Tour Review: Taylor Swift Returns to LA with a Superb Night of Pop Magic

Garon CockrellConcert Review, MusicLeave a Comment

Photo by Will Lester, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG

Reputation

Taylor Swift made her triumphant return to Los Angeles as she brought her spectacular Reputation Stadium Tour to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, along with 60,000+ of her fans.

It was a beautiful, if slightly chilly, evening under the stars that kicked off with a high note with opening acts Charli XCX and Camila Cabello, both of whom would take the stage with Taylor later in the evening with a fun performance of “Shake It Off”.

The crowd was eager and definitely excited for each of the artists, but when Taylor took the stage in an explosive kick off, they went insane. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I did too. I myself am a big fan of Taylor and was super stoked for the show.

Taylor Swift:Reputation

She did not disappoint with this tour. It’s a spectacle beginning to end with fireworks, a venue spanning stage set up (three stages technically), and a sassy, top of her game Taylor absolutely slaying. This is my second time seeing her, the first being the phenomenal 1989 tour, and she’s just getting better and better.

The setlist is Reputation heavy with some classics thrown in for good measure. The songs translate wonderfully to a live setting and give Taylor ample opportunity to express her “New Taylor” vibes. She serves attitude, looks, and gives us a bit of that old Taylor charm, too.

Vocally, she sounds great and physically she delivers, bringing pop star choreo to nearly every song. It is a blast of a show that will go a long way to turn any doubter of her continued status as a pop superstar into a Swifty. It really is a massive theatrical experience and one that puts her talents on full display.

In typical Swift fashion, the night was not without its special guests as Shawn Mendes popped by to sing his hit some “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back” with Taylor. Night Two brought Selena Gomez and a favorite of mine, Troye Sivan, to the stage. These special guests never seem forced, they seem to be having just as much fun as their host. Certainly the massive crowd enjoys them – they went nuts when Shawn came on stage.

Taylor Swift Reputation

Overall, the Reputation Stadium Tour is a massive success. It’s a blast to behold and a for sure pop extravaganza. Taylor is at the top of her game and just seems to be getting better and better. If you can make it out to this show, definitely go see it. You’ll be a believer afterwards, and love her even more if you are already a fan.

Check out the full set list after the score!

Taylor Swift
Reputation Stadium Tour
10/10

Taylor Swift review

Taylor Swift Setlist:

Act 1

…Ready for It?
I Did Something Bad
Gorgeous
Style / Love Story / You Belong With Me

Act 2

Look What You Made Me Do
(Video Interlude)
Look What You Made Me Do
(with Tiffany Haddish)
End Game
King of My Heart

Act 3

Delicate
Shake It Off
Dancing With Our Hands Tied
(Acoustic)
Red
(Acoustic; tour debut)

Act 4

Blank Space
Dress
Bad Blood / Should’ve Said No

Act 5

There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back
(Shawn Mendes cover) (with Shawn Mendes)
Don’t Blame Me
Long Live / New Year’s Day
(On piano)

Act 6

Why She Disappeared
(Video Interlude, sequel to “… more )
Getaway Car
Call It What You Want
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together / This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

 

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Garon CockrellTour Review: Taylor Swift Returns to LA with a Superb Night of Pop Magic