Here are two new albums by two Pop Superstars. I’m not a prude but I found both albums disturbing.
Let’s start with Sabrina Carpenter’s cover on Man’s Best Friend. If the cover doesn’t make you shake your head in disbelief, how about the song “Never Getting Laid.”
Taylor Swift’s 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, is breaking records on Spotify. And the album has a provocative cover, too. The song that rattled my brain is “Wood,” a tribute to Travis Kelce’s penis.
Fortunately, Patrick and Katie are adults and can handle this kind of lurid marketing. But what about those young kids who worship Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. What are they taking away from these two albums? What do you think? GRADE: X
Man’s Best Friend TRACK LIST:
| A1 | Manchild Drums, Percussion – Sean Hutchinson (3)Electric Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar – Greg LeiszEngineer [Assistant Engineer] – Joey Miller (7), Kellie McGrewEngineer [Assistant Engineer], Percussion – Jack Manning (9)Mastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Rachel AntonoffRecorded By – Jozef CaldwellRecorded By [Michael’s Performance] – Sean Hutchinson (3)Recorded By [Sean Hutchinson], Percussion – Michael RiddlebergerRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura SiskRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By], Percussion – Oli JacobsViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Percussion, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina CarpenterWritten-By, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By], Producer, Drums, Programmed By [Programming], Synthesizer [Korg M1], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Sitar, Banjo, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Jack Antonoff | 3:34 | |
| A2 | Tears Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Lorenzo WolffMastered By – Nathan DantzlerMastered By [Assisted By] – Harrison TateMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff GunnellStrings, Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 2:40 | |
| A3 | My Man On Willpower Drums, Recorded By [Drums], Recorded By [Michael Riddleberger] – Sean Hutchinson (3)Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion – Michael RiddlebergerRecorded By [Slide Guitar] – David HartRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff Gunnell, Laura Sisk, Oli JacobsSlide Guitar, Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – Mikey Freedom HartStrings – Bobby HawkWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Vocals, Vocoder – Sabrina CarpenterWritten-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Keyboards [Keys], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Percussion, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Organ [Wurlitzer], Synth [Synths], Electric Piano [Rhodes], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Keyboards [Keys], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Percussion, Synthesizer [Korg M1], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Synthesizer [Moog Model D], Mellotron, Glockenspiel, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By], Vocoder – Jack Antonoff | 3:18 | |
| A4 | Sugar Talking Mastered By – Nathan DantzlerMastered By [Assisted By] – Harrison TateMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff GunnellWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 3:04 | |
| A5 | We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jack Manning (9), Kellie McGrewMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneRecorded By – Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura Sisk, Oli JacobsViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Drums, Programmed By [Programming], Bass, Synthesizer [Emulator], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Piano, Mellotron, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffWritten-By, Producer, Percussion, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 3:23 | |
| A6 | Nobody’s Son Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Kellie McGrewMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion, Recorded By [Sean Hutchinson] – Michael RiddlebergerPercussion, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura SiskProducer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Keyboards [Keys], Percussion, Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Synthesizer [Moog Model D], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffRecorded By – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellRecorded By [Michael Riddleberger], Percussion – Sean Hutchinson (3)Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – David HartRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff Gunnell, Oli JacobsSlide Guitar, Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – Mikey Freedom HartStrings – Bobby HawkTenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Synthesizer [CS 80], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Recorded By [Evan Smith] – Evan Smith (2)Tenor Saxophone, Recorded By [Zem Audu] – Zem AuduWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Percussion, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Vocoder – Sabrina CarpenterWritten-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Keyboards [Keys], Percussion, Organ [Wurlitzer], Piano, Clavinet, Synth [Synths], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17) | 3:03 | |
