Six nights with Taylor Swift – what more can we ask for? Well, how about picturing her musical eras all over Singapore? Watch us put the Red in Little Red Dot, T-Swift style.
The Great (ticketing) War may be long over, but we’re now gearing up for the actual bloodbath, Taylor Swift is finally in Singapore for her Eras Tour. Blondie’s here, folks! This tour is a loving tribute to her greatest hits. Taylor performs 44 songs in 10 distinct sections (eras, as she calls them), characterised by each album’s colours and themes. As we anticipate the photos, videos, and various commentaries flooding our timelines, we have fun imagining what her various music eras would look like when transplanted to Singapore. Now… are you ready for it?
Live out Taylor Swift’s eras at these locations in Singapore
The Lover era: Romance with a side of political tones
After the dark and heavy Reputation, this album was Tay Tay’s return to form. It’s bright, romantic, and also Taylor at her most outspoken, speaking up about feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and American politics. Lover serves as the opening act to the Eras Tour.
1. Miss Americana visits the Istana
Blondie kicks off her sixth concert with Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince, an album cut where she publicly voices her political stance. Given the song’s context, we reckon it’ll be funny if she drops by the Istana and meets with our latest president. Maybe Taylor can sing a couple of lines a capella while she’s there. As long as she doesn’t start a political demonstration, she’s good.
2. Enjoy a fleeting romance at a hidden gem
All of us are oh-too-familiar with Singapore’s weather – it’s a cruel summer all year round. But that shouldn’t stop this ‘lover of love’ from enjoying a fine romance while she’s in the country. While there are a few quiet date spots, Taylor should hit up Pearl’s Hill City Park. We’re confident there won’t be any prying eyes (or paparazzi) if she decides to go on a date here. She might even make friends with a squirrel or two!
When she’s done, she can drop by the nearby Pearl’s Hill Terrace. Hopefully, her appearance can convince the government not to tear the place down.
The Fearless era: She’s living the teenage dream
Taylor’s second album was inspired by her perspectives as an adolescent. Her well-loved singles – Love Story, You Belong With Me, and the title track – highlight the topics she set out to discuss in this release. The three songs are performed as part of the second act.
3. Have courage (and be kind) at Hong Lim Park
Yes, this is an oddball choice, but hear us out. Historically, this park is regarded as the place for public engagement. Speeches, debates, and rallies are primarily held here. Tay’s Fearless era fits perfectly: she gets to be brave and rouse the crowd with her moving plea for love and equality. (Of course, we’re joking here. You need a permit to stage anything here, and we don’t want to get Taylor Swift in trouble when she walks into Singapore.)
The Evermore and Folklore eras: An escape from life as you know it
Remember Covid-19? While that’s a distant nightmare (dressed like a daydream) now, these surprise albums were a good thing that came out of the pandemic. The two releases showcased a new aspect of Taylor’s songwriting skills with poetic and complex lyrics that earned her critical acclaim. Evermore is the third act in the Eras Tour, while Folklore follows Red.
4. It’s time local Swifties are aware of cottagecore
Cottagecore? In Singapore? That may be a stretch, but Tay Tay can somewhat relive this lifestyle on an offshore island. Five tiny houses, measuring between 150 and 170 square feet, await at Lazarus Island. The homes have basic necessities, including a kitchenette, a fully functioning bathroom, and a smokeless grill. Two units are pet-friendly, so she can bring her furry friends along for her tiny getaway. Who knows, she might find inspiration for another follow-up to the two albums… a trilogy, if you will. She could even name it Lazarus! We can only hope.
5. On a bench in Coney Island
An obvious reference here, since we have a similarly named location in Singapore the beloved superstar can visit. Our Coney Island is a rustic green space where Taylor Swift can hike, cycle, or just chill out at the beach. If she’s not too tired from the tour, she can film a music video for the song here.
6. Be one with nature and get back her folksy persona
We can’t speak for everyone, but we firmly believe these two eras bode well with Taylor. In fact, we wished she could’ve kept it around for another album, but alas, all good things must come to an end. A consolation is Taylor can revive this persona by getting in touch with Singapore’s flora and fauna. She can go on a forest bathing experience at Clementi Forest and, at the same time, discover there’s more to Singapore than a concrete jungle. In fact, all Swifties should do this too!
The Reputation era: An album of ice and fire
Fun fact: did you know that the fantasy series Game of Thrones heavily influenced the album? This period was considered the lowest for T-Swizzle (another loving nickname given by her fans) – her private life was heavily scrutinised, and there was that whole controversy between her and Kanye West. By this time, Taylor’s reputation was in shambles.
7. Find out about her reputation at this long-standing newsstand
She has bad blood with who now? Is she now part of some new romantics? Even though most media publications have digitalised, Taylor can still catch up on the latest goss about her at Thambi Magazine Store in Holland Village. This iconic roadside newsstand has been around for over 80 years and stocks over 1,000 magazine titles. Girlie will have a field day going through what the media says about her.
