo reverie filled with vivid imagery and occasional social commentary. The word "slut" is incorporated into the song, exhaled breathily in the chorus and shouted as the song intensifies.
Swift's lyrics reflect a self-awareness of the double standards she faced as a young woman in the public eye. However, the song's focus on seeking salvation in romance, as if a decent man can rescue a woman from systemic sexism, raises questions about its feminist message.
Taylor Swift's Evolution As A Feminist
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To appreciate the significance of 'Slut!' fully, we must consider the context of 2014, when Taylor Swift was still evolving as a feminist p. She had only recently embraced the term "feminist" and was beginning to grapple with the challenges and expectations imposed on women in the public eye.
"Slut" was often the subtext of how she was discussed, even if it wasn't explicitly hurled at her. Her white privilege offered some protection from certain forms of scrutiny, but she still felt the weight of "slut-shaming."
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'Slut!' may not rank among Taylor Swift's greatest hits, but it provides a unique snapshot of her growth as an artist and feminist. Her more recent work has involved critiquing and revising the fairy tales she once told in her music, making it unlikely that she would write a song like this today.