Here’s A Proper Explanation For Why Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ Is Such An Unshakeable Earworm

Love her music, hate her music or think she’s got a touch of the crazy eyes, no one can deny the catchiness of Taylor Swift’s music. If you haven’t caught yourself singing “Shake It Off” in the grocery store, or reflexively referred to yourself as a “lonely Starbucks lover” in the coffee line, consider yourself one of the lucky saved. The rest of us have been taken unwillingly, captured by this. Sick. Beat. Save us. Help. CALL SOMEONE!

Luckily, Chilly Gonzales is here to tell us why. Sploid points us to his Pop Music Masterclass, where Gonzales explains that “Shake It Off” isn’t that musically different from, say, the theme from Chariots of Fire — repetitive phrases with a distinct shape. It also shares a chordless chant melody style with “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea.  The whole explanation is fascinating and really highlights how this simple, simple song took over our ears last year. AND you can now say you know what rhythmic displacement is and how Swift utilizes it. Thanks, Chilly!

Source: Sploid

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