Taylor Swift

I’ve seen Taylor Swift live in concert three times. Three tours: Red, 1989, and Reputation. And I’ve got the concert posters to prove it. Each epic mega-pop performance at Chicago’s iconic and massive Soldier Field. Take it easy, I’ve also got 2 daughters who accompanied me each time, along with my wife (AND both sons at the most recent one - they loved it too).

I enjoy listening to Taylor’s music. I’m not afraid to say it. Loud pop ballads with lyrics and hooks that stick to the brain. I can listen to every album since Red from start to finish.

So out of nowhere she dropped Folklore this summer. I learned of it when it randomly popped up in Spotify. This new album. This is something different entirely. I don’t want to watch her sing these songs at a football stadium. I want to hear this stuff at Chicago Theatre. Or Thalia Hall. Or in someone’s backyard - with a fire pit, a cold beer and great friends and conversation.

She collaborated with amazing artists like Aaron Dessner from The National (one of my absolute favorite groups) and Bon Iver. And it was done in complete secrecy! During the awful, miserable year Taylor gave the world something unexpected and charming.

This is so out of Taylor’s comfort zone. If I’m Katy Perry, I’d be like “WTF, everyone hated ‘Witness’ but she feels the love for an album like this???!!”

Love her or hate her, but Taylor continues to reinvent herself. Bravo. Folklore is beautiful and daring. I’ll be sure to see her tour this whenever that is.

The noise made by wild hopes can be deafening.