The TAYTAY Book Tag

Happy new year!

Let's start 2015 with a bang -- and that means books. And Taylor Swift. I was tagged by Blessie from Mischievous Reads to participate in Taylor Swift book tag last December 17.  I went crazy when I saw Blessie's post and I already started to squee in delight. TAYLOR SWIFT!!! Whoever made this tag, you are brilliant. I love you so much. Comment here, tweet me, email me, or any way, and let's fangirl together. Seriously.

Let's start! (GAWD I'M SO EXCITED I CAN'T EVEN)

WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER

Pick a book or series you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with.

Fallen series by Lauren Kate

I read this series when I started to obsess about reading and just finding out new genres, themes, etc. But I remember that I really loved it. I became obsess with it as I have in Twilight saga (stifle your groans). I even stalk and read multiple sites about it, used the book cover as my Facebook profile, watched videos, and all the fangirl stuff. When the last book, Rapture, arrived I was excited. But I couldn't dive into their world again and I feel like the story is just running in circles. I DNF-ed Rapture.

RED

Pick a book with a red cover.

Because I fell in love with this foil luxe edition of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins the first time I saw it.

THE BEST DAY

Pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic.

P.S I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

(Goodreads * Review)

My first book from Cecelia Ahern, and that was also the time I started to love and enjoy reading. This book made me cry and laugh. My heart broke a million of pieces. One of the first books that I experienced an emotional roller coaster ride. It's one of my favorites.

I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE

Pick a bad character you couldn't help but love.

Warner from Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

(Goodreads * Review)

He's a good trouble, though. A very good trouble.

INNOCENT

Pick a book someone ruined the ending for.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

(Goodreads * Review)

If I were a harsh person, I'd say that I wish I could slap the people who went all over internet (a DAY after--or before--it was published) to spread the spoiler or some "heads up", they say. I was prepared by Allegiant's ending that it caused only a little shock. I'd rather bawl and have my heart break than feel nothing at all.

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED

Pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development.

Chelsea Knot from Speechless by Hannah Harrington

(Goodreads * Review)

Chelsea, the main character in this book, loves to gossip until her actions leads to unexpected consequences. I love the how the author wrapped everything in one simple yet meaningful book and how everything turned out in the end.

YOU BELONG WITH ME

Pick your most anticipated book release. 

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Confess by Colleen Hoover

Ensnared by A.G Howard

P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han (no cover yet)

My gosh. This is one of the hardest question you'd ask in a bookworm, along with her favorite author and book. Because obviously, we couldn't pick just one. So I'm mentioning five from my most anticipated 2015 release. (Doesn't mean they're the top five; I picked randomly.)

FOREVER AND ALWAYS

Pick your favorite book couple.

There are a lot of great book couples that I love but I picked Will Cooper and Laken Cohen from Slammed series by Collen Hoover. They're the safest answer because they indeed have a forever.

TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR

Pick a book that made you cry a lot. 

(Goodreads / Goodreads)

My gosh, can I pick P.S I Love You by Cecelia Ahern again? Or Slammed series by Colleen Hoover? Because they're the books that made my eyes go like waterfalls. But if they're disqualified, I'd say Dear John or A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. It's Nicholas Sparks. He enjoys making his readers cry.

SHAKE IT OFF

Pick a book that you love so much, you just shake off the haters.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Ha. I wish I could say that to Fallen series or Twilight saga, but not anymore because we are never ever getting back together.

I've been quiet about this (or just didn't had a chance to break the silence :3) but I loved The Host (funny, it's from the same author of Twilight) I read it year 2011 and I might be a fresh [dystopian] reader then but I loved it. 

BLANK SPACE

Pick the most over-hyped book or series that didn't work for you at all.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I'm sorry, but I hated this book. I didn't even finished it! The story was so long and they're just running in circles. The love story is also sickening I just have to get rid of it. And I did. I couldn't believe when I learned there was a movie. And a bunch of follow-up books with the same thickness.

INVISIBLE

Pick the most under-hyped book or series that you think deserves the spotlight

Entangled (Spellbound trilogy) by Nikki Jefford

I love this trilogy by indie author Nikki Jefford. If only there'd be more books on the series! They deserve spotlight along with What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor and Of Metal and Wishes by Sarah Fine. The list goes on.

THE STORY OF US

Pick a couple you think should end up together.

This is a "duh" moment because we all know that most two main characters end up together so there's no surprise or more wishing there. There's a couple, though, that I really, really, really want to end up together. And that's Tobias "Four" Eaton and Tris Prior.

LOVE STORY

Pick a forbidden love in a book or series.

With YA novels, there are just so many. However, I'm picking the one off my favorites: Meghan Chase and Prince Ash from Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.

***

I don't know if you already did this or you don't do book tags but I'm still tagging you:

Elena from Novel Sounds

Sab from Sab The Book Eater

Precious from Fragments of Life

***

That's it! If only I could make for each of Taylor songs, I would.

Show some Taylor love! Just leave your fangirl comments below. ;)

May your 2015 be filled with awesomeness and glitz and fun! Have a sparkling 2015!

*does the Taylor curtsy*

What's Cool? 1989 Philippine album launch!

I was supposed to post this last week but I didn't have time to finish so I decided to move it today. I wasn't aware it's the same day as Taylor's birthday. Who knew?

What's Cool? is an anytime meme created by yours truly. Only Cool stuff is allowed. ;)

What's Cool? Taylor Swift's 1989 Philippine album launch! Here's my experience with one of the Coolest events this year + a crazy story.

Le stage. Loved that tarp. I wished of bringing it home the whole day.

Swifties reunite and celebrate the Philippine release of Tay's newest album, 1989, last November 8, 2014 on SM North Edsa, organized by the awesome Odyssey (a record store). The huge fan I am, I didn't let the moment pass. I didn't care if I have a review that day (later found out that the lecturer wasn't able to arrive. It. Was. Worth. It!). 1989 album + freebies + cool booths + a day partying along with fellow Swifties in 1989 tunes? Sign me up!

(Here comes my photos with awkward poses.)

Originally, I was to hug and put my one leg up but there's
a LOT of people waiting and watching, I changed my plan. 

With an event like this, the usual first move is to wake up early and go to the event area earlier than most early people do. So my friend and I did. We arrived 7 am but the mall opens at 10 so we decided to eat first. Since McDonald's is the nearest and inside the mall, we went there. I could say by the time we enter the mall that we were the earliest, thank you very much. My friend suggested we should go to the second floor and I said we shouldn't because we might get caught (it's still dark and even the stalls and boutiques are still closed). But she insisted and I want too despite the slowly acceleration of my heartbeat.

The Odyssey stall is already open but they were just setting up the area on third floor. So we went back down and sat on a seat outside McDonald's. I asked my friend to go outside the mall in the meantime and as we're walking there's this security guard leaning on a fence, talking to his radio. I heard him say, "..two girls" and my heart thudded the same time my friend and I looked at each other. I panicked but didn't let it show, not wanting to give the guard the satisfaction. We walked faster (the exit is now just a couple of steps away!) what you could call walking looks like.

That wasn't our only encounter with guards that day. I almost felt like we're criminals or something. It was terrifying and funny. It was pretty crazy. Something I'd never done or imagined happening in my life. It was thrilling, though.

Shamelessly sharing my photo with awkward poses. What?

The event had quite a long line (what should I expect? Many people loves Taylor!) and unfortunately, they have ran out of some freebies. It was a bummer and I got pissed (who wouldn't? Taylor stuff!) but I'm glad my attention was diverted with the booths and the people. We met two cute little Swifties (13 and 9 year-olds) who went there all by their selves. They were really fun to chat with!

The 9 year old cutie (forgot her name) let me borrow her nail polish freebie to paint the back of my hand 1989!

Just like on Red album launch, Odyssey brought us different local artists and they sang some of Taylor's and originals. Swifties who've been performing to TSwift events performed too. We also met a new cute act called Perkins Twins. They're so talented and charming!

I actually have selfies with each of them but I'm not going to share it
(didn't even uploaded it on Facebook). I'm shy! Plus, I look really haggard.

After the performances and a couple of games and raffles (which I'm not lucky with again), the founders of Taylor Swift Philippines asked us to sing and party with Shake It Off to be video-recorded and will be sent to Taylor. I don't think they've uploaded the vid yet because they were editing it or something so I can't share it yet. But I will once out. ;)

Oh, and did I tell you that the crowd went wild singing Shake If Off? Yes, we did. It was really awesome, it's like Taylor was really there. Like every Taylor events, this rocked. 

And here are my newest treasures!

I really love these Polaroid-like photos!

1989 album and the Polaroids with some of the freebies!

Aaaaand Taylor #Taylurking on my books. ;)

Yes, that's a mini standee!

Thank you so much to Taylor Swift Philippines and Odyssey for organizing this fun event! We'll be looking forward for more. ;)

*This post is not associated with any of the said parties. This is not an ad as well.

***

How about you? Have you been into 1989 album launch? Any crazy stories as well?

What did you think about 1989? Let's fangirl (or boy, if you are)

together on the comments below!

You might also like my feature of 1989 songs (plus my thoughts and feels)

on Music Monday: 1989.

P.S If it wasn't obvious, I love Taylor so much. I know I don't have to mention it but I want to, just because. ;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!! ❤ 

Long live,

Music Monday (35): 1989

Music Monday is a meme created by yours truly. Let's talk about music..on Mondays!

October 27, 2014 was the day Taylor Swift released her 5th studio album, 1989. 1989 is Taylor's first and official pop album and as a huge fan of hers, I couldn't take it. There's no way she's leaving country--even though we have felt it on her previous album, Red. I went through the five stages of grieving and like all stages of grieving, it always end in acceptance. And I did. So today on our Monday tradition, we'll talk about music--Taylor Swift's 1989!

Mu copy of 1989 deluxe (imported limited edition)!

My copy is a deluxe edition. It includes three bonus tracks and three songwriting voice memos. I listened to the memos several times already and I love it. I love knowing how Tay go through her songwriting, her thoughts, and everything about it. I wish all songs have voice memos. Both standard and deluxe edition includes one (of six) set of 13 Polaroid-like photos (separate from the actual booklet), arranged by Tay herself.

1989 deluxe edition outer cover and back of the CD.

Taylor named her album 1989, her birth year, and apart from her new look, she also have her music like 80's pop. And as Taylor Swift always do on her albums, 1989 songs also have hidden messages from the lyrics printed on the booklet. I didn't have time to decode it but I do know them. I read them accidentally somewhere in the internet. Here's what I thought: from her first track, Welcome to New York to her last track, Clean (bonus tracks doesn't contain hidden messages), it seemed like she told a short story. Like all songs are connected as one. It could have double meaning to some people, but I think it was clever. Polaroid was mentioned on the lyrics of her one track, Out of the Woods, and then everything was like connected. Everything about this album is so clever. I love it. Taylor Swift is so talented and artistic. You'd know she'd make a good one but you'll still end up surprised.

1989

• Welcome to New York

"It a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat forevermore."

Let's say, Welcome to NY didn't appeal to me that much. However, I love the part I included above.

• Blank Space

"Oh my god, look at that face / you look like my next mistake" 

"Coz darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream"

Blank Space was Tay's second single off 1989. This one was one of my favorites. 

Also, I love the music video. It scared me at first but I think Tay did justice on looking like a crazy woman craving for a new love/man. Tay's like, 'so this is how some people think about me. Let's write a song about it.' And bam! She turned it into another hit. As always. ;)

• Style

"You got that long hair slicked back, white t-shirt / and I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt / and when we go crashing down, we come back everytime / coz we never go out of style"

Another favorite of mine! I don't care who's this song for anymore. I only care about the flawless lyrics that comes along a flawless melody. Of all tracks, I think this one's more 80's sound.

(I'm sorry. I couldn't find a full and HQ video, plus VS Fashion Show is her first live performance of Style.)

• Out of the Woods

"The rest of the world is black and white but we were in screaming color"

I hated Out of the Woods when I first heard it. I couldn't stand it. So whenever I play the album, I skip it. Then one day I found myself singing some lyrics (I was surprised I even know it) and then I listened to it again and found myself repeating and liking it. I was completely surprised. But then again, it's Taylor Swift. 

• All You Had to Do Was Stay

"People like you always want back the love they gave away / People like me want to believe you when you say you've changed"

Ugh, another favorite of mine. This was also memorable because Tay said on an interview that she kept hearing this weird high-pitched voice saying the word "stay" on a dream. That was an Aha! moment for me because I do wonder and a bit weirded out on the high-pitched "stay" on the song. Anyways, you'll get what I mean when you listen to the song. Unfortunately, due to copyrights I can't share you an original studio version so I decided to share a cover by a fan instead.

• Shake It Off

"It's like I got this music in my mind saying it's gonna be alright"

I love this song! It's another song that I hated at first but grown to love and now can't help but dance with it. I tried to not listen to it on public but I can't so yeah, I always try my best to not dance that much.

• I Wish You Would

"We're a crooked love in a straight line down / makes you want to run and hide / then it makes you turn right back around"

"2 am" is back! I love this song and the awesome guitar intro.

So this is kinda weird. I found this "male version" on Youtube. But it's totally Taylor, they just changed the pitch. XD 

• Bad Blood

"Still got scars on my back from your knife"

Another hate-turned-love song. I think it's catchy and so..meaningful. It's like I wanna shout and point someone or at something while I sing along with this song. I love it. It's a great way to release your anger, for a change.

I'm sharing a drum cover this time. This is so cool. You can pretty much hear Bad Blood on the background too.

• Wildest Dreams

"Say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams"

This song is so smooth, I like the whisper-y way Tay sang this song and the "aah-ah" part like she was sighing. Love it.

I think this group did a great job in their cover performance.

• How You Get the Girl

"Remind her how it used to be / Pictures in frames, of kisses on cheeks"

The first time I heard this song was on Tay's new Diet Coke commercial. I fell in love instantly even though it's just a snippet. I couldn't be happier when I finally heard the full song. I totally loved the guitar on the background. That's the closest thing to her old sound.

• This Love

"This love is good / This love is bad / This love is alive back from the dead"

I didn't disliked This Love or loved it. It was okay for me. But it's slowly growing on me.

• I Know Places

"They got the cages, they got the boxes / and guns / They are the hunters, we are the foxes / and we run"

I like the darkness of this song and the lyrics as well. It's another Taylor masterpiece.

Here's another "male version".

• Clean

"The drought was the very worst / When the flowers that we'd grown together died of thirst" 

"Rain came pouring downwhen I was drowning that's when I can finally breathe"

I think this song has the best lyrics of all. I like the cleverness and moving lyrics. I love the entire song.

Here's a real male version!

Deluxe edition bonus tracks

• Wonderland

"We found Wonderland / you and I got lost in it"

I didn't think pop could pull off a song about the dark world Wonderland (or the likes). But then again, it's Taylor.

Check out this band cover!

• You Are In Love

"You can hear it in the silence / You can feel it on the way home / You could see it with the lights out / You are in love"

This song is one of my least favorite. But I do like the chorus part.

This is a high-pitched version.

• New Romantics

"The best people in life are free"

Another least favorite but I could grow in it. The lyrics above is my fave part.

***

Swifties! It's your turn to mention your favorite songs!
What are your thoughts on the album?
Don't forget to share it on the comments below! :)

Stay tuned for my feature of 1989 Philippine album launch!

Long live,

Album Review: Red by Taylor Swift

I'm so delighted and excited to share to you my first album review (I could've started months ago--with different artist--but I had trouble with my sched and other things). And it's from the artist that I really love. I promise you though, that none of my words down there that will make you think too nice or like, of-course-you're-a-fan or whatever--was not biased.

I love Taylor and her music and I will talk about it. If there are songs that I didn't liked, I will say it, too.

If you're also a T-Swift fan, you're very welcome here to read my thoughts. If not, you're still very welcome. I could only hope that I could make you one after this. ;)

Now, down to the main event.

Official deluxe edition album art

Album: Red (deluxe edition)
Artist: Taylor Swift

Genre: Country, pop
Date released: October 22nd 2012
Label: Big Machine Records
Source: Bought (and it comes with awesome swag!)
Inside: Disc 1 (16 new tracks), disc 2 (3 new tracks, 3 original demos)

The Red standard edition album art:

Contains 16 new tracks.