| A7 | Never Getting Laid Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Lorenzo WolffMastered By – Nathan DantzlerMastered By [Assisted By] – Harrison TateRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff GunnellStrings, Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Mixed By, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 3:28 | |
| B8 | When Did You Get Hot? Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion – Michael RiddlebergerProgrammed By [Programming], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Oli JacobsRecorded By [Michael Riddleberger] – Sean Hutchinson (3)Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – David HartRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff Gunnell, Laura SiskSlide Guitar, Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – Mikey Freedom HartViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Percussion, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffWritten-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Percussion, Synthesizer [Korg M1], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Mellotron, Electric Piano [Casio], Synthesizer [DX100], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 2:25 | |
| B9 | Go Go Juice Engineer [Additional Engineer] – Lorenzo WolffEngineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellFlute, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Recorded By [Evan Smith] – Evan Smith (2)Mastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion, Recorded By [Sean Hutchinson] – Michael RiddlebergerRecorded By [Michael Riddleberger], Percussion – Sean Hutchinson (3)Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – David HartRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff Gunnell, Laura Sisk, Oli JacobsSlide Guitar, Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – Mikey Freedom HartTenor Saxophone, Recorded By [Zem Audu] – Zem AuduTrumpet – Tatum GreenblattViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Banjo, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina CarpenterWritten-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Slide], Keyboards, Percussion, Bass, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Programmed By [Programming], Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Slide], Keyboards, Percussion, Drums, Synthesizer [Moog Model D], Mandolin, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Glockenspiel, Mellotron, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack Antonoff | 3:13 | |
| B10 | Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7), Jozef Caldwell, Kellie McGrewMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura Sisk, Oli JacobsViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Drums, Programmed By [Programming], Synthesizer [Juno 6], Bass, Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, 12-string Electric Guitar, Vocoder, Mellotron, Synthesizer [Korg M1], Synthesizer [Emulator], Percussion, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffWritten-By, Producer, Percussion, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 3:42 | |
| B11 | House Tour Drums, Recorded By [Michael Riddleberger] – Sean Hutchinson (3)Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Joey Miller (7), Jozef CaldwellMastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneProgrammed By [Programming], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura SiskRecorded By – Jack Manning (9)Recorded By [Sean Hutchinson], Percussion, Agogô [Gogo Bells] – Michael RiddlebergerRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jeff Gunnell, Oli JacobsViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Percussion, Programmed By [Programming], Bass, Synthesizer [ARP2600], Synth [Synths], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – John Ryan (17)Written-By, Producer, Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Percussion, Programmed By [Programming], Bass, Synthesizer [Moog Model D], Synthesizer [Prophet 5], Synthesizer [Korg M1], Banjo, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Vocoder, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffWritten-By, Producer, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 2:48 | |
