Recently, Taylor Swift announced she would be hitting the road again this March after five years for her “Eras” tour. As fans freaked out all over the world, the singer also revealed the opening acts who would be joining her on certain stops of the show.
These artists–Paramore, beabadoobee, Phoebe Bridgers, girl in red, MUNA, HAIM, Gracie Abrams, GAYLE and Owenn–all hold immense talent, and it’s no surprise that Swift selected all of them to sing alongside her.
Before you plan on seeing Swift this spring, it’s highly crucial to at least know a few songs from each of these artists, so here’s one song from each of the opening acts of the “Eras” tour that you should listen to before attending.
“Told You So” by Paramore
From their most recent album, “After Laughter” this song is the perfect introduction to Paramore. If you like upbeat, 1980s-inspired rhythms and guitar-playing, “Told You So” is a song you’ll thoroughly enjoy, as well as lead singer Hayley Williams' cunning vocals. Unlike their previous hits such as “Ain’t It Fun” and “Misery Business,” this song sounds completely different, making the song one you can dance to in a stadium full of people. Overall, this song is ideal as it proves Paramore’s range as a band and is a fan favorite for sure to be played amongst their fanbase at the “Eras” tour.
“Soren” by beabadoobee
beabadoobee, the 22-year-old Filipino-British singer-songwriter, is the indie rock star that is the ultimate fit amongst the lineup of opening acts Swift is bringing on tour. Her song, “Soren” is an amazing love song, with lyrics such as “If there was a place that I could call home / Before I die, you oughta know / It’d be in your arms tonight” that will simply make you melt. This song puts beadoobee’s songwriting abilities on display, but also shows just how crisp and calm her vocals are, while not trying to overextend her range. Like Swift, the singer-songwriter knows how to tap into one’s emotional side. Her opening set is sure to bring a tear to everyone’s eyes.
“Kyoto” by Phoebe Bridgers
While this may be a basic pick to Phoebe Bridgers’ fans, “Kyoto” is a great introduction to who the singer is. A fast-paced, tell-all about her family life, Bridgers pulls listeners in with her raspy vocals and lyrical imagery, making the song a heartbreaking revelation that family trauma can still affect one’s daily life and experiences, even if they thought they’ve moved on. This song is definitely one of the singer’s most popular, but it will most likely be on Bridgers’ setlist for the tour, so it’s important to know if you want to have one of her songs memorized beforehand.
“I’ll Call You Mine” by girl in red
“I’ll Call You Mine” is a stellar track off girl in red’s most recent album, 2021’s “if i could make it go quiet.” This song instantly puts you into the perspective of the singer, admitting to a crush that she wants to love her back. Coming from a queer lens, girl in red’s vocals project the angst and longing of the person she’s aiming the song at, and you’ll never want it to end once you press the play button. Who knows if this song will be featured during the “Eras” tour, but it’s a romantic smash hit by the Norwegian singer-songwriter.
“No Idea” by MUNA
MUNA is known for bringing honesty and sensuality into their songs, especially with “No Idea”. A fan favorite as well, this song is all about embracing who you are and finding the confidence to go after the person you want. With blaring synths and wizard-like guitar playing, the trio discussed their sexual fantasies and desires, causing the track to be an honest and vulnerable dialogue between them and the listener. If MUNA doesn’t play this song live, many of their fans will most likely be upset, as the live performance of it has gone viral all over social media. Hopefully, the band has it packed and ready to go when they start touring with Swift in July.
“Now I’m In It” by HAIM
HAIM is famous not only for their music as an alternative girl group, but also for their long friendship with Swift, so it’s no wonder they were asked to tour with her. “Now I’m In It” is the type of song you’d hear in the background of a movie, probably in a scene where someone is trying to restart after a devastating breakup. “We cannot be friends / Cannot pretend / That it makes sense” is a repetitive line in this song, symbolizing the way that most lovers can’t be civil with one another that easily after separating. Containing banging drums and clean-cut layered harmonies, HAIM truly knows how to tell a story through their music, even if it is painful.
“Feels Like” by Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams is also a pro at writing about heartbreak, even if she is only 23 years old. “Feels Like” is Abrams reveling in a lost relationship, regretting the way it ended. “We almost got away, we cut it close / The city's getting loud / If I choke, it's only 'cause I'm scared to be alone / Been trying to work it out, you should know” emphasizes the fear of letting go of someone you love, trying to hold on to something that isn’t working anymore. Similar to Swift’s songs such as “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” and “the 1” this song encapsulates feelings of isolation and loneliness.
"sleeping with my friends” by GAYLE
Admitting to her flaws and tendency to cross the line between friends and lovers, GAYLE sounds more mature, taking the blame for her actions. “sleeping with my friends” as the title suggests, sees the singer coming to terms with herself, refusing to continue lowering her standards and acting on her faulty impulses. An alt-rock song, it feels like something you’d hear out of an early 2000s movie, but trust me, in a good way. Worlds apart from her TikTok viral breakthrough, “abcdefu,” GAYLE is finally upping her game and making music that’s not just targeted toward 13-year-olds anymore.
“Rest Of My Life” by Owenn
Owenn is the only male opening act of the “Eras” tour, joining Swift in May for her stop in New Jersey. Many fans may not be familiar with the singer’s music, but he’s a recognizable face, being that he was Swift’s counterpart in her music video for “Lover” back in 2019. Now, Owenn is stepping away from dance and making music on his own. “Rest Of My Life” is an energetic, lively track about being in love, a fun song to get up and move around with your friends before Swift takes the stage.
