Lately it feels like Taylor Swift’s name is always in the news. After all, she has been pretty busy–The Eras Tour is currently making its way through South America, the concert film is playing in just about every movie theater, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is topping the charts. It would be understandable to be a bit tired of hearing about the singer, but it’s worth understanding what the appeal is.

Swift’s knack for songwriting is what first comes to mind. Since 2006 her talent has only become more refined and her lyrics continue to connect with listeners. In her writing she paints pictures and creates characters, and it’s almost more fitting to consider her a storyteller. She combines this skill with her ability to come up with catchy melodies, and it’s this collision of talent that allows her to craft hit after hit.

Even the singer’s oldest songs are still relevant and meaningful, and this is apparent in the success of her re-recordings. Back in 2019 she explained how her first six albums were purchased by Scooter Braun and she announced that she would remake them. It seemed like a daunting task, but she has already made it through four of them, most recently 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Her dedication to owning her work is clear, and it has sent an inspiring message that has traveled even outside of the music world.

It’s not possible to write an article about Swift without mentioning her fanbase that grows every day. In stadiums (and now movie theaters too) they sing and dance in elaborate costumes, leaving trails of glitter and bracelet beads. The love they share can be felt in the roar of the crowd as well as in online spaces. Swift draws them in with her music, but it’s the loving global community she has cultivated that makes them stay.