I love Taylor's works, so I'm really sorry to say that I didn't like this book at all. The idea is interesting: we are told not about Taylor's life, but about her songs, about what kind of songwriter she is, etc. I liked the structure of the book, where we get dissected literally every song from every album. But this edition is already a little bit out of date since there is no information about the re-recordings of Speak Now and 1989, as well as about the new album The Tortured Poents Department + The Anthology.

In addition, I noticed several inaccuracies in the essays at the beginning. However, the biggest shortcoming for me is that this text is VERY boringly written. Yes, it is a non-fiction about songwriting, but the text of the book is so dry. Moreover, it felt like the author begins from the very first pages to somehow humiliate some of Swift's fans with her elitism like "here I won't tell you about Taylor's life, about whom she wrote her songs, so if you need that, go read something dumber, some magazines or whatever." and those things were like in every second sentence, which is actually pretty sad and disappointing.

I am not a swifty kind of fan girl. However, this book gave a great insight on Taylor swifts life and her career. Its not a quick read. It goes into depth of her trials and tribulations throughout her music career. I would recommend it to any fan.

Taylor Swift for Adults was not what I was expecting – in the best way. This book is made for someone truly curious about her skill of songwriting and prowess within the music industry, and not her fan-centric personal life. I appreciate that more than most, I suspect, because I only recently became a fan after listening to her Midnights album. I had so much to learn!

I heard about the Spotify squabble in passing but I can see now how important that was, not just for Taylor Swift but for every artist. I had also never seen an artist re-record albums like this before, and to take back what is hers with such force. This book also goes into a near-academic review of all of this, on top of her discography, song by song, album by album. From her cultural impact (the Eras Tour is literally a historical event at this point) to her musical and lyrical transition between albums, I feel like I should be granted a PhD in Swiftology – can I take this class again?

I am very interested in seeing where Kev Nickells goes next, and I plan to be there!

If you are a Swiftie, this book is for you! Nickells provides a comprehensive study of Swift's career, music, and business acumen. A large portion of this book is dedicated to analyzing song lyrics, her style of writing, metaphors, and details found within her songs. And the author points out the growth of the music and lyrics as Swift has grown in her confidence as a musician and songwriter. Album covers and their connection to the songs are also explored. This would be a fun book to read and dissect with fellow fans, as there are numerous opportunities for discussion. It may be a bit too academic for some fans, but it is an enjoyable read overall.

This was interesting it was cool to see how all of her songs have double meanings and the amount of symbolism in the lyrics. That was my favourite part of the book learning the symbolism.

I am a huge Taylor Swift fan, but I did not enjoy this one. As a fan, I do know a lot of her back story on the "why's" of her lyrics. This book read more like a textbook than a fun story of Taylor Swift.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a Taylor Swift fan of course. You likely wouldn’t be interested in this book if not. I am also way over her average fan’s age. My kids actually discovered her in her Debut era and I listened mostly so I knew what they were so into. I didn’t become an actual independent and avid fan until “Folklore” to be honest, but I enjoyed all the previous albums. Anyway that is to say I did think that I could learn some things about Taylor from this book. I didn’t enjoy the first portion of the book as much as the second part. The first portion of the book is dedicated to her life and how she became the phenomenon she is now. I was far more interested in the later album by album- song by song- breakdown. I am here for some lyric analysis! I believe most hardcore fans will find little here that they didn’t know but it still is a good time revisiting the songs.

I was lucky enough to be sent this book through NetGalley as Pen & Sword publishing granted my wish for access to this book. I felt that it was a lovely deep dive into Taylor Swift's career and more specifically, her songwriting as the book takes you through her works, literally song by song. As a seasoned Swiftie it was captivating to take the in depth look at the inner workings of inspiration behind the lyrics of my favourite TS songs (all of them). I can only hope that future works from Kev Nickells on the subject will take a look at her re recordings and her newest album.

The way Nickells writes on the subject matter is enticing and easy to follow, even if you are newly into the Swiftie fandom and curious to learn more. I love that this doesn't take the easy gossipy approach some biographers take when it comes to Taylor content.

Keeping this review spoiler free, I always thought I was unique to compare points in Taylor's career to that of Prince. I am delighted to know I am not the only one. This book is one I would definitely recommend to Swifties of all ages.

Very informative book on the career of Taylor Swift. This was a nice overview on the vast career of pop superstar Taylor Swift. Not usually in my wheelhouse of books I read but I enjoyed!

I love Taylor swift and I loved the in-depth research this book has, it has a full album breakdowns (which I loved!
With songs!) I read this in one sitting it I love hearing others people take on music. If you love Taylor swift you NEED this book ASAP. I can't wait to have a physical copy of it! Thank you for the arch of this!

“Taylor Swift for Adults” by Kev Nickells offers a fresh and insightful analysis of Taylor Swift's lyrical genius. Nickells expertly breaks down the tropes, patterns, and styles that define Swift's songwriting, revealing a depth that casual listeners might miss. The book's detailed focus on metrics, flow, and form showcases Swift's poetic talents, making a compelling case for her skill as a lyricist.

Overall, “Taylor Swift for Adults” is a must-read for fans and skeptics alike, offering a deeper understanding of why Swift is one of this generation's most beloved songwriters.

