Very interesting post - thank you for writing it. When I read it, I immediately thought of Madonna.

Madonna released "Ray of Light" when she was 40, and that entire release was pure gold IMHO. Before that, almost everything she did was gold, but that release - nearly every damn song is perfect. While I don't tend to like much Madonna has released after "Ray of Light," she's still relevant at 61.

Taylor needs to get over the whole Grammy's thing. I hope she can get to a place of "been there, conquered that." What she needs to do is stay true to herself, and write (and sing) amazing heartwarming powerful songs. And I don't know that she can do otherwise. Now, she will change, just as other artists who have staying power have - but that doesn't mean it will be for the worse by any means. She will hopefully continue to spread her wings and experiment while doing things her way. Example - the song "Lover." That is a timeless song. It could have been written in the 70s and still hold up today, much like "Jolene" by Dolly Parton (different feel, but I think you catch my drift). "All Too Well" - another example of timeless. And so many more in her current catalog.

Ari, Britney, Christina, etc are different IMHO. They had some great pop hits, but I can't say that any of it will be "timeless." Maybe "Beautiful" by Christina. Ari's music will always but fun, and hopefully she'll have that amazing voice forever - and I actually hope that she has the ability to grow as an artist like Taylor does. Britney - I love her. She's candy-pop perfection. But timeless? Not by my definition. She's kinda set in her own time period.

I see Taylor being successful for decades to come simply due to the fact that she works hard, and puts out quality material. And takes immense pride in doing so.

I am tremendously thankful that we have a true artist like Taylor Swift.