Artist: Taylor Swift

Title: Speak Now

Label: Big Machine Records

In case you missed it: Taylor Swift prefers a far more public forum, rather than say, her personal diary, for addressing the guys who've done her wrong. Much like her past two albums, Speak Now is primarily an autobiographical account of the ups and downs of her headline-grabbing love life. In fact, in the bulk of the 14 song-set, she rarely deviates from all things lovey dovey. Whether it's the feisty, seven-minute rant that may (or may not) be about fellow artist and rumored love interest John Mayer in "Dear John," the spirited assault of her worst critics in "Mean" or the first genuine apology for her own romantic wrongdoing that's probably directed at the Twilight set's favorite Taylor, Taylor Lautner, in "Back to December," Swift's songs definitely have decent melodic sensibilities and plenty of spunk to boot, even if her voice sounds positively auto-tuned to the max.

And unlike Miley Cyrus who sported lingerie and feathers and informed us earlier this year that she "can't be tamed," it is nice seeing one of the younger generation's role models grow up with grace, rather than feeling the need to push the envelope just because she's not living at home any longer. However, despite many of the positives about Swift and her artistry, it's a shame that we've already heard "the woman scorned" routine twice before. While the country-tinged lullaby "Never Grow Up" is an enchanting reflection on how short life really is, tracks like "The Story of Us," "Last Kiss" and the let's-break-up-another-wedding-because-he-should-be-with-me title track have that been-there-heard-that sensibility.

While you can't fault a girl for trying (and yes, she gets a few bonus points for writing all the lyrics herself), one can't help but wish she'd team up with some of country music's elite who've gone through years and years of heartbreak. Perhaps then, we'd be treated to an album with true substance and style. But in the meantime, Swift does what she does best on Speak Now, giving fuel to every girl's break-up fire, something Jake Gyllenhaal may want to remember if they continue hangin' out together.