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The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

The Student News Site of Monta Vista High School

El Estoque

Sarah Howell (Carshena) tries to win Sam Putney (King Ahasuerus) over by singing “You Belong with Me.” Photo by Isabelle Kok.

The First Congregational Church of Palo Alto brings ‘Eras of Esther’ to the stage

FCCPA’s community production offers a unique musical mashup of Taylor Swift and the Bible
Isabelle Kok and Benjamin Zhang
April 29, 2024
One of the four album covers for "THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT" features Swift in a state of distress with her hands in her hair. Swift released variants of the album cover with "bonus tracks," and this specific cover comes with the bonus track "The Black Dog." This photo eventually became the cover for "THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY." Album cover | Beth Garrabrant

Taylor Swift fails to deliver with ‘THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT’

“THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” and its surprise dual album “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY” disappoint with repetitive lyricism and production
Aashi Venkat
April 23, 2024
Pop sensation Taylor Swift debuted as a country artist in 2005, and has grown astronomically since then. Photos courtesy of Kiana Mark.

Taylor takeover

Various colleges newly establish Taylor Swift-focused courses
Ananya Chaudhary and Jason Chu
April 8, 2024
The "1989 (Taylor's Version)" album covers features Swift smiling with her hair tied into a messy ponytail and five seagulls surrounding her.

‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ delivers on all its promises

Taylor Swift’s fourth re-record is enjoyable despite its predictability
Aashi Venkat
October 28, 2023
Donning a custom, lavender layered gown Swift performs the song “Long Live” from her third album “Speak Now.” The singer played from a blue guitar decorated with koi fish, a tribute to the same guitar she used during her “Speak Now” tour. Photo courtesy of Kiana Mark

Taylor Swift’s ‘Enchanted’ effects on Santa Clara

Exploring the social and economic impact of Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’
Many concerts include "pits," areas where attendees can stand close to the stage and experience their favorite artist's up close.

In the pit

Amplifying the stories of the MVHS community at concerts
Jiya Singh
December 22, 2022
The "Midnights" album cover features Taylor Swift clicking a lighter, with the flame to her face

Taylor Swift flawlessly returns to pop with “Midnights”

“Midnights” manages to both complement and diversify the singer-songwriter’s discography
Jiya Singh and Aashi Venkat
October 26, 2022
The album cover features Taylor Swift sitting in a red Chevrolet Cabriolet and wearing a red hat, establishing the significance of the color

‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ perfectly balances the old and the new

Taylor Swift’s second re-recorded album is a compelling add to her discography
Aashi Venkat and Shivani Verma
November 20, 2021
Swift's fame is often attributed to men, diminishing her value as a female artist.

Who made Taylor Swift famous?

How recent sexist comments about Taylor Swift demonstrate society’s normalization of misogyny
Gauri Manoj and Mira Wagner
March 13, 2021
The album art for Juice WRLD's posthumous rap album "Legends Never Die".

Summer 2020 music releases provide needed relief during COVID-19

Students discuss new releases and how COVID-19 has influenced the music industry
Gauri Manoj
September 13, 2020
The "folklore" album cover features Taylor Swift standing alone in a forest, looking up at the trees.

A look into Taylor Swift’s unexpected album “folklore”

Swift pulls off a new genre while staying true to her roots
Shivani Verma
August 22, 2020
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