1989
by Taylor Swift
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 3333 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,779 out of 3333
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 3333
  3. Negative: 435 out of 3333
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. dennnni
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Back when the album was first announced, I was extremely apprehensive and upset that she was doing a full pop album. Her country material is what makes her so special and she shows a whole lot of heart in them, which was what made me fall in love with her. From pop songs on Red, WANEGBT and 22, I thought that 1989 would just be an album filled with such songs.

    Thankfully, my    Back when the album was first announced, I was extremely apprehensive and upset that she was doing a full pop album. Her country material is what makes her so special and she shows a whole lot of heart in them, which was what made me fall in love with her. From pop songs on Red, WANEGBT and 22, I thought that 1989 would just be an album filled with such songs.

    Thankfully, my expectations were blown out of the water. Yes, 1989 is a full-on pop album that sounds like it fits into top 40 radio, but in this album she joins that herd of pop artists, and takes it up several notches. Despite the lack of specific details in her writing that made her old work song very real, she instead conjures vivid imagery and feelings with metaphors and sweeping statements, making the songs feel very universal and perfect for stadium chants. There is a newfound wit and self-awareness, proving that Swift has indeed matured.

    The production is pop bliss, yet it doesn't feel generic at all. 80s influences are peppered everywhere, not too much such that it just feels like a tribute record, but it makes her brand of radio-friendly pop music very timeless and different from the rest.

    Overall, Swift is a genius in music. She conquered country, and with her first full pop attempt, she has conquered it and mastered it better than any of her contemporaries. It really doesn't matter what genre she is in because Taylor Swift is a whole new genre of heartfelt and intelligent music, with endless hooks.    … Expand
  2. ManilaCritic
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Welcome To New York – The Track did what it was supposed to do. Introduce ‘1989’ to the world as Taylor’s first documented pop record.

    Blank Space – Ms. Swift’s Contemporaries will probably have to either change their release dates or be content with #2 when this song becomes a single (and it will). It’s lyrically her best POP song; the carefully paced verses mixed with the quick witted    Welcome To New York – The Track did what it was supposed to do. Introduce ‘1989’ to the world as Taylor’s first documented pop record.

    Blank Space – Ms. Swift’s Contemporaries will probably have to either change their release dates or be content with #2 when this song becomes a single (and it will). It’s lyrically her best POP song; the carefully paced verses mixed with the quick witted transitions make this a highlight on the entire album.

    Style – After hearing the chorus for the very first time via Target commercial, I assumed the song would evoke the same ‘Fairytale’ aura Taylor usually enjoys. (wrong) Under four minutes, the song is a sinister track with high hopes but acknowledges the cons outweigh the pros.

    Out Of The Woods – The lyrics are probably one of the most honest in the entire record. It has her signature songwriting style she frequently enjoys. The echoes you hear throughout the song are a nice touch.

    All You Had To Do Was Stay – If RED had Starlight, 1989 has this. General speaking, it’s a fun, catchy, light pop song with a repetitive hook. It gets the job done.

    Shake It Off – Went Number One and is currently enjoying its throne on top of the iTunes charts. Whether you like it or not, you didn't pass Swiftober without hearing this song at least once a week. Basing the entire album on this song would be foolish, simply because it’s probably the weakest track on the album.

    I Wish You Would – A definite standout track. I had to catch up to the song, maybe it’s just me but the song blew me away. ‘Impact-ful’ would be the word I would use to describe this Track.

    Bad Blood – Probably the most awaited song from the entire album. Who knew Taylor would be able to pull off a song that you’d think would be created for the likes of Avril Lavigne or Katy Perry. Only, part of her appeal is that she creates her own music. So, even if the sound changes, it still sounds like Taylor Swift.

    Wildest Dreams – A very Lana Del Rey inspired track and Taylor knowingly did that on purpose. The song manages to entrance you without having to put much effort. She could have spiked each verse with more diverse words or syllables that made you want to pick up a dictionary but she didn't. Why? The simplicity of the lyrics was meant to match the lazy-esque melody. Something Lana often does.

