The newest sensation on the country music scene is Taylor Swift. This high school senior is having the time of her life with songs topping the charts and winning country music industry awards.

Taylor burst onto the scene with her song Tim McGraw and hasn’t let up since. Our song has become the anthem of the high school kids in relationships and it’s catchy tune has me singing along when it comes on the radio, bringing back those memories of high school and first loves.

Her latest release off her self titled debut CD, Picture to Burn has caused a bit of controversy for the young star. I understand where some of the complaints are coming from, but I also understand that this is a high school student who wrote or cowrote every song on her record. The controversy over use of the word “gay” has caused a new song to be recorded without the use of the word. Right or wrong, kids in school use the word as a way to get back at their peers or to describe an action.

While Taylor is still young and her vocals aren’t as strong as some of the more mature vocalists in the genre, with time and patience, she could be a major star. Writing the songs she sings is a great beginning, at least you know when she sings the song, she has lived the experience and the emotions are real. If you happened to catch her on the CMA’s last year when she won the Horizon Award, her enthusiasm was definitely refreshing. She is still young enough to show the emotion and enjoy her success with the joy of youth.

Check her out, even if you aren’t in high school or in your teens, her music should bring back memories of those times and let you recapture some of that youthful passion.

Track list:

Tim McGraw
Picture to Burn
A Place in this World
Cold as You
The Outside
Tied Together with a Smile
Stay Beautiful
Should’ve Said No
Mary’s Song
Our Song