Taylor Swift, one of the most popular and influential artists in the country and around the world, recently released a new album titled “1989.” In her new album, Swift has evolved her image, officially leaving country behind in favor of the pop genre. Many of Swift’s devoted fans appear to be supporting her decision.

“It’s something that she’s never really done before, so she gets to expand her boundaries, like really try new things,” said junior and loyal fan Jordan Metzman. “If you support her, you want her to grow as an artist and it allows her to take over a different genre of music.”

Many other fans have followed Swift from the release of“Teardrops on My Guitar” to her current hit single “Shake it Off.” While some prefer her new heavily synthesized style, others, like Metzman, prefer her original homegrown hits.

“I love her first [album] because it’s so genuine and so innocent,” said Metzman. “I really like that part of it. I also really like the lyrics to her songs because they are so honest and truthful; they are all written directly by her.”

Many artists at Swift’s level of fame and popularity mature through their music, but most do not officially transition from one genre to another. News of Swift’s transition nearly overshadowed her actual album release.  Junior Sid Espinosa does not share Metzman’s passion for the artist and believes Swift’s niche switch to be fickle, rather than evidence of musical maturity.

“I think that [news] stories give her more attention and raises her fame, [and] that has a lot to do with staying in the ‘in-crowd’ and staying in the spotlight because she keeps changing her image,” said Espinosa. “But it’s just confusing. I’ll always think of her as country.”

When talking about “1989,” Espinosa unexpectedly enjoys a couple of the songs like “Shake it Off”, but said that every single Swift has released, she hears too much on the radio.

“Every single one of her songs ends up on the Top 40 and ends up being overplayed, which makes her overrated,” Espinosa said.

Amy Mattingly, a senior who said she is more or less indifferent to Swift’s music, said the new album is very distinct in comparison to her past ones.

“I like it, you know it’s different than what she normally does,” said Mattingly. “My favorites on the album are ‘Blank Space’ and ‘Wildest Dreams’, they’re fun and catchy, but different enough that they caught my attention.”

Ultimately the new album has gained a lot of buzz, whether people like it or not.

“I like [her new songs] sound like nothing she has ever done before, like every song sounds different,” Metzman said. “I think that she’ll do great in any genre she chooses, but [being pop] makes her a little bit less unique as an artist.