Delicate (Taylor Swift song)
{{Short description|2018 single by Taylor Swift}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Delicate
| type = single
| cover = Delicate by Taylor Swift (Sawyr and Ryan Tedder remix).png
| alt = Cover artwork of "Delicate" (Sawyr and Ryan Tedder Mix), black and white image of Swift with transparent newspaper fonts of the song's title and Swift's name
| caption = Sawyr and Ryan Tedder Mix cover artwork
| artist = Taylor Swift
| album = Reputation
| released = {{Start date|2018|03|12}}
| studio = * MXM (Los Angeles; Stockholm)
| genre = * Electropop
| length = 3:52
| label = Big Machine
| writer = * Taylor Swift
| producer = * Max Martin
- Shellback
| prev_title = New Year's Day
| prev_year = 2017
| next_title = Babe
| next_year = 2018
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|tCXGJQYZ9JA|"Delicate"}}}}
}}
"Delicate" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). She wrote the song with the producers Max Martin and Shellback. Inspired by the events surrounding Swift's celebrity and personal life, the lyrics depict a narrator's vulnerability and anxiety over whether her blossoming romance would last. "Delicate" is an electropop and synth-pop ballad that features vocoder-manipulated vocals, dense synthesizers, and elements of tropical house and dancehall in its beats.
Directed by Joseph Kahn and filmed in Los Angeles, the music video for "Delicate" premiered on March 11, 2018, at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. In the video, after becoming invisible upon receiving a mysterious note, Swift dances barefoot through public places and ultimately becomes visible again after dancing in a pouring rain. Critics interpreted the video as Swift's autobiographical reference to her personal life, as she had retreated herself from the press leading up to the release of Reputation. A day following the video's release, Big Machine Records sent "Delicate" to radio airplay in the United States as the album's fourth single.
"Delicate" received widespread critical acclaim for the vulnerability depicted through its songwriting and mellow production. It featured in 2018 year-end lists by Billboard, Slant Magazine, and Rolling Stone, and critics have considered "Delicate" one of Swift's career-defining songs. In the United States, the single peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reached number one on three Billboard airplay charts, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Elsewhere, it received platinum certifications in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Swift performed the song on the Reputation Stadium Tour (2018) and the Eras Tour (2023–2024).
Background
The American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her fifth studio album, 1989, in October 2014. 1989{{'s}} synth-pop production transformed Swift's sound and image from country music to mainstream pop.{{cite journal|first=Myles|last=McNutt|title=From 'Mine' to 'Ours': Gendered Hierarchies of Authorship and the Limits of Taylor Swift's Paratextual Feminism|year=2020|journal=Communication, Culture and Critique|volume=13|issue=1|doi=10.1093/ccc/tcz042|page=79}} The album was a commercial success, selling over five million copies in the United States within one year and spawning three Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6745034/taylor-swift-1989-anniversary-chart-facts|title=Taylor Swift's '1989' One-Year Anniversary: 13 Impressive Chart Facts for the Blockbuster Album|first=Trevor|last=Anderson|magazine=Billboard|date=October 17, 2015|access-date=March 16, 2021|archive-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504084527/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6745034/taylor-swift-1989-anniversary-chart-facts|url-status=live}} The BBC asserted that the success solidified Swift's status as a global pop star.{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=August 21, 2019 |title=Taylor Swift's Lover: The struggle to maintain superstardom |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190820-taylor-swift-and-the-struggle-to-maintain-pop-superstardom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301114553/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190820-taylor-swift-and-the-struggle-to-maintain-pop-superstardom |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |publisher=BBC}}
Swift was a target of tabloid gossip during the promotion of 1989.{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |date=November 9, 2017 |title=5 things Taylor Swift's past USA Today interviews tell us about her Reputation era |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/11/09/5-things-taylor-swifts-past-usa-today-interviews-tell-us-her-reputation-era/840232001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110033304/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/11/09/5-things-taylor-swifts-past-usa-today-interviews-tell-us-her-reputation-era/840232001/ |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |work=USA Today}} Her "America's Sweetheart" reputation, a result of her wholesome and innocent image, was blemished from publicized short-lived relationships and disputes with other celebrities, including a dispute with the rapper Kanye West and the media personality Kim Kardashian.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/07/18/taylors-good-girl-rep-frayed-latest-feuding-kanyekardashians/87247770/|title=Is Taylor's good-girl rep frayed by Kanye/Kardashian feud?|first=Maria|last=Puente|work=USA Today|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=February 23, 2021|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218182222/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/07/18/taylors-good-girl-rep-frayed-latest-feuding-kanyekardashians/87247770/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last=Berman |first=Judy |date=January 28, 2020 |title=Taylor Swift: Miss Americana Is an Intriguing But Incomplete Sketch of an Icon in Transition |url=https://time.com/5773209/taylor-swift-miss-americana-netflix-review/ |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308060622/https://time.com/5773209/taylor-swift-miss-americana-netflix-review/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021}} Swift became increasingly reticent on social media, having previously maintained an active presence with a large following, and avoided interactions with the press amidst the tumultuous affairs. She conceived her sixth studio album, Reputation, as an answer to the media commotion surrounding her celebrity.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-moments-that-couldnt-fit-in-our-cover-story-890700/|title=9 Taylor Swift Moments That Didn't Fit in Our Cover Story|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|date=September 30, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 9, 2019|archive-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001144210/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/taylor-swift-moments-that-couldnt-fit-in-our-cover-story-890700/|url-status=live}}
Production and composition
Swift wrote "Delicate" with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. It was engineered by Sam Holland and Michael Ilbert at MXM Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, and Los Angeles, California. The song was mixed by Şerban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and it was mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in New York.
{{listen
| pos = right
| filename = Delicate music Sample, 2018.ogg
| title = "Delicate"
| format = Ogg
| description = A short sample of the refrain of "Delicate", which features Swift singing over a muted pulse and vocals manipulated by a vocoder.
}}
Swift conceived "Delicate" as a confession to a prospective lover and described the song—the fifth track on Reputation—as the album's "first point of vulnerability".{{cite web |last=Mastrogiannis |first=Nicole |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift's iHeartRadio reputation Release Party: Everything We Learned |url=https://961kiss.iheart.com/content/2017-11-10-taