reacting to your UNPOPULAR taylor swift opinions 😬 now this is juicy...

[@cowboylikemave]

zack is the only swiftie youtuber who isn't afraid of being canceled by the 13 year olds, we stan

[@theswiftologist]

SPEAK ON IT

[@EdwardAndyPou]

LOUDER

[@simransharma2305]

PERIOD

[@takemetothelakes13]

FRRR (i'm 14)

[@zlovespie26]

words of wisdom

[@danichiong6727]

Very funny how some people get UPSET when a song doesn’t hit #1, and others get UPSET when a song gets ‘too popular’ 😅

[@Stinkyboi]

Fr, I feel bad for ppl that relate their enjoyment to something with how popular it is. You'd think art is the one place where competition isn't valued, but creativity and personality

[@aijsdijdni3401]

I understand the ‘too popular’ take only when it’s from the standpoint of not wanting to hear it constantly so that the song isn’t diminished for you. Hearing or seeing something too much can become annoying, which sucks if it’s a favorite song of yours. When people say they don’t like it when a favorite of theirs gets ‘too popular’ just because a lot of other people now know about it, that’s when I roll my eyes. Who cares? As for getting upset when it doesn’t get popular…. Like what? 😭 The song exists. You love it so much, go listen to it. Wanting it to be popular just sounds like you want validation for liking it.

[@Kelvis.pov4]

Just shows you can’t please everyone

[@santaclara6112]

​@@StinkyboiI have this tendency to feel bad for my favorite songs being popular; I'm worried that makes me basic. For example, I listen to "All Too Well" all the time, and when I did the Taylor Swift Song Sorter, the 10 Minute Version was my number one. Then I thought, "Why TF do I care if that makes me basic?" Both versions of the song are great, and I relate to it in my own way. If "All Too Well" being my favorite, if not one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs, makes me basic, then so be it.

[@Stinkyboi]

@@santaclara6112 "basic" means being late to the cool and trendy party, id say you're just ahead of the curve 😂

[@olivia8465]

As an elder swiftie, i totally agree on the response to the music video direction/styling comment. She is SO great at music, but can we just all admit that some of her music video direction notes are a bit………. I’m thinking of when she said in the ATW10 behind the scenes, as if she had invented the lightbulb herself, “lighting was really important to me - I wanted the light to be warm when they were in love and cooler toned she was heartbroken and sad”. It’s so silly for swifties to compare her with seasoned cinematographers/directors, often to put her above them, and say she’s a some second coming of film direction. She will improve, and I like that she is having fun with it, but “warm light for happiness and cool light for sadness” simply cannot be seen as the peak of film.

[@Raelven]

That definitely was not inventing the lightbulb 🤣 That's a perfect analogy for her revelation of lighting tho. 👍

[@KateCat420]

I don't think she's the best director ever or anything but I think she's OK at it, and I kinda want to see her improve and get better at it instead of just stop directing

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

yeah she’s incredibly at expressing emotion through literature, she would be better off having someone help her to translate that into visuals

[@ccampbellmusic]

I love her so much but her direction is not my favourite. In songwriting she’s so good at “show, don’t tell” techniques, but in her music video direction she will like zoom in on the subject matter, like ok taylor we all saw the “scarf that she left at his sisters house and he’s still got it even now”…

[@meghansullivan6812]

yeppppp all if my favorite videos of hers were definitely directed by other people😩

[@hehehehajsj8783]

Justice for evermore, it’s literally my favorite Taylor swift album ever, and I think it always will be. As a huge bon iver/justin Vernon fan seeing his influence all over the record was incredible. The experimentalism she tried to do in Red was properly executed in evermore.

[@sarakay8946]

100% agree!!! Evermore deserves so much more love!

[@SN-bk5xj]

Yes!!

[@drinkmoreagua8984]

One day people will come around to it. It’s truly so slept on and has some of her best songs ever on it.

[@AshleyZieman]

Agreed I absolutely love Evermore ❤

[@holdmypoodle]

Evermore is my fave as well

[@fangirlie444]

Unpopular opinion…Taylor’s parent’s divorce effected her way more than we think. I think she’s honestly very cynical towards any love that isn’t perfect in her eyes. Especially in her younger albums, you can hear how scared she is of love. As she’s gotten older she’s definitely solidified in that fear of commitment because she’s very all or nothing in a relationship. She feels like she has to prove herself worthy and capable of being able to fight for love-even if it’s not the greatest for either of them in a relationship.

[@fangirlie444]

I just never hear or see anyone discuss how she is a child of divorce. Whether your parents split amicably or not, that can be a very traumatizing, daunting, and whirlwind confusing experience for anyone. You lose a version of yourself and your life, everything you’ve known. And I think that makes a lot of sense for how she ended up the way she is and how she writes, especially about love and self worth. She went through that behind closed doors. And who knows what her childhood was really like. I just always think back to the Speak Now era and how her view on love seemed to change. Not in a bad way but more in a, I’ve seen the more realistic side of how things could end and how that could impact someone.

[@causeimnachoprincess]

"affected her more than we think" idek if this is unpopular, just because most people are just not thinking about scott & andrea's divorce on a daily basis? as a child of divorce i do agree that the before & after of the 2 most important people in your life splitting up and often becoming hostile to one another affects one greatly and the all-or-nothing element is a great example. (for me, this is "either they will become my forever person or stab me in the back somehow")

[@palemoonlight96]

If true, I sadly identify a lot with this mindset of all or nothing in love

[@meghansullivan6812]

Uhhhhh I didn’t even realize her parents were divorced???!!? Jeez haha

[@lindsaytubbs3523]

I’m a slut for your videos

[@IamMe11200]

People who act like Taylor is an underground indie artist that has to be gatekept are exhausting. Popular songs are popular for a reason! Like you said, a fan should be happy that a song is streamed and loved.

