Like every other teenage girl, I am a die-hard Swiftie. I became a fan after Reputation, and I was so excited to see her on a tour for Lover Fest. After the tour was canceled due to Covid-19, the announcement of the Eras Tour was extremely exciting. 

What wasn’t exciting was the six hour queue for the opportunity to purchase tickets . After spending almost 900 dollars on three tickets, I still needed to purchase the other things for my trek down to Soldier field in Chicago, and all the things that came with the concert in general.  I had untouchable expectations. 

I went to the concert with my mother and father, two fifty-something-year-olds who only know “Shake It Off.” I was nervous they wouldn't have a good time being surrounded by people who live and breathe Taylor Swift. But—They had a great time. The setlist does an amazing job encompassing all levels of Taylor Swift enjoyers, having a range of her hits to songs only true fans would know. On top of that, every night she sings two surprise songs, which keeps the concert’s awe intact. 

The concert’s atmosphere was a wonderland, with the experience including  more than her singing. The elaborate outfits and friendship bracelets made it feel like one big party. Everyone in attendance was nice and approachable, especially while trading friendship bracelets. Additionally she was interactive with the crowd, talking to us, and picking one fan to receive the hat she wears during the “22” performance. Created patterns across the stadium which related to the songs, something I had never seen at a concert before One thing that was unique to Taylor’s concert was her light-up bracelets, handed to every fan at the entrance, that lit-up. 

During the concert she plays songs from all of her eras except from her debut album. Even Though this is her least streamed album, and was more country heavy than her later albums, myself and other swifties can agree there are many songs that should have been included such as “Teardrops on my Guitar” and “Picture to Burn”. This was confusing and disappointing, especially since debut Taylor was featured in promotional material. Also, she sings one song from her Speak Now album, enchanted. This album, in my opinion, is one of her best with many more songs I would have loved to hear live. Comparative to the other concerts I have been to this was by far the best one. Her show was unique with how long the actual concert was and how personal she made it feel even though I was one in thousands of fans, something even small artists have a hard time accomplishing.

So don’t blame me when I speak now and tell you that the concert was such a magical experience it turned my previously non-swiftie dad into someone who sings her songs in the shower—and went above and beyond my expectations.