    How You Get The Girl – Ah, this was refreshing. Take out Max Martin and this song could have easily made the final cut to any of her past albums (assuming she wrote it in ‘07). It sounds the closest to her previous work, groundbreaking? Probably not; appreciated? Very Much Yes.

    This Love – Swift teams up with her Go-To-Guy (and my personal favorite), Nathan Chapman. You can feel the genuine and familiar chemistry between the two, especially after 1:40 mark. If ‘Innocent’ from 2010 had a baby, this would be it.

    I Know Places – Impressive; especially after hearing the voice memo, where you realize that Taylor came up with the melody. I automatically assumed Swift took the back seat on this song when I first heard it but once again, she managed to surprise me.

    Clean – The Best song on the entire record. Big contributor, Imogen Heap did an incredible job. Her distinct sound is evident throughout the song. Clean does exactly what it sets out to do, provide us with a Clear sounding, Mind settling record that evokes the Crispness of Heap’s abilities and favored rawness of Taylor’s voice and her signature Songwriting style.

    Wonderland – Deluxe edition Tracks usually disappoint me but the first track ‘Wonderland’ does what it sets out to do and proves that Swift IS very much capable of re-creating her “I Knew You Were Trouble” success if she wanted to.

    You Are In Love – Every Swift Record has that ONE song that manages to make your heart twist itself in every possible direction all at once. How she enunciates every word, every lyric, the way she purposely quivers her voice. The vulnerability evident from start to finish is why “You Are In Love” makes for a perfect Love song.

    New Romance – What ‘Welcome To New York’ should have sounded like, but didn't. This track screams ‘Rooftop Party Anthem in your Apartment Building.’

    Best of the Bunch: Blank Space, This Love, Clean, New Romance. '1989' proves to be the only pop record this year worthy of going 'Platinum'.    … Expand
  3. swiftie13
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Taylor Swift shifts into a new genre, but not without the things that make her loved by millions of fans. Here is is just as evocative as in her previous works and in the end, it's her most mature effort to date. Yes, many songs make you want to dance but they do not lack substance as found in many pop albums. She is doing her own thing and is not afraid to.
  4. ftb1777
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This is the best album Taylor Swift has released, and that is a very big accomplishment. Swift's ability to tell a story in any music genre is well highlighted here. 1989 also is the BEST album of 2014 by a long shot. It just does not get any better than this
  5. BobiSwiftie
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever BestBest Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever Best Album Ever… Expand
  6. 0987
    Jan 15, 2015
    10
    I was not a Taylor Swift fan... Until this album came out. This is such a masterpiece. My favorites of this album are: Blank Space and Bad Blood! Well done, Taylor!!!
  7. atishvaze
