Popular Reputation album reviews
- Pitchfork
- Rolling Stone
- Variety
Pitchfork‘s Reputation review summary
Pitchfork‘s album rating: 6.5
For Pitchfork’s Jamieson Cox, Reputation drummed up a mixed perspective and a review that doesn’t hold back, acknowledging both the album’s strengths and shortcomings.
Let’s take a look at what he had to say back in his original 2017 review.
Pitchfork‘s Reputation review summary
Released in 2017, Reputation marked a significant departure from Swift’s earlier work, with a shift towards more aggressive, pop-driven sounds.
The album reflects Swift’s transition from a universally acclaimed songwriter known for her love songs and witty takedowns to a more defensive, embattled figure in the public eye, grappling with various controversies.
Reputation is recognized for its exploration of darker themes like obsession, jealousy, and lust, a contrast to Swift’s earlier focus on family-friendly romances.
The album’s production, led by Max Martin, Shellback, and Jack Antonoff, is described as maximalist, featuring prominent bass drops and electronic influences. Swift’s vocal style on the album is noted for its focus on rhythm and cadence rather than melody, showcasing a different aspect of her artistry.
Reputation is acknowledged for its strong hooks and memorable phrases but is also seen as a departure from Swift’s core talent for storytelling and lyrical prowess. The album’s final track, “New Year’s Day,” is singled out for its return to Swift’s more traditional songwriting style, highlighting her ability to craft poignant narratives with minimal words.
Overall, the review suggests that while Reputation showcases Swift’s versatility and willingness to experiment, it may have strayed somewhat from the key qualities that initially established her reputation.
Read Pitchfork‘s full Reputation review, then check out more of Jamieson Cox’s work.
Rolling Stone‘s Reputation review summary
Rolling Stone‘s album rating: 4 stars
This review from Rolling Stone‘s Rob Sheffield of Taylor Swift’s Reputation is largely positive, highlighting it as a significant shift in her artistic direction. He also sees Rep as Swift’s most intimate work yet, showcasing a deeper and more introspective approach compared to her previous albums.
Sheffield notes that while Reputation was expected to be a celebrity self-pity album, especially following the single “Look What You Made Me Do,” it surprisingly focuses on adult love songs and Swift’s personal growth.
The album is commended for exploring themes of love, obsession, and identity, moving away from Swift’s earlier narratives of romance to more complex emotional landscapes.
Notable elements include Swift’s first recorded profanity and an exploration of sexual themes, which mark a departure from her previous image. Collaborations with artists like Future and Ed Sheeran on songs like “End Game” are highlighted for their unexpectedness and effectiveness.
The production, handled by Max Martin, Shellback, and Jack Antonoff, is described by Sheffield as bombastic and synth-heavy, building on the style introduced in 1989. He also appreciates the album’s emotional stakes and Swift’s ability to convey vivid imagery and detail in her songs, despite moving away from the storytelling style of her earlier works.
Overall, Sheffield’s review acknowledges Swift’s continued evolution as an artist, maintaining her signature style while embracing new sounds and themes. Reputation is seen as a testament to Swift’s versatility and capacity for reinvention.
Read Rolling Stone‘s full review, then follow Rob Sheffield on Twitter (X).
Variety‘s Reputation review summary:
Variety‘s Chris Willman has an overall positive opinion of Taylor Swift’s Reputation, highlighting it as a distinctive and significant work in her discography.
He lauds the album for its integration of contemporary rhythmic pop with confessional singer-songwriter elements, a combination that Willman finds particularly effective.
In his review, Willman recognizes Rep as an intimate exploration of Swift’s personal experiences, particularly focusing on her relationship with actor Joe Alwyn and her reaction to public controversies, including her feud with Kanye West.
He appreciates Swift’s shift towards more mature themes, including love and vulnerability. This is exemplified in songs like “Delicate,” “I Did Something Bad,” and “Dress,” which are seen as departures from her previous image and narratives.
Reputation is described as cohesive and electronic, moving away from Swift’s country roots to embrace urban, R&B, and EDM influences. The production, mainly handled by Jack Antonoff, Max Martin, and Shellback, is commended for maintaining a consistent sonic theme throughout the album. However, Willman also notes that this stylistic consistency might alienate some long-time fans.
Standout tracks for Willman include the sensual “Dress,” the catchy “End Game” featuring Future and Ed Sheeran, and the reflective “New Year’s Day.” The rest of the album, he notes, is great at balancing different aspects of Swift’s personality, from playfulness in “Gorgeous” to a more complex, world-weary perspective in other songs.
Overall, Willman’s review praises Swift for her ability to blend percussiveness with lyrical honesty, making Reputation stand out in the modern pop landscape.
Read Variety‘s full Reputation review, then follow Chris Willman on Twitter (X).
What the Swifties say about Reputation
According to fans on Reddit, here are some of their favorite themes found on Reputation:
- Public Image and Media Perception: A central theme of Reputation is Taylor’s relationship with her public image. Songs like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “I Did Something Bad” reflect her response to media scrutiny and public criticism, portraying a more defiant and unapologetic side of her.
- Love and Intimacy in the Spotlight: Amid the exploration of fame and reputation, Taylor delves into the dynamics of love under the public eye. Tracks like “Delicate” and “Gorgeous” explore the complexities of developing romantic relationships when you’re constantly in the limelight.
- Empowerment and Self-Discovery: There’s a strong undercurrent of empowerment and finding strength in oneself. Reputation showcases a Taylor Swift who’s more confident and assertive, as seen in songs like “…Ready for It?” and “End Game”.
- Darkness and Edginess: The album has a darker, more edgy sound compared to her previous works. This is reflected in both the production and the lyrics, which often have a more aggressive and bold tone.
- Vulnerability Amidst Chaos: Despite its tough exterior, Reputation also has moments of vulnerability and sincerity. “New Year’s Day” and “Call It What You Want” offer a softer, more introspective look at love and loyalty.
- Narrative of Redemption and Recovery: The album can be seen as a narrative of redemption and recovery, moving from the chaos and confusion of a tarnished reputation to finding love and peace in a more private life.
- Contrast Between Old and New Self: Throughout Reputation, there’s a motif of the ‘old Taylor’ versus the ‘new Taylor,’ symbolizing her evolution and how she’s grappling with her changing identity.
Read more Reputation talk from Swifties on Reddit
According to critics and fans alike, Reputation is a complex, multi-layered album where Taylor Swift takes control of her narrative, presenting a persona that’s both resilient and reflective. It’s a mix of bold pop and electronic sounds, showing a different side of Taylor’s artistry.
