Musician Todd Rundgren has voiced a strong critique of Taylor Swift, labeling the pop superstar the “apotheosis of mediocrity” and suggesting she has “ruined music.” Rundgren, known for 1970s hits such as “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light,” shared his views in a recent interview with New York Magazine’s Vulture blog.
His comments arose during a discussion about what he termed “the era of the female artists.” Rundgren contrasted Swift with Lady Gaga, whom he described as a “real musician” and a “classically trained piano player.”
"Taylor Swift doesn’t do anything particularly great except grow hair,” Rundgren stated. “She’s not a great singer. She’s not a great songwriter. She’s not a great dancer. She’s a role model for what was a very young generation of women, and now for those women’s daughters as well, because it’s mothers and daughters going to Taylor Swift shows.”
Rundgren’s remarks come as Swift continues to achieve significant milestones. She recently became the most awarded artist in MTV Video Music Awards history with her 32nd trophy. Swift also recently released a deluxe edition of her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl: Encore,” featuring four new tracks, which some reviews have described as mixed.
Swift herself has previously addressed criticism and public opinion on her music. In a past conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, she stated, “I have a lot of respect for people’s subjective opinions on art.” She added, “The rule of show business is if it’s the first week of my album release, and you are saying either my name or my album title, you’re helping. I’m not the art police. Everybody is allowed to feel exactly how they want.”
Rundgren is reportedly working on a new solo album and is scheduled to resume his “Damned If I Do Tour” next month.