Taylor Swift (by Taylor Swift, Country)

common sense media says

Young, talented star sings about heartache.

parents & educators say

33% say there are positive role models
33% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Taylor Swift, a teen country sensation, writes from the heart about subjects of interest to other tweens and teens -- mostly the tricky business of negotiating relationships when you don't have a lot of experience and can't help wearing your heart on your sleeve. The lyrics and messages are fine for kids to hear.

Positive messages: Any teen standing up for herself via terrific song lyrics sends a good, strong message, though titles like "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" may evoke a parental sigh.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Some very mild innuendo of the "it was a moment of weakness and you said yes" variety.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A passing mention of a beer or two; not much to worry about.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the song "Teardrops on My Guitar," about a girl's unrequited crush on a guy who loves someone else (raise your hand if you've never been there!). What would you do if you were the one with the crush? Also, "Should've Said No" draws a hard line with a boyfriend caught cheating. Do you think dumping the guy is appropriate, or might there be some room for explanation and even forgiveness?

What's the story?

Like many established artists who've preceded her, Taylor Swift tends to write the same song over and over again -- but it's a darn good one, with the radio-friendly musical hooks, catchy lyrics, and expressive delivery that have made this teen a country music sensation. She nails teen love and heartbreak in lyrics like "he's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar/he's the reason I've been wishing on the wishing star" and "so watch me strike a match on all my wasted time/as far as I'm concerned you're just another picture to burn."

Is it any good?

With lovely production heavy on acoustic instrumentals (you'll hear dobro, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin tracks carefully mixed over a highly-skilled rhythm section with journeyman professionalism), Taylor's dusky yet childlike vocals reach directly for the teen heart. Though she has her vocal limitations, this young artist is smart enough to understand her strengths and play to them -- and smart enough to write a terrific song.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: March 18, 2008
Label: Big Machine Records
Genre: Country

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:

33% say there are positive role models
33% say there are positive messages

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Christian_girl
teen, 17 years old

Good Album With Catchy Songs

I figure that the best way for me to review this CD is to tell you about each song individually. (1) Tim Mcgraw: This song has almost nothing to do with Tim Mcgraw. It's about a girl whose boyfriend broke up with her months ago and she still can't get over it. (2) Picture to Burn: You cheated on me... you're stupid! (3) Teardrops On My Guitar: The girl has a crush on some guy, but there's one little snag. He already has a girlfriend. (4) Place In This World: It's about a girl trying to find a place in this world. (5) Cold As You: I loved you, you didn't love me. You think I would've noticed. Contains 1 D-word (6) The Outside: Ask me out! (7) Tied Together With A Smile: Girl, don't you know you're beautiful? (8) Stay Beautiful: Boy, you're cooler than you think. Ask me out! (9) Should've Said No: Get outta here, cheater! (10) Oh, My, My, My: Two childhood friends get married. The only line I don't approve of is "I was seven and you were nine... I dared you to kiss me and ran when you tried." I mean, what is that about? (11) Our Song: Some girl is whining about how her and her boyfriend don't have a song. He tells her that their song is all the good times they've had. Aww... (12) I'm Only Me When I'm With You: Duh. (13) Invisible: Stop looking at her, look at me. Ask me out! (14) Perfectly Good Heart: My heart... "it's not unbroken anymore."

Music Details

Artist

Label

Genre

Taylor Swift (by Taylor Swift, Country)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Taylor Swift

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review Taylor Swift

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Good Album With Catchy Songs

What The??

Tayler for ever

Love the music once again!!!!

I <3 T-Swizzle!!

Great songs for any age i mean ANY!

GREAT

7+

9+

Good singer

Great Role-model

Stupidest Singer Ever!

Normal Human Being

Taylor Swift Rocks!!!!!!!!

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