The similarity between Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan, according to Elvis Costello

In a podcast interview Rockonteurs, Elvis Costello reflected on the challenges of songwriting and the lessons he learned throughout his career. During the chat, the singer also spoke about creative processes, Costello cited Blood on the Tracksfrom Bob Dylanas an example of a composition that combines vulnerability and creativity. According to him, Taylor Swift also master this skill.

One minute it feels like raw emotion, the next it’s clearly invention. And that keeps things interesting.

For Costello, Swift, at 34, follows a similar approach to Dylan, 83, and Joni Mitchell, 81, by transforming personal experiences into songs that connect with the public.

She understands the need to take personal experiences and ensure her songs are relatable to listeners. There are many other examples of this, but she is the most successful one you can name.

But that’s why she can maintain communication with her audience this way. I always knew that I didn’t feel comfortable just saying, like, ‘Here’s my diary. Let’s put music to it.’

Costello also reflected on his own evolution as a composer: “It’s not just about taking your diary and turning it into music,” he said. “Emotion can emerge in an instant, but the developments can be tortuous and, at times, uninteresting if only narrated in real time.”

During the interview, the singer also spoke about the re-release of his album King of America (1986) in deluxe edition, which includes unreleased demos. Costello explained how, upon revisiting his work, he realized that, at certain points, his songs lacked an essential element of connection with the audience.

All I was doing was reciting things that were happening to me. And while that can be interesting, it doesn’t necessarily engage the listener because they don’t know what you’re talking about.