Taylor

Taylor Swift may be the most unique of pop stars: an artist capable of successfully cross the divide between pop and country while sweeping the globe. Swift removed the influences of country as if they were an additional layer of skin, revealing she was among the best singers/songwriters of her generation. Swift could make the event personal and use the moment to benefit. The first songs she released like the Neotribute for Tim McGraw were a testament to her talents. However, her second album Fearless in 2008 showcased the songwriter finding her voice, and also a larger fan base. Fearless went on to become a global hit and not just in North America (where it was certified as platinum six times for Top Ten Hits Love Story and "You Belong with Me") but in Canada, Australia, the U.K. and other countries. Speak Now delivered almost two years later consolidated that popularity and pushed Swift towards the top of stardom. The popularity of Swift only grew with her following three albums -- Red (2012) 1989 (2014), and Reputation (2017) -- and found her moving assuredly into a realm of pop music in which she was already a part. As she cut her style by releasing stripped-down albums like 2020, folklore, and Evermore however, she remained in the top spot. It was a position that was confirmed by re-recordings from her past catalog, as in Midnights, her synth-heavy chart-topping 2022 album.