"Suburban Legends" | |
---|---|
Song by Taylor Swift | |
from the album 1989 (Taylor's Version) | |
Released | October 27, 2023 |
Studio |
|
Genre | Synth-pop |
Length | 2:51 |
Label | Republic |
Songwriter(s) |
|
Producer(s) |
|
Lyric video | |
"Suburban Legends" on YouTube |
"Suburban Legends" [a] is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote and produced it with Jack Antonoff. The track was originally intended for her 2014 studio album, 1989, but was included in the 2023 re-recording, 1989 (Taylor's Version) . A midtempo synth-pop ballad, "Suburban Legends" features 1980s-inspired synthesizers, a disco groove, and a gentle pulse. The lyrics contain imagery of fantasy and nostalgia: Swift's character reflects on a failed small-town romance and details the thrilling parts of the relationship and its dissolution.
Critics discussed "Suburban Legends" with its similarity to Swift's album Midnights (2022) and her other works. Many praised the songwriting and production while some others found the song lacking and derivative. Commercially, "Suburban Legends" peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 14 on the Billboard Global 200. It reached the top 10 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, and further charted in several countries. Swift performed the song during a Rio de Janeiro show as part of her Eras Tour (2023–2024).
The American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her fifth studio album, 1989 , in October 2014 by Big Machine Records. [2] [3] Its 1980s synth-pop-inspired production marked a departure from the country sound of her previous releases. [4] [5] [6] The album received widespread commercial success, selling over five million copies in the United States within one year. [7] After a dispute with Big Machine over the sale of the masters of Swift's first six studio albums in 2019, she announced that she would re-record them in November 2020. [8] The re-recordings featured tracks from the sessions she had eschewed from their original albums, subtitled "From the Vault". One such track was "Suburban Legends", a song written for 1989 but was excluded from the final track list. [9] [10]
"Suburban Legends" was included on Swift's fourth re-recorded album, 1989 (Taylor's Version) , which was released on October 27, 2023, by Republic Records. [1] On November 7, Swift sang the song with a piano during the Rio de Janeiro stop of her Eras Tour (2023–2024). [11] It charted within the top 10 in the countries of Australia (8), [12] New Zealand (9), [13] and Canada (10). [14] In the United States, the song debuted and peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with 20.2 million streams, extending her record of most top-10 entries by a female artist on the chart. [15] [16] In the United Kingdom, it reached the OCC's streaming (16), [17] downloads (61), [18] and sales charts (72) [19] and peaked at number 14 on Billboard's U.K. Songs. [20] Elsewhere, "Suburban Legends" peaked at number 14 on both Billboard Global 200 [21] and Ireland, [22] number 18 in Singapore, [23] number 25 in the Philippines, [24] number 61 in Portugal, [25] and number 87 in Sweden. [26]
"Suburban Legends" is 2 minutes and 51 seconds long. [27] Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff, who recorded it with Laura Sisk at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and Rough Customer Studio and Electric Lady Studios both in New York City. Antonoff provided programming, background vocals, and instruments, including DX100, Juno 6, and synthesizers. Other musicians on the track were Evan Smith (guitar, synthesizers, saxophones), Michael Riddleberger (drums, percussion), Mikey Freedom Hart (Farfisa, guitars, synthesizers), Sean Hutchinson (drums, percussion), and Zem Audu (synthesizers). It was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach and mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in Edgewater, New Jersey. [1]
"Suburban Legends" is a midtempo [28] synth-pop [29] ballad. [30] The production has 1980s-inspired synthesizers [31] that critics described as "sparkly", [32] "swirling", and "cinematic". [33] The outro features the synths making a dissipating sound, according to Billboard 's Jason Lipshutz. [34] The track also contains a gentle pulse [32] and a swelling disco groove. [35] Jeff Nelson from People described the production as "driving, sometimes wind chime-y". [36] The lyrics recount a faded romance set in a small town. [33] [37] In the song, Swift's character is skeptical to her lover ("[U]nmarked numbers popping up on her beau's phone are caught in her peripheral vision") but also has the inability to let go ("You were so magnetic it was almost obnoxious"). [32] She expresses her commitment to maintaining the romance ("I didn't come here to make friends" / "We were born to be suburban legends") [33] and knows that a single kiss could hypnotize her for a long time ("You kissed me in a way that's gonna screw me up forever"). [28] The song addresses the burgeoning side and the breakup of the relationship using both fantasy and nostalgia imagery. [38] In the second verse, she imagines herself walking to a high school reunion with a classmate who is now her partner, hoping to get the reactions of everyone. [33] The relationship ends in the bridge as Swift finds out herself because the partner was "too polite to do it" and accepts what happened in the end. [33] [39] [34]
