When you no longer fear Karma (not to imply that it is deserved) because Karma is the cat purring in your lap, what exactly is it that you fear?
As a long time fan of Taylor Swift, it goes without a doubt that she has solidified she position as one of the most influential and talented musicians of her generation. She is one of few who have been able to switch genres and still be successful.
Yet looking at her two most recent albums: Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department, I can’t help but question where exactly is the Taylor that had the lyrical prowess to create folklore and evermore or the hitmaker that created Red and 1989. The glimpses of Taylor’s skill are few and far between in these records.
It seems that she wants to say too much, so much, she often sacrifices the integrity of her work. As fans, we’re obviously interested in Taylor’s life but it seems she spills too much. And as much as it hurts to say this, the TikToks of her at the studio writing completely on-the-nose songs are true. In no world do we need songs like Thank You Aimee or Question…?.
Or why release practically double albums? It’s too bloated and Swift’s point could be made in one album of 13-16 tracks.
Then there’s the other issue of the charts. When someone as big as Taylor releases, it’s evident that her music will chart, so why does she go to so many lengths to solidify that and block other equally talented artists (CHARLI XCX!!) from the charts with numerous special editions and voice memos. It seems that Taylor herself is past creating huge viral hits (like Espresso) and chooses more mellow pop sings (like Fortnight), which is the reason why it’s strange she’s trying so hard to sell albums (that are already selling very well).
In the span of a few weeks, one of the people’s favorite legends of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, seemingly was rid of the GOAT debate. As a Portuguese, it’s hard to write this when I’ve grown up watching him at the peak of his game. However, his attitude at the World Cup and even prior at his time in Manchester United early in the 2021 season demonstrate a shift in the way he played. For one, he seem exhausted, he wasn’t at the peak of his game in the World Cup (and that would’ve been okay) and two, he was unfortunately feuding with both of his two coaches (national and club). Because of that, people placed a more critical lens on his performance and realized his attitude and arrogance were at an all time high.
Then, Ronaldo makes perhaps one of the worst moves in the history of soccer (one that would pave the way for many after him though). His move to Al Nassr was long rumored during the World Cup but us fans chose to ignore it because there was no way Ronaldo, Mr. Champions League himself, would leave Europe. He did. I can’t exactly decipher why though. He’s undoubtably the richest footballer in the world and again why leave Europe? And then what? His arrogance is at an all time high and his interviews only tarnish his character even more.
To summarize my point in this post, it’s that yes there’s an expiration date on greatness. And the fact that two once widely successful people in their own spheres have succumbed to it only proves my point. Sure, both Swift and Ronaldo will still be considered greats, but these patches of mediocracy towards what I believe are the end (for Ronaldo in a 1-2 years, for Taylor at least 5 years) of their careers, won’t be forgotten.
What do you guys think?
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