A lyrical legacy

From+her+first+album+to+her+most+recent+release%2C+Taylor+Swift+has+become+an+American+musical+icon.+But+for+some+people+she+is+past+her+prime%2C+while+for+others%2C+she+is+still+in+her+peak.+

Big Machine Records/ Republic Records

From her first album to her most recent release, Taylor Swift has become an American musical icon. But for some people she is past her prime, while for others, she is still in her peak.

Athena Tseng, Editor-in-Chief

Ten albums. Two re-recorded albums. Five world tours. Three Album of the Year awards.

Taylor Swift has become a household name for a reason.

Despite people discrediting her work,  she has transformed the music industry. Since the release of her debut album, Taylor Swift, in October 2006, she has broken dozens of records, including the most American Music Awards, most VMA video of the year wins, and the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify

This has transcended to her newest release of her album, Midnights, as well by being the first artist to occupy all top 10 songs of Billboard Hot 100 and her announced tour, Taylor Swift: the Eras Tour, is projected to be the largest grossing tour in U.S. history beating her own record of her previous tour, the Reputation Stadium Tour

From her country roots (Taylor Swift to Red) to pop (1989 to Lover) to folk (Folklore and Evermore) to her re-recordings (Taylor’s Version), she has constantly kept the same high quality of lyricism and musicality. Showing her talent as not only a musician but a songwriter as she has written all of her own songs.

After losing her master tracks to Scooter Braun in 2019, she was unable to perform and lost royalties to six of her albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation.

However, she took matters into her own hands by re-recording her old albums and has advocated for artist’s rights and altered the way artists manage their music. 

Many top artists now credit her as their musical inspiration such as Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, and Phoebe Bridgers. This just highlights the influence Swift has left on the music industry even beyond her songs. 

Being one of the most successful female artists, advocating for music rights, and paving the way for young artists, Taylor Swift’s legacy on the music industry is undeniable and will leave a lasting mark for decades to come.