Chrissie Hynde Praises Taylor Swift’s ‘Cleveland!’ Track

Rock legend Chrissie Hynde has voiced her admiration for Taylor Swift’s latest song, Cleveland!, calling it a standout track that celebrates the Ohio city. The Pretenders frontwoman shared her thoughts in an Instagram post on October 2, praising Swift for writing a song about Cleveland—a rare subject in popular music. The track is part of Swift’s deluxe album, The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, which recently returned to the top of the Billboard 200 chart for its 13th non-consecutive week.

A Song for Cleveland—and a Love Letter to Travis Kelce

Cleveland! is an unapologetic ode to Swift’s husband, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end who was born and raised in Cleveland Heights. The lyrics depict Swift exploring the city with Kelce while dismissing outside criticism, a theme that resonates with her personal journey. The accompanying music video features home footage of the couple driving through Cleveland, with Kelce giving Swift a tour of his hometown.

Hynde, who hails from nearby Akron, acknowledged the song’s personal significance for Swift. "I strongly suspect it has more to do with her new hunk of a husband, a Cleveland native," she wrote. The track has also won over Kelce, who called it "a banger" on his podcast, New Heights.

Mixed Reactions to a Polarizing Track

While Hynde’s praise stands out, Cleveland! has divided fans and critics. Some have criticized its lyrics and production, calling it one of Swift’s more unconventional releases. However, Hynde’s endorsement adds a layer of credibility, given her reputation as a no-nonsense rock icon. She even joked that Swift might be emulating her own Cleveland-themed song, Precious, from The Pretenders’ 1980 debut album.

"Either way, hats off to Taylor for commemorating Akron’s main competition… Cleveland, Ohio," Hynde added, reflecting on her own memories of the city. Her post highlights the song’s unique place in Swift’s discography—a rare moment where the pop superstar steps away from her usual themes to celebrate a specific location and relationship.

Why This Matters for Fans

For Swifties, Cleveland! offers a glimpse into the singer’s personal life, particularly her relationship with Kelce. The song’s release also underscores Swift’s ability to dominate charts, with The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore extending its reign at No. 1. Meanwhile, for fans of The Pretenders, Hynde’s praise is a reminder of her influence and her willingness to engage with contemporary music.

Key Details About the Song and Album

• Song: Cleveland!
• Album: The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore (deluxe edition)
• Release Date: Late September 2024
• Chart Performance: Returned to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 (October 10-dated chart)
• Notable Lyrics: A spoken-word segment where Swift declares, "You only need to find one person in this entire world who doesn’t find you completely insufferable… I found mine."

Hynde’s endorsement of Cleveland! adds an unexpected twist to the song’s reception, proving that even the most polarizing tracks can find admirers in unlikely places. Whether fans love it or loathe it, the song has sparked conversation—and that’s exactly what Swift does best.