Have you heard it yet?
Taylor Swift released the first song from her eagerly-awaited new album Reputation on Friday morning, and the reaction was predictably divided. Some find ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ to be a more grown up, less sugary anthem for those who’ve just had enough of other people’s shit, whilst others feel it lacks the hook or actual melody of a great pop song.
Whilst the internet tries to decipher the meaning of the lyrics and whether or not they’re a personal attack on Kanye West, others have noticed a startling similarity to a very unlikely reference point. British trio Right Said Fred’s 1992 hit ‘I’m Too Sexy’ has been cited as a source of inspiration, with some people slicing the songs together to prove the point.
So, @taylorswift13's #LookWhatYouMadeMeDo kindof reminds me of something. Wait for it… pic.twitter.com/oC8RnBFsfQ
— Chase Holfelder (@chaseholfelder) August 25, 2017
But it’s not just folk putting two and two together and getting five – because there is a very real connection between the two. LWYMMD actually includes RSF in the official blurb, explaining that the song contains ‘an interpolation of a melody’ from ‘I’m Too Sexy’. Indeed the boys have responded via Twitter.
Thank you @taylorswift13 ❤️ what a marvellous reinvention! #imtoosexy #lookwhatyoumademedo https://t.co/malXQ8uMQe
— Right Said Fred (@TheFreds) August 25, 2017
The track credits list Swift, Jack Antonoff, and three members of Right Said Fred: Richard Fairbrass, Fred Fairbrass and Rob Manzoli. Incidentally, we just sampled that last sentence from a Pitchfork article – META!