| B12 | Goodbye Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Jozef Caldwell, Kellie McGrewFlute, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Recorded By [Evan Smith] – Evan Smith (2)Mastered By – Ruairi O’FlahertyMixed By – Serban GheneaMixed By [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordonePercussion – Michael Riddleberger, Rachel AntonoffPercussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Paloma Sandoval, Sarah Carpenter (3)Percussion, Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Laura SiskRecorded By – Jack Manning (9), Joey Miller (7)Recorded By [Michael Riddleberger] – Sean Hutchinson (3)Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – David HartRecorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Oli JacobsSlide Guitar, Recorded By [Slide Guitar] – Mikey Freedom HartTenor Saxophone, Recorded By [Zem Audu] – Zem AuduTrumpet – Tatum GreenblattViolin – Bobby HawkWritten-By – Amy Allen (3)Written-By, Producer, Drums, Programmed By [Programming], Bass, Piano, Synthesizer [Juno 6], Mellotron, Glockenspiel, Guitar [6-String], Guitar [12-String Guitar], Percussion, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals], Recorded By, Engineer [Engineered By] – Jack AntonoffWritten-By, Producer, Percussion, Vocals, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Sabrina Carpenter | 3:45 |
The Life of a Showgirl TRACK LIST:
| A1 | The Fate Of Ophelia Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Omnichord, Programmed By, Percussion – Shellback (2)Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Pedal Steel Guitar – Anders PetterssonPiano, Keyboards [Keys], Programmed By – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Written-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| A2 | Elizabeth Taylor Arranged By [Strings Arranged By] – Mattias Bylund, Max MartinCello – David BukovinszkyDrums, Guitar, Bass, Omnichord, Programmed By, Percussion – Shellback (2)Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténHarp – Helena StjernstromLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Piano, Keyboards [Keys], Programmed By – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Strings & Harp Recorded By], Engineer [Strings & Harp Engineered By] – Mattias BylundSynthesizer [Strings Synthesizer] – Mattias BylundViolin – Erik Arvinder, Hanna Helgegren, Mattias JohanssonWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| A3 | Opalite Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Omnichord, Programmed By, Percussion – Shellback (2)Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténHandclaps – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor SwiftKeyboards [Keys], Programmed By – Max MartinLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Recorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Written-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| A4 | Father Figure Arranged By [Orchestra Arranged By] – Mattias BylundCello – David BukovinszkyClarinet – Tomas Jonsson (4)Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Programmed By, Omnichord, Percussion – Shellback (2)Electric Guitar – Johan RandénElectric Upright Bass – Stefan WingeforsEngineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténEngineer [Strings Engineered By], Edited By [Strings Edited By] – Mattias Bylund, Stefan PetterssonKeyboards [Keys], Programmed By – Max MartinLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Organ [Hammond Organ] – Mattias BylundRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Horns Recorded By], Engineer [Horns Engineered By] – Mattias BylundRecorded By [Violins Recorded By], Engineer [Violins Engineered By] – Erik Arvinder, Willem BleekerStrings [Copyist Strings] – Henrik LangemyrViolin – Conny Lindgren, Daniela Bonfiglioli, Erik Arvinder, Fredrik Syberg, Lola Torrente, Mattias JohanssonWritten-By – George Michael, Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| A5 | Eldest Daughter Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Piano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinPiano, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Tambourine – Shellback (2)Recorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Written-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| A6 | Ruin The Friendship Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Percussion – Shellback (2)Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Piano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Written-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B7 | Actually Romantic Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Mandolin, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion – Shellback (2)Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Piano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Additional Recording By] – Christopher RoweWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B8 | Wi$h Li$t Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténKeyboards [Keys] – Max MartinKeyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Programmed By, Percussion – Shellback (2)Lead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Pedal Steel Guitar – Anders PetterssonRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Written-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B9 | Wood Arranged By [Horns Arranged By] – Andreas Andersson (4), Mattias BylundArranged By [Strings Arranged By] – Mattias BylundBass – Stefan Persson (5)Bass Clarinet, Alto Flute – Andreas Andersson (4)Cello – David BukovinszkyClarinet – Stefan Wingefors, Thomas HeltenDrums, Guitar, Bass, Percussion – Shellback (2)Electric Guitar – Johan RandénEngineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténEngineer [Strings & Horns Engineered By], Edited By [Strings & Horns Edited By] – Mattias BylundEnglish Horn – Helena StjernstromFlugelhorn – Janne Bjerger*, Magnus JohanssonFlute, Baritone Saxophone – Tomas Jonsson (4), Wojtek GoralLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Percussion – Magnus Sjölander, Miko RezlerPiano [Rhodes], Vibraphone – Mattias BylundPiano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Violins Recorded By], Engineer [Violins Engineered By] – Erik Arvinder, Willem BleekerStrings [Copyist Strings] – Henrik LangemyrTrombone – Peter Noos JohanssonViolin – Conny Lindgren, Daniela Bonfiglioli, Erik Arvinder, Fredrik Syberg, Lola Torrente, Mattias JohanssonWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B10 | Cancelled! Arranged By [Orchestra Arranged By] – Mattias BylundBassoon, Synthesizer [Strings Synthesizer] – Mattias BylundCello – Antonio Roland, David Bukovinszky, Peter Volpert, Tomas LundströmConductor [Stockholm Studio Orchestra] – Erik ArvinderDouble Bass – Bård EricsonEngineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténEngineer [Strings & Horns Engineered By], Edited By [Strings & Horns Edited By] – Mattias BylundEnglish Horn – Helena StjernstromFlugelhorn – Janne Bjerger*, Magnus JohanssonFlute – Tomas Jonsson (4)French Horn – Magnus JohanssonKeyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Programmed By – Shellback (2)Keyboards [Keys], Programmed By – Max MartinLead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Oboe – Teresia Alm BylundPerformer [Strings Performer] – Bylund Strings, Stockholm Studio OrchestraRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Additional Recording By] – Christopher RoweRecorded By [Strings Recorded By], Engineer [Strings Engineered By] – Erik Arvinder, Willem BleekerStrings [Copyist Strings] – Henrik LangemyrTrombone – Peter Noos JohanssonViola – Christopher Öhman, Erik Holm (2), James Opie, Vidar Andersson MeilinkViolin – Anna Roos Stefansson, Claudia Bonfiglioli, Daniela Bonfiglioli, Fredrik Syberg, Iskandar Komilov, Jannika Gustafsson, Lola Torrente, Mattias Johansson, Oscar Treitler, Patrik Swedrup, Sofie Sunnerstam, Veronika Novotna, Yongmin LeeWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B11 | Honey Accordion – Stefan BrunzellArranged By [Horns Arranged By] – Mattias BylundBanjo – Per SträngbergElectric Upright Bass, Piano – Stefan WingeforsEngineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténFlute, Clarinet – Tomas Jonsson (4)Guitar, Bass, Programmed By – Shellback (2)Lead Vocals – Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Piano [Wurlitzer] – Mattias BylundPiano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Trombone, Tuba – Peter Noos JohanssonWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift | |
| B12 | The Life Of A Showgirl Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wojtek GoralBanjo, Mandolin, Electric Guitar – Per SträngbergCello – David BukovinszkyClarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Tomas Jonsson (4)Drums, Keyboards [Keys], Guitar, Bass, Programmed By, Percussion – Shellback (2)Electric Guitar – Johan RandénEngineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Bryce BordoneEngineer [Engineered By] – Lasse MårténEnglish Horn – Helena StjernstromFeaturing – Sabrina CarpenterLead Vocals – Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor SwiftMastered By – Randy MerrillMastered By [Vinyl Mastering By] – Ryan Smith (2)Pedal Steel Guitar – Anders PetterssonPiano, Keyboards [Keys] – Max MartinRecorded By – Lasse Mårtén, Max Martin, Shellback (2)Recorded By [Horns Recorded By], Engineer [Horns Engineered By] – Mattias BylundRecorded By [Violins Recorded By], Engineer [Violins Engineered By] – Erik Arvinder, Willem BleekerStrings [Copyist Strings] – Henrik LangemyrTrombone – Peter Noos JohanssonTrumpet – Janne Bjerger*, Magnus JohanssonUpright Piano, Synthesizer [Strings Synthesizer], Arranged By [Orchestra Arranged By] – Mattias BylundViolin – Conny Lindgren, Daniela Bonfiglioli, Fredrik Syberg, Lola Torrente, Mattias JohanssonViolin [Solo–Violin], Violin – Erik ArvinderWritten-By – Max Martin, Shellback (2), Taylor Swift |
I am basically a prude and some things are better left unsaid. But then, I’m an old fart and completely disconnected from today’s music — or what passes for music. And get off my lawn! And take your quivering little bootie with you.
Jerry, a lot of people share your opinion of current music.
Not interested in either of these albums, but with songs like “Wood”, you have to wonder what kind of “chirping” goes on in the Chief’s locker room!