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    When I heard that she was doing a pure Pop album, I was bit disappointed. After hearing Shake It Off, I had my doubts whether she will be able to leave up to the expectation of delivering a quality pop album. After hearing the album, I can easily say she has surely surpassed my expectations. This record is pure genius. Its Taylor most cohesive and consistent album yet. Wildest Dreams, IWhen I heard that she was doing a pure Pop album, I was bit disappointed. After hearing Shake It Off, I had my doubts whether she will be able to leave up to the expectation of delivering a quality pop album. After hearing the album, I can easily say she has surely surpassed my expectations. This record is pure genius. Its Taylor most cohesive and consistent album yet. Wildest Dreams, I Know Places, Blank Space, Style, Clean, How You Get the Girl, Out of the Woods are simply masterpieces. Even the bonus tracks, Wonderland, You are in Love and New Romantics are superbly crafted. The three voice memos gives a brief glimpses of how Taylor write, composes and produces a melody. Simply speaking This is the Pop record of the Year. Congratulations Taylor for making another well crafted album, you never disappoint.… Expand
  8. David_R
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    Best pop album I've heard in the last few years.
    Sounds a little like classic pop of 80 's but still has it's own persona.
    All the songs are extremely catchy and the lyrics are so deep.
    Her vocals just gets better and better over the years.
    Taylor Swift just proved again that she is one of the best artists of the last decade.
  9. josh4u92
    Nov 7, 2019
    10
    Her best album to date. Plain and simple. Iconic. A pop album that can not be messed with.
  10. Akhil_S
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Its not the usual Taylor we knew and the music is very polished but the good thing is she's more confident and her new sound is so fresh unlike stale pop contemporaries.
  11. mmirliani16
    May 21, 2015
    10
    Taylor took a big risk with 1989. And it payed off. As brilliant as her other albums have been, 1989 is Taylor's best work to date. Every song on the record is a stand alone achievement, and we get to hear some of the most mature and heartfelt work she has ever produced. "Blank Space" and "Style" are ingenious pop tunes, "Clean" and "This Love" are beautiful ballads, and "Out of theTaylor took a big risk with 1989. And it payed off. As brilliant as her other albums have been, 1989 is Taylor's best work to date. Every song on the record is a stand alone achievement, and we get to hear some of the most mature and heartfelt work she has ever produced. "Blank Space" and "Style" are ingenious pop tunes, "Clean" and "This Love" are beautiful ballads, and "Out of the Woods" is a strange and remarkable anthem that one would never expect coming from Ms. Swift. 1989 shows growth, depth, experimentation, and will go down as a defining moment in pop culture.… Expand
  12. canoeingrox
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    Throughout her short but accomplished career, Swift has shown the world that versatility is her strongest asset. 1989 is further testament to this. No one song feels repetitive or trite - a praiseworthy feat for a pop record. However, the music offered in 1989 is not quite as compelling as it could have been, especially when compared to some of Swift's best works. For instance, 'Out of theThroughout her short but accomplished career, Swift has shown the world that versatility is her strongest asset. 1989 is further testament to this. No one song feels repetitive or trite - a praiseworthy feat for a pop record. However, the music offered in 1989 is not quite as compelling as it could have been, especially when compared to some of Swift's best works. For instance, 'Out of the Woods' never really hits a climax that a song of its sound can. The synth instrumental backing to several songs also has much avenue for expansion, notably for 'Bad Blood' and 'Clean'.