8. Stand up for justice at the former Supreme Court
For someone with a big reputation, it can be demoralising to know people have turned on you. We’re not suggesting Taylor Swift relives those moments again, but she can make a stand by visiting National Gallery Singapore. Why? Well, in case you don’t know, the museum was previously the Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, before they were combined and converted.
She can check out the art, take photos for her ‘gram, and dine at Odette, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. We only want the best for Tay Tay, naturally.
9. Pay her fellow snake friends a visit
Before y’all get tilted and attack us, know that this is not a diss! In case you fell, hit your head, and got selective memory, this is the era where Ms Swift incorporated the snake motif in a bid to reclaim the character assassination act certain individuals threw at her. While Mandai Wildlife Reserve is an obvious choice, we’d recommend Taylor to visit the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. She can check out the preserved snakes and glean fascinating historical facts – a win-win, surely.
If Taylor prefers a more unique activity, she can meet with a snake charmer. What, you didn’t think they existed in Singapore? Maybe she’ll be charmed to have one on stage with her during this tour segment.
The Speak Now era: T-Swizzle at her most open and honest
Taylor is reputed for writing her own songs, and for this era, she went above and beyond by writing the whole album by herself. Respect! Even though she’s only performing one song for this act during the tour, Swifties were extremely pleased with the re-release. Insert rants and vitriol about a certain male musician…
10. Be enchanted by the magical
We don’t know about you, but we enjoy a little bit of woo woo now and again. Astrology, crystals, tarots, aura reading… we love to explore the unknown and ask the universe for help. And we reckon Tay Tay won’t mind delving into this too. Many places in Singapore offer such services that she can tap into, including our very own oracle. Hopefully, she’ll learn more about herself and if karma is the guys on the Chiefs who should be coming straight home to her!
The Red era: Expanding her repertoire with pop sensibilities
This album was iconic for many things: the first single gave Taylor her first Billboard number one, she dipped her toes into the pop sound sonically, and after the re-release, everyone finally knew who was the trouble that walked in. Of course, we can’t discount the fact that red is her signature lip colour.
11. Loving her is Red
Would it be too on the nose if we talked about Taylor Swift being in the Little Red Dot? (Yeah, perhaps.) In that case, she can visit other red places to commemorate this era. How about the Red Dot Design Museum at Marina Boulevard? It’s a snazzy space, and she’ll blend well with the facade. There’s Redhill MRT station, although technically it’s more pink than red.
We also considered the formerly allegedly haunted Pasir Ris Red House, but that’s a preschool now, and we don’t want Tay Tay to trespass, even if she’s a celebrity.
The 1989 era: Goodbye country Taylor, hello superstar Taylor!
This may be an unpopular opinion, but we firmly believe Taylor solidified her superstardom during this era. She was everywhere: her songs were often quoted, and her music videos raked in thousands of views. All the girls wanted to cut their hair like her, while all the boys wanted to be with her. At this point, Tay Tay was here to stay stay.
12. All the lonely Starbucks coffee lovers
If you recall Blank Space, you’d remember the famously infamous misheard lyric referencing a certain coffee chain. However, Singapore has plenty of cafes Taylor can visit if she wants to get her caffeine fix. We recommend Apartment Coffee – the minimalistic space is totes IG-worthy, and the roasted brews will definitely give Taylor the boost she needs for her concerts later in the night. She can also consider the other eateries around the Jalan Besar area, if one cafe doesn’t do it for her.
13. Shake it off at a Taylor Swift-themed party
Taylor may be in Singapore to work, but that doesn’t mean she can’t live it up and party! It’d be mindblowing if she turned up for one of the themed parties and painted the town red with her fans. That’s such a cool and sweet experience. Plus, imagine T-Swizzle singing along to her own songs in the club. We’d love to see that!
The Midnights era: Musings of an anti-hero
Hands up if you’re experiencing (or have experienced) sleepless nights. Intrusive thoughts infiltrating your mind just as you’re about to fall asleep? Or maybe you’re one of those who actively practise revenge bedtime procrastination. In any case, the midnight musings and subtle groovy beats of this era are made for you.
14. Who says there’s nothing to do after hours?
Just because it’s nighttime, doesn’t mean Taylor can’t find something to do in Singapore. How about a picnic in the moonlight, supper after her concert, or hanging out at the supermarket aisles? Or she can get someone from the local team to rent a car and take a drive downtown. If she prefers being active, she can take a leisurely stroll at Bay East Garden. Sleep is for the weak – and Taylor Swift’s definitely a strong person.
Since she’s staying at Capella Singapore (don’t act as if you don’t know that, you sneaky Swiftie), Taylor can step out of her room around 3am, drink in the surroundings, and just dwell in her thoughts. Who knows, maybe she’ll be inspired to write her next album following The Tortured Poets Department. Fingers crossed!
Check out these Swift-ified places and imagine living out Taylor’s musical eras in Singapore!
