I Re-Listened To Reputation In Full For The First Time Since 2017 (As A Reputation Disliker)

So the Swiftie Discord group chat got me to listen to this album in full for the first time since it was released back in 2017. It’s my least favorite Taylor Swift album second only to her self-titled debut. I wrote down my thoughts as and after I listened to each song and I figured it would be cool to share them with some other Swifties.



But First, WHY Don't I Like Reputation?


To me, Reputation is my least favorite era. I've been a Swiftie since the Speak Now era, so the stylistic change was quite jarring and unexpected. I have it ranked in ninth place out of Taylor's ten albums, but overall it's probably the album I listen to the least.


My first issue with Reputation is its production. While it's sonically cohesive, I'm not a fan of just how loud this album is. Lots of overwhelming synths and vocal effects and crashing and banging all over the place that make this album so unlikable for me.


Secondly, the lyricism. It's hard to believe that the same woman who wrote All Too Well wrote End Game- or any of the songs on this album. Even compared to her self-titled debut, this album is her worst lyrically.


Finally, Reputation is a representation of Taylor's most inauthentic self. I've seen many Swifties try to defend Taylor's character and actions from the Reputation era as a "performance." However, this does not mean it was a good performance. Having to watch Taylor act like a fake mean-bully-badass was uncomfortable, cringy even. It makes this era one I don't like to look back on often.


Key:

OL - Originally Liked

OD - Originally Disliked

LN - Like Now

DN - Dislike Now


Please remember that these are just my personal opinions, I mean no harm to anyone especially Taylor. If anyone wants to start conflict over this I will not hesitate to delete your comment and potentially block you. Now, without further ado, here are my thoughts on each song…


…Ready For It? - Still not the biggest fan of the lyrics, especially the cringey rap parts (though I do think the “Burton to this Taylor” line is pretty clever). I liked the musical production though, except for the calm, dreamy chorus part that takes me out of the badass vibes of the song. I think I like this one? Going to have to listen again to be sure. (OD, DN?)


End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future) - I considered this as my least favorite song on Reputation ever since I first heard it. I used to turn off my radio when this song came on. All because Ed Sheeran’s rap made me cringe. Probably my least favorite song in Taylor’s entire discography, even below ME! (OD, DN)


I Did Something Bad - One of Taylor’s most iconic songs and definitely deserves more recognition than Don’t Blame Me in my honest opinion. (OL, LN)


Don’t Blame Me - I remember 15 year old me being shocked that Taylor used the word “drug” in a song lmao. This is definitely one of her most beautiful songs. (OL, LN)


Delicate - Do I love this song? Yes. Do I think it deserves Track 5 recognition? …Not really. But I can’t really think of a different song on this album that would would better. The music video’s got such a great message as well. (OL, LN)


Look What You Made Me Do - If anyone found out how many times I watched the music video for this in high school, I would have to be locked up in an asylum lmao. The writing is not her best, especially in the chorus, but I still love this song. Definitely tied for my favorite song on the album. (OL, LN)


So It Goes… - Surprisingly this is an unpopular opinion, but I love this song? I didn’t know it was disliked until I rejoined the online fandom back in 2019-ish. The bridge is so good. (OL, LN)


Gorgeous - It’s… fun! (OD, DN)


Getaway Car - Hmm… how do I say this in a way that won’t get me ruthlessly attacked? Lol I liked it, just not the way that a lot of Swifties do? It’s good just not worth the hype it’s been given in my opinion (OD, LN?)


King of My Heart - My first true opinion change! I actually had to go back and listen again because of how surprised I was at how good it is. That bridge tho! (OD, LN)


Dancing With Our Hands Tied - It’s the High Infidelity of Reputation for me: the most forgettable song because I truly don’t care for it either way. (OD, DN)


Dress - Wow. I may hate this more than End Game. I do not want to hear you moaning, Taylor. That’s nasty. (OD, DN)


This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things - I can’t. I just can’t, like how Taylor can’t say it with a straight face. (OD, DN)


Call It What You Want - I like it more now? That lyric that compares her boyfriend to her brother still feels weird tho (that’s mainly why I disliked it in the first place). (OD, DN…?)


New Year’s Day - Phenomenal song. If I didn’t love Daylight, hoax, and evermore so much this would definitely be the best album closer lol. (OL, LN)


End Thoughts - Well, I came out of this experience with one more song from this album that I truly liked that I didn’t before, so I see this as a win lol. I’m going to listen to the ones I was unsure on again to see if I could listen to them regularly or not. Also, if anyone has a version of End Game that either cuts out Ed’s vocals or replaces them with literally anything else, let me know… 👀 I will be streaming King of My Heart! I'm very excited to see how the Taylor's Version of this album changes my thoughts, or if the vault tracks improve my feelings for this album.

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