    Nevertheless, there are some gems here, the best songs being 'Welcome to New York', 'Shake It Off', 'Wildest Dreams', and 'This Love'. Thus, while 1989 is a very good album, its unfulfilled potential limits it to a score of 7/10.    … Expand
  13. Arthurmell0
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    As a friend of Swift said: '' It's like four albums were just training for this new '' (1989).

    Highlighting the songs: Blank Space, Out of The Woods, Wildest Dreams, How You Get The Girl, I Know Places, and Clean.
  14. mchlkirk77
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    Red is one of my favorite cd's of all time, and I am a 48 year old man. And, I love Taylor's pure country songs. I did not buy into the initial love of this cd. However, my husband bought it for me, for Christmas, because he knows I am such a big fan. And, after four or five listens, this is also one of my favorite cd's of all time, even though most of it is truly pop. Taylor is aRed is one of my favorite cd's of all time, and I am a 48 year old man. And, I love Taylor's pure country songs. I did not buy into the initial love of this cd. However, my husband bought it for me, for Christmas, because he knows I am such a big fan. And, after four or five listens, this is also one of my favorite cd's of all time, even though most of it is truly pop. Taylor is a truly brilliant song writer, capturing all of the emotions that go with love and break up's and in a fun, sexy, catchy and thoughtful way. I think Taylor Swift is one of the most brilliant song writers of this century and I can't wait to hear more from her.… Expand
  15. MartinR95
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This album is pure pop perfection. From start to finish the melodies click and the lyrics work. I can't think of an other artist that has the same songwriting abilities as Swift, she tell stories with her song and its impossible not to see them.
  16. hamushka52
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    This is a great album. Taylor shows a new side, maturity and a refreshing attitude towards love, all the whilst singing along to catchy and fresh sounding beats
  17. wstennyson
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    Tayllor made a great marketing leaving the country music and going to pop music. With the 80s theme, the singer achievement in with melodies and lyrics full of love and indirect.
  18. Giovana
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Taylor Swift is an artist who innovates and grows with each album and in my opinion so far in 1989 has exceeded all expectations and became his best album, both in vocal quality, sound, composition ... I hope she stays that way to let your name growing in market
  19. dukongie
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    1989 is simply one of the best pop albums in recent years. I'm impressed she managed to create a brilliant pop album without sacrificing the quality of her songwriting. I really really love this album and I enjoy listening to it. There's not one really bad song in the album imo although there are a few tracks that I think are weak compared to some songs from her previous albums. My most1989 is simply one of the best pop albums in recent years. I'm impressed she managed to create a brilliant pop album without sacrificing the quality of her songwriting. I really really love this album and I enjoy listening to it. There's not one really bad song in the album imo although there are a few tracks that I think are weak compared to some songs from her previous albums. My most fave track so far is Wildest Dreams. I hope it will become a single.… Expand
  20. MistyCami
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    LOL at the Katy stans rating negatively this album. The critics and the numbers are saying otherwise. This album is AMAZING from beginning to end, this is a purely POP album, a good pop album. These past years, Pop music has became more predictable, but this album isn't it gives you life when you're listening to it, you wake up thinking about 1989 and you go to sleep thinking about 1989.LOL at the Katy stans rating negatively this album. The critics and the numbers are saying otherwise. This album is AMAZING from beginning to end, this is a purely POP album, a good pop album. These past years, Pop music has became more predictable, but this album isn't it gives you life when you're listening to it, you wake up thinking about 1989 and you go to sleep thinking about 1989. Not only Swifties. but casual fans and listeners are really loving this, she's going to make many new fans with this album. The switch genre has make her a better musician. Haters gonna hate I guess...… Expand
  21. valgreen
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    I absolutely loved this album. I was already expecting to be good, but not on this level. This is a pop masterpiece. She not only brings a pop original, that has nothing to do with this mainstream pop out there, she brings ferocity in her work. The lyrics for this album are good, and it gets even better when you realize that this is a pop record and it's not full of **** lyrics. And it'sI absolutely loved this album. I was already expecting to be good, but not on this level. This is a pop masterpiece. She not only brings a pop original, that has nothing to do with this mainstream pop out there, she brings ferocity in her work. The lyrics for this album are good, and it gets even better when you realize that this is a pop record and it's not full of **** lyrics. And it's perfectly produced as well. Her best work ever. Album of the year.

    Best ones: Style, Bad Blood, I Know Places, This Love, You Are In Love and New Romantics.    … Expand
  22. wafihabib
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This is by far some of Swift's best music she's ever released which is shocking since she didn't really appeal to me but I decided to give her "first pop album" a chance since I am very fluid when it comes to music and I must say, I don't regret buying this album.
    This is one of those albums in which I love every single song on it which is quite rare with me. The last time I had an album    This is by far some of Swift's best music she's ever released which is shocking since she didn't really appeal to me but I decided to give her "first pop album" a chance since I am very fluid when it comes to music and I must say, I don't regret buying this album.
    This is one of those albums in which I love every single song on it which is quite rare with me. The last time I had an album with the same effect was with Ariana Grande's debut album 'Yours Truly' back in 2013 so its very nice to have an album that I can listen to without skipping any songs.
    One major thing that appealed to me was how diverse her voice could be, especially in songs such as 'Welcome To New York' where she sounds very similar to Gaga or even 'Wildest Dreams' where she sounds Lana Del Rey-esque.
    Overall, I think this album will change the minds of people like me who used to hate her music. It is a very well-produced album with songs to help anyone through situations in life. Her voice is spectacular and the songs have good meanings and lyrics. I hope this album gets universal acclaim like it deserves.    … Expand
  23. foryouidid
    Mar 10, 2017
    10
    This album is so good. I was skeptical when I learned Taylor has gone full on pop. I was like I don't think she has what it takes to make a transition successfully but oh my God this album is pure Pop Goodness.
    All songs are really catchy. The Max Martin singles are well produced and has some simple yet clever lyrics. Over-all this is an amazing album that will stand the test the time and    This album is so good. I was skeptical when I learned Taylor has gone full on pop. I was like I don't think she has what it takes to make a transition successfully but oh my God this album is pure Pop Goodness.
    All songs are really catchy. The Max Martin singles are well produced and has some simple yet clever lyrics. Over-all this is an amazing album that will stand the test the time and will be remembered as one of the iconic pop albums of the 21st century.    … Expand
  24. Dasinger32
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Ótimo álbum, foge do pop estilo Katy Perry, Rihanna e outras estrelas pop, tem músicas chicletes, batidas dançantes mas todas com letras realmente bonitas e significativas, ouvir esse cd é como estar em um filme com trilhas sonoras para todas as ocasiões, cada dia Taylor Swift surpreende mais, cada álbum uma evolução. ótima cantora, ótima compositora, ótima intérprete, precisamos de maisÓtimo álbum, foge do pop estilo Katy Perry, Rihanna e outras estrelas pop, tem músicas chicletes, batidas dançantes mas todas com letras realmente bonitas e significativas, ouvir esse cd é como estar em um filme com trilhas sonoras para todas as ocasiões, cada dia Taylor Swift surpreende mais, cada álbum uma evolução. ótima cantora, ótima compositora, ótima intérprete, precisamos de mais Taylor's hoje em dia.… Expand
  25. altoniolemos
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Swift is writing the future of pop music. She is swimming against the current and bringing the golden days of originality in pop music back. '1989' is the coronation of the new queen of pop music.
  26. CassidyAnderson
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    An amazing and enthralling album. I liked all the songs, I think it was the first album of any artist that happened. Production, sound, lyrics, everything is perfect. People should know better that job and enjoy it all, because it is a wondrous album. Has many songs that we can see the moment how this woman is talented, Wildest Dreams, Style, Blank Space are the best for me.
  27. jaysonmolas
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This album is exceptionally different from most pop album today. Comparing to her peers today (not to mention like Miley, Ariana, Katy, etc), her song lyrics are somewhat pretty obvious in here. It's not generic as what most pop hits today rather it's personal, affective and emotional. Shes way better from other pop stars.
  28. BenXu
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    Apprehension came along with astonishment when Shake It Off came out, a nearly outrageous deviation from the teenage girl country pop she used to sing. The pop smash, nonetheless, grew on me within several listens. The album is a tour de force as well. It is POP enough, but not generic in the slightest. The iconoclastic T.S.Style lyrics, rife with beautiful paradoxes and oxymorons, remainApprehension came along with astonishment when Shake It Off came out, a nearly outrageous deviation from the teenage girl country pop she used to sing. The pop smash, nonetheless, grew on me within several listens. The album is a tour de force as well. It is POP enough, but not generic in the slightest. The iconoclastic T.S.Style lyrics, rife with beautiful paradoxes and oxymorons, remain one of the most impressive parts in the album along with its resplendent production.

    Cut: Out of the Woods, Shake It Off, Welcome to New York, Blank Space, Style    … Expand
  29. AndyBarnaclei
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    The best! Oh My God!! Of course the best album of 2014!! I LOVE YOU TAYLOR! 13 13 13 FOREVER, and I'm so excited so buy the album in stores!! Kisses from Brazil!
  30. PulkitG
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This new album of Taylor Swift is a big step outside country music which is very well handled. Songs like Blank Spaces, How you get the girl, I know Places are the AWESOMEST. Even the NYC anthem is the one to look out for.

    Lyrically best, sweet emotional, subtle sarcasm and life experiences makes it even more Special. Taylor has done it again.

    PS Taylor Please Come to India For A Concert.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2014
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Quietus
    Dec 1, 2014
    80
    With 1989 she has succeeded in leveraging the most cordial and familiar of pop music outpourings to something that feels like a statement, a work of note and the sinew of some kind of emotional connective tissue–binding tastemakers, rock critics, guys I work with and my 12 year old cousin; irrevocably and unexpectedly.
    Read full review
  2. NOW Magazine
    Nov 6, 2014
    60
    What stands out more than the production is how consistently solid the album is, and how effective the lyrics and songwriting.
    Read full review
  3. The 405
    Nov 6, 2014
    60
    1989 is full of cliches, but the truth is that we wouldn't expect them to not be present anyway.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »