Avril Lavigne | Positively Celebrity

Positively Celebrities

Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” Foray to the Top of the Charts

By Kris McKusick | November 17, 2008

Taylor Swift is going to rule the world; you could make the argument that she already does, at least among teenagers. (Swift’s debut album sold 3 million copies to a primarily young fanbase.) Not since Avril Lavigne has a teenage artist made such an impact on popular music, and this teenager, only 18, is classified as a country artist. Don’t get it twisted, though, Swift’s sophomore effort, “Fearless,” is a pop album through and through.

The only overtly country number here is the self-assured, “Tell Me Why,” in which Swift chronicles a relationship gone sour with the proclamation: “I took a chance, I took a shot/and you might think I’m bulletproof, but I’m not.” Swift presents herself as a vulnerable woman, mindful of the pain of past relationships gone bad and ever hopeful for the success of present ones. She wants true love; it’s all she has ever wanted and this album’s 13 tracks read like a diary of one teenager‘s love life.

Although Swift packs on the sentimentality in every one of these tracks, you can’t dismiss the fact that the music is great; the album as a whole is brilliantly executed and if you are a sucker for a charming ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, this album serves them up in abundance. “Love Story,” “Hey Stephen,” and “You’re Not Sorry” are all standout tracks on an album that is sure to ride the top of the charts for the remainder of the year.

No Comments »

O Canada: Canadian Stars are Awarded for their Comedy

By Hilary Dickinson | October 12, 2008

“Dream big,” Ellen Page’s “Juno” character tells her step mom. Indeed, the film’s director and stars did.

Not only was “Juno” nominated for four Oscar nominations, its stars and director won awards, or as they are called “Beavers” at their native Canada’s ninth annual Canadian Comedy Awards Friday night in Saskatchewan.

Montreal-born Jason Reitman won Pretty Funny Film Directing, Halifax-born Ellen Page won Pretty Funny Female Actress of the Year, and Ontario-born Michael Cera won Pretty Funny Male Actor of the Year for “Superbad” (even though he also was in “Juno”).

Cera’s “Superbad” costar, Vancouver-born Seth Rogen, won a Beaver for writing the raunchy but funny teen comedy. He also won Pretty Funny Comic Person of the Year for his recent performances in “Knocked Up” and “Pineapple Express.”