born
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can't come to the phone right now
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Post by born on Feb 5, 2020 4:24:47 GMT -5
^ I’ve been replaying that part over and over again. The fact that it starts with her figuring out the melody on piano like it’s some big ballad... God I love that idiot  |
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Marooned@Midnight
6x Platinum Member
It’s me…HI!…I’m the problem, it’s me
Joined: September 2007
Posts: 6,785
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Post by Marooned@Midnight on Feb 5, 2020 5:48:28 GMT -5
The Me thing is baffling. She was clearly so sure that was IT. And she’s usually so right about these things. I honestly still can’t put my finger on what makes that song not work in the way that it does. I actually like it...it’s very catchy, the production is enjoyable, and Brandon adds a lot to the song. Having said that, it’s one of the worst on the album to me. Maybe Max could have saved it had he been involved? It’s definitely missing something. I just have no idea what.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2020 11:42:48 GMT -5
The Me thing is baffling. She was clearly so sure that was IT. And she’s usually so right about these things. I honestly still can’t put my finger on what makes that song not work in the way that it does. I actually like it...it’s very catchy, the production is enjoyable, and Brandon adds a lot to the song. Having said that, it’s one of the worst on the album to me. Maybe Max could have saved it had he been involved? It’s definitely missing something. I just have no idea what. I think the rather standard production kind of brings the song down. The use of horns in particular is rather reminiscent to Panic!'s own "High Hopes", which created a feel of repetitiveness to the GP. There have been plenty of songs with ridiculously silly lyrics, but a great production usually makes it a non-factor. In this case, it really feels like there's something missing to make it tighter and catchier like Swift's own "Shake It Off". I think you're right - bringing a producer like Max Martin would have made it a bigger earworm, because the song had potential. Also, maybe Taylor's delivery could have been better - the vocoder on her verses does not work as well as it should, and her toned-down performance provides a stark contrast to Brendon's ebullient, theatrical performance, which just makes their vocal chemistry uneven. |
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Post by neverduplicated on Feb 5, 2020 12:36:53 GMT -5
"Me!" is definitely one of the weaker tracks on the album, but I think it's super fun and cute, and I don't think it was as bad of a decision as most people make it out to be. Surely there must be a lot of people who do like the song as it's in the top 200 on global Spotify and still doing pretty well on iTunes. It also did extremely well in China. I think it did a good job of setting the tone for the era of Taylor being at a place in her life where she can love herself and be happy.
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Lumi
4x Platinum Member
I feel so sad, you should be sad
Joined: March 2018
Posts: 4,788
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Post by Lumi on Feb 5, 2020 16:41:46 GMT -5
ME! sounds kinda like a demo in the mastered version but sounded good in the docu... Idk if that's just me.
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13
Charting
Joined: September 2019
Posts: 215
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Post by 13 on Feb 5, 2020 20:16:42 GMT -5
The Me thing is baffling. She was clearly so sure that was IT. And she’s usually so right about these things. I honestly still can’t put my finger on what makes that song not work in the way that it does. I actually like it...it’s very catchy, the production is enjoyable, and Brandon adds a lot to the song. Having said that, it’s one of the worst on the album to me. Maybe Max could have saved it had he been involved? It’s definitely missing something. I just have no idea what. That's a really interesting point! I find the production, especially some of the drums, off-putting and I think Max could have smoothed it out and made it glitter a little more. Also, maybe he would have the sense to fix that godawful bridge  |
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nick64
Diamond Member
Joined: November 2011
Posts: 14,438
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Post by nick64 on Feb 6, 2020 1:25:34 GMT -5
Finally got a chance to watch Miss Americana and I really liked it. I’m glad they didn’t just put out a lazy “biopic doc” that just follows her career like an outsider. This felt like something she was passionate about and almost needed to make.