[@starrstuff]

personally i think ME! is fun to listen to but i do agree with you. it was a mistake to make it the lead single for the album that was going to be such a significance point in her career. like cruel summer existed in the same album. that one deserved the high budget production.

[@Stephaniemickle]

Crazy how cruel summer was released as a single in 2023 and totally skyrocketed thanks to the eras tour opening with it.

[@hayleysmith3113]

I completely agree with the position that Midnights is being treated as a better record because it just so happened to come out at the same time as the Taylor Swift tour mania. Without the tour mania I think Midnights would be getting a lot more criticism as being a huge step back from Folklore/Evermore. It’s honestly just another Lover, which was an attempt to recreate 1989 in the first place.

[@meghansullivan6812]

noooooo i think it's simply a DIFFERENT album!! like those were indie folksy lyrical hard hitters while midnights was ... simply a pop album! not that the lyrics and production werent thoughtful in of themselves but no way i'd call it "just another lover" 😩😩😩😩

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

To be fair, anything after folklore/evermore would have been a step back regardless, lol. She was in her primal zone when the lockdowns happened and had time to really focus on going deep into her mind. When she had no outside distractions like pleasing fans, going out, or award shows to attend, it really put her in a perfect time to craft auras and different listening environments inspired by nature and tranquility - something every human being can relate to. Midnights being more mixed bag inspired directly by stardom, lust, and self-importance didn't exactly hit check marks for everyone's relatability levels.

[@ididitoutofspite986]

I actually liked midnights. Its introspective and i connect with it a lot. Not to the extent of rep, i love that album more than anything, but midnights is something that i genuinely understand and can realte to

[@NGS712]

I happen to really enjoy 'Midnights' and think its a solid album. I wouldn't agree its 'Lover' Redux, as the sounds are different and part of what I love about 'Midnights' were its concision and distinct mood. I would say it's not groundbreaking, but I rather felt 'Midnights' brought together her pop sensibilities of before, and applied them to the more direct, intimate lyricism of 'folklore' and 'evermore.' So while not a risktaking album, she equally creates bold (if uneven) works, as well as pace-setting ones... if that makes sense. I think it's important for any kind of artist to do that. With that said, I believe it's probably getting (and taking away) more attention than it merits, yet ironically the hubris obscures what makes it unique. But then, as another commenter said, *anything* post-evermore probably would've had the same treatment.

[@tarathoughts13]

It’s an interesting idea as an album but I’m not the biggest fan of the execution (I low-key wish it was more of a visual album bc I think that that could’ve been amazing and would’ve made me like the album more) but I agree that it is not Grammy worthy,

[@alexnicole6806]

You are so patient for this, yet also blunt and analytical. One of the many reasons why you’re the best

[@theswiftologist]

thank you for watching!!

[@jessicam3707]

Taylor’s style works for who she is, I feel like the people who want her to “slay” more want her to do something edgier and sexier but I think that would take away from her own self-expression. I think that’s what fashion is about. Her classic, predictable looks fit with the fact that she is a classic and comforting person. There have been a few looks that I didn’t really believe on her bc they conveyed such a confident, showy vibe that doesn’t really work with her authenticity and humbleness. Idk, I could be wrong, I’m not very visual myself.

[@snowfoxxie]

I agree :) she isn’t a fashionista type and that’s what makes her so relatable! I feel like I can copy her style inexpensively and still feel comfortable in everyday wear/not too flashy. You bet I had a load of stripy shirts and red heart sunnies during the red era, the cat shoes-bob and crop tops during 1989, thigh high black boots black and gold of rep, my wardrobe got more pastels during lover, I got more earthy tones and a paisley dress when folklore/evermore came out… ah! list goes on. I rarely buy clothes and of course I’m still wearing everything that’s not worn out-but when I do buy something new I feel like I’m heavily influenced by whatever the Taylor swift album is at the time lol a bit sad I know- being brutally honest here. I don’t think I bought anything for midnights- but I almost bought a big purple fluffy jacket but my self control kicked in 😂 She def could have someone better design her merch and tshirts though 😅

[@jessicam3707]

@@snowfoxxie Yes, definitely, all of this! And it’s not sad haha, I was always very influenced by her hair and makeup (we look best in different clothing styles tho)

[@JosiahRobert14]

I love how you support the idea that you don't have to love everything Taylor does. I feel like a lot of swifties give me hate when i say Taylor is my second favorite artist because they think no one is as good as her.

[@JosiahRobert14]

​@@rileyreads6760I love to listen to Marina

[@abrielle13]

I said I don't really like her cheezier songs like Karma as much as others, and someone was like, "How can you call yourself and swiftie and not like her cheezy stuff?" And I said you don't have to think everything is pure gold to be a fan.

[@PandoraStolen]

Same. Lana is my favorite but Taylor is a very close second

[@lilaboxx]

I think for me Taylor currently shares the Favourite throne with Hozier, I love them both so much

[@shelleygoodwin6371]

​@@abrielle13I'm not saying karma isn't cheesy but that's the last thing I think of about that song, it's sassy, witty, it has that vengeful edge of Taylor's which I'm pretty sure I like any of her songs like that 😂 but it's also a super fun bop and quite literally feels like the breeze in my hair on the weekend.. but I don't think I could feel that way about it if I didn't relate to it so strongly either so I guess there's that too

[@ds02906]

Hey, zach, we love and appreciate the hard work you put into your videos they are so perfectly curated i love em. You are becoming my favorite amongst all the other Taylor swift channels. Part of the reason is also that you're analytical and brutally honest, very balanced, and we love it!!!💙💙

[@theswiftologist]

aw thank you so much!! glad you guys are loving it, I love making it for you

[@ShahMaran15]

There’s only one pop culture channel worth watching….and it’s the Swiftologist!

[@caitlinbeplate5473]

Thank you so much for creating a space for critical thinking and nuanced debate. It has really given me the opportunity to explore my own relationship with pop culture and perceiving celebrities as humans instead of hyper-idealised gods

[@theswiftologist]

love these kinds of comments

[@ramzydaoudi336]

It's very kind to you to comment such beautiful messages.

[@caitlinbeplate5473]

I love you sweetie

[@ramzydaoudi336]

I love you too gorgeous

[@flamingaish]

so..is this a love story now? 😂

[@crystalvibes2122]

One thing that still really stands out to me about the Speak Now Tour after all this time is the bell that was used for haunted which was so detailed. The entire set for Haunted was so beautiful. I loved Sparks Fly the song and the dress and guitar perfection. The sets and the outfits for the Speak Now tour were so gorgeous, I loved the bridge that came down. I love the acoustic moment at the B stage with the tree and the purple dress. All of the covers she sang were so good and exposed people to some amazing older songs. To me Speak Now is the quintessential Taylor Swift tour even after all this time, I remember being in my bedroom and watching it over and over again.

[@shineyrains1053]

Couldn't agree more❤

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

HOLY SHIT WHERE CAN I FIND THE TOUR 😭😭 THIS SOUNDS AMAZING I WAS A CHILD SO I DIDNT GO

[@SN-bk5xj]

@@imawakemymindisalive13it’s on youtube!

[@meghansullivan6812]

omg i regularly listen to her covers of betty davis eyes and drops of jupiter

[@ajbucco2802]

I love your channel so much because you take an analytical look at things and you’re not just like “OMG I love every Taylor swift song and all the Taylor’s version’s sound so good.” Thank you for putting in all the hard work to make weekly (sometimes more than 1) videos for us!

[@theswiftologist]

tysm!!

[@jayeimas5304]

ur unpopular opinion vids are my favs, you're so calm yet so blunt, slayed yet another video 😻😍

[@ds02906]

Ikr!!!!!

[@theswiftologist]

[@mooncloudstar]

We are getting fed well these days and i love it!!!!!!!!!

[@ds02906]

Ikr!!!!!

[@mooncloudstar]

​@@ds02906yesssss!!!!!

[@juxp16]

As a casual swiftie since 09 (meaning I was never active specifically on swiftie stan twitter or tumblr), I feel like I missed out on a few things or only hear about them like weeks later through other sources. Your videos (+ evolution of a snake) always keep me up to date whilst being amazing. Taylor‘s team has to hire you, I swear!!

[@meghansullivan6812]

same!!!

[@shannonm6118]

Agreed!! The Speak Now tour was something truly special. Like stepping into a fairytale book with her. It was big enough that the whole arena had that classic ts concert excitement that just permeates everything, while also still being small enough to feel intimate and close to her. It is THE Taylor Swift concert (and honestly large concert in general) that everything else I see gets measured up to. I've been chasing that high ever since, it was literally magic.

[@Kelvis.pov4]

You are the most rational swiftie. I love watching your channel and hearing what you have to say. I love that you aren’t just always showering her with praise and give critiques when needed, because no one is perfect - including Taylor Swift. My unpopular opinion is that evermore is better than folklore. I also have a very unpopular opinion/theory about the upcoming re-record releases. I’m thinking we’re getting both reputation and debut before New Year’s. I think we’re going to get an announcement for reputation on Oct 13th with the premier of the eras tour. Releasing on the 6 year birthday of the stolen reputation 11/10/2023. Then she’ll announce for debut in November sometime probably at one of her concerts with debut being released on 12/01 (her birth month and signifys taking her name back). My main theory - she’s giving us swiftmas this year. I truly think she just wants this re-record process to be over with so she can own her work. I know I sound crazy, but just let me dream 😂

[@daydreegirl]

I also can't wait for the debut re-record. I truly want some Taylor Swift country music. I am open to country-camp, to collaborations, to country sentimentality, to re-imagined re-engineered versions or exact replicas of each song. --whatever she feels like doing for that album, I hope it's something we can all have fun listening to. I think it's a great opportunity for Taylor to go country without actually having to declare herself a country artist again.

[@dixiech1ck]

I'm kind of hoping Tim Mcgraw (the artist) is on a collab vault track.

[@underw777]

i miss country taylor too

[@b19wing]

yesssssss

[@neelimamundayur3663]

21:30 ooh this actually really explains why Taylor is so popular in South Asia. With a lot of our popular music, the focus is primarily on lyrics and expressions, and (unlike classical music) less so on the artist's vocal range. You can *hear* the expressions & feelings coveyed in the lyrics in the way it's delivered, which is also so true of Taylor's music. It's also the reason why I connected to Taylor more than other popular artists of the 2010s, like Ariana or Beyonce, who are often elevated for their vocal prowess.

[@enchantedgoldrush]

The reality check this provides..You're so real tf

[@ds02906]

Yeah, man, one of the reasons I love such videos

[@wickywicky3811]

RED vault tracks are not that bad lmao theyre pretty good actually. Not sure what the beef with them is

[@tasneem2013]

Objectively they are the best

[@dqyl1ght]

HONESTLY

[@b19wing]

ikr I like them

[@_._._irenic]

Zach, ur space always makes me feel they are many like-minded ppl who love thoughtful discussions. Thank u for ur quality videos, u always make my day going!!! My unpopular opinion is that Midnight feels like rushed release, Taylor could have used so much room (extra a yr) to create the record more magically, feels like pushed to release at the moment where the world was ready to buy whatever Taylor gives, as her re-recording was going around. She has so much potential but midnight feels so mid to me, felt like a capitalist move. What do u think?

[@nyx3713]

Finally!!!! Someone said what I wanted to, Midnight feels so rushed basic🫣

[@b19wing]

I agreee (thats why it's so low on the ranking for me)

[@tarathoughts13]

SAME. I love the idea of midnights and I think there are some moments on the record + 3am version that I love, (ex: Paris, would’ve could’ve should’ve, question…?, you’re on your own kid, anti-hero, the Great War, hits different) but they’re all so disorganised, and I feel like maybe it would’ve worked better if it was a visual album and if she told the story through music videos more.

[@cuber3603]

I am a midnights defender through and through and It's very validating to see alot of people saying it's grown on them. That being said I don't think it deserves aoty over SOS, I also think if Taylor sweeps the 2024 grammys there will be a backlash, nobody really cares if she wins 100 million vmas in one night because it's just a VMA but if she leaves the grammys with a 4th aoty grammy over SZA it will do nothing good for her.

[@SweetPotato3507]

Yeahh I totally agree! I think winning AOTY could really be the final straw for a lot of Taylor Swift haters/the general public. I’m so happy for all of her success, but I fear people are getting annoyed that she wins pretty much everything and has almost “monopolized” the industry in recent years. Not that it’s entirely her fault and she definitely deserves most of the accolades and praise, but sometimes it seems a little suffocating when other artists don’t get a chance to be in the spotlight for more than 2 seconds.

[@Rabbit9929_]

yess i agree it would bring mostly negative press towards her especially since ppl have said she’s unfairly won AOTY over black artists in the past (like 1989 winning over TPAB) so i feel like it winning instead of SOS would fuel the narrative that she’s only successful bc she’s a white woman

[@cc1526]

I don’t know.. midnights isn’t my favorite but it’s definitely gotten a lot of radio play and it’s good. The only sza song I’ve heard is kill bill and it’s trash. Trash lyrics and trash message and I hate the music. So midnights is the clear winner for me and if not, I’ll happily accept guts as the winner or even endless summer vacation. But that’s just my opinion. At the end of the day, who cares lol

[@cuber3603]

@cc1526 i like kill bill, not my favourite but its pretty good

[@emmafeiner9257]

​

[@bettyo8417]

I’ve been a fan since the beginning & raised my daughter on her music, but when I saw her in concert on the Rep tour, it made me “ super fan “ addicted! The Eras tour was even better. You’ve got to see her live to really get it! Love the channel, thanks for all the great content!

[@rightwhereyouleftme__]

I don't want Midnights to win aoty because she will receive untold amounts of hate and blowback. People will chalk it up to it's commercial success. I want her to get roty but give aoty to Lana or Sza. Those albums were both beautiful. Guts is great but I don't know if it's aoty...

[@nuggetdoja871]

What is roty?

[@n0thing7matters777]

Agree 💯 . People will be very upset unless Sza wins. Somewhat rightfully so. I don't want to see Taylor get that backlash.

[@nuggetdoja871]

Rhythm of the year? Rhyme of the year? Rainbow of the year?

[@lc53788]

Lana isn’t even a top contender bfr, I think AOTY is between SZA Olivia Boygenius and Taylor and I’m personally rooting for SZA

[@lindsaydarke393]

@@nuggetdoja871 record of the year luv

[@alohasargent]

I've been thinking about Midnights lately and I feel as though it earned its AOY nomination long before the tour and mania began. It came out almost a year ago, so we may be forgetting how much of an impact that album had -- not only unprecedented commercial success, but also the artistry. It's possible the subsequent Taylor mania may actually work against the album winning, because the Grammy people won't want to be seen as "pandering" to the masses? I'm not sure -- the Grammy's are very unpredictable.

[@chimaera312]

My dog that I've had half of my life passed this morning. Really need a distraction, so I'm glad to see that you posted.

[@damian2972]

my condolences, sending best wishes to you ❤

[@LilacFields-ww1iw]

My sincere apologies, hoping you find light!

[@BlissDmonte]

Thank you for always being super honest and expressing your opinions, while saying that EVERYONE can have a differnt opinion and thats ok.❤

[@tayluvofficial]

Love love your comprehensive analysis of all the opinions and break down. Also, you're so fun to listen to! Keep up the great work!❤

[@theswiftologist]

Thank you so much!

[@KyleOgilvie1]

About loving her hits, my two favourite songs by her are Love Story and Wildest Dreams. For the longest time I felt ashamed to tell other swifties that they were my favourites from her because I am a people pleaser who cares too much about what people think. I have loved Love Story since I heard it in my high school library in 2009 and the wildest dreams music video is what I consider her best music video ever made. Those two songs mean so much to me, but the need to please everyone stopped me from explaining why I love them. I just want to say that I’ve realized that I need to stop caring too much about what other people think and that if I want to love her commercial hits, then that doesn’t make me less of a fan. I appreciate all of her music, and there are songs by her I just don’t like that other Swifties put on a pedestal, the Archer, Champagne Problems, and Don’t Blame me being the main three.

