Red

No REALLY, I'm serious. My wife doesn't get it. My friends don't get it. My family doesn't get it. But I think some other people who listened to and love this CD get it. This is not just another album. Taylor Swift, somewhere along the line, went from just another Country Music Generic Girl to a song-writing GENIUS. Maybe she grew up. Maybe she got her 10 years/10,000 hours ala Mozart. I don't know. But all I know is something CHANGED in that woman. Her music was good before. Not mostly my cup of tea (except a few songs from Fearless), but good. Then I heard snippets from some of the songs in Red in various commercials for Cola and Stores. I got curious. I decided to check out at the album at my local library... OMG Yeah, yeah. Young kids love Taylor Swift. My hipster friends like to make fun of her. I'm a 36-year-old male. Not my demographic. Blah, blah, blah. I mostly listen to video game music, film scores, and orchestral recording. When I DO listen to music with lyrics I like to listen to every kind of music under the sun (country, pop, easy-listening, classic rock, 80's, 90's, metal, joke albums, folk music, etc). So when I say that music is genius, I'm saying this after a lifetime of love of every kind of music from classical to broadway to radio. And this album is undoubtedly genius. Every song...EVERY SONG Let's be honest. Most albums released have one or two great songs that deserve to be hits, and the rest are kinda forgettable. Rare is the album that you want to put in your cd player or record player and listen to beginning to end (which is why retro records are such a huge deal these days IMO; people like the old albums that told a great story over the course of an album). But boy is this ever an album to listen to all-the-way through. The beat, rhythm, pacing, lyrics, vocals, instrumentation, is just...perfect is not the word. These songs are written, performed, and perfected by a GENIUS. Yeah, yeah. Auto-tune is a thing. Voices can be adjusted in the studio to improve them. So....what? The end product is what matters on an album, and the end product here is extraordinary. You see all the influences here. Some of the songs are reminiscent of U2, Mandy Moore, Michelle Branch, Cher, and all your favorite Pop music. But there's a quickness, a flexibility, and vivacious enthusiasm and genuine emotion that is Taylor Swift, and it is straining to escape in every track, like she's got something she desperately needs to tell you and can barely hold it in. Perhaps that's why I love this album so much. I have Aspergers. I can't feel empathy from people around me in the real world. So I love "anvil-dropping" emotion. I love to know clearly and obviously how someone feels (in a video game, a TV show, a movie, a book, and especially in music). And in this album Taylor wears her emotions on her sleeve and the melodrama is glorious. And the lyrics are brilliant. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22 I cannot for the life of me understand why my wife and her friends do not love the song "22" to death, except perhaps as Taylor is very much aware, it's "cool" to hate her, and hipster music "is so much cooler than me". To that, all I can say is...it's not easy to be number 1. It's not easy to be at the top of the world (only place to do is down). As Dale Carnegie pointed out in his books, all the other kids want to "kick the king" (true story). And in my mind's eye I can imagine Taylor Swift walking off stage at a massive concert full of screaming fans and having a sobbing breakdown like the gold medalist from the film "Chariots of Fire" when another competitor says "what's wrong with him?" and a man replies "It's a terrible thing to win. Hope you never have to experience it." Yes, Taylor is well-aware that she's loved and hated. And uses it to add fuel to her creative fire. And with "22" she used it to create the anthem of a generation. That's not the only case of brilliant lyrics, but it is perhaps the most obvious. Her lyrics are like poems. And they are GOOD. Is this Taylor Swift's Greatest Album? I don't know. Maybe. It fuses country/pop/and R&B rhythms better than any of her other albums, which went more in the pop/rap/ballad direction. But it is definitely worth owning, on a number of levels. It's a milestone in terms of country/pop fusion. It's one of Taylor Swift's best albums, and it marks in my mind the turning point where her music went from good to BRILLIANT. Buy it. Ya know, unless Taylor Swift's annoying voice and "uncoolness" is too much for you. Whatever.

