Speak Now

( 84 )

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine
When Kanye West bum-rushed Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, the world rallied around Swift not because Kanye was a 'jackass,' as President Obama so succinctly summarized, but because the singer/songwriter conveyed the fragility of adolescence on her 2008 breakthrough, Fearless, so successfully that she inspired instinctive protectiveness even among those who never spent much time with the record. Not timid or a tart, Swift seemed like a genuine girl on Fearless, perhaps treating her songs a little too much like diaries, but that only made them more affecting. If anything, Swift ramps up the confessions on her 2010 sequel, Speak Now, but ...
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Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide - Stephen Thomas Erlewine
When Kanye West bum-rushed Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, the world rallied around Swift not because Kanye was a 'jackass,' as President Obama so succinctly summarized, but because the singer/songwriter conveyed the fragility of adolescence on her 2008 breakthrough, Fearless, so successfully that she inspired instinctive protectiveness even among those who never spent much time with the record. Not timid or a tart, Swift seemed like a genuine girl on Fearless, perhaps treating her songs a little too much like diaries, but that only made them more affecting. If anything, Swift ramps up the confessions on her 2010 sequel, Speak Now, but circumstances have changed: few listeners, if any, would have a clue about the identity of the boy who belongs with Taylor, but now that she's a superstar, anybody with a passing familiarity with pop culture can discern which songs are about Kanye, Taylor Lautner (her ex), or Camilla Belle (the actress girl who stole Joe Jonas out from under our heroine). Not that Swift takes great pains to disguise who she's writing about -- not when she's writing "'Dear John,'" an elegant evisceration of lecherous lothario John Mayer. Such gossip mongering is titillating but fleeting, suggesting that the charms of Speak Now are insubstantial, but Swift's gift is that she sets the troubled mind of an awkward age in stone. She writes from the perspective of the moment yet has the skill of a songwriter beyond her years, articulating contradictions and confessions with keen detail and strong melody. Tellingly, underneath all her girlishness -- and Taylor makes no apologies for being girly as she baits mean girls, dreamily thinks of stolen kisses on a sidewalk, or fantasizes about stealing away her ex-lover at the altar -- there's a steely strength. She walks away proudly from breakups and never dwells on mistakes; she moves forward. The same could be said about the sound of Speak Now itself, which is no great progression from Fearless but rather a subtle shift toward pure pop with the country accents, such as the Dixie Chicks foundation of "'Mean,'" used as flavoring. But that blend of pop and country, while certainly radio-friendly, is nearly as distinctive to Taylor Swift as her songwriting voice. She may be not a girl, and not yet a woman, but on Speak Now she captures that transition with a personal grace and skill that few singer/songwriters have.
Washington Post - Allison Stewart
Taylor Swift's ridiculously entertaining new album, "Speak Now," is a lengthy, captivating exercise in woo-pitching, flame tending and score-settling -- with a heavy emphasis on the latter.
Los Angeles Times - Ann Powers
Swift reminds us that there's another way to hook in listeners. Not surprisingly coming from someone so focused on childhood imagery, it's a trick parents often use with their kids: Use a soft tone. Focus everything inward. Make the one you're addressing feel like you and she are the only ones in the world.... Swift's ability to articulate her vision is growing beautifully.
Blogcritics - Tyrone S. Reid
Hit-laden and chock-full of Swift's usual themes of regret, romance and heartbreak, Speak Now is more delightful country than contemporary pop, while delivering traces of soft rock, bluegrass and acoustic elements. These are creamy, effervescent songs that charm the listener into a state of entertainment. More commonly, though, we are reminded of Swift's capacity for lush and sensitive lyrics steeped in matters of the heart.
Paste Magazine - Liz Stinson
With her every-girl pop songs and 'aw shucks' demeanor, Swift has something far more powerful than any bra-baring glitter-bomb will ever possess: the friend factor.... At its best, her songwriting stands as a shining example of Top 40 music -- full of cinematic build-ups and addictive repeatability.
US Magazine - Ian Drew
Taylor Swift has again achieved the near impossible.... A third bundle of melodic, cathartic country-pop.
Hollywood Reporter - Chris Willman
Entirely self-penned, sans the collaborations of the previous albums, it's an enormous breakthrough in songwriting maturity, while hardly forsaking the childlike lack of pretense that made earlier efforts such guilt-free ear candy.
CNN Entertainment - Leah Greenblatt
Beneath Swift's not-a-girl, not-yet-a-woman sweetness lurks a rigorous and very skillful technique; love may confound her, but the art of expert songcraft clearly doesn't.

Swift reminds us that there's another way to hook in listeners. Not surprisingly coming from someone so focused on childhood imagery, it's a trick parents often use with their kids: Use a soft tone. Focus everything inward. Make the one you're addressing feel like you and she are the only ones in the world.... Swift's ability to articulate her vision is growing beautifully.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 10/25/2010
  • Label: Big Machine Records
  • UPC: 843930003976
  • Catalog Number: 0300
  • Sales rank: 2,505

Tracks

Disc 1
  1. 1 Mine (3:51)
  2. 2 Sparks Fly (4:22)
  3. 3 Back to December (4:55)
  4. 4 Speak Now (4:03)
  5. 5 Dear John (6:45)
  6. 6 Mean (3:58)
  7. 7 The Story of Us (4:27)
  8. 8 Never Grow Up (4:52)
  9. 9 Enchanted (5:53)
  10. 10 Better Than Revenge (3:40)
  11. 11 Innocent (5:03)
  12. 12 Haunted (4:05)
  13. 13 Last Kiss (6:09)
  14. 14 Long Live (5:17)
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Album Credits