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

yeah honestly i don’t like those songs either. i just am not a fan of the newer synth heavy production. i LOVEEEEEEE her guitar backed music. bonus points if it has real drums. bonus points if it has a heavy bassline. ULTRA BONUS POINTS FOR STATE OF GRACE, HOLY GROUND, EYES OPEN, ALL TOO WELL (5min), FOREVER AND ALWAYS, CHANGE, SPARKS FLY, MINE, HAUNTED, BTR, THE STORY OF US, and anything with a rock/pop-punk sound. i LOVE these songs SO MUCH!!!!! i just can’t stand the background in songs like CIWYW, ATW10, and like all of midnights. i wish i was your age and i could’ve experienced her golden trio of albums (red, speak now, fearless) when they came out because im only in high school now 😭 and i’m sad i missed her (imo) eras of best music. ik her more recent stuff is way more popular but i wish she would come out with more of that younger taylor swift, pop/rock/country style music. i love her vocals more now but i miss the heavy guitar 😭😭😭😭😭😭and dramatic chimes hits and cymbals and guitar solos and violin/viola licks… give it back jack antonoff 😢 (99% sure this is me being a moody teenager)

[@meghansullivan6812]

DUDE yeah try as i might i just sorta....dont care about champagne problems. and i feel u like blank space has gotta be one of my favs

[@KyleOgilvie1]

@@meghansullivan6812 Another classic.

[@michaelkeller5555]

Debut will forever and always have a very special place in my heart. I loved her from day 1, I was 12 when debut came out and so many of those songs just resonated with me. My mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2007 when I was 13, A Place In This World was the song I played over and over and over again. When my dad started dropping the façade that abusers use and I started to realize just how badly I'd fucked up fighting to live with him when I was 13, Cold As You was the song I cried my eyes out to every single day. That album is a unique masterpiece because it's so raw, so genuine, it's the life experience of a normal, every day teenage girl in high school and people discount how incredibly valuable that is.

[@annaphallactic]

As a songwriter, I actually LOVE hearing songs that seem "imperfect" and picking them apart. It's a fun learning experience and thought exercise for me. Even when my brain is in fan mode, sometimes it's entertaining to listen to the songs by my favorite artists that I'm not entirely in love with. So your point about "Timeless" being flawed makes me want to listen to it more haha.

[@SweetPotato3507]

I am a little nervous to say this, but I only became a swiftie about a month before the midnights release. I must’ve been living under a rock this whole time, bc to veteran fans that might seem CRAZY LOL. I’m 21 now and growing up as a teen boy (in the closet) Taylor’s music was never really on my radar bc it didn’t align with facade I was trying to put on (not that you have to be gay to enjoy her music tho haha). I figured I would give midnights a listen and after some time, I slowly fell in love with it. Then went back through most of her discography and familiarized myself with all of her lore (with the help of Zach’s channel and podcast). It’s taken me about a year to really catch up on everything i’ve missed, and your channel has helped me process everything immensely! I was always fond of Taylor’s bigger hits but i’m truly grateful I took the time to learn about and appreciate her discography! I think not having lived with her earlier albums I don’t resonate emotionally with them as much as elder swifties do, but I definitely appreciate them for what they are. Your channel has really sparked an interest in pop culture (specifically Taylor) for me, and you’re doing God’s work!!!!

[@meghansullivan6812]

i can only imagine how thrilling it must be to discover an artist for the first time and have literally 9 other albums to get to experience!!! did u listen chronologically or sporadically or what was that listening process like??

[@SweetPotato3507]

@@meghansullivan6812 Yeah it was truly an amazing experience discovering the rest of her discography!! If I could erase my memory and go back and listen to everything for the first time again, I totally would LOL. My listening process was definitely sporadic, bc there was just so much material and I didn’t know where to start. Listening to her albums in order would have definitely made the process a lot easier haha. After midnights, I was hooked on 1989 and Rep for monthsss. I then listened to Folklore and Evermore and was blown away by those two records! After all of that, I just kind of set aside time to listen to the other albums and that’s where I am today. Naturally I just love pop music so i’ve always been a big fan of her mega pop hits from Red, 1989, Rep, and Lover, but all of her records create such a unique experience for the listener. I could never choose my favorite😂

[@b19wing]

Welcome to the Swiftie fandom! Don't be dissuaded by the gatekeepers

[@vid_save]

OH MY GOD THE MERCH I JUST REALIZED IT LOOKS SO GOOOOOD

[@avani_tak]

watching your videos is such a treat because you spit facts and look so pleasing with that majestic glass skin!!

[@RLC-tr1wn]

" We need to introduce some nuance" should be on merch

[@Mx_Blah]

submitting an unpopular opinion is easy. having it read aloud at the press conference is scary. love the content as always zach!

[@theswiftologist]

LMAO

[@ariannasstudio8765]

It’s always a great day when the Swiftologist posts!

[@ds02906]

Yep and it's a Sunday in my country so bonus🥳

[@enchantedgoldrush]

@@ds02906 sunday everywhere actually

[@ariannasstudio8765]

Same! I always look forward to Sundays ☺️

[@ds02906]

@@ariannasstudio8765 but unpopular opinion Saturdays>>>>Sunday let's be real wdyt??

[@allyson6735]

I definitely don’t think Debut will be the best re-record, but I absolutely got chills night 3 in Houston hearing cold as you live. Her vocals are soooo improved and it really showed on that song

[@maggiecm637]

justice for fearless!!! still one of her best albums. her earnestness and storytelling were so beautiful

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

oh no what did he say 😭 i love fearless it’s my #3 after red and speak now (i still can’t choose between those two)

[@MarianaPatela]

I became a fan of John’s music back when he went on the Fearless tour, so I find it so funny to see new Swifties hate on those of us who listen to his stuff. Separating the art from the artist is okay

[@cc1526]

I don’t get why people feel the need to separate the art from the artist with John. Like is he the best guy ever? No. I don’t even like his music. But he and another adult had a consensual relationship over 10 years ago. He didn’t murder someone like for goodness sake. We support waaaaay worse people in Hollywood by watching movies and tv shows but no one cares until they want to be virtue signaling swifties.

