Over the span of her 13-year career, Taylor Swift has released six vastly different albums that vary both in topic and in genre. “Lover,” Swift’s seventh album, released Aug. 23 this year, pays tribute to them all.

All of the varying artistic styles Swift has used in the past come together in her new album. She nods to the old Taylor with songs about high school love, to her years as a pop artist with synthesizer music and even to her 2017 release “Reputation” with the song “The Man” in which she rejects others’ opinions of her.

In style, “Lover” is most similar to Swift’s 2014 album “1989.” Both albums contain similar instrumentals and share a lyrical style. “1989” contained lots of subtle rhymes and random word association, and “Lover” is no different. “1989” was chock full of lyrics like “red lip, classic” and “James Dean, daydream.” Similarly, in “London Boy” from “Lover,” Swift sings about her love for “Springsteen, faded blue jeans” and “Whiskey, Tennessee.” 

“Lover,” however, differs from all her past work in one crucial way. Swift’s latest album seems to be the only one in her repertoire where she is genuinely happy. With a track-list of 18 peppy songs, “Lover” conveys an altogether upbeat light-hearted mood. And although this album, similar to her past ones, reflects on one of her romantic relationships, this time it does so in a positive light. This, to say the least, is a different take for her. 

After all, Swift is known for her songs “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Getting Back Together” where her desired message speaks for itself. “Lover,” as the album title suggests, is about being head-over-heels in love. The individual song titles transition from negative titles like “Bad Blood,” “Look What You Made Me Do,” “Better Than Revenge” and “I Did Something Bad” to delightfully cheerful titles like “Daylight,” “It’s Nice To Have A Friend,” “ME!,””Soon You’ll Get Better” and “Lover.”

Opinion articles written by staff members represent their personal views. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent WSPN as a publication.