Getting a view into her mindset and decision making process was fascinating. This is probably the most raw version of her we’ve ever seen, and I actually don’t find it very calculated at all. It doesn’t paint her in a perfect light, it paints her as a person. Every person makes decisions based on some type of rationale, and this shows us her rationale, regardless of if her decisions were right or wrong.
I also really enjoyed seeing the evolution of this mindset. From an insecure girl craving approval to America’s sweetheart trained to fit a perfect image to the “calculating snake” at her most low internally to a maturing woman who has managed to find some source of peace and comfort as well as the strength to use her position in her own way. It’s a fascinating arc, and Lana Wilson does a great job at depicting that. I had no idea how instrumental certain aspects of Taylor’s life were to her political viewpoints, or how much she struggled with body image, but those made for some of the most powerful scenes.
Finally, the behind-the-scenes stuff was a nice look into her process. It’s funny and she has a fun personality. Yeah, “ME!” wasn’t quite the moment she intended, but that’s fine. As for the Grammy nom reaction, it’s totally normal to feel that way. I actually really respect that she showed that, because ironically and as expected, some people have tried to spin a narrative out of it. She’s proud of her work and wants to give us her best. Fine by me.
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nickd
4x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2017
Posts: 4,416
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Post by nickd on Feb 6, 2020 10:03:57 GMT -5
It's a bit ironic to see some people dragging her for expecting to get nominated when this is the girl who kept getting dragged for being surprised she won.
I think she was obviously always hoping to win, because she responds to that kind of feedback, but I think aside from Billboard awards that are mostly based on stats that would be available to her team, she could never know for sure that she would win (and did in fact lose even at her peak) and has always been aware that her run at the top would one day end, so there's nothing wrong with her being excited about winning. And there's nothing wrong with being disappointed at not getting nominated either, even though I'm sure she was aware that "reputation" wasn't universally acclaimed, it still had quite a few positive reviews and topped the year end chart. Plenty of people here thought it was a contender for a nomination, so I can see why she was hoping for one too. Also, as we all know, she does put quite a lot into her albums and eras, she's involved creatively in most aspects, and her albums are usually fairly personal, which are both factors that would contribute to her taking rejection of her work more personally.
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Post by collegedropout on Feb 6, 2020 11:04:22 GMT -5
After 5 months or so
1. Archer
2. Cornelia St
3. Death By A Thousand Cuts
4. Cruel Summer
5. Lover
6. Miss Americana
7. Afterglow
8. Soon You'll Get Better
9. I Think He Knows
10. Daylight
11. False God
The rest...
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born
Diamond Member
can't come to the phone right now
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Posts: 12,562
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Post by born on Feb 6, 2020 11:25:16 GMT -5
After 5 months or so 1. Archer  |
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Post by neverduplicated on Feb 6, 2020 14:53:19 GMT -5
I actually relate a lot to Taylor's disappointment over not being nominated for one of the big Grammy's. I'm also someone who strives for excellence in what I do, and I get disappointed by not winning or being recognized for something I've put a lot of work into. Like Taylor, it doesn't lead me to a breakdown, but it makes me want to work harder. I actually think that fire and ambition to improve is an admirable quality that makes people like her and me successful. I do agree it isn't healthy to let something like awards dictate everything you do, but I think being disappointed and using that as motivation for improvement makes a lot of sense.