Hey guys! I'm an 11 yr old, using my mom's amazon.com. I got my mom to preorder this album, and I got it about 3 days after the release date! And let me tell you, this is completely AWESOME. That's because each and every one of the songs are different and have a meaning to them. So if you wanna buy this album for a girl around my age, then you should DEFINITELY buy this. It's worth your money. :) #1: State of Grace: very poppy, not like the old country Taylor. but still, I think it's great for opening parties. #2: Red: one of my favorites. but um I don't really like the background vocals. ever since Taylor got those background singers, they've kinda ruined the song when Taylor's singing it live. #3: Treacherous: Taylor's voice is very soft in this. I like it. soothing. great for after a long day at school. #4: I Knew You Were Trouble: YAY! Taylor's sorta different in this. I heard she put in some dubstep in this? I think dubstep + Taylor's awesome voice + that twist of country in this song is AWESOME! (oh, and be sure to check out the music video!) #5: All Too Well: it has a steady beat and with Taylor's soft voice, it's pretty good. But not as good as some of the other songs on the album. #6: 22: This song is awesome!!! It's on my top 3 of the album. It's poppy, and when you feel crazy one day, you could just play this song and before you know it, you'll be rocking in your bedroom singing this! Seriously! :D I'd say "22" is great for sleepovers, when you have your friends over. #7: I Almost Do: This is more like a genuine Taylor song. Good for when you're tired and sorta in a bad mood. Like when you miss someone. #8: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together: I'm pretty sure you've heard this song already. But anyway, it puts you in a good mood especially when someone betrays you (example: friend) or if you got scared of some character in a movie and then you go like, "WE! ARE NEVER EVER EVER, GETTING BACK TOGETHER! WE-EEE! ARE NEVER EVER EVER, GETTING BACK TOGETHER!" and then after that you feel like you're safe from everything because you have this nice tune stuck in your head. (sorry, I probably didn't make that clear) #9: Stay Stay Stay: This is also like a genuine Taylor song, because Taylor's voice in this is very cheerful. I like it. Top 3! #10: The Last Time: In my opinion, I hate this song. Sorry, but I don't like slow tempo stuff. And with a guy in this, it's horrible. I hardly listen to it. #11: Holy Ground: I like this song. I don't know how to explain this, but it's pretty good. #12: Sad Beautiful Tragic: Very sad song. Ideal for when you're in a super bad mood. beware, this song gets stuck in your head and sometimes makes you sad because it makes you think of sad stuff. Taylor's voice is awesome and moving in this, just like "Last Kiss" from "Speak Now", Taylor's previous album. #13: The Lucky One: This one has an awkward tune, but I like it. It does have H-E-double hockey stick in it though. So yeah, but I kinda like this song. #14: Everything Has Changed: Ok. I admit it. I like most of the songs on this album, especially this one. It has Ed Sheeran in it! It's awesome when you put Taylor and Ed together. pretty song. #15: Starlight: This song puts you in a mood that.........makes you feel like you're floating in mid air or something. The song definitely sounds like starlight. #16: Begin Again: Now THIS is country. I think it's the only country song on this album. Wonderful song. So if you're looking for more of the old Taylor but still want great lyrics and want a bit of change, RED is great. Especially for girls around my age. Also think about buying "Speak Now". In my opinion, Speak Now is better than RED, because you get more of the old country Taylor. But I won't go on reviewing that. :D Bye and hope this helped!