[@b19wing]

ikr he's a jerk but his music is good (even though I still copy-paste the lyrics of wouldve, couldve, shouldve into every john mayer comment section)

[@ClowneryGacha]

Idk I just like lover more than fearless and debut but they're all good

[@takemetothelakes13]

THANK YOU EVERMORE DOES NOT SUCK. I genuinely got into Taylor because of folklore and evermore and I think that stems from my love for fiction (I could literally read constantly when I was younger. It has such good songwriting and that's probably the only reason it is in my top 5. but with the tv thing, I think it's more about the principle but at the end of the day it is your choice - even Taylor said she didn't expect people to catch onto it so well and I'm happy for her that they did, but 1 stream of stolen holy ground isn't that serious. I think not streaming og 1989 is going to be VERY difficult for me personally bc of the nostalgia, but 1 stream of blank space stolen won't end her career or make a point tbh - it is her most streamed song so there's not going to be that much of a difference, but I will try and cope

[@b19wing]

HELP WHO SAID THAT but yeah I agree (evermore is my second fave)

[@FloridaRaisedRomeo]

Hey Zach, since you LOVE outlandish opinions, here you go: Bad Blood is actually about the swifties who were so supportive that it made Taylor mad, we can find this conclusion based on the angle of the sun at 6:34 am (6+3+4=13) on the day in which a maroon moon rises above London (Boy), UK. Incase someone couldn’t take a joke this is satire…

[@vickyj7834]

Can you imagine wildest dreams only directed by Taylor 😭 we wouldn’t have some of those gorgeous shots

[@StateOfTaylor13]

One unpopular opinion I have is that Taylors team should stop picking literal babies and toddlers to get the 22 hat. There's plenty of eligible people who will actually remember that moment and cherish it for the rest of their lives, but her team instead decides to give that moment to someone who won't even remember it the next day. I also don't like when they give it to celebrities (such as Gracie) because they can see/meet Taylor anytime they want.

[@cc1526]

Mine is that Kobe’s daughter shouldn’t have been picked for the hat. It’s a very sweet gesture but I feel like it was more about making Taylor look good than actually doing something nice for Kobe’s daughter - as you can see with all the news stories on it. I say this because Taylor already knows that family and she’s famous! She could’ve went to his daughter’s house and spent quality time with her. She could’ve brought her up on stage to sing a song with her or any number or other things because Taylor knows the family personally!! To take that moment away from a random fan who Taylor would never and could never locate and do the same things she could with Kobe’s daughter kinda hurts my heart… I just can’t fathom why she would take that moment from a regular kid and give it to a famous one she could interact with all the time if she cared to except for publicity and clout. And that’s a really crappy reason.

[@StateOfTaylor13]

@@cc1526 I couldn't agree more! You're spot on

[@abrielle13]

Yes!! I felt bad feeling this way but people who have been fans for years and years should get that opportunity!

[@Im_Julissa]

Yes! It’s hard to remember being that child 10 years ago who wanted the hat or being noticed by Taylor and I never got to. The eras tour is the first Tay concert I got to go to just to not get noticed or watched anyone in my position get noticed 😢

[@b19wing]

yes except for like kids who been through a huge trauma (like Kobe's daughter)

[@MBerbeB]

Literally seeing both John Mayer and Taylor live next year, and I can’t wait!

[@edi165]

thank you for consistently putting out juicy videos that actually have substance to them! appreciate you and all the hard work you put into this channel. It's a great time to be a swiftie in 2023!

[@theswiftologist]

You are so welcome!

[@stankcrew4816]

i really appreciate your view as a fan, i really look up to you. i feel like i have fallen down the rabbit hole and it’s made me feel like i have to “learn” how to be a swiftie and that we have rules. and then, i have to remember Taylor is just a human, and i need to calm down (pun intended). anyways, the gist of this is i appreciate your mindset, and that’s definitely how i’m viewing things from now on.

[@sugaemen]

I love these videos cause the honesty is just so funny😭❤️

[@tasneem2013]

Same like I take nothing he says seriously

[@ds02906]

Ikr!!! I love reactions to unpopular opinions🫶

[@garysimcox345]

0:20 I was half-awake and thought you had a blunt in your hand ☠️ weedologist rise up

[@theahulkushwah]

Please do a Lana Del Rey unpopular opinion video as well. I have a feeling it's gonna be scandalous.

[@sarajantas838]

Great idea 💡

[@b19wing]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@ds02906]

Unpopular opinion: i love the current hair era... idk i like it, kinda. Don't come at me sorry that's my opinion😌

[@ds02906]

​@@stuffedpotato9826yep💙

[@ds02906]

​@stuffedpotato9826 the lover bodysuits are so magical ✨️ 😍

[@nuggetdoja871]

I love it

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

me too ❤

[@mohanashewalkar8598]

32:59 My first Taylor Swift album I really listen to from top to bottom was folklore. The first song I heard on it was August. And I heard the All too well 10 min version before All too well. And honestly, it got me over something/one I fell for when I heard folklore for the first time. And I then understood why people kept saying Red got them through a breakup. Because that album really helps. I don't understand the gate keeping. I think Taylor intents people to use her music for what it does for her, feel better, feel love and after a heartbreak feel that they can get over that heartbreak. So this gatekeeping feels pointless.

[@champagneproblems.s]

you’re so right when you talk about ME! and lover (the album)

[@photographyserena]

I would be super interested on a video on your opinion about Matty Healy, especially the Malaysia festival incident!