Critics commented that "Suburban Legends" would have been for her album Midnights (2022) [b] and perceived similarities with the album's closing track, "Mastermind". [c] Mike DeWald of Riff Magazine opined that the song had "a more defined [...] bounce" from the album, [44] while Furvah Shah from Cosmopolitan wrote that it was "Midnights-esque". [30] Shaad D'Souza of Pitchfork believed it had the "dense, largely rhymeless run-on style" that defined the album and Folklore (2020). [45] Critics also found similarities from "Suburban Legends" to Swift's other works. In NJ.com, Bobby Olivier opined that the song had high school imagery that reprised those from "You Belong with Me" (2009) and "Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince" (2019). [46] Jake Viswanath from Bustle felt that the songwriting was similar to "'Tis the Damn Season" (2020). [33] Harper's Bazaar Australia 's Dani Maher believed that the track's aesthetic recalled "New Romantics" (2016). [39] For NME , Hollie Geragthy thought its lyricism had the "evocative detail" of her previous works. [47]
Critics generally praised "Suburban Legends" for its songwriting and production. Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times ranked it first in his list of the album's "From the Vault" tracks, [35] and the newspaper included it at number 26 on their list of the best 100 songs of 2023. [48] NME 's Hollie Geraghty thought that the song displayed a "sweeping, evocative storytelling". [47] Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today believed that it featured some of her "most vivid" lyrics. [32] Fred Thomas from AllMusic wrote that the track had a subdued production that differed it to the "overenthusiastic electro-pop exclamation" of "New Romantics". [49] In a ranking of all Swift's "From the Vault" tracks, Annabel Gutterman of Time included the song at number eight and called it a "total bop" where Swift was at her best being nostalgic. [37] Nina Miyashita from Vogue Australia believed that the track was tender and that its theme of nostalgia was matured by her self-awareness. [38] Kelsey Barnes of The Line of Best Fit labeled the song as "sprawling" and felt that its rhyme schemes were simple yet effective. [50] Rolling Stone 's writer Rob Sheffield found the track witty, [41] while Mark Sutherland from the magazine's UK edition thought it was "superb" and had "classically Swiftian one-liners". [51] The Notion journalist Rachel Martin said that the song showcased Swift's ability of making "a pop song [that is] full of unequivocal storytelling". [52]
Some critics were more reserved in their praise. Bobby Olivier from NJ.com placed the song last on his list of the album's "From the Vault" tracks and wrote that it was fun but not "especially memorable". [46] Atwood Magazine's review felt that "Suburban Legends" had awkward lyrics and attributed it to the track's underdevelopment. [53] Three journalists of the BBC [54] and Shaad D'Souza of Pitchfork said that the lyrics and melody were not as sharp compared to the songs on 1989. D'Souza, however, thought it showcased Swift's skill of "channeling the cocktail of victimhood and superiority" that happens following a breakup. [45] Ranking all her "From the Vault" tracks, Josh Kurp of Uproxx listed the song at fourteenth and felt that its production was too similar to the fellow album track "Now That We Don't Talk". [29] John Wohlmacher from Beats Per Minute believed that it was not that engaging and that the composition was derivative. [40]
Credits are taken from the liner notes of 1989 (Taylor's Version). [1]
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [12] | 8 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [14] | 10 |
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [21] | 14 |
Greece International (IFPI) [55] | 20 |
Ireland ( Billboard ) [22] | 14 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [13] | 9 |
Philippines ( Billboard ) [24] | 25 |
Portugal (AFP) [25] | 61 |
Singapore (RIAS) [23] | 18 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [26] | 87 |
UK ( Billboard ) [20] | 14 |
UK Singles Downloads (OCC) [18] | 61 |
UK Singles Sales (OCC) [19] | 72 |
UK Streaming (OCC) [17] | 16 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [15] | 10 |
"New Romantics" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote it with the producers Max Martin and Shellback. The title is a reference to a cultural movement of the 1970s and 1980s, whose new wave musical style influenced the song's synth-pop production and pulsating synthesizers. The lyrics are about reigniting one's hopes and energy after emotional hardships.
1989 is the fifth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2014, by Big Machine Records. Executive-produced by Swift and the Swedish producer Max Martin, it was Swift's effort to recalibrate her artistic identity from country to pop.
"Out of the Woods" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff. With lyrics inspired by a failed relationship and the ensuing anxieties that Swift experienced, "Out of the Woods" is a synth-pop song with elements of Eurodance and indietronica and features heavy synthesizers, looping drums, and layered background vocals.
"Welcome to New York" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Written by Swift and Ryan Tedder, the song was inspired by Swift's relocation to New York City in April 2014. Its lyrics explore a newfound freedom in the city and a lighthearted attitude towards past heartbreaks.
"Style" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the third single from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). She wrote the track with its producers Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami. An incorporation of pop, funk, disco, and electronic styles, "Style" is built on an electric guitar riff, pulsing synthesizers, and dense vocal reverb. The lyrics are about a couple who could not escape from an unhealthy relationship because they are never "out of style". Big Machine in partnership with Republic Records released the song to US radio on February 9, 2015.
