Taylor Swift, The Archer | Track Review

Grammy-winning pop superstar Taylor Swift shines lyrically on “The Archer,” the third single from her highly-anticipated seventh studio album, ‘Lover.’

“I’ve been the archer, I’ve been the prey / Who could ever leave me, darling / But who could say?” That’s the statements and questions that Grammy-winning pop superstar Taylor Swift makes on “The Archer,” the third single from her highly-anticipated seventh studio album, Lover. “The Archer” follows two heavily scrutinized singles in the schmaltzy “ME!” (featuring Brendon Urie) and the purported queer-baiting “You Need to Calm Down”.  On “The Archer,” Swift focuses on a topic she’s well-versed in – relationships. In addition to relationships, it also seems Swift is focused on her perception to others in general.

On the aforementioned chorus, Swift might as well say that she’s had her good and bad moments in her respective relationships.  Fair enough. Honestly, fans would probably agree with her, at least judging by the number of boys she’s entertained, as well as the songs written about them. Anyways, on the verses, she questions her currently relationship, specifically her own actions and insecurities from the past.  This is quite pronounced on the second verse, when she sings, “And I cut off my nose just to spite my face / Then I hate my reflection for years and years.”  On the contrasting pre-chorus sections, she’s poetic, leading into the centerpiece, the chorus.  Also, the bridge shouldn’t be ignored, as Swift tussles with stating “‘Cause they see right through me” versus asking her current man, “Can you see right through me?”

Lyrically, “The Archer” is quite interesting. Musically, it’s alluring enough as well, dipping back into the 80s.  That of course is to be expected from a Jack Antonoff co-production, right? Right. One cool feature of the song is how it builds as it progresses.

Final Thoughts 

So, does “The Archer” give Taylor Swift another potential hit? It’s definitely an interesting record but doesn’t reach the glory of some of her catchiest, most memorable hits of the past.  The lyrics are what intrigue the most, while the music is okay but not game changing. “The Archer” is definitely a well-rounded record overall.

Taylor Swift • Lover • Taylor Swift • Release: 8.23.19

Photo Credit: Taylor Swift