“I Forgot That You Existed,” Taylor Swift tells a past Lover, “It isn’t love; it isn’t hate; it’s just indifference.” If that were true, she doesn’t seem to realize, the song itself wouldn’t exist. Perhaps it shouldn’t, at least not where it is. It’s a decent ditty for my money but an odd way to start an album about the “love” she claims it isn’t.

Cruel Summer, the album’s worst song; it’s the annoying chorus that’s cruel; should also be cut. That would put the lush title track in the lead where it belongs. Not that editing the playlist would make this a Lovable or even likeable set. It’ll Get Better, but not by much. There are maybe a couple of good songs in the whole bunch.

False God resurrects Prince in his prime with its beatific groove and even Taylor Swift stretching “love” out to five syllables can’t ruin the experience. Me, featuring Brendon Urie, is flawed by a cringey pitch change during its otherwise wonderful chorus. For some reason, they decide to go high on the “you” in “fun of you”.

my rating : 3 of 5

2019