Evan Semón Photography
Audio By Carbonatix
Taylor Swift released her highly anticipated twelfth original album on October 3, and it may be the first time the majority of her (sane) fans aren’t telling negative reviewers to off themselves. Because The Life of a Showgirl is so blatantly bad, there’s not much to argue about — just listen to the song “Wood.” Now a billionaire with nearly two decades under her belt as a wildly successful musician, Swift’s relatability has waned quicker than her once-prominent Southern accent.
While the singer has made a lucrative business out of posturing herself as a victim, on The Life of a Showgirl, she’s costumed confidence as being unabashedly petty. And unfortunately, the portion of fans who do like the album are following suit: Just go to the comment section for any Charli XCX Instagram post. On “Actually Romantic,” Swift decided to randomly attack the hitmaker for doing blow and calling Taylor a “Boring Barbie” (funny enough, the entire album proves this nickname accurate). This is because Swift assumed Charli dissed her on the Brat track “Sympathy Is a Knife,” which is actually about being insecure.
We could say it’s weird that such a successful musician can’t interpret others’ lyrics correctly, but if anything, we should all be a little unsettled that Swift has been labeled one of the great songwriters of her generation. Take this section from the title track: Her name was Kitty / Made her money being pretty and witty / They gave her the keys to this city / Then she said she didn’t do it legitly…
Or, on “Cancelled!”: Did you girl-boss too close to the sun?
Then there’s the poetic subtlety of “Wood”: Redwood tree / It ain’t hard to see / His love was the key that opened my thighs
From the TikTok language to the dick metaphors, Swift’s twelfth record recalls the awkward period when Disney child stars attempt a sexy career shift (Taylor is 35). Genuinely terrible lyrics aside, the album also underscores how Swift may be the most red-in-tooth-and-claw capitalist of the pop world. She monetized every single aspect of this rushed release, from a ridiculous amount of vinyl and CD variants to a release film to an absurd array of merchandise. And that was all before the album even dropped.
Meanwhile, there are a multitude of local ambitious creatives who would truly benefit from your support. Here are ten releases from this year with the biting lyricism, perspectives and sonic creativity that you need in your life:
SO THIS IS LIVING
Barbara
Barbara is crushing it, especially on its sophomore album, SO THIS LIVING, which dropped in April. The four-piece is enigmatic and mystifying live, and that translates on the album, with nine tracks that swell with poignant lyricism and dynamic, haunting sonics.
Lookout Mountain Charley
Blankslate
The proudly queer indie duo Blankslate has won two Best of Denver awards, and for good reason. Tess Condron (keys/drums/vocals) and Rylee Dunn (guitar/bass/vocals) are a powerhouse, creating vulnerable and authentic songs that muse on the most visceral facets of life. Their sophomore effort, Lookout Mountain Charley, which released in August, has already become a favorite album of the year, seeing Blankslate entering punk-infused territory while honoring indie-sleaze roots for an absolutely intoxicating sound.
The Color of the Dark
Covenhoven
If you’re a fan of such acts as Bon Iver or Iron & Wine, then Covenhoven is the one for you. Colorado native Joel Van Horne is a true lyrical master, immersing listeners in imagery fueled by philosophical musings. His latest album, The Color of the Dark, dropped in April and offers ten pristine folk tracks that are perfect for long walks or drives in the mountains.
ROSEWORLD
DOGTAGS
DOGTAGS made the album of the summer with its debut, ROSEWORLD. The band, which is anchored by the duo of Regi Worles (vocals) and Michael Merola (vocals/guitar), makes tantalizing tunes that blend soul, rock, funk, bossa nova, Latin folk and more genres into its own distinct flavor. And the live shows are a blast: Be sure to get tickets to the band’s headlining show at the Bluebird Theater on December 5.
Foreigner
E.M.E.
E.M.E. came to Denver from his native Nigeria when he was seven years old, and his debut album, Foreigner, is a powerful reflection on what it means to be an immigrant in the United States. Each of the eighteen tracks on the album, which kicks off with a poem from his mother, is an impeccable showcase of Afrofusion beats woven around vulnerable lyricism.
Black Girl Songs (Deluxe+)
Jaiel
Jaiel just made her headlining debut at Dazzle, which rightly sold out (and she chose to donate 10 percent of ticket sales to Girls Inc. of Metro Denver). The pop singer has released a deluxe version of her recent EP, Black Girl Songs, which poetically and powerfully honors heritage and legacy. The EP opens with an enigmatic spoken-word piece, “ENERGY,” that sends chills down your spine; it then launches into the R&B edit of “Black Girl Nation.” All eight tracks on this EP are dripping with magic, and you’ll have “Sunshine Lovin'” stuck in your head for days.
Queendom
LatinSoul
LatinSoul is the project of Denver native Felisa Hernandez, who recorded her first EP at Swallow Hill when she was eighteen years old. As LatinSoul, she collaborates with other musicians from the area to fuse Latin, R&B and neo-soul rhythms. Her vocals are excellent and ethereal, while her lyrics instill a divine-feminine quality, especially on Queendom, a bilingual reflection of identity and spirituality that won a Best of Denver award this year.
Three of Swords
May Be Fern
May Be Fern has become a favorite in Denver for its high-energy shows at venues franging from Bar 404 to the Bluebird Theater. The band just released Three of Swords, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed. This is an album you’ll listen to all the way through, but standout tracks include “Fine Is Her Name,” “You Want Me to Feel Bad,” “The Tower” and “Blood Beach.” And “Stars Cry.” And “redacted.” Fuck it, just listen to all of them.
Ponk
Pink Lady Monster
Pink Lady Monster is an oddity in the best way possible — think Oingo Boingo meets the Unicorns. But really, this band has made a sound of its own. Its latest album, Ponk, is a complete trip, with bizarro lyrics and a sound that would be at home with a traveling circus of nomads. It’s anything but basic, and completely unique.
Psychic Scar
Tiny Tomboy
Tiny Tomboy is one of our favorite indie-rock bands in the city. The three-piece won a Best of Denver award this year for Psychic Scar, its sophomore album that released in February with striking lyricism and evocative sonics. Standout tracks include “Dead Dog,” which you’ll be singing along to in no time, “Sandy” and “Disposable Vape,” but this is an album you’ll be listening to from front to back with no regrets.
