Happy 1989 ✨ Say what you want, but Taylor Swift has undeniable talent and work ethic behind that success. Sure, she monetized the fame into an empire. But let's not forget the artistry that sparked it all. Her career shows how drive, creativity and resonance with fans can achieve great things. But it's complex.

Have there been calculated business moves? No doubt. Yet she contributes to causes and connects with people, too. So she's more than a capitalist machine. She's a gifted artist who touched hearts. But yeah, also a marketing wizard. Her story has many lessons - persistence, playing the long game, and taking control. But it can't be boiled down to just win at capitalism.

At the core, Taylor gave us songs we couldn't help but sing along to. That relationship with fans made everything else possible. Nuance matters when judging careers. Nothing is ever one-dimensional. Except for Shake It Off - that song is always stuck in my head!