[@manvithapar6562]

i dont know, listen i love youre videos so much BUT THE HATE ON LOVER ITS MY TOP 3RD ALBUM i really do think it deserves more credit like lover, daylight, DBATC, soon you'll get better are masterpieces

[@ashnamann541]

as a new young swiftie I actually appreciate old fans and don’t get why people say they gatekeep when they literally don’t. Also I definitely agree with ur Taylor’s version like I prefer the original red to the new one

[@tammycombs167]

Rep was my first Taylor concert. On the floor and her vip box sent to my house. It will always be my favorite. I absolutely loved that she ended with This is Why we Can’t have Nice Things.

[@jaimieeager3677]

Unpopular opinion/hot take that literally no one asked me for: reputation >>> 1989 I'm ready for 1989 T.V. vault tracks to change my perspective on the album, and maybe elevate it in my playlist rotation. However, I'm also ready for rep t.v. to give people a chance to reflect and reevaluate, learn the gospel and realize rep is her best album.

[@lvmbaar]

1989 is actually so underrated in the fandom, rep is definitely a fan fav. I'd say 1988 is actually a better album, that's why it ended up being her most successful and bigger album. But yeah, that's my opinion

[@jaimieeager3677]

@lvmbaar Rep definitely gets more fandom love than mainstream love, which I appreciate! The fans know hahaha! I don't think 1989 is underrated in the fandom by any means (most of my friends say it's their fave/best album, like girlies you're killing me), but I see your point about how there's not necessarily an agreed upon album by fans as her "best" which is also pretty cool. I love that everyone has their own favourite album that they will defend to the end, and it shows her talent that it will be different for each person who listens to her! For me personally, I felt the writing on 1989 was weaker to her past/future albums. Stylistically, it makes sense for what she was doing on that album, and throwing in words like "clandestine" here, and "mosaic" there, would not have fit the vibe. That's why I'm hoping the vault tracks change my mind and elevate the album as a whole. We'll see, but I think I'll always be bias to rep and my love for it 🐍 Edited: For typo/grammar

[@DanBudda]

Glitter Guitar story is soooo sweeeet! You’re too great, Z. 🎉

[@alltheysayisnanananana]

Truly the no-days-offologist

[@ds02906]

Yep!!!

[@justsomegirl_xiii]

The cleanse and the prayer were essential

[@theswiftologist]

completely. still didnt work

[@jetoplatypus]

I laugh at this one tiktoker I used to like when they criticized you about going to Taylor's secret sessions.. they said something along the lines of "You claim to be a Taylor Swift fan, here you are at the secret sessions, yet you constantly criticize her." HUH?? I WAS SO CONFUSED. Just because you're a fan, you don't have to worship her

[@b19wing]

E X A C T L Y

[@jillsarah7356]

The Matty Healy opinion is basically, ‘he’s not REALLY a bigot, he’s just an edge lord!’ Um absolutely not. In this house we call bigots, bigots. Glad you called that out Zach.

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

literally john mayer fans too😭😭😭😭😭

[@vickyj7834]

I do kinda miss her having other directors of her music videos just for some different takes on things

[@meghansullivan6812]

saaaame

[@b19wing]

yes :(

[@Desi-Rose]

I couldn't agree MORE with the hair opinion!!! The 1989,layered bob was the BEST, and what better time to bring it back??!!🤔

[@PristineWhens]

It’s odd to see she hasn’t done anything dramatic with her hair considering her breakup with joe. But my guess is that she’s keeping it styled that way so she can play her part on the eras tour and to continue to have that iconic look of hers 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@RyanStorey1231]

Taylor really doesn't change her hair up that often. She's never been anything but a blondie. She likes what she likes. In Gen Z's war against bangs, Taylor is pretty much the only person that even they think can pull off bangs.

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

ok honestly i felt so offended when he was describing her hair 😭😭😭😭 my hair is like twice as long and i indeed cry if i get more than 2 inches cut. my friends say it gives mormon hair and tell me to cut it all the time but i cant being myself to do it cuz it’s the only good unique thing about my appearance 😭 i’ll look like every other girl if i cut it, but the ugliest of all of them. i don’t think there’s anything wrong with long hair, i think it’s gorgeous tbh. wish i had the motivation to style short hair, then maybe i could pull it off

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

@@RyanStorey1231taylor tempts me to get bangs 😅 but i wash my hair like once a week so i could never

[@andresdominguez6925]

I am not a swiftie by any means (got here bc of the lanaologist series) but I love your videos. Never get tired of a stan that can consume their fav’s art with a critical eye

[@catalinacisteian3347]

Okay. Regarding the “old fan” convo. Can someone validate me?cause in 2014 when I became a fan of hers(before the release of 1989) I was a new fan of course. And I didn’t compare to the fans that had been there since the fearless era. At this point in 2023, can I consider myself an “old fan”??😭😭😭😭😭 Ps. RED made me fall in love with her music and then 1989 took me like a STORM🥵

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

yes ma’am, in 2014 i wasn’t old enough to control what music i listened to 😭 i became a fan in 2022. i had only ever heard her hits, and i just didn’t think she was that good. because i had never heard change, forever and always, sparks fly, better than revenge, the story of us, if this was a movie, haunted, state of grace, red, treacherous, holy ground, or any of the songs of the style i like. i’ve done a lot of catching up since then but i can confirm that when 1989 came out i was only hearing those songs during elementary school dances. id consider you an old fan. i wish i could’ve had the old fan experience tbh, i just keep finding old songs and being like WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME ABOUT THIS ABSOLUTE BANGER

[@hayleysmith3113]

Thank you for calling out the VMAs. They might as well be a Kid’s Choice Award.

