The thing about good music is once it finds a place in people’s hearts, it stays long enough to become immortalized. Over the centuries, the record industry has been witness to several pioneers who have come and gone, but their works live on. And now, mastering the influence with outstanding record-breaking streaks to unfaltering dedication to remaining at the zenith, Taylor Swift undoubtedly stands as one of the biggest fishes in the sea of success. Turning yet another page of being an all-time inspiration, the pop sensation has added another jewel to her crown, this time giving cutthroat competition to the King of Rock n’ Roll.
The larger-than-life command that Swift has unleashed on the world is historic, to say the least. However, does it make her substantially superior to Elvis Presley?
Taylor Swift vs. Elvis Presley
Taylor Swift is currently leading popular culture with catastrophic authority. And her recent show of power-play came when the songstress tied with Elvis Presley in an unforeseeable manner. From what it appears, Swift has swiftly managed to sweep the cultural panorama with her impeccable tastebuds yet again, knotting with Presley for marking her place in the apex with 67 weeks of dominance in the US album’s chart history.
Differences in genres could be one thing, but there is no questioning the ascendancy. Hence, it is safe to say that Taylor Swift’s A-game has touched another milestone. Considering that Swift has stepped on the same page with one of the most impactful icons of all time, let us have a look at how the artists have shaped their sway in the world.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift right now is the trailblazer of the 21st century. Starting from the roads of country music to her exploration of pop, indie rock, and electronic styles, her gambling in the genre game has been nothing but fulfilling. Once having conquered the album sales to now raking the headlines of the Internet, the high tide has not slowed down.
Impact
As one of the highest-selling artists of all time, she has become Time’s Person of the Year. Her commercial success has also paved her way into the Billionaire’s club. Having released 10 studio albums, she is also Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist. The cultural touchstone has an ever-growing fan following, known as Swifites.
Moreover, as the first recipient of the Woman of the Decade, she is also known for being the quintessential American symbol.
Records
The longest reigning diva in the Billboard Artist 100 is even the only artist in the Luminate Data history to sell over a million copies within a week for six studio albums. ‘Midnights’, being the most streamed album in a single day, has over 186 million streams. Her cultural omnipresence has ensured her stay in the number one position with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries, Hot 100-Top 10 entries, and Top Country Albums chart.
Furthermore, she also has the most Digital Songs number one. Apart from her conquest in the digital landscape, she has also championed sales in traditional formats with vinyl and CDs. In the world of virtual booming, ‘Evermore’ held the records of the highest sales in a week for vinyl LPs in the States. Outliving her standards, her albums, ‘Red’ and ‘Midnights’ then outshone with 112,000 and 575,000 LP sales.
As of now, the reviver of vinyl is currently writing her name in the stars with her tie with Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley
The American legend who revolutionized pop culture with his timeless genius is Elvis Presley. Having single-handedly changed the landscape of the rock’ n’ roll genre, he became the gospel for success in the 20th century. His influence, however, was not limited to his music alone.
Impact
Credited for being the creator of a never-seen-before style of music, he defined a generation with his prodigy. Furthermore, his dance moves and his style of clothing became an embodiment of his ruling genre. Presley’s debt on African American music was also a public acknowledgment.
His legacy was so unchallenging that his concerts were a high point of crowd attraction at the time. As a result, his recognition was beyond the national parameters.
Records
Elvis Presley is the proof of music immortality. His commercial success was witness to over a billion records sales worldwide. He also had his name on theatrical releases for his concert documentaries. Much like Swift, his takeaways were not restricted to vinyl and CDs, but also extended to the digital format. The Recording Industry Association of America acknowledged over 150 of his albums with gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications.
The King of Rock n’ Roll had an estimated number of 149 songs to feature in Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Chart. Among them, 18 was a ruler of the top spot. Apart from that, about 90 records appeared on the charts, with 10 reaching the summit. ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ was also the highest-selling holiday album of all time. According to reports, he sold over 146 million certified albums in the US alone.
The journey of music is unpredictable. There is no denying that the rulers of two different generations are on par in one way. Yet, the question of weighing scales would be completely overstepping. While Swift and Presley’s image in America and the world is not short of accolades, their run in the industry is ever-evolving. Therefore, to pick a side would be overcompensating, but one thing is for sure, like Presley, Swift is also in the making of history.
