Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ World Tour hits the Georgia Dome

? One of the headlines surrounding Taylor Swift as of late is that she doesn’t like being called calculated. In a recent GQ cover story, Swift talks about how irritating it is to be picked apart for being deliberate, a quality that, for most people, is generally a career-making asset. At the Georgia Dome on Oct. 24, it was clear what a game-changer that deliberate, calculating quality can be. Every aspect of the show was meticulously planned so that the fan, whether in the front row or the top of the nosebleed seats, had the optimum experience. Blinking light-up bracelets were taped to every chair, turning the audience into its own light show. The changeovers between openers and mid-song costume changes were expertly managed, with behind-the-scenes footage and confessional-style interviews with Swift’s girl gang of pop culture icons, from Selena Gomez to HAIM. From the special effects to the smoke, from the levitating stage to the light-up outfits, Swift’s stage show indicated that, clearly, no corners were cut. This is the kind of show that someone who rakes in $1 million a day should be putting on — the kind that reveals she’s doing this for the audience as much as she is for herself.
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? The show kicked off with 1989 album opener “Welcome to New York.” Over-the-top backup dancers and a New York City-themed backdrop brought to mind a Broadway play, complete with tight choreography and theatrical costumes. Swift followed up with “New Romantics,” one of three bonus tracks from 1989’s deluxe edition.
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? Taylor Swift has come to Atlanta on every major tour, and while this date was different for a quantifiable reason — she was, after all, playing to a sold-out crowd of 56 thousand people — it was also a clear departure from any trace of the twang-infused girl-with-a-guitar persona she once held. Almost all of the tracks were heavy on electric guitar or synthy, electronic tones, even 2008’s “Love Story.” She only stripped it back for one solo acoustic number, “Fifteen,” making it count by levitating into the audience on her catwalk for the first of several times during the show.
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? The dialed-up variations on both old and new songs were well-executed. “Blank Space,” one of the most recognizable tracks from 1989, took on new life when Swift looped sound effects and her own voice on the bridge: “Boys only want love if it’s torture/Don’t say I didn’t, say I didn’t warn ya.” The harmonies were a reminder of just how much Swift does on her records from background vocals to screams, from stomps to claps. Another number that saw a different sound in the live setting was “I Knew You Were Trouble,” which started out with a low, dark intro.
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? Of course, the biggest question with any date on the 1989 World Tour is who will be the special guest, and while many held high hopes for an Atlanta-based icon (OuKast? Usher?), the crowd response was sufficiently warm for Tove Lo, who emerged for a sing-along rendition of the ubiquitous “Talking Body.”
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? After that, Swift launched into a few more vindictive numbers with “Bad Blood” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” She performed a medley of “Enchanted” and “Wildest Dreams” on piano, complete with a ball gown that ripped away into a flashy, full-body sequined jumpsuit. Swift Closed the show with 1989’s lead single, “Shake It Off,” leaving no doubt as to why she’s one of the biggest pop star in the world.
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? View a gallery of more photos from Saturday night’s show.