This genre is where Taylor belongs and most likely, will be staying for future music.

You might wonder how global superstar Taylor Swift can top Red, the 2012 album that sold over 1.2 million copies in just its first week. Whilst it may have been hard to follow, Taylor has more than risen to the challenge; country roots have been stripped away and 1989 emerges as her first official pop album.

1989 is sonically cohesive with a new sound that has a definite nod to 80s synth- pop that all the while ensures her signature raw honesty shines through in the song writing.

Opening 1989 is ÔÇÿWelcome To New York,ÔÇÖ an upbeat anthem about the excitement of moving to a new city. Its repetitive chorus makes it one of the weaker tracks, but itÔÇÖs one that clearly sets the tone for the rest of the album. ÔÇÿBlank SpaceÔÇÖ, set to be SwiftÔÇÖs next single and an instant hit, is playful, addressing her reputation of dating too much, though it is more than apparent that she has matured since Red. Gone are the days of pointing the finger at ex- boyfriends; ÔÇÿStyleÔÇÖ recognises her role in creating a dysfunctional relationship whilst ÔÇÿBad BloodÔÇÖ narrates the break up of a friendship.

The ballads of the album have mixed impact. ÔÇÿThis LoveÔÇÖ captures listeners with haunting vocals but ÔÇÿWildest DreamsÔÇÖ is less original, seeming as if it could be lifted straight from a Lana Del Rey album. Swift comes full circle with the closing track ÔÇÿCleanÔÇÖ, created with English singer and producer Imogen Heap, reflecting on the trials of forgetting heartbreak and moving on.

Overall 1989 is a pop masterpiece. It proves a lot about Taylor SwiftÔÇÖs capabilities, but most of all it proves that this genre is where Taylor belongs and most likely, will be staying for future music.