The New Statesman’s A-Z of 2024
A rundown of the year, from Charli XCX and Jeremy Clarkson to the incumbency curse and floods in Valencia.
ByTaylor Swift
The end of the Eras
After 149 shows over nearly two years, Taylor Swift's blockbuster, career-defining show comes to an end. Has it changed pop…
By
Why do Democrats covet Taylor Swift’s support?
Seeing the party salivate over celebrity endorsements is uncomfortable viewing.
By
Why terror targets Taylor Swift fans
On a street in Vienna, the star’s fans are building a sanctuary in defiance against the threat of terror and…
By
The tortured Taylor Swift
On The Tortured Poets Department, Swift portrays herself as a woman tormented by her exes, her haters, and even, at…
By
Taylor Swift’s triumphant incoherence
The star doesn’t make much sense, which is why she makes people so angry.
By
The case for tracking private jets
When individual flights so dramatically endanger our planet, there is a legitimate public interest in who is using them, and…
By
The danger of deepfakes goes far beyond Taylor Swift
Why has it taken an attack on a global star for politicians and regulators to get serious about protecting women…
By
Taylor Swift’s hollow empowerment narrative
The singer’s faux-feminist branding is so convincing journalists are doing her PR for her.
By
Why is Taylor Swift re-recording her old albums?
The singer’s decision to release new recordings of her old albums reflects a bitter struggle over music rights.
By
Inside the “psychopathic” battle for Taylor Swift tour tickets
Buying new SIM cards, taking time off work, and spending hours on hold: UK Swifties explain the all-consuming experience of…
By
When did young people decide they wanted their celebrities to be so boring?
Taylor Swift’s fans don’t like her new boyfriend and Jenna Ortega’s hate that she smokes. Back in my day famous…
By
Not even Taylor Swift can overshadow the 1975
Joined by a special guest at the O2, Matty Healy mused on masculinity as his band paraded their irresistible brand…
By
The best albums of 2022
New Statesman staff choose their favourite records of the year.
By
Has pop reached peak Jack Antonoff?
From the music of Taylor Swift to Lorde, the producer’s sound is inescapable – and too much of even a…
By
On Midnights, Taylor Swift sounds more herself than ever
This intimate, shimmering record has all Swift’s hallmarks, alongside introspective, self-flagellating lyrics.
By
Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing “takes advantage” of music fans
Coldplay, Harry Styles and Bruce Springsteen have profited from ticket prices that rise with demand to many times more than…
By
Corporate culture is ruining live music
The rise of tiered ticketing, VIP packages and cordoned-off areas is destroying concerts. Just look at the Rolling Stones.
By
Insult Taylor Swift at your peril: Damon Albarn looks sexist and out of touch
Damon Albarn is not the first man in music to undermine Taylor Swift. And he’s not the first to regret…
By
The best albums of 2021
New Statesman staff choose their favourite records of the year.
By- 1
- 2