First, Shaunta, thank you for posting the Shake It Off video. I’d forgotten how much fun it is.

When my grandchildren were still living with us, my granddaughter, who turned 10 in March, was a big Swift fan. Our home echoed Taylor’s music nearly constantly. Since my daughter and grandchildren moved far away last June, I’ve avoided Swift’s music because of the memories it triggers. Not ready to go there yet. But, her Shake It Off video is too cute to make me maudlin.

Many people underestimate Taylor’s songwriting ability, particularly her knack for capturing youthful emotions. Wrapping her writing in pop music doesn’t lessen that her finger is on the pulse of youth angst and joy.