Ok, so apparently, I like Country now (although if I did not know better, I would simply call it Pop). Anyway, I really liked her hit “Love Story” a couple of years back, so I tried out Taylor Swift’s new album “Speak Now” (in what generally appears to be a “back-to-the-mainstream”-year for me, a trend started by the shutdown of my favorite indie music blog). And Ms. Swift does not disappoint. “Speak Now” features several up-tempo songs that made it high on my play-lists the lasts months, highlighted by my two favorites “Long Live” and “Story of Us”. Among the ballads, “Dear John” and “Back To December” stand out, the first one apparently the musical reckoning of her relationship with musician John Mayer – some juicy stuff, if I may add. What really surprised me about the album is that Swift did not only get down the musical part – diversified, yet distinct in style, generally up-beat, never boring – but that she also produced lyrics that are clever, honest and believable. It may not always be high poetry, but the lyrics go much deeper than you might expect from your typical Country song. To me (and my surprise), one of the best albums I listened to in years. 4.5 stars! (Review Ratings)

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