Newswise — What can 11 songs teach us about one of the most influential artists of our time?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Phoebe Hughes, musicologist and lecturer at Binghamton University, to explore her new book Cranking Up: Taylor Swift, Her Musical Journey in 11 Songs. As a scholar and longtime listener, Phoebe brings a unique lens to the pop icon’s expansive discography, blending fandom with rigorous analysis.
The conversation spans everything from Swift’s early days in country music to her genre-defying experimentation in The Tortured Poets Department. Phoebe unpacks the cultural weight of each song she chose, including the surprising omission of “Peter,” and reflects on the subtle references to country music that still show up in Swift’s most recent work.
The latest episode of the Curious by Nature podcast, “What Taylor Swift’s Music Really Tells Us” featuring Dr. Phoebe Hughes is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Curious by Nature, presented by Newswise, is a podcast for curious people. In each episode, listeners can travel briefly into the fascinating world that comes with years of dedication to one field of study. Be inspired by the many amazing things that are going on right now, some of which may have a major effect on our lives. Enjoy this concentrated knowledge from experts. We hope you can take inspiration from glimpses of innovation, dedication, and discovery.
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