Leave any preconceptions at the door and enter the world of Red. October 22, 2012 marks the long-awaited release of country superstar Taylor Swift’s fourth album, Red. Swift gives her sound a complete makeover, and it couldn’t be any more wonderful. So you say you don’t like Taylor Swift, huh? Well not only does the new album have a more pop feel to it, but Red also features the musical genius, Ed Sheeran, and Snow Patrol’s front man, Gary Lightbody.

The album cover alone speaks for itself and features a different side of Swift as she poses with straight hair and a bold red lip. Gone are Swift’s days as an innocently sweet country singer with a head full of bouncy curls and a wardrobe full of flirty summer dresses. Swift takes a different route as a more grown up and edgy artist.  The track “I Knew You Were Trouble” features a sort of dub step-like drop and explains how the mysterious “bad boy” she fell for ended up being dangerous just like she had predicted. While the track is a tad cliché for Swift, the experimental beats and vocals make it unique.

Another track from Red that really stood out to me was “Everything Has Changed” which features the acoustic styling’s of Ed Sheeran. These two artists complement each other on this sweet duet so well; from the vocal harmonies to the lyrics, even to the instruments. This track is sheer genius. Swift and Sheeran serenade each other about the rapid impact of a new romance. Although this is a repetitive theme in Swifts music, Sheeran’s tender harmonies give the song some much-needed depth and that extra umph. Swift and Sheeran’s chemistry is charming and fans everywhere are going gaga. Maybe a Swift/Sheeran duet album is in our future?

Can’t get enough Red? Fear not, Swifties; the Red tour dates have been announced and on May 16, 2013, prepare to be blown away as Taylor Swift will be coming to Houston, Texas. Ed Sheeran is even rumored to be coming along!

Check out a few of my favorites off on Red: “Treacherous,” “Stay Stay Stay,” “Holy Ground,” “The Last Time,” “22,” “Sad Beautiful Tragic.”