Das Buch "Taxlor Swift for Adults" von Kev Nickells gibt einen Einblick in die Welt von Taylor Swift. Hierbei wird nicht nur das Phänomen der Popikone beleuchtet, sondern auch ein nicht swiftie coded Blick auf die lyrischen Bedeutungen der Hits der Sängerin geworfen. Weiters beschäftigt sich das Buch mit der medialen Präsentation und dem Phänomen hinter der Fankultur.
Für mich war es das erste Buch dieser Art. Leider hatte ich das Gefühl, dass das Buch teilweise zwanghaft versucht einen neuen Take zu finden.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

This was an interesting take on Taylor's career and music. I enjoyed that it was not focused on Taylor herself as she's had enough scrutiny in her life from both fans and foes. I'll be honest, this isn't a quick fun read, you may need to look up a word or two, but is really fascinating.

An in depth look at the life of our Mother, Taylor Swift. Go behind the scenes to see how she became who she is and how she dominates the entertainment world!

I love Taylor Swift and I love reading more about her and other opinions / ideas of her so I was really excited to read this. I loved seeing the different songs dissected and got so many new insights into her music from reading this, so many I had not previously thought of.

“Taylor Swift for adults” might not be the best title for this. I am a HUGE Taylor Swift fan, since Fearless dropped in 2008. I’m now an older swiftie at 30. However reading this, it reminded me of texts I’ve read in college. I feel this would better be described with a more dissertation like title. That would more explain what you’re getting into when you pick up this book. I know it’s called “For Adults” because it go behind the sex references and cuss words in her lyrics. But I also I feel like the statement on the first page that an “adult” as described by the book is someone who cares less about Taylor’s personal life but on her art is condensing. I can be an adult Swiftie and do both. Her art is influenced by her personal life and whose she’s dating. I love Taylor as a person. Being too invested in Swift’s personal life is something swifties get crap for ALOT. I don’t also need it from a book for Swfites. This books wasn’t what I expected when I picked it up.

If you want to learn more about the life of Taylor Swift this is not the book for you! But if you are a serious follower of Swift’s music, songwriting, and lyrics, then you would find this comprehensive study of the works of Taylor Swift over her career to date a very interesting read.

Author Kev Nickells admires Taylor Swift not only as a gifted singer and songwriter, but he also attributes her phenomenal success to her being a shrewd businesswoman. He explains her success in dealing with Spotify and her ability to negotiate more lucrative compensation for performers. Then he explains the motive behind Taylor’s rerecording of her own material in order to win back the copyright of the songs. The Taylor Swift “brand” is also discussed.

Nickells devotes a large portion of the book to analyzing lyrics, patterns, style of writing, metaphors, and flow and detail in her songs. He traces the growth of her confidence as he analyzes the the progression of her songs and albums. Mr. Nickells also talks about the art used on album covers and the relationship of colors to the music.

He states that Taylor Swift is “a case study in life in early twentieth century and in the pop art of the millennial culture”. He speculates on how Taylor’s career will progress as she ages. In addition to her song writing and performing, Taylor has also been the producer, art director, and executive producer on her albums and videos as well as writing songs which have been performed by other artists. These qualities should server her well in the future.

I found this book to be quite interesting. However, since I am not a dedicated Taylor Swift follower, I am not familiar with many of the songs Nickells analyzes. If you do follow Taylor Swift’s songs and albums closely, then this book would add to your knowledge. Kev Nickells concludes his book with the statement, “I hope I’ve given you new ways to listen to Swift, and things to think about along the way”. That he has definitely accomplished.

Thank you to Net Galley, White Owl publishing, and author Kev Nickells for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

Taylor Swift for Adults strips away the tabloids and the gossip and examines the craft and lyricism behind arguably one of the most prolific pop artists of our time.

The first section of the book is highly academic, and the author clearly has a deep understanding of both Swift's extensive body of work, and also the music industry, as we explore what makes Swift stand out in a sea of pop artists, her transition from Country to Pop, and the way she pivots and reinvents herself.

The second part of the book is an album-by-album, song-by song analysis into the lyrics and meanings behind the songs *without going into gossip and speculation*. Rather than looking at the protagonist of each song as Swift herself the author looks at the "I" of the songs as an anonymous third party, and explores the meanings and intentions of the songs from an impartial distance, as well as analysing the lyrical phrasing and rhythms Swift uses so well.

This was an interesting read. I didn't necessarily agree with the author on all points of their interpretations of lyrics, but they certainly know their stuff, and this book was thoroughly well-researched. A good coffee table for older Swifties.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

An erudite info-rich look at Taylor Swift. Well-researched and written, this title by author Kev Nickells also reflects in-depth knowledge of the music industry and Taylor's storied place in it. Recommended for Swifties who want an intelligent analysis, not a rah rah fan book.

As a Swiftie, I was overjoyed by the opportunity to read this book, focusing on my favourite singer and her music!

Rather than centring around gossip, which magazines and news articles cover, this book is all about Taylor’s music and songwriting, with references to her personal life where relevant. The tone is fairly formal and academic, and it is not a quick read.

There are many points and interpretations suggested by the author which leave room for thought and the possibility for discussion. I would recommend this book to be buddy read in sections with other Swifties, as the content will certainly bring up opinions and would be ideal for a Swiftie bookclub! The majority of the book focuses on songs and albums, delving into lyrics, meanings, and other references. It would be the perfect way to listen back through all of Taylor’s albums, reading relevant sections as you go.

Overall, this was enjoyable, though at times a little too academic for my personal taste. I enjoyed reading the author’s thoughts on my favourite songs, and loved references to ‘One Tree Hill’, my favourite teenage show!