Each year on my birthday I make a Mix CD to commemorate the occasion. Today on the Jon of All Trades blog, I share that mix with the world, and offer perspective on the year past.

The majority of this year’s essay focuses on how the song “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift hit me like a freight train and how I’ve misjudged Taylor Swift so hideously these last several years. From the essay:

“I sat agog. This was Taylor Swift? This song that’s clearly a clever play on her public perception and turns the narrative on its head, but has just a hint of exhausted sadness at its core – this was Taylor Swift? This song that’s got a driving, head-nodding beat, but likely functions as a smokescreen obfuscating deep bruises and real pain – this was Taylor Swift? This gorgeous, delicate, powerful voice that contains equal parts innocence and world-weary cynicism – this was Taylor Swift?

“Shit, I’ve been missing out.”

To read the entire thing, and to see the music I’ve been most keen on this year, head on over to Jon of All Trades and check it out. Link to full article.