JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR
The album cover is courtesy of @taylorswift on Instagram
Taylor Swift’s latest move to block Charli XCX from a number-one debut on the U.K. album charts reeks of insecurity and pettiness.
Fans have accused the pop star of using shady tactics to overshadow Charli XCX’s critically acclaimed album, “Brat.”
The timing of Swift’s release of six U.K.-only album variants is highly suspect. These variants, which include voice memo demos and live versions of previously released songs, were announced just five hours before the album sales tracking for the week closed. This strategic move ensured that “The Tortured Poets Department” would spend another week at the top, denying Charli XCX the top spot.
Swift’s actions smack of desperation. One can’t help but question why an artist as globally successful as Swift needs to undercut fellow artists.
“Taylor Swift is releasing new versions of her snoozefest album only in the U.K. because Charli is predicted to go #1 there,” one user poted on X.
This isn’t the first time Swift has employed such tactics. A similar album rollout blocked Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard And Soft” from reaching number one. It seems that Swift is habitually stepping on other artists to maintain her reign at the top.
The growing Swift fatigue online is understandable. Her “The Tortured Poets Department” album, despite its initial success, is beginning to wear thin. The sheer number of album variants smacks of overkill. One can’t help but feel that Swift’s relentless self-promotion is overshadowing the genuine talent of other artists.
Charli XCX’s “Brat” has received glowing reviews. Music reviewer Brad Taste in Music gave the album 90 out of 100 and posted his review on the website Album of the Year.
“Charli combines a sense of self-posturing and self-loathing into a surprisingly relatable club album for those who go to clubs for the right reason.” Said Brad Taste in Music.
The internet’s business music nerd, Anthony Fanatno, also gave the record a perfect score. Several other music review sites, such as “The Telegraph” and “The Guardian,” joined Fantano in deeming “Brat” worthy of a perfect score.
The album’s success is a testament to Charli’s talent and hard work. Yet, instead of celebrating another female artist’s success, Swift has undermined it.
In a time when female artists should be supporting and uplifting each other, Taylor Swift’s actions are disappointing. By blocking Charli XCX from the top spot, Swift isn’t just hindering her success; she’s sending a message that there’s only room for one woman.
debell22@bonaventure.edu
