Has there ever been an artist that’s reached this level of popularity combined with this level of critical acclaim but was this mediocre as a musician?

this guy again

She made Folklore

Some brutal reviews bruh. Never saw this happening to Taylor

This seals it, 2025 is absolute ass culturally and nothing will redeem it

u should've tried one of late 2000s/early 2010s albums. maybe even folklore. she's beyond washed now

I honestly can't think of another. The confounding thing about it is the longevity of their spot at the top of "pop" culture despite dropping painfully boring music throughout it.

She has at least 7 good or great albums

great films

LGSEO out now

she started off the decade with folklore can't call her mediocre if she got that

she is so bland man. even her face. these promo photos. god they’re so f***ing boring

This s*** stinks

This might be my least favorite Taylor album (excluding Debut), ranking even lower than Lover.

1989
folklore
Red
Midnight
Speak Now
Reputation

TTPD
Fearless
evermore
Lover
S***GIRL
Debut

Gimme Billie and Doja Cat over this all day

listening to knew you were trouble tho….👀👀 where this girl at ?!

I’ve never heard a Taylor Swift song or album that warrants both the level of popularity AND critical acclaim she has received.

It’s not the popularity that puzzles me, it’s the endless showering of praise and awards that the industry throws at her as if she’s our generation’s Stevie Wonder or something.

Like, to me, her and Ed Sheeran are on pretty similar levels of talent and artistry, yet Sheeran’s albums regularly get panned and s*** on by critics. I just don’t understand it

Out now. Movie of the life

Cinema’s been great in 2025.
Music, however…

I think she’s made better stuff than ed Sheeran even if I think he’s more likeable. The praise comes from a poptimism trend in the 2010s coupled with her being the biggest pop star out rn

I've only heard the intro track so far but I actually really really liked it..

She's relentless with her talent and work ethic and I fully appreciate that, even when I don't love the music (which isn't the case here, I like these tunes on first listen)

Hope she keeps it up. Keep writing. Keep recording. Keep her foot on necks. Some of our greats had 20, 30, 40 albums across their career. Not all of them were top tier. S***, some discogs will have more weak albums than not. As long as the inspiration comes, take it.

I missed u bro howve you been