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nickd
4x Platinum Member
Joined: November 2017
Posts: 4,416
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Post by nickd on Feb 6, 2020 17:03:18 GMT -5
Taylor Swift has moved over from Sony-ATV to Universal Music Group Publishing. www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/taylor-swift-signs-exclusive-global-publishing-deal-with-umpg/As part of the press release, it's been announced that she's reached 54 billion global streams, meaning around 25 billion outside of Spotify and Youtube (probably mostly Apple Music, Amazon, and Asian platforms) as well as 97 million album equivalents. They also confirm Lover surpassed 3 million equivalents first week worldwide and state it has has now surpassed 5 million SPS WW. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2020 17:09:00 GMT -5
The Archer has greatly grown on me as of late, probably is my 5th or 6th favorite
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Post by neverduplicated on Feb 6, 2020 17:27:16 GMT -5
Taylor Swift has moved over from Sony-ATV to Universal Music Group Publishing. www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/taylor-swift-signs-exclusive-global-publishing-deal-with-umpg/As part of the press release, it's been announced that she's reached 54 billion global streams, meaning around 25 billion outside of Spotify and Youtube (probably mostly Apple Music, Amazon, and Asian platforms) as well as 97 million album equivalents. They also confirm Lover surpassed 3 million equivalents first week worldwide and state it has has now surpassed 5 million SPS WW. Almost 100 million album equivalents!!! That's insane! That put her in an incredibly elite category, though we already knew she was in that category. It won't take her long to pass 100 million. |
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Anticonformity
Platinum Member
Dancing My F*ck Off
Joined: January 2007
Posts: 1,573
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Post by Anticonformity on Feb 7, 2020 2:06:22 GMT -5
I am an Archer stan since it dropped... literally one of her best songs and sadly I relate to every line...
I mean damn that 2nd verse(s) alone shook me...
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kamala 2024 truther
Diamond Member
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Best Country Poster 2023 and 2x Woman of the Year!!!
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Post by kamala 2024 truther on Feb 7, 2020 6:57:43 GMT -5
I am an Archer stan since it dropped... literally one of her best songs and sadly I relate to every line... I mean damn that 2nd verse(s) alone shook me... If that's not describing an anxiety attack...related on every level, also They see right through/Can you see right through me?/I see right through me was also very related to. It's my #2 on the album because I relate just as hard to SYGB, but I'm a #1 Archer stan for sure. Hoping Stranger Things puts it on the next season's soundtrack! |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2020 13:32:53 GMT -5
Happy you're all starting to acknowledge "The Archer" for the absolute masterpiece it is, both in a lyrical and production standpoint.
In my opinion, the only truly bad song on "Lover" is "You Need To Calm Down", because it features two interesting premises that do not work together at all. She should have either tackled online hate (the better option) or homophobia, but mixing the two comes across as incredibly naive and tone-deaf. Also, the sing-rapping really needs to stop, sorry. She's better than this.
"London Boy" and "ME!" are cute but not great, and the generic production brings them both down. "I Forgot That You Existed" works as an opener, but the message could have been better. And while I like "Daylight" 's lyrics, I think the song goes on for way too long, and it would have been much better as an album closer interlude.
The rest range from charming experimental songs ("It's Nice To Have A Friend") to truly brilliant tracks showcasing the best of Taylor's skills and featuring some incredible and nostalgic production. I think the album will hold up wonderfully in the upcoming years, but we'll have to wait and see 😉
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Post by collegedropout on Feb 7, 2020 14:05:47 GMT -5
Archer is a masterpiece. The only flaw is that "kings horses" line. Even more noticeable because it precedes one of her best lines "all of my enemies"
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tryexp
Gold Member
Joined: December 2015
Posts: 871 
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Post by tryexp on Feb 7, 2020 16:45:57 GMT -5
Archer is one of the songs that I actually love the lyrics, but find the production really terrible and not fitting the song at all, so don't hear that often.
On the documentary, it's great to see Taylor reset her priorities and while still trying to be at the top of her game, now has a balanced view of life. It's true what they say about your 30s being a lot better than your 20s. But I think the doc also raised important points about the music industry and the people that are drawn to it anyway, and I would advise any young minds wanting to pursue a career in the show biz to watch it.
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Future Captain
4x Platinum Member
hi, i'm the visual representation of untreated mental illnesses
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Posts: 4,021
My Charts
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Post by Future Captain on Feb 7, 2020 18:28:19 GMT -5
Yeah The Archer grew a lot on me partly thanks to an AMV I stumbled upon a little while ago. The lyrics are just so raw.
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Post by Rose "Payola" Nylund on Feb 7, 2020 18:34:33 GMT -5
I love the atmosphere of The Archer, with the subtle pulsating beat that carries it.