Taylor Swift has become the #1 name in pop music, having the catchy first single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and having her new album (this one) go Platinum in five days. This album is definitely up to all the hype and sales, and Taylor Swift truly deserves all the attention she is getting - even if she doesn't want all of it, given the necessary poke at the paparazzi she gives in "The Lucky One." Highlights of the album include: -The arena-rock opener "State of Grace" when Taylor explores a sudden relationship -The title track "Red" about the colorful lust of a past relationship -"22" about the joys of being that age -The true-to-form "I Almost Do" where Taylor wonders about the yearning of her ex -The cute ballad "Stay Stay Stay" -"The Last Time," a strong and harmonious duet with Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, about both sides of an on-and-off relationship gone sour -The disco rock "Starlight" which shows an exploration of new genres that go beyond strumming a guitar -The closer "Begin Again" and Taylor's heart pumping red again Other songs such as the Dan Wilson-produced "Treacherous," the Max Martin collaboration and mega-hit "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," the aforementioned "The Lucky One," the reflectional "All Too Well," and the eerie "Sad Beautiful Tragic" that's everything "Last Kiss" from Speak Now should have been all live up to expectations as well. "I Knew You Were Trouble," an over-produced rant of self-blame and misfortune, and although it is written as typical Taylor Swift fare, it becomes annoying. Although the album has some disappointments, like the forgettable "Holy Ground" and the waste of a duet with Ed Sheeran ("Everything Has Changed," a random, unfocused mess), it is overall a very strong effort that lives up to the A+ work of "Speak Now" two years ago. Even if it is long and has a few duds, it's still well worth a purchase given that over half of the songs are worth listening to. Keep in mind: This is a pop record, even with its few country moments on "Treacherous" and "I Almost Do," and if you're looking for more Fearless-era Taylor Swift, this isn't it. She's growing as an artist in her own direction and trying to discover what her true calling is. Although there are songs that seem to be from different albums here, this sixteen-track set is exploring the variety and evolution of Taylor Swift's songwriting, and the music reflects it.

I am reviewing this as a 40 year old adult, father and musician so keep that in mind. I have been listening to her music since her first album started being heard on the radio in 2006. I really liked the maturity in song writing and her choice to not follow the wrong path that 90% of other teen pop stars and musicians seem to have and are taking. She has managed to avoid scandals and is really a music star I am comfortable with my daughter following. But then her next couple of albums athough having some good songs on them seemed to me to show some confusion as to what kind of music she really wanted to be, i.e country of pop. Then, in about 2010, my 9 year old daughter, who is also somewhat of a musician having played piano for about 4 years now and also taking voice lessons, discovered her and really liked so we ended up buying all her albums and listening and singing along to them in the car. Still I didn't care for Fearless and Speak Now as much as the self titled Taylor Swift album. They just seemed to be stuck somewhere between genres and never grew on me. We'll, my daughter and I had since moved on to other listening preferences as of late until we heard a track from her new album "Red". I think it was either "I Knew You Were Trouble" or "We're Never Getting Back Together" to which my daughter loved and it kind of raised an eyebrow on me, but still hadn't taken the time to listen to the whole thing until my nephew, who is also a young, very talented, aspiring musician, texted me a few days ago and told me it was on Amazon for $2 and that he had gotten it and it was really good. Well, being one to never let a good deal pass me by I swiftly sat down at computer and listened to all tracks online and promptly purchased it. Ok, now for the review. I am not exaggerating when I say I have had it on repeat on my iPhone since then listening to it everywhere I go and have even learned a couple songs on my acoustic guitar. She has really emerged with definite resolution as a modern pop country music star along the same lines and talent level as Lady Antebellum. She is to be taken serious at this point as a force to be reckoned with genious and talent wise. Her music has matured past teen infatuation and first love breakup type heartbreaks to facing and tackling adult type issues that teens don't have a clue about. Yet, her playfulness and funny side shines through too. There is very mature content in some songs and others that make you want to dance and laugh and others that have such catchy hooks that I can't help but grab my guitar and work through the chord progressions. I have been around and listened to a lot of music in my 40 years from classic rock to heavy metal to country and pop and I like music in all genres and this album has found it's way into my regular playlist (which right now is mostly singer/songwriter/pop music like John Mayer. Jason Mraz, Colbie Callait, Maroon 5, and Lady Antebellum). I realize she is going to get a lot of grief for her departure from country music but for those country fans she loses she will undoubtedly gain a sizeable portion from the pop music crowds. And for us guitar players her music is not so complicated that an intermediate player can't figure it out, like Mayer's early acoustic pieces. I highly recommend this album it is a full rich, deep album that will have you singing and dancing along to one song and then rip your heart out the next one with lyrical content that usually comes from years of experience and her chord progressions and phrasing is both catchy and logical. Buy it and enjoy it; it's really good, in my opinion.

