Taylor Swift returns with “Gorgeous,” the third single from her highly-anticipated new album, ‘Reputation’ (November 10). 

With her shocking comeback single “Look What You Made Me Do,” Taylor Swift ensured she remained relevant within pop music.   Furthermore, she made it clear that, indeed, “the old Taylor is dead.” This new Taylor Swift, back once again on third single “Gorgeous,” is definitely different.  Reputation should be an interesting album.

“Gorgeous” features modern, electro-pop production. Again, pre-Reputation, this isn’t the sound we’ve come to associate with Taylor Swift. The theme of the song is that Swift wants a guy who’s not paying her any attention. This is the classic one-sided or unrequited love.  There is a variation though – she has an older boyfriend:

“…And I got a boyfriend, he’s older than us / He’s in the club doing I don’t know what / You’re so cool, it makes me hate you so much.”

Throughout “Gorgeous,” Swift delivers cool vocals. There’s a bit more intensity on the chorus, particularly the final chorus. The pre-chorus changes after each verse.  As for the chorus, it’s catchy enough, but not game-changing.

“You’re so gorgeous / I can’t say anything to your face / ‘Cause look at your face / And I’m so furious / At you for making me feel this way / But what can I say? / You’re gorgeous.”

The bridge provides a welcome change of pace. The sound can be characterized as cool, incorporating flirty vocals by Swift.

“…There’s nothing I hate more than what I can’t have / Guess I’ll just stumble on home to my cats / Alone, unless you wanna come along.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Gorgeous” is a respectable single. It grows on you with successive listens.  Still, “Gorgeous” is NOT her best work. Some will like, some will hate it.  Many will miss the “old Taylor,” whose dead.

Taylor Swift • reputation • Big Machine • Release: 11.10.17 

Photo Credit: Big Machine