"Style" Is One of the Best Songs of 2014

When I first heard the preview of Taylor Swift's "Style" on a Target commercial last week, I knew that it would probably end up being one of my favorite songs on her new album, 1989 (and, lo and behold, it is). What I didn't know, however, is that it would also end up being one of the best songs of 2014 so far. Yes, "Style" is incredible (and I promise you, I'm not exaggerating). The song effortlessly blends Swift's compelling storytelling with producers Max Martin and Shellback's signature brand of slick, "anthemic" pop. Oh, and as the title not-so-subtly suggests, "Style" might also give listeners a glimpse into Swift's tumultuous (but sexy) past love affair with One Direction's Harry Styles. So, in other words, it's perfect.

In a genre overrun with familiar sounds and obvious, throwaway lyrics about love and partying, "Style" is a breath of fresh air. It's the exact kind of pop song that radio needs right now.

"Style" captures a specific moment in time — a clandestine midnight encounter between Swift and a mysterious man who drives in and out of her life. On the atmospheric first verse, Swift sings:

Midnight

You come and pick me up

No headlights

Long drive

Could end in burnin’ flames or paradise

Fade into view

Oh, it’s been a while since I have even heard from you (heard from you)

On the pre-chorus, Swift goes through a familiar struggle in her head:

I should just tell you to leave ‘cause I

Know exactly where it leads, but I

Watch us go ‘round and ‘round each time

By the time "Style's" epic, sing-along chorus arrives, packed full of catchy hooks and playful imagery, trust me: you'll be in pop music heaven:

You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye

And I got that red lip classic thing that you like

And when we go crashin’ down, we come back every time

‘Cause we never go out of style

We never go out of style

You got that long hair slicked back white t-shirt

And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt

And when we go crashin’ down we come back every time

‘Cause we never go out of style

We never go out of style

This is what pop music is all about: The songs that make your spirit swell and the hair stand up on the back of your neck. The songs that put a smile on your face. The songs that transport you to another time and place. Even if the rest of the tracks on 1989 were rubbish (and believe me, they're not), "Style" would be worth the price of admission alone. It's just that good.

1989 is available in stores and on iTunes now (gosh, I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to type those words).

Images: Getty Images