Performance Credits
Taylor Swift Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar, Hand Clapping, Vocal Harmony
Eric Darken Percussion
Paul Buckmaster Conductor
Smith Curry Lap Steel Guitar
Shannon Forrest Drums
John Gardner Drums
Rob Hajacos Fiddle
Tommy Sims Bass
Chris Carmichael Strings
Tim Lauer Piano, Hammond B3
Bryan Sutton Acoustic Guitar
Caitlin Evanson Vocal Harmony
Tim Marks Bass
Amos Heller Bass
Nathan Chapman Organ, Synthesizer, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin, Piano, Electric Guitar, Hand Clapping, fender rhodes, Guitar (12 String Electric), Vocal Harmony
Paul Sidoti Electric Guitar
Grant Mickelson Electric Guitar
Mike Meadows Electric Guitar, Hand Clapping
Nick Buda Drums
Al Wilson Percussion, Hand Clapping
Liz Huett Vocal Harmony
Technical Credits
Paul Buckmaster Orchestral Arrangements
Steve Churchyard Engineer
Steve Marcantonio Engineer
Justin Niebank Engineer
Brian David Willis Engineer
Drew Bollman Engineer
Chris Carmichael String Arrangements
Jed Hackett Engineer
Chuck Ainlay Engineer
Bethany Newman Illustrations
Todd Tidwell Engineer
Josh Newman Illustrations
Lowell Reynolds Engineer
Chad Carlson Engineer
Taylor Swift Composer, Producer, Liner Notes, Art Direction
Nathan Chapman Programming, Producer, Engineer
Hank Williams Mastering
Joel Quillen Engineer
Jeremy Hunter Engineer
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 84 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(67)

4 Star

(7)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(3)

1 Star

(6)

Your Rating:

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 84 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 27, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Rockferry
    Fearless
    Revolution
    The Band Perry
    The Fall

    Great album

    Taylor has done it again; another great album. Her song writing kepts getting better and better.

    6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 16, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Insane Clown Posse: Bootlegged In L.A.
    Big Money Rustlas
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    Insane Clown Posse: Big Money Hustla$ - The Movie
    Insane Clown Posse: A Family Underground

    terrible album by taylor swift

    terrible from the very begining to the very end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    2 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Can't Wait!!

    I was super excited when I heard Taylor Swift had a new album coming out! All I've heard from the album has been "Mine" and "Sparks Fly" but they are amazing songs and I can't wait to hear more!!

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 20, 2011

    Taylor swift is a good singer

    I like the CD. She sounds good. I have all of her CDs and this one is my favorite

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 20, 2011

    Best Taylor Swift CD EVER!

    If you like Taylor Swift this is the CD for you! It has many great Taylor Swift songs like Speak now, Mine, Sparks fly, the story of us, back to December, and dear john! All the songs R lovely and I think this is one of her best CD's! I highly recommend it!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 9, 2012

    Taylor Swift just keeps on getting better and better! Best album

    Taylor Swift just keeps on getting better and better! Best album she's done so far Love you Taylor

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 26, 2012

    *LIKE*

    *LIKE*

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted June 5, 2012

    I Also Recommend:

    Hold on 'Til the Night
    Live Like You Were Dying
    Own The Night
    Play On
    Changed

    My favorite album from Taylor Swift!

    This was such a great album! I loved every song! I love how brave Taylor is for writing such personal songs. My favorite song is "Haunted". Another amazing album!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted March 30, 2012

    Very disappointing

    I ordered this CD and received the Karaoke version. I obviously did not receive what I ordered!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted January 5, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Amazing CD!

    Amazing CD- best ever. I love it. If you love Taylor Swift, you will love this. I find the other songs are way better than the Taylor Swift songs they play on the radio. ****If you buy this at Target, you get like 3 new bonus songs and 2 songs on the Cd without music. It also comes with a bonus music video, and I think it might be cheaper.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted December 31, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride Series #1)
    The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Series #1)
    Little Voice
    The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Series #1)
    Eragon (Inheritance Cycle Series #1)

    My Personal Favorite CD

    I absolutely love Taylor Swift's music and how each song tells a story. My favorite song on this CD is Enchanted. Taylor Swift is a wonderful role model and I hope she keeps singing!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted December 31, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Love :)

    Love this CD and I'm not a country fan. I've had it in the car for a couple weeks now and I'm just not getting tired of it (my boyfriend is though!). Very happy with this purchase!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 28, 2010

    EWWW

    TAYLOR SWIFT FAILED AGGGGAIN!!!! and i am soorry to her fans but ugh!!!!

    0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 11, 2010

    Best cd ever

    i love this cd its the best ever!!!! i recommend it to anyone who luvs taylor!!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted November 27, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Awesome! A must-have =)

    I absolutely love this album. The songs are totally awesome. My fav is Mine. You can find urs out by buying this album! Totally worth it

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 22, 2010

    Love it!

    Absolutely loved this CD! I got it right when it came out on my birthday! Its awesome!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 1, 2010

    Awesome New Album

    I have to say that my first Taylor Swift album was fearless which I enjoyed, although I thought that album was geared more for the teen crowd. "Speak Now" definitely sounds more adult and I admit that I've listened to the entire album multiple times without having to skip any songs. I hope she continues to make awesome, quality music which appeals to listeners no mater their genre preference.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 25, 2010

    Must Check !!!

    It's a Taylor touch

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted August 31, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    A Matter of Life and Death
    Brave New World
    Dance of Death
    The Final Frontier
    The Number of the Beast

    this album already leaked

    it leaked and it was the most annoying album of 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 29, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 84 Customer Reviews