Within seconds of hearing the track, Steve Hackman “felt instantly connected” and marveled at Swift’s lyrical storytelling.
When the Queen of Pop (otherwise known as Taylor Swift) released her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD), on April 19, fans around the world went through a range of emotions upon first listen.
There was everything from heartache to grief, mourning and eventual recovery. Needless to say, Swifties felt it all, including classical composer Steve Hackman, who shared on social media his reaction to the first time he listened to the fan favorite “So Long, London.”
Hackman, 44, told Newsweek that he’s long been a “huge fan of Taylor” and admires her storytelling ability, which he considers unmatched by other artists.
“I am stunned by the impeccable craftsmanship and palpable soulfulness. Her ability to convey emotion through song is unsurpassed”, he said.
Hackman recorded the moment he heard “So Long, London” and posted it on Instagram (@stevehackmanmusic). The video delighted and resonated with Swifties everywhere, amassing over 1.2 million views and more than 66,300 likes.
“Beyond the choral introduction, which again sets the dramatic stage in such a striking way, I love how the ending choruses bring back those choral elements from the beginning, contributing to an incredible swell of emotion”, he said.
