You Can’t Fight Love (Taylor Swift x REO Speedwagon)

This is a big one. I wanted to repeat a concept I had done before with “She’s Americk-roll” – taking an 80s song and putting it with a modern song inspired by the 80s. And these two songs happen to be songs that I love, are in the same key, and follow that concept.

“You Are In Love” is my favorite track from 1989, and I feel like it actually sounds more like an 80s song than every other track on the album. “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is a classic by REO Speedwagon that holds a special place in my heart; my mom and I associate this song with my great aunt Cheryl, with whom I was close enough to call Grandma. Once when driving me to an audition, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” came on the car radio, and my mom said “That must be Grandma wishing you good luck.” She then told me the story behind why she thinks of her when she hears this song. So since then, I too have associated this song with her.

My Grandma Cheryl passed in early July of 2019. Only a couple days later, the third season of my favorite TV series Stranger Things premiered on Netflix. And guess what song was in the first episode. It was indeed “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Looking back, I find it a little eerie how that timing worked out, but after completing this mashup on March 11th, 2024, I decided to dedicate this one to Grandma Cheryl. She knew I loved Taylor Swift, as she got me a reputation CD one year for Hanukkah. She also took me and my mom to see my first Broadway musical, Wicked (so yes, I thought of her when I saw the film adaptation).

One fun thing I did to tease this mashup was utilize a recent birthday gift from my aunt; a mini sign-board with those letter tiles. I would take pictures of piles of those letters with hidden messages such as “MAR 29,” “YAIL X CFTF,” or “REO SPEEDWAGON.” I then posted them on my Close Friends Instagram story, as well as my alternative account’s story to tease the mashup. I chose March 29th specifically as the date for this mashup’s premiere, as it was the 89th day of 2024 (referencing Swift’s album of course).

There’s a part of this mashup that I’m still not sure works well. The pre-chorus of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” follows a different chord progression than the rest of the song (“And even as I wander, I’m keeping you in sight…“). My dad pointed out that it sounds a bit out of place on the Swift instrumental track. I, however, don’t think it’s that big of an issue. It’s still the same key, which is truly what makes the difference.