Before the backlash, I just want to address that I admire how hard Taylor has worked to get where she is at. I admire that she has the strength to go out and stand up for what she believes in and never lets people get to her. With that said, I think Taylor Swift is overrated.

In today's music market, the image and brand seem to be the only thing that matters above the actual music. We tend to see a lot of artists not be able to execute actual singing talent and being able to sing live. It might sound all glittery and awesome in the studio, but I judge by how good they sound live and unedited. Artists like Beyonce, Tori Kelly, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, etc., I feel are Top 40 mainstream artists whose voices are truly unique and express true vocal ability and talent. I, unfortunately, don't see Taylor Swift in that light.

I will also admit that when I hear "Style" or "Blank Space" on the radio I'll be the first to belt out wrongly "Starbucks lovers" and "we're never going out of style" in the car. However, ask her to sing those songs live and I don't think you will get the same reaction from me. That's why I feel Taylor Swift is so popular is because she is radio friendly. She makes those songs that everyone will jam to or rush to turn the station when a song of hers come on. You either love her, or you either hate her. Also, I think that's why her tours are so successful because fans expect to hear what is on the radio live. To their dismay, Taylor doesn't have the chops to do her songs justice.

I feel Taylor Swift is the perfect artist for your parents to listen to to make them seem hip or trendy because she is such a popular figure in pop culture. I also feel that Taylor is that aunt or mom that tries to be cool and trendy and follow what the cool kids do.

I also feel like Taylor is only marketable because she is beautiful and wholesome and happens to be a "singer". So, when parents see that they want to their daughters to look up to her and emulate her. I honestly feel being a role model is an important thing, but it's not the only thing. I feel a marketable person brings something fresh and new and vibrant, and I feel I've seen this new image of Taylor Swift before. The typical "I'm such a hipster", "anti-mainstream", "Instagram model" image. I don't see what truly is so appealing about Taylor Swift. She is a pretty girl, who "sings", makes a few good songs here and there, but yet she manages to break music records and is seen as the be all end all artist of our generation.

I don't see her music as something fresh, new, or trending. I feel it is music that is only going to be relevant now instead of 10 or 20 years from now. That is why I get so angry when artists who don't get that star power recognition that Taylor Swift gets, and they're 100,000,000 times better. I know talent can only get you so far, but in the music industry, for singers at least, you have to be able to carry a note well.

That's what I hate about the music industry. To sell records, you don't have to be able to sing well anymore. If you are attractive and can be in commercials left and right, boom! You're an instant pop star! Granted, I feel Taylor has some music ability, but she can't sing. There, I said it.

You can defend her 'til the day you die and say she's worked so hard, and try to pull up receipts of her "good singing"; but I don't feel there has been an instance where Taylor has shown any good vocal ability. Hard work is such an important thing, I can't go on about that, but I feel hard work and talent is more admirable. The only reason I feel "1989" was such a success as it was because of endorsements and all the companies that shoved it down our thoughts. I don't feel Taylor is an artist that'll transcend years and years from now.

Don't get me started on that whole "squad" mess. I feel that is the fakest, "paid friendship so I can seem cool" tactic I've ever seen. That's another thing I don't like about Taylor Swift, her sincerity. I don't think Taylor is an authentic person. I feel like she puts on this facade to make her seem relatable and fun. Honestly, I feel like she's secretly a mean girl and tries to hide the fact that she feels she is entitled to certain things.

I'm surprised lightning hasn't struck me because I have gone against the almighty Taylor Swift. I just feel she is overrated and that her music is generic nowadays. I liked country Taylor a whole lot more, but that was still a stretch back then for me to like her. Now, you have to convince me that she has cured cancer for me to like her. I admire a person who works hard, but I also admire someone who can make music that truly is transcending and advancing the music industry. I honestly feel the only way she has advanced the music industry was through music sales, not her music. I feel people will only remember her because of her success, not for her music being the best. I don't feel inspired, I don't feel truly happy, and I don't feel any sizable emotion when I listen to her music. I feel it's good music, but not up to par to where her success is at.

I won't deny her success and hard work, but that's not the most important thing. Your music has to be sustainable, great, and truly make people fall in love music over and over again. I feel Taylor Swift is just good and there is nothing special about her. That's why I don't understand the hype and everyone writing about her every move. I know this won't bother Taylor as she swims in her endless amount of $100 bills. I just feel the Taylor hype is overrated and needs to die down. Quickly!