Celebrating 11 Years of Taylor Swift’s Self-Titled Debut Album
By Kara Johnson
October 24, 2006, was the beginning of something magical. It was the beginning of a star’s career that would forever change the music industry and the world. On this day, 11 years ago, Taylor Swift released her self-titled debut album into the world. We all didn’t realize at the time that a cute, curly-haired country loving girl would soon become the biggest star of our generation.
Swift’s self-titled debut was filled with songwriting that was wise beyond her years. Several tried to match the age with her songwriter, not believing that a star who was only 15 could pen a song like “Cold As You” or “Our Song”. But a superstar is what she became and her songwriting has only grown since then. The album sparked many dreams for Swift and many come true. She was able to perform at award shows and even had the opportunity to perform her debut hit “Tim McGraw” in front of the man himself.
We should have known that Swift would soon become successful. After all, the album had 5 singles and each track has charted on the country songs chart and has been certified platinum by the RIAA. “Teardrops On My Guitar” and “Our Song” undoubtedly became one of the most successful from the album, and made Swift become the youngest person to single-handedly write and perform a number one song by herself on the Hot Country Songs chart.
We have to thank Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Records) for taking a chance on Swift. He saw something in her many professionals in the industry did not. In fact, most didn’t take a chance on her at all.
"“I can understand. They were afraid to put out a 13-year-old. They were afraid to put out a 14-year-old. Then they were afraid to put out a 15-year-old. Then they were nervous about putting out a 16-year-old. And I’m sure if I hadn’t signed with Scott Borchetta [head of Big Machine Records], everybody would be afraid to put out a 17-year-old.” – Taylor Swift"
The young superstar was only in high school when her album dropped, and soon became the talk of not only Nashville but also the rest of the world. She was becoming a superstar and many who didn’t take note before took note then. Her craft was witty, smart, and unlike any other. From the very start of her career, the songstress always had a special way of connecting with her audience through a song, as well as on a personal level. None of this has changed over the years, and for that, we are grateful.
The album went to gain much success over weeks prior to its release. By the end of the week of November 11, Taylor Swift debuted at No.19 on the Billboard 200 due to sales of 40,000 copies in its first week. After sixty-three weeks on the Billboard 200, the album reached the No.5 spot, marking it the longest stay on the Billboard 200 for any album released in the decade. It’s an impressive feat, and people were ready to take notice and give the singer a chance.
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11 years ago, a young talented singer/songwriter came into our lives and our world was never the same. She’s changed the force of the music industry and millions of lives in the process of being the best and most artistic artist she can be. It was the album that started what is now a magical and blockbuster career. Taylor Swift will forever be in our hearts.
