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Michigan State University Student Radio

Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM

Michigan State University Student Radio

Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM

Michigan State University Student Radio

Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM

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Blank Space | Ryan Adams

Blank+Space+%7C+Ryan+Adams

So, Ryan Adams just released a cover album of Taylor Swifts 1989, and the Internet is a bit divided about it.

One might assume that the album is a joke on first listen: the album doesnt quite sound like the source material (Adams has stated that he recorded the album in the style of Springsteens Nebraska), and the lyrics, written by a 25-year-old woman, can sound jarring coming out of 40-year-old Adams mouth. Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift have openly discussed their appreciation for each other and the legitimacy of this album, but while they seem earnest about it, others (Father John Misty included) are having trouble taking it as seriously.

As for how the music itself sounds, most of the covers do err on the side of boring. The “Blank Space” cover is about as low-key as you can make that song, featuring hush-hushed vocals, a couple acoustic guitars, and the introduction of some quiet strings after the halfway point. It sounds either lazy, uninspired, or at the very least, not worth the attention it has been getting.

As a music snob, I was bound to not like it, I dont even like Taylor Swift, but for the rest of you that have been jamming Swifts 1989 all summer long, maybe Adams more somber, reflective 1989 is what you need to get you through the fall and winter. Or maybe its just some weird attention grab. Regardless, the entire record is free on YouTube, so as long you dont mind giving Vevo more page views. There is nothing holding you back from checking it out and seeing where you stand.

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