Peter BurrowsA Dad’s Take on Taylor Swift’s New Album
As a 45-year-old dad of a 12-year-old Taylor Swift superfan, I’ve heard more Taylor in the past few years than I ever imagined I would. From Fearless car singalongs to heated debates over which Folklore track is the best (it’s “August,” for the record), Swift has become part of the soundtrack of our family life. So when her latest album dropped, my daughter had the countdown running for weeks — and I got pulled right in with her.
On first listen, I’ll admit, it wasn’t really my thing. The production felt dense, the lyrics a bit too self-referential, and the overall mood less accessible than her earlier work. But as often happens with Taylor, the songs start to get under your skin. The melodies linger. The turns of phrase catch your ear. And before long, I found myself humming along while making dinner and debating lyrical meanings like some kind of middle-aged music critic.
Listening Between the Lines
That said, this album also feels like the most adult Taylor has ever been — and that’s where things get complicated as a parent. Some of the lyrics are overtly sexual, and a few double entendres are hard to miss, even if you’re trying. It’s a little jarring when your 12-year-old’s favorite artist starts writing songs that reference things you’d rather not have to explain over dessert. But to her credit, my daughter seems to take it all in stride. For her, it’s about the melodies, the emotion, and the stories — not the specifics.
Once you get past the initial discomfort, there’s a lot to admire here. The songwriting is sharp, vulnerable, and sometimes uncomfortably honest. Swift continues to evolve, refusing to recycle her past selves, and while not every track lands, the sheer ambition of the album is impressive. She’s still one of the few artists capable of making a release feel like an event, even for those of us who thought we’d aged out of caring about pop music.
So, no, this album probably isn’t for me. But watching my daughter light up when she deciphers a lyric, or seeing her beam when she nails a Swiftle round faster than I do — that’s something special. And in a weird way, the music has become a bridge between us. Even if I blush a little at some of the lyrics, I’m grateful for that.
Final Verdict
Not quite built for dads, but a surprisingly rich listen once you give it time. And if it brings you a little closer to your kid, that’s worth more than any chart position.(My daughter says it is one of her favourite albums ever and loves how much more “lore” she gets to explore)
