Comments on: Single Review: Taylor Swift, “Begin Again”

By: Erik North

Erik North — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:25:19 +0000

I confess that I have gotten a little taken with “Begin Again” recently, which is something I didn’t think I would be able to say about anything Taylor has done. It was surprisingly just a few listens on the radio that it got to me. Although I am still bugged by her irritating vocal mannerisms (something that I think she really has to get rid of before I’m sold on her as a singer), the acoustic folk/country vibe of “Begin Again” almost made me believe she had inhabited Laurel Canyon in a past life, specifically of course in the heyday of the singer/songwriter era of the late 60s and early 70s.

And as I pointed out in September of last year, given that she may portray Joni Mitchell onscreen, this is possibly a sign of things to come. The singing and songwriting still need a lot of work in my opinion, but it just may be that I may someday be sold on her.

By: Tom P

Tom P — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:32:54 +0000

From the country stations I listen to I am 100% positive that “Begin Again” is not #1, so there has to be some big machine somewhere doing some typical big business unethical move. I am sure Taylor is a good person. I hope one day she will actually insists to her executives to play fair and let her songs chart (good or bad)in an honest way.

By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:59:28 +0000

Well it seems like label politics got “Begin Again” to #1 anyway. It jumped about 900 spins in the last week. No other song in the top 50 has even a 700 spin increase. Considering how long “BA” has been out, that’s really sketchy.

By: Pacey

Pacey — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:35:44 +0000

The song’s good and it fits nicely into the country radio format. it’s just sad that with the new hot country charts methodology, it won’t be the prestigious and well-known #1 that it used to be coz it’s just #1 on country airplay! :( I expect Red to be her next country single. Can’t believe such an old song like ‘Wanted’ got #1 on Hot Country Songs this week! the Hot Country Songs is like a HOT MESS and all over the place!

By: Jess

Jess — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:27:45 +0000

Can someone explain how Tim McGraw’s song has the most spins and impressions at Mediabase, yet this Swift song is actually ranked #1? It makes no sense.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:05:03 +0000

@Ben – Thanks!

By: Ben Foster

Ben Foster — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:00:20 +0000

Lynn,
I believe one of our writers has a review of Red in the works. Stay tuned!

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:31:07 +0000

Will there be a review of her album “Red” here at Country Universe? Thanks

By: Kelli

Kelli — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:44:50 +0000

With this logic, “It’s becoming more troublesome that her sense of self-worth and happiness is always inextricably linked to whatever man is currently the object of her affection,” then one would have to assume that Carrie Underwood is a complete man-hater who spends her time plotting destruction and mayhem against men. Taylor sings about her experiences and, proving what a smart business woman she is, she knows how to appeal to what sells to her fan base.

By: Sweetcheeks

Sweetcheeks — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:37:11 +0000

A lot of country music is about romantic relationships (getting it, keeping it, losing it, et cetera). Radio does cover other themes, of course, but I don’t think Swift is all that unique here.

The review asks, “There has to be more to her than that, right?” I’m sure there’s more to her as a person than an interest in boys. But what do I care? I’m interested in hearing catchy songs from her, not some sort of authentic self-disclosure.

I do think there is a danger she will beat certain themes into the ground, but again, same could be said for Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Justin Moore, and so many others.