[@um7239]

I think Taylor kinda goes back and forth with her country accent like she slayed it in I bet you think about me but it was completely gone in mean tv

[@kingkiller7890]

Yeah IBYTAM shows that she can do the country accent but for some reason chose not to in Speak Now TV? It's so weird

[@b19wing]

it is weird

[@Quwonkasaurus]

Where I was in 2009: dancing to you belong with me in my room at 3am 🤣

[@nikkisandz]

enjoyed the video as always! thx Zach for pumping out quality content.

[@vickyj7834]

And as always, here for the “ME!” slander

[@Madmankey13]

Don’t you mean “ME!” justified bashing?

[@b19wing]

sameeeeee

[@amyc5947]

Makes me think of the old KZbin vids of Charlie the Unicorn..."Shun the bad opinions! Shuuuuun" 😅🦄

[@vegemite_toast]

Me!… where do I start. I’d say it’s the biggest mistake musically Taylor has ever made. She wrote it with the arrogant intention that somehow she can dictate what would become an anthem and she broke a singular syllable word into THREE! (Me-e-e!)

[@meghansullivan6812]

i'll just never get over how CONFOUNDING of a song it is coming from her. it's so out of left field and truly like nothing else she's put out its just so fucking wacky!

[@dinosaur___7209]

It’s actually one of my favorite songs of her! I think rather than being arrogant she was just having FUN! It had been a rough time and maybe she just wanted to wear bright, pretty clothes and be silly. People rlly analyze the song too much, it’s not meant for that

[@simransawant6258]

@@dinosaur___7209 its literally the lead single of the album dude obviously people are gonna analyze it. She could have chosen cruel summer instead.

[@b19wing]

yes it's so KIDZ BOP I CANT EVEN

[@ILYisa]

woah you filmed and edited this quick! much love 🫶🏼🩷

[@theswiftologist]

no days off ologist

[@laurahamilton8868]

Could you post the questions on the screen when you read them? It would make it easier to follow along.

[@edwardmercer2163]

Cardigan was the perfect lead single! It will forever and always be my favourite Taylor Swift song 🫣

[@marissaemily8452]

Also appreciate the sneak peak at the merch, now I can save 😂

[@justwonder1404]

04:33 - no, but the sheer audacity. I don't really like a lot of her pop songs, but I can acknowledge their quality. Not liking indie/folkish motives is no reason to slander evermore.

[@kristopherkraft]

To the Melodrama vinyl in the back, you are seen and you are loved

[@iuliac3087]

I personally love her hair right now❤

[@victoriarooks784]

Love a "spritual swiftie"!( with that paulo santo) You are breath of fresh air❤

[@breebee83]

"You are 37 years old, Melissa, and you have 5 kids to feed".. Stop! 😂💀 Took. Me. Out.

[@marissaemily8452]

Caught the end of the primer, finally get to sit and rewatch the whole thing ❤

[@theswiftologist]

yess!!

[@loganr7108]

i love cardigan so much, and it’s probably one of my favorites. i agree with what you said though. at the eras tour it just wasn’t really giving. we didn’t need the full song. tbh i got a little board and just wanted to hear 1989 and the surprise songs.

[@love.ananan]

now i want to know YOUR unpopular opinion about other artist or just other things related to music, cuz i feel like you would say some interesting things!

[@lakshitaharjai7840]

Loveee this channel. Now I am a swiftie and a swiftologist stan 💜💜

[@mattilynbryant1351]

Honestly, I love timeless exactly as it is. I adore it, and I think it very much fits in with the romantic wide eyed theme of Speak Now.

[@sallyho3568]

We are thankful for the food we’ve been given by Zach

[@ds02906]

Love the consistency!!

[@lewispowell6015]

I do not know how you kept your cool filming this, you’re a saint! 😅

[@twobluestripes]

Oh I am HERE for the opinion (and yours, re: the video) on Cardigan!!

[@owenpeak1350]

Love the video Zach!! I'd love to see you rank all of Taylor's acting performances (e.g., Cats, Valentine's Day, The Giver, Amsterdam etc.) in a video

[@vegemite_toast]

Melodrama in the background 🙌🏼

[@theswiftologist]

signed nonetheless

[@summerchild_]

Im a relatively new fan and I can tell that some of teh rerecordings lack the emotion and punch of the originals. Also, when I try to imagine my favorite artists that I have been followings since their first record (Lana del rey for example) rerecording all of their songs and giving me a slightly different versions idk if I could part ways with the original songs that saw me grow up and that i know by memory and never listen to them again.

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

yeah honestly i’m a new fan, and i heard the re-records of red and fearless before the original (with the exception of her hits but i never noticed a difference). i prefer the re-records. but hearing speak now TV… it just felt wrong at some parts. like the voice breaks, ESPECIALLY LAST KISS holy shit that song does it for me. something about the image of “so i’ll go sit on the floor wearing your clothes” punches me in the gut 😂 like why are you crying girl he NEVER gave you any of his clothes not even when you were cold. but i think it’s because the first time i heard this song, i was fresh out of a breakup and i had constantly thought about the last time i saw him, when he kissed me and i had no idea he would never do it again. i’m crying now and i thought i was over him. fuck 😂

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

i’m sorry for that mess of a comment i have ADHD 😅 but i meant to say i agree with you she’s missing the teenage angst and that feeling like the rug was pulled out from under your feet. idk how to describe that in a sound but i feel it in the old versions, like when she sings “i remember it” in all too well there’s this edge and exaggeration that brings out such an upset and angry and hurt tone i relate to so much.