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Lumi
4x Platinum Member
I feel so sad, you should be sad
Joined: March 2018
Posts: 4,788
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Post by Lumi on Feb 7, 2020 19:03:49 GMT -5
"The Archer" is an absolute beauty. It's not in my top 10 but it's very close. A stunning song.
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Anticonformity
Platinum Member
Dancing My F*ck Off
Joined: January 2007
Posts: 1,573
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Post by Anticonformity on Feb 8, 2020 2:37:07 GMT -5
I am an Archer stan since it dropped... literally one of her best songs and sadly I relate to every line... I mean damn that 2nd verse(s) alone shook me... If that's not describing an anxiety attack...related on every level, also They see right through/Can you see right through me?/I see right through me was also very related to. It's my #2 on the album because I relate just as hard to SYGB, but I'm a #1 Archer stan for sure. Hoping Stranger Things puts it on the next season's soundtrack! Wanna write a thesis on The Archer with me?  Seriously feel you all the way...I could talk about that song all day and how each line has a different meaning etc... I cut off my nose just to spite my own face, then I hate my reflection for years and yearsI never knew such a simple line could explain my horrific decade+ battle with anorexia...  |
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spiritboy
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Posts: 3,400
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Post by spiritboy on Feb 8, 2020 4:41:56 GMT -5
I loved The Archer the moment i heard it. It reminds me of Out Of The Woods, my fave track from 1989.
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born
Diamond Member
can't come to the phone right now
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Post by born on Feb 8, 2020 4:58:51 GMT -5
Taylor’s documentary is getting good reviews and Pulse loves “The Archer”. I’m peaking right now
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samo🦕
Diamond Member
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looking at the big sky
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Post by samo🦕 on Feb 8, 2020 6:17:36 GMT -5
loving this "The Archer" love, even if it's dropped to 3rd in my rankings at this point
speaking of:
1. Cornelia Street
2. Paper Rings (this top 2 is interchangeable though, they're both fantastic)
3. The Archer
4. Cruel Summer
5. Death By A Thousand Cuts
6. I Think He Knows
7. Afterglow
8. I Forgot That You Existed
9. Lover
10. The Man
11. You Need To Calm Down
I don't listen to the rest of the album often enough to definitively rank it, but this is probably what the rest of it would look like:
12. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince
13. Soon You'll Get Better
14. Daylight
15. False God
16. London Boy
17. ME!
18. It's Nice To Have A Friend
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deepston
5x Platinum Member
Nightmare Dressed Like a Kitty
just like a folk song, our love will be passed on
Joined: August 2017
Posts: 5,661
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Post by deepston on Feb 8, 2020 8:47:11 GMT -5
Literally a couple of months everyone hated "The Archer". Now it's a staple among everyone's favorites... Me and born being the OG Archer stans and everyone following our footsteps, we love to see it. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2020 9:22:33 GMT -5
Of the songs on the album, never liked Paper Rings
It never grew on me and just felt out of place and juvenile
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kamala 2024 truther
Diamond Member
Pulse’s #1 Conan Stan
Best Country Poster 2023 and 2x Woman of the Year!!!
Joined: October 2019
Posts: 16,392
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Post by kamala 2024 truther on Feb 8, 2020 9:42:17 GMT -5
Literally a couple of months everyone hated "The Archer". Now it's a staple among everyone's favorites... Me and born being the OG Archer stans and everyone following our footsteps, we love to see it. Can I join your club lol? The Archer was my #2 (tied for #1 really) song from the moment I heard the entire album. One of my favorite Taylor songs ever |
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born
Diamond Member
can't come to the phone right now
BLACK LIVES MATTER
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Post by born on Feb 8, 2020 9:47:39 GMT -5
Can I join your club lol? The Archer was my #2 (tied for #1 really) song from the moment I heard the entire album. One of my favorite Taylor songs ever I might make an exception for a fellow Libra like you are. |
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