Taylor Swift is cute. I mean, that's my opinion of her and the opinion of many others. Very few see her as a true artist who has diversity in songs--she does the same lyrics and the same style every time. There isn't much to call art, to be honest. That was until this album was released. Granted, WANEGBT wasn't artistic in any regard (still pondering that Grammy nod...more likely a "thank you for hosting the nominations concert" treat), but that was not indicative of what was to come on the rest of the record. If you are a dire-hard country fan, you will be disappointed by this album. Then again...why are you listening to a Taylor Swift album in the first place? Her last two albums were more pop than country, so I don't really see a worthy criticism in that regard. The album opens and doesn't reach a weak point until...well, track 10. State of Grace is a U2 throwback that can only be described as epic. Red is the song everyone (male and female alike) will blare with their windows down on the highway. The gradual crescendo on Treacherous is absolutely wonderful, leading into I Knew You Were Trouble. I never thought that I would see the day when DUBSTEP was in a Taylor Swift song and it worked...but I guess I did. This is one of the best songs released this year and will be a bona fide smash hit on the Hot 100, no doubt. I just realized how long this album was and how great it was and how repetitive I would be if I went through each and every song and said how wonderful it was, so I will say which tracks were bad. The Last Time - Meh. nothing appealing about this. Slow and groggy would be two choice words to describe it. Starlight - VOMIT. Horrible. Sounds like a throwaway Selena Gomez track. That's it, honestly...The Ed Sheeran Collab was PERFECT, and BEGIN AGAIN WILL MAKE ANY GIRL CRY. Just saying. A solid fourth album. She has made me a fan.

GREAT CONDITION! Great CD, so happy to own it!!!

Within the parameters of a "pop" record, I think "Red" (2012) has to go down as one of the best from the last decade or so. From the anthemic, spiritual "State of Grace" (We learn to live with the pain / Mosaic broken hearts / But this love is brave and wild), which also opened the memorable Red Tour, to the profoundly deep "All Too Well" (But you keep my old scarf from that very first week / Cause it reminds you of innocence and it smells like me), this work shows Swift's versatility, sincerity, and vulnerability. The album's title is perfect, as it is a metaphor for both beauty and danger, love and lust. Swift is the classic American beauty, her persona almost cinematic, but more importantly she is supremely talented, and "Red" reveals this talent ably. One of my favorite pop albums, and also my favorite time period of her classy career.

I am not in the typical demographic for a Taylor Swift fan - I am 60 and male, and I never thought I would have any use for her music. This CD changed that. I heard a couple songs and ended up buying the CD and eventually fell in love with every track. Almost a year later and I play this CD more than ever, almost every day. I ended up getting all of her previous CD's, even the Christmas one and Beautiful Eyes, and while there are wonderful songs on each one, "Red" is the first one that is flawless. Taylor is a natural songwriter, with a very good lyrical sense, and her voice has improved, and the music itself has grown way beyond the country-folk pop of the earlier albums. I saw her Red tour in Chicago and it was the best concert I have seen in all my years. I can't wait for he next CD! And her next tour!

Uno mas para la colección, aunque es mejor Red Taylor’s version

Item arrived safely. It is authentic and sealed! Thanks Amazon!

One of Taylor Swift's best albums. This is "classic Taylor Swift." You know, the Taylor Swift that you want to introduce to your grandmother. Both my grandmothers are dead, but that's not the point! I just enjoyed "Red" for its simplicity, and country twang. It doesn't throw any curveballs at you. It's not overly-complicated. The messages, and melodies get to the point, and it's nice. You can dance to the songs like nobody's watching, or play them at your wedding. All of them are well done, even though some stand out more than others. The catchiest songs seem to be "I Knew Your Were Trouble" and "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." My favorite song is "I Knew You Were Trouble." "The Lucky One" and "22" stand out as well. That said, I definitely recommend picking up this album, especially if you're into light country music. This has some serious Shania Twain vibes to it, except it's done a lot better. If the "Red" album were a person it would be like your one true love. When you listen to it you get that feeling in your body, as if you're being lifted up, and carried across the threshold, and you're headed to the bedroom to make ten kids. With Taylor Swift.

Great Album

Un pequeño rasguño pero todo bien en la caja