I saw Taylor Swift only a year ago at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington (near Seattle). The show was great, and my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Cut to a year later (August 20, 2013), and we saw her again at the Staples Center in L.A. In just a year, Swift has upgraded her show in every respect. Don’t let them know I’m telling you, but my son (16 and a hard core rap fan), and husband (Dave Mathews, Stones, Adele – you know) came and really had fun. Yes, they thought it was great!
Taylor started the show with “Holy Ground” prancing onto the stage to drummers floating in the air (literally) – going up and down like puppets on a string. The dancers, back-up singers, and musicians were all TOP quality. Of course they were; Taylor is a true Superstar, and would only have the best playing with her.
The theatrics were fabulous … big screens, changes in the set from an “Alice in Wonderland” scene to a black and white film reflecting old Hollywood Glamour to a Paris theme to Taylor and her back-up singers all in glittery red dresses singing a “Doo-Wop” version of “You Belong To Me” (really cute).
I really like how she chats before certain songs, like “Mean” and “Fifteen,” talking to the audience about feelings, bulling, awkwardness, and her writing, etc. It hits home with most of the young people in the audience. Hey, if her worst trait is that she has had too many boyfriends, well I say, good for her. It sure makes for great song writing!
As she does in her concerts, she heads back to the other side of the arena to play for the fans in the back. Very cool! She played “Fearless” on an acoustic guitar and also had her opening act, Ed Sheeran (so cute) join her for a duet of “Everything Has To Change.”
I really like that she includes her opening act artists in her sets. She is a classy young lady. One of her other signatures is that if someone is available, she has a guest come on to sing a number with her – usually someone from the town she is playing. This night it was Tegan and Sara – Taylor is a big fan of theirs.
The final number of the 17-song set was a show stopping spectacular of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Swift dressed up in a band type uniform strutting her stuff across the stage (and she can REALLY strut like a supermodel!).
In my view, Swift is no longer a country singer, but a true mega pop star – and that’s okay.
Oh, did I mention that there was A LOT of RED going on in the show? Red lipstick, red cowboy boots, red glittery mic, red guitar, red costumes – you know the ‘Red’ tour!
Again, it was a truly spectacular show and surpassed my expectations. If you have a chance, I would highly recommend seeing it – especially if you have a teenage daughter!
Fun Facts:
- Youngest to Ever Win “Album of the Year” (Grammys)
- 7 Grammy Awards
- 12 Billboard Awards
- 11 American Music Awards
- 6 Country Music Association Awards
- Award for most sold-out shows at the Staples Center – 11
Have you seen Taylor in concert? Do you plan on seeing her? It’s a great, great show.
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