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In the editor’s rotation: Taylor Swift released a new album

Culture editor Stella Powers shares what she has been listening to.
Culture editor Stella Powers shares what she has been listening to.

Hello again! Welcome back to “In the editor’s rotation,” the column where I publicly reveal what I’ve been streaming in the weeks prior.

As we’ve learned from my past few columns, I’m a bit of a musical theater nerd. However, Taylor Swift released a new album, so I‘ve dedicated a bit of time to listening to that, too. See, I’m capable of changing things up from time to time!

‘Hello, Dolly!’ — Bette Midler, ‘Hello, Dolly!’

It’s easy to overlook the classics for the incredible, fun new musicals being released today, but sometimes an older musical theater tune is just what you need. “Hello, Dolly!” is unbelievably catchy and guaranteed to get stuck in your head, whether you want it to or not.

‘Popular’ — Ariana Grande, ‘Wicked’

I’ve known every word to this song since the seventh grade, and Grande’s version for the “Wicked” movie only made me love it more. She adds such a fun spin to the showtune we all know and love, and it’s the perfect track to lift your spirits and improve your mood.

‘Elizabeth Taylor’ — Taylor Swift

I know “The Life of a Showgirl” was controversial for Swift fans, but personally, I love it. It may not be my favorite album of hers, but “Elizabeth Taylor” is quickly making its way up the list of my favorite Swift songs. My roommate’s mom also loves it, so it has to be good. 

‘She Used to Be Mine’ — Jessie Mueller, ‘Waitress’

In high school, “Waitress” was my absolute favorite musical. I saw the show live on my 17th birthday, and it totally changed me. I even chose to sing “She Used to Be Mine” for my senior solo in high school choir. This song has recently re-entered my “on repeat,” and I’m not upset about it. It’s so beautiful.

‘Alive Forever’ — Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, ‘Death Becomes Her’

I finally got back to the Lunt-Fontanne to see “Death Becomes Her” and fell in love with this song all over again. It’s so beautifully written and heartfelt, but manages to maintain just the right amount of comedy throughout.

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‘Sometimes’ — Reneé Rapp

I didn’t immediately fall in love with this track when Rapp released her album, but after hearing it live, I’m obsessed. Her vocals and songwriting are unmatched, and I’m so glad she’s finally starting to get the recognition she deserves.

‘The Fate of Ophelia’ — Taylor Swift

The lead single from “The Life of a Showgirl,” “The Fate of Ophelia” didn’t become an instant favorite of mine; however, seeing the music video in a movie theater, as well as hearing the inspiration behind the song and what all went into it, I’m obsessed. Unfortunately for my Spotify stats, Swift’s album has very quickly infiltrated my streams.

‘Nobody’s Son’ — Sabrina Carpenter

This song has been a bop since day one, but her performance of it on “Saturday Night Live” really helped solidify what a great song it is. Despite being controversial, “Man’s Best Friend” is a fun, catchy album filled with hit after hit. Carpenter can’t miss.

‘No One Ever Leaves a Star’ — Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, ‘Sunset Boulevard’

I fear my “Sunset Boulevard” obsession is still ongoing. Scherzinger’s performance of this specific number gives me chills every time. I’m obsessed with her portrayal of Norma Desmond.

powers40@miamioh.edu