7 Things I Need From Taylor's New Single

While Taylor Swift continues to tease fans with album clues on Instagram, Kelley Locke, a Buzzfeed Community Member, may have uncovered the title of Swift's new single. In the wee hours of Friday morning, Locke posted a wealth of evidence that suggests that Swift's upcoming lead single for her fifth studio album is called "Polaroid." So, how did she reach that conclusion?

Well, for starters, a polaroid camera sneakily appears in Wednesday's Instagram clue. But more importantly, in her article, Locke goes on to detail Swift's love for polaroid pics in general, showing that she's been posting them to Instagram for months. The most compelling evidence, however, is that radio programmers have been taking polaroid pictures with Swift (and her various awards) recently and putting them up on social media. One person even used the hashtag "#polaroid"! You guys. Things just got super serious.

I really think that Locke is onto something here — perhaps Swift isn't nearly as slick as she thinks she is! But even if Swifty's new single doesn't turn out to be called "Polaroid," it seems clear that new music is almost upon us (like, I'm fairly certain we only have to wait until Aug. 18). This seems like the perfect time to ask myself: What do I want from Swift's lead single? Hmm, let me see...

First Things First: It's Gotta Be Produced by Max Martin & Shellback

I will accept nothing less than a lead single that's produced by pop music geniuses Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster (a.k.a. Shellback). According to AllMusic, they helped Swift create some of Red 's most memorable songs ("We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "I Knew You Were Trouble," and "22"), and we know that Swift's worked with them both again. In my opinion, the trio just creates magic together.

It Has to Be Up-Tempo

I don't care what genre Swift's lead single ends up being: pop, pop-rock, country, country-pop, polka — I really don't care. I just want it to be something that I can dance to! Something that makes me feel good. Remember: E! reports that Swift is planning an "explosive" performance for the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 24, so I don't think that she's going to be trotting out a boring old ballad!

It Needs to Be Somewhat Unexpected

When Swift premiered "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" two years ago, music fans were flabbergasted. The song was so catchy and fluffy and fun...it was so pop! Nobody was expecting Swift to return with a track like that — I didn't even know that she was working with Martin and Shellback! That being said, another pop song probably isn't going to cut it this time around. We already know that Swift can do that sound, and we know that she can do it well — what else can she do that we're perhaps not expecting?

A Little Gimmick Never Hurt Anybody

In addition to its ridiculously long (but memorable) title, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" also had a ridiculously cheesy (but memorable) spoken bridge section ("So, he calls me up and he's like, 'I still love you...'"). Not since Britney Spears' "Oops!...I Did It Again" (which, according to AllMusic, was also produced by Martin, strangely enough) has a song contained a spoken interlude so unforgettable and so amazing. Swift's new single needs something like that. Something that people will instantly remember after hearing it.

It Should Probably Be About a Boy

Whether she's celebrating love or slamming a former flame, Swift has proven time and time again that she's quite skilled when it comes to talking about the dudes in her life via song. She just loves love. And who can blame her? Really, all of Swift's lead singles thus far have been about guys. If it ain't broke, why fix it? ...Right?

...But Then Again, Maybe Not!

Wait... maybe I'm tired of hearing Swift talk about boys. Maybe it would be cool for her to do something unexpected and have her lead single not center around a man for once! Yeah, I would definitely be into that.

I Have to Be Able to Sing Along

This one's kind of a no-brainer, but Tay: I neeeed to be able to belt out your new song in my car, in the shower, and in a variety of public places where its probably considered inappropriate (the library, the doctor's office, etc.). I'm just anticipating that the song is going to be SO good, I won't care even care who hears me!

If I'm interpreting Swift's clues correctly, we should be hearing new music on Aug. 18. Mark your calendars/starting freaking out riiight... now!

Images: taylorswift/Instagram; Giphy (7)