"All the different emotions that are written about on this album are all pretty much about the kind of tumultuous, crazy, insane, intense, semi-toxic relationships that I’ve experienced in the last two years. All those emotions — spanning from intense love, intense frustration, jealousy, confusion, all of that — in my mind, all those emotions are red. You know, there’s nothing in between. There’s nothing beige about any of those feelings." - Taylor Swift
Tracklisting:

Standard edition/Deluxe disc 1

1. “State of Grace”
2. “Red” 
3. “Treacherous”    
4. “I Knew You Were Trouble” 
5. “All Too Well”   
6. “22”    
7. “I Almost Do”    
8. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”  
9. “Stay Stay Stay”    
10. “The Last Time” (featuring Gary Lightbody)
11. “Holy Ground”    
12. “Sad Beautiful Tragic”    
13. “The Lucky One”    
14. “Everything Has Changed” (featuring Ed Sheeran)
15. “Starlight”    
16. “Begin Again”  


Deluxe edition disc 2

1. “The Moment I Knew”    
2. “Come Back… Be Here”    
3. “Girl at Home”    
4. “Treacherous” (Original Demo Recording)
5. “Red” (Original Demo Recording)  
6. “State of Grace” (Acoustic Version)

STATE OF GRACE

"..I've loved on shades of wrong."

"This is a state of grace. This is a worthwhile fight. Love is a ruthless game unless you play it good and right."

I've been LSS with this song for weeks, up til now. The into got me with those awesome drums sounds. Whenever I hear it, it makes me wanna learn how to play the drums NOW and do that drumming myself.

The vibe of the whole song was empowering. It makes me feel like a rockstar and want to stand, grab the mic, and the guitar, and the drums and sing and play it all.

Must I say, what a wonderful song to start the album. Although, may I also tell you this? State of Grace didn't have this effect on me when I heard the preview on GMA. You really have to listen to the whole song to appreciate it.

Lyrics. 



RED

"Faster than the wind, passionate as sin, ending so suddenly."

"Losing him was blue like I'd never known. Missing him was dark grey all alone. Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you've never met. But loving him was red."

I am truly, madly, deeply in love with this song. Sure, this is the song that brought up the whole album. Red.

I freaked out (a good thing) when I first heard that Taylor Swift's upcoming album will be called Red. Red is my favorite color. And red suits her pretty good (red lips, for example). And I'm so excited for the full album. So excited for the song that was called Red. And you just can't imagine what my face must look like when I learned Red will be released as a single before the whole album and when I. FINALLY. HEARD. THE. SONG.

The lyrics (oh God, the lyrics) they are so perfect. The melody. The intro. The 'burning red' part. THE. ENTIRE. SONG. It was wonderful. It was bursting with emotions. It was awesome. Incredible. I'm wonderstrucked. I loved it.

In this song, Taylor sure does how know to let the listener to keep listening to the rest of the album. And never stop.

Lyrics.



TREACHEROUS

"Put your lips close to mine as long as they don't touch."

This is one of the songs that, when I first read the title from the track-listing, I was intrigued. Treacherous.

It is also a song that I instantly loved by just hearing the intro. And the song kept going on, like a water on a river, just going with the flow. From the slow, silent emotion of the first verse to building of strong emotion in the second verse to the high intensity of the bridge to the drop of last note of the ending, I am buried in all those emotions. And I, I, I loved it.

I loved playing this song with my eyes close. It was peace and reckless and treacherous to feel this way, but it's what it did to me.

Treacherous has lyrics that is really matured.

Lyrics. 



I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE

"And I realize, the joke is on me."

I don't like this song. And I don't think I'll ever do. This is what I thought when I heard this song. It's too pop. I don't like pop on her.

But then again, I was wrong.
I finally liked it after a play-ful. I like the fast approach of the verses, but not the sudden drop of chorus. But still, it was really good and yes, chaotic.

Lyrics. 



ALL TOO WELL

"You taught me about your past, thinking your future was me."

"Running scared, I was there. I remember it all too well."

"But you keep my old scarf from that very first week."

This is a sad song, to break it to all of you. A very sad, powerful song. And I also hate to break to you, that I liked this sad song. All too well.

Lyrics. 



22

"It feels like a perfect night to dress up like hipsters and make fun of our exes."

"..we just keep dancing like we're 22."

Get that vibe from the quoted lyrics above? Yes, this is a fun, fun track.

Whenever I hear this song, it makes me wanna party with Taylor and be one of her best friends (lucky Ashley, Dianna, Clare and Selena) and make fun of our exes (or my lack thereof) and daydream about fairytales and unicorns while wearing horrible cartoon-printed pajamas and eat baked sweet delights and dance up all night and sing this song on the top of our lungs.

And feel like 22. Even if I just turned 19. I will do anything to be on that best. Party. Ever.

Lyrics. 



I ALMOST DO

"And I confess, baby. In my dreams, you're touching my face and asking me if I'd want to try again with you. And I almost do."

The melody was so good and so are the lyrics. Even though it's heartbreaking and sad.

This song was written about the same guy from the song All Too Well (correct me if I'm wrong). And guess what? Check out the next track.  ...


WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER

"We are never ever getting back together. Like, ever."

Welcome to the next track. If you'll read the lyrics from the previous song, and go straight to this song, you'll understand what T is trying to say.

Let's connect the quoted lyrics! It goes like this:

"And I confess, baby. In my dreams, you're touching my face and asking me if I'd want to try again with you. And I almost do." BUT "We are never ever getting back together. Like, ever."

I love the melody and energy of this song (and so does my 17-year old sister, my recently broken-hearted cousin and 2-year old sister), the message she's trying to say and everything about this song.

I think it's a clever way to release this song as the first single because when you listen to the entire album, several songs are about the guy this song is preferring to. It's like a warning. Like, listen to this song first. Then you can listen to the rest of the album, but remember this song every after hear-breaking song. We are never ever getting back together.

Lyrics. 



STAY STAY STAY

"..that's when you came in wearing a football helmet and said, 'Okay, let's talk.'"

"Stay stay stay. I've been loving you for quite some time, time, time. You think that it's funny when I'm mad, mad, mad."

"It's been occurring to me, I'd like to hang out with you for my whole life."

I've been seeing comments in Youtube about the intro sounding like a background music when you play a Sim's game on Facebook while you're in a grocery or something. It's really hilarious. But I have to agree. It does sound like one. I knew because I used to play Chefville and Cityville before.

I agree but I think it's cute. The sound of the intro, I mean. I love the fun and feel-good vibe and melody, and the cute and funny lyrics. (It has lyrics that's 'I'm pretty sure we almost broke up last night. I threw my phone across the room at you,' and followed by the first quoted lyrics you've read above.) It reminds me of her rare song called Til Brad Pitt Comes Along. They had the same cute, sweet and funny lyrics.

Stay Stay Stay is one of my fave songs off the album. I also loved the message she's trying to say in this song. And to think this song isn't written for anyone particular.

Lyrics. 



THE LAST TIME (ft. Gary Lightbody)

"This is the last time I'm asking you this: put my name at the top of your list."

Amazing. The intensity of Gary's voice at the beginning of the song til the end was amazing. I can feel it through my skin.

Amazing. The blending of their voices were just right. I've never heard Taylor sang with a male voice that fits perfectly with hers. Amazing.

Amazing. Their voices has the right emotion, right power, right blending (I said that already, didn't I?), and the tune was just right to the meaning of the song. Amazing.

The Last Time is one of the highlights of this album.

Lyrics. 



HOLY GROUND

"Tonight I'm gonna dance for all that we've been through. But I don't wanna dance if I'm not dancing with you."

I don't know what to expect when I read the title of this song. I'm curious of what it might be and and how it will be.

The intro kicked off with a solo guitar then accompanied by fast drum tempo and followed by fast lyrics about reminiscing about her relationship with this guy. The chorus dropped like from IKYWT, but it's no pop. It's country and rock. The near end til ending of the song contains with lyrics you just read above. It's fun and rock. And yes, I loved this song. I could listen and sing and dance with this song forever.

Lyrics. 



SAD BEAUTIFUL TRAGIC

"A beautiful magic love there. What a sad, beautiful, tragic love affair."

Like Treacherous, this song title intrigued me, too. But I knew right away that this will be a slow, sad song.

I thought All Too Well was a sad song. SBT is sadder. This song reminds me of Dear John (track from her last album, Speak Now). It has the same sad story and almost the same tune.

It's just a shame that those lovely lyrics was a product of a broken heart.

Lyrics. 



THE LUCKY ONE

"..and your secrets end up splashed on the news front page. And they tell you're lucky but you're so confused. Cause you don't feel pretty, you just feel used."

If I'd talk about the melody and the tune of the song, I'd say I really liked it. I loved the way she sang it, like there's really a secret she knows.

Lyrics. 



EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED (ft. Ed Sheeran)

"I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time."

Her duet with Ed in this song is different from her duet with Gary. This song is about wanting to know more about this person. But you already know that everything has changed even before the love blooms.

The entire song is sweet. I think a lot of people will love this as well.

Lyrics. 



STARLIGHT

"Don't you see the starlight, starlight? Don't you dream impossible things?"

Simple: I said oh my, what a marvelous tune!
Okay, you want me to talk about it more?

I think this is another wonderful song. I liked the fact that she can write songs based from the photo she saw and stories she was told, like her past songs: Mary's Song and Ronan.

She even make this sound like it was from the nineties (like on the photo she was inspired from) and don't sound old at all. It sounded new, fresh and fabulous. What a marvelous tune, indeed.

Lyrics. 



BEGIN AGAIN

"You don't know how nice that is, but I do."

This was the second single she released and she got it so right. Begin Again is a song about moving on from the past relationship who didn't appreciate her and starting to open her heart to a new person--who understands her.

This song reminds me of the old Taylor. The Taylor I started listening to. They said, and I second the motion, that it sound like her and it really is Taylor Swift. It's like a trademark. The tune, the lyrics, the melody, the feeling and the guitars. It was really nice and I loved it.

I recall myself having this song on repeat when it was released and never got tired of listening. Even up to now.

It was another sneaky and clever of her to put this song at the last because she's asking the obvious: Play this record again. Begin Again. Like she admittedly did on her self-titled debut album where she put Our Song on the last because it has lyrics like, "Play it again". It's simple yet sneaky way to ask you to play it again. Clever.

Lyrics. 



[Deluxe disc 2]

THE MOMENT I KNEW

"And it was like slow motion, Standing there in my party dress. In red lipstick, with no one to impress."

I could honestly say that this song is my least favorite. But the lyrics were oh-so heart-breaking.

Lyrics. 


COME BACK..BE HERE

"How strange that I don't know you at all."

"I don't wanna miss you like this."

This song was obviously written for this British dude from an uber popular boyband that I also loved. But I try not to think about it whenever I'm listening to this song.

I loved it and I can relate on some of the lyrics, especially the chorus.

Lyrics.


GIRL AT HOME

This song was written for the same guy from the previous song according to the rumors.

I think it's catchy and at the same time, it's not. A very nice balance between the two. I really liked it. Though I'm having hard time in listening to the songs about this guy.

Lyrics.

*You can have these additional songs if you buy the deluxe edition of the album! It also includes three original demos of Red, Treacherous and State of Grace.


My overall thoughts:

Red is a new album from Taylor Swift where you can sense her new level of maturity. It did so in her lyrics and tune of all of her songs. Listening to the entire album brought me to all kinds of love and heartache and moving on and being fun once again. There might be some pop-sounded songs but most of it are still country (though I noticed that banjo had gone missing except in the Red track) and some also sounded rock.

My personal favorites are Red, State of Grace, Stay Stay Stay, All Too Well, Treacherous, The Lucky One, Holy Ground, I Almost Do, Starlight, Begin Again. It seemed like I mentioned all the songs! Why, they're all lovely. What can I do?

Once again, all the lyrics are wonderful. It never cease to amaze me whenever I read lyrics written and co-written by Taylor. It's very real, honest and fearless. I love every part of this album and I don't think I'll ever get tired of listening to it (like how I didn't from her past songs).

I can proudly recommend this to all Swifties and non-Swifties.

Buy RED album now!


P.S
Wanna check out the freebies I got in purchasing this album?
Here it is...

Taylor Swift 2013 calendar, imported plastic folder, (3) Red-inspired button pins, Covergirl bag, Covergirl Taylor Swift poster and a Covergirl coupon. A Wayfarer should be an additional freebie, but when I came in the album launch event, they were out of stock already.

Note: These were freebies from Odyssey, a local record store here in the Philippines. The Covergirl swag were claimed during the album launch event. I'm not sure if you buy the deluxe edition, you can still get the calendar and plastic folder.


SO. Have you listened to RED? What're your thoughts about it? Personal faves? Least faves? Haven't heard of it or not a fan? Would you consider in listening?
Don't be shy, there's the comment box below! :)


*The songs you're currently hearing on the blog is an 8-track preview from the album. Songs include: State of Grace, Red, Treacherous, Stay Stay Stay, The Last Time, The Lucky One, Girl at Home, and Starlight. Enjoy!