Taylor Swift surprised fans Monday not just by announcing a new album, but by confirming she’s finally given up the country ghost and gone pop. The new disc, 1989, is named not only for Swift’s birth year, but for the spirit of that time, according to the singer: “It was apparently a time of just limitless potential and the idea that you can do what you want, be who you want … you get to decide where your life is going,” she said. “Bright colours, bold chances, rebellion.” How does that translate to her first single? The National Post’s David Berry shimmies in to find out.

Reading suggestion: Listen to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off below, then scroll down to follow along with the lyrics.