"Bad Blood" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). She wrote the song with the Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback. It is a pop song using keyboards and hip hop–inspired drum beats, and the lyrics are about betrayal by a close friend. A remix featuring the American rapper Kendrick Lamar, with additional lyrics by Lamar and production by the Swedish musician Ilya, was released to radio as 1989's fourth single on May 17, 2015, by Big Machine and Republic Records.
"This Love" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift produced the song with Nathan Chapman. An atmospheric ballad, "This Love" combines soft rock and synth-pop. Its lyrics use oceanic imagery to describe the revival of a faded romance.
"You All Over Me" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift featuring harmony vocals from the American singer Maren Morris. Swift wrote the track with Scooter Carusoe in 2005 for her second studio album, Fearless (2008), but excluded it from the track-listing. She produced the song with Aaron Dessner for the album's 2021 re-recording, Fearless . "You All Over Me" was released for download via Swift's website on March 26, 2021.
"Mr. Perfectly Fine" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her first re-recorded album, Fearless (2021). It is one of the album's "From the Vault" tracks that was intended for but excluded from her second studio album, Fearless (2008). The song was released for limited-time download via Swift's website on April 7, 2021. She wrote "Mr. Perfectly Fine" in 2008, a track that incorporates wordplay and sees the narrator's heartbreak and fallout with a lover she presumed was the ideal figure for her.
"That's When" is a song by Taylor Swift featuring Keith Urban. It was released as part of Fearless (2021), a re-recording of Swift's second studio album Fearless (2008). She wrote the track with the Warren Brothers at age 14 and handled the production with Jack Antonoff. "That's When" is an acoustic country pop and indie folk ballad about the end and aftermath of a relationship: Swift's and Urban's characters contemplate how to reunite with one another.
Fearless (Taylor's Version) is the first re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. released on April 9, 2021, by Republic Records. It is part of Swift's re-recording project following the 2019 dispute over the master recordings of her back catalog.
Red (Taylor's Version) is the second re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on November 12, 2021, by Republic Records. A re-recording of Swift's fourth studio album, Red (2012), it is part of her re-recording projects following the 2019 dispute over the ownership of her back catalog.
"Nothing New" is a song by the American singer-songwriters Taylor Swift featuring Phoebe Bridgers. Swift wrote the song in March 2012 and produced it with Aaron Dessner for her second re-recorded studio album, Red , which was released in 2021 through Republic Records. The track is a guitar-led folk and alternative rock tune about anxieties over romance and growing up.
"Message in a Bottle" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was her first writing collaboration with Max Martin and Shellback. The song was intended for but excluded from her fourth studio album, Red (2012). Shellback and Elvira Anderfjärd produced the track for Swift's re-recorded album, Red (2021). "Message in a Bottle" is a 1980s-influenced dance-pop, synth-pop, and electropop song with lyrics about the anxiety from falling in love.
1989 (Taylor's Version) is the fourth re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2023, by Republic Records. A re-recording of Swift's fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), it is part of her ongoing re-recording projects following the 2019 dispute over the masters of her back catalog. It was announced at the final Los Angeles show of the Eras Tour on August 9, 2023.
"Say Don't Go" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. She wrote the track with Diane Warren in 2013 for her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), but left it out of the final track-list. Swift re-recorded the song and produced it with Jack Antonoff for 1989's re-recording, 1989 (2023). "Say Don't Go" is a new-age and pop rock power ballad with a production featuring 1980s-inspired drum beats, pizzicato arpeggios, and isolated vocal patterns. The lyrics are about a narrator attempting to maintain her unfruitful relationship.
"'Slut!'" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote and produced it with Jack Antonoff and Patrik Berger. The song was intended for but ultimately left out of Swift's fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Following a 2019 dispute regarding ownership of Swift's masters, the song was produced for Swift's re-recording of 1989, titled 1989 (2023). "'Slut!'" was released for streaming and download on October 27, 2023, via Republic Records; the same day, Universal Music released the song to Italian radio. An acoustic version was released for limited-time download as part of a deluxe digital release of the album.
"Is It Over Now?" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Written by Swift and Jack Antonoff, the song was intended for but ultimately left out of Swift's fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), but was released as part of the 2023 re-recording, 1989 . "Is It Over Now?" is an electropop power ballad composed of dense reverb, synthesizers, and an echoing drum machine. Republic Records released the song to US contemporary hit radio on October 31, 2023.
"Now That We Don't Talk" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was written by Swift for her 2014 studio album, 1989, but did not make the final track-list. She re-recorded the song and produced it with Jack Antonoff for her 2023 re-recorded album, 1989 . A synth-pop and disco song, "Now That We Don't Talk" features disco grooves, falsetto vocals, and thrumming synths. The lyrics are about contempt for an estranged ex-lover.
"I Wish You Would" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). She wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff, who developed the track from his initial sampling of the snare drums on Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 song "She Drives Me Crazy". A synth-pop and bubblegum song, "I Wish You Would" is instrumented by a staccato guitar lick, dense synths and snares, and layered vocals. The lyrics are about two ex-lovers longing for each other.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)