Photo Provided by Big Machine Records

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Every stadium on Taylor Swift’s “1989” World Tour is basically sold out, but during her second concert at Chicago’s Soldier Field, she admitted to the masses that this particular weekend may have been the best of the entire journey so far. For the tens of thousands lucky enough to score a ticket, chances are they’d instantly agree after witnessing two hours that featured everything from chart-topping hits to spectacle as far as the eye could see, including flashing wristbands for everyone–impressively synched to each beat–and a finale fireworks display.

As the spirit of “1989” rolls on, it remains to be seen whether audience reception will be repeated to such a feverish degree, though given the star power involved and sheer magnitude of the show, it probably won’t have problems inciting shrieks in any corner of the globe.

It may all sound pretty spectacular, even by pop star standards, but then again this is Taylor Swift we’re talking about and she’s currently in extreme demand with the 21-and-under crowd, their slightly older siblings and even chaperones spearheading the carpool. Regardless of age, all were treated to almost the entire multi-platinum “1989” album (“Welcome To New York,” “New Romantics,” “Blank Space”), along with a handful from yesteryear that included “I Knew You Were Trouble,” a face-lifted “Love Story” and the tour debut of “Mean.”

Photo Provided by Big Machine Records

In fact, surprises were almost as ample as the scripted material, starting with the introduction of Sam Hunt for the duet “Take Your Time” and the unveiling of super models Lily Donaldson and Andrej Peijic, who prowled the catwalk alongside Swift during “Style.” Even without any guests, “Out Of The Woods” was also a back half highlight, though it was “Shake It Off” that truly sent everyone home singing “this sick beat” and grinning from ear to ear.

Just prior to Swift, her gal pals HAIM were a true retro rock-inspired force to be reckoned with as they boldly blended blazing guitars, atmospheric keys and booming harmonies. Singer/songwriters Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes also kept fans primed for the action with guitars in hand–unloading folksy and soulful vibes respectively–while adding additional diversity to a well-rounded bill carried by its charismatic leader.

As the spirit of “1989” rolls on, it remains to be seen whether audience reception will be repeated to such a feverish degree, though given the star power involved and sheer magnitude of the show, it probably won’t have problems inciting shrieks in any corner of the globe. But broader than any specific stop on the itinerary, Swift consistently convinced that she’s the present pop princess and will likely be staying right at the front of the pack well into the foreseeable future.

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