As for Sabrina Carpenter’s record, I’m reminded of the description (I don’t think you actually see the cover) of “Sniff the Glove” in “This Is Spinal Tap”: Fran Descher plays a PR rep for the record label who can’t believe the guys are so clueless as to not realize how offensive the cover is (which she describes as “a greased, naked woman on all fours, a dog collar and leash around her neck, held by a man’s arm, and a black leather glove being pushed into the woman’s face for her to smell”). That was satirical and 40 years ago…and yet we’ve come to this.
Deb, the target audience for Taylor and Sabrina’s music is young girls. The message these covers and “music” like “Wood” sends them is…disturbing. Taylor Swift also is selling 38 variations of THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL so super-fans who want all the variations are going to be spending a lot of money to acquire the complete set.
These days, when Sex is wholesome and Kink is avant-garde, I really miss the Guilt!
Dan, we live in Shameless Times!
We have a career criminal. who enjoys breaking laws and has no real respect for women as women or anyone beyond himself, though he does have fellow feeling with those who also flout mere laws and abuse whom they want, trying to become our dictator for life–somehow, I don’t think pop musicians playing raunchy is the greatest problem young women, or any of us, are dealing with at the moment. Even if they are cashing in.
And yet surveys say there is much less sex among teens.
Patti, teens are addicted to their iPhones so much of their sex is phone sex.
I find all of this far more pitiful than offensive and sadly indicative of how the new generation of women celebrities are utterly clueless about how much they are denigrating themselves, other women and men as well by resorting to this kind of self-exploitation. It’s also all far more childish than transgressive but the media and, of course, social media, seems to be lapping it up.
A lot of this goes back to the late nineties when “Ally McBeal” and that insipid “The Rules” book told women to reobjectify themselves as objects of sexual desire. Women pop stars are now peddling it to their predominantly female cults as a model of self-identity. It’s all so amateurish and laughable.
I haven’t listened to either of these performer’s music, there’s far too much other great music out there that I don’t have enough time to listen to and I just can’t be bothered. What does bother me is that I grew up at a time when a lot of younger people were rejecting mainstream culture and eagerly seeking out genuinely new music, fiction and film. These days you get a weirdly accusatory response from people when you tell them you aren’t buying into the media industrial complex. Being a sheep has become a badge of honor in a way I’ve never seen before.
What’s going to be even sadder is when young people begin consuming and worshipping AI celebrities and their synthesized content. I give us maybe five years, tops.
Byron, you are so right! My nephew is a psychiatrist in Baltimore and many of his clients are teenagers. Teen suicides are growing in number. Teen depression is an epidemic. Teen isolation and cell phone addiction are rampant. Mental health in the U.S. is abysmal. And albums like MAN’S BEST FRINED and THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL only fuels the social problems teens contend with today.
I just deleted my post before I finished it.
What I was saying was, I NEVER listen to these two or ANY current music – Beyoncé, whatever – and I mean NEVER. I listen to 60s Gold, 50s Gold, occasionally 70s Gold, Margaritaville, and The Bridge in the car, our hundreds of CDs at home, period.
Basically, what Jerry said, plus the rest of you. I’ve heard of the performers but other than a very small handful of songs, could not possibly identify one from another, and I’m fine with that.
And keep off my lawn!
Jeff, the majority of songs I listen to are Oldies. The few occasions I listen to contemporary music usually end in my changing the station on Sirius/XM radio. Too much of today’s music sound artificial and hollow to me. And, just wait until Artificial Intelligence songs hit the BILLBOARD charts!
I agree with all of the comments. I mostly listen to oldies and have had best of eagles CD in my car for about a month. I do like Taylor Swift and was surprised to hear about wood. I remember some small kickback to spend the night together by the stones. I thought the cover you showed was disgusting.
Maggie, apparently that’s what sells albums these days…
There is zero chance I’ll ever listen to any of these numbskulls!
Bob, you (and I) are not in the Target Market for either of these albums.
I primarily listen to my pretty large cd collection. But there are Taylor Swift cds in that collection. She’s a great songwriter.
Unbelievable! It is appalling that people write and sing such songs and have such covers.
Neeru, I’m concerned with the young girls who idolize Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. What messages they’re receiving from these albums!
However, there are good examples of young women doing good new music. Alexandra King not only does good work, but has a heartwarming personal story behind that: https://oldgreycat.blog/2025/10/02/first-impressions-across-the-pond-by-alexandra-king/
Most of you won’t like the relatively punk-metal sounds of the quartet of bands of young women, men and non-binary folk letting their work speak out against abuse and attempts to box them in, and do worse to others…definitely not dancing to any corporate Svengali’s tunes, on their shared album on an all profits for charity label: https://strangemono.com/out-now-indirect-satisfaction-sm074/
Reneé Rapp isn’t playing the pushover while filling concert halls and playing pure pop; from her new album BITE ME, give this a try: “I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone’: https://open.spotify.com/track/3hBzKgqQKkChH9hyb3MhmT Though a song such as “Shy” is about her wanting her sexual desire fulfilled…not a Sunday School song, but also not a song about being a Mere Plaything: ttps://open.spotify.com/track/2N6md2JtrNake4sJ14KJ72h
And an older favorite that came to mind, Estelle and Janelle Monáe “Do My Thing”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDVMnQGqIXU
There are more like these…
Todd, thanks for the links. Yes, there are excellent examples for young women producing good music. But Swift and Carpenter outsell them by a lot!
Yep. And Journey vastly outsells Jawbox. What’s shallow often gets more attention, particularly if it’s Tailored to move Swiftly. But these examples, and my other citations, I think, make a case for the young women being all right, for the most part, when they aren’t staggering under the political and subsequent horrors of our current regime, and all the evil it tries to promote, 24/7. Particularly aimed at young women. Trashy fun is probably more a relief than anything else.
Todd, I’ve written out the “Dumbing Down” of College Education, but these albums seem to be dumbing down not only music but sexual behavior.
Ah, but self-harming, goofy, or at least unsatisfying sexual behavior, or just singing about same, Gets Attention. I have to ask, is Swift going on about Kelce’s “redwood” more abjectly sad than Chuck Berry singing about his own shaft?
Todd, check out the lyrics and you be the judge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m50keINEOI&list=RD6m50keINEOI&start_radio=1
Ha! I forget your blog, George, will hold up any comment with more than two links (I think it is) in it. Some anti-fogey/anti-subjugation suggestions from the younger women musicians of today…
The most sexually aggressive of my Better Examples (Awaiting Moderation) has a bad link–here is the actual link: https://open.spotify.com/track/2N6md2JtrNake4sJ14KJ72
And this morning, the economist Paul Krugman, who likes to close his blogposts with a song from a band, offers this from the intelligent Argentine young women singe/songwriter duo Pacifica (who write and sing in English, too, as in this example), “(I’m Not a) Fixer-Upper”…another new song from a young woman band that Isn’t about being sexy doormats, and is good one…and they are popular enough to be touring Japan right now, presumably on some part of a worldwide tour.
https://youtu.be/3111XBfRZ_w?si=8iugO-RKwskk1g9n
Krugman’s post: https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/america-first-no-billionaire-buddies
“America First? No, Billionaire Buddies First
Argentina: A very Trumpy debacle
Paul Krugman
Oct 17”
Todd, Trump’s gift of $20 billion to Argentina is another example of how corrupt our Government is now.
Todd, I’m a big fan of Paul Krugman!
Todd, WORDPRESS makes its own rules.
Yeah, they all do, and usually on the stupidest things, which they often stubbornly cling to.
Todd, but that doesn’t make it right…
Not right, But Too Far Right…subservience is expected!