Singing styles come in and out of fashion, but it’s safe to say that for now, whisperpop is here to stay.
Taylor Swift’s “1989,” which originally came out in 2014, was re-recorded and released last week. Although subtle, comparing both albums reveals that the processing on Taylor’s vocals is more transparent and sibilant now, reflecting industry trends over the past nine years and the influence of Jack Antonoff’s production. Even more indicative is how Taylor’s vocal style shifted from the bombastic theatricalism of “reputation” in 2017 and “Lover” in 2019 to her subdued, folksy singer-songwriter vocal style on “folklore” and “evermore” in 2020, very clearly harkening back to her country roots and inspired by Lana Del Rey’s aesthetic. Singing styles come in and out of fashion, but it’s safe to say that for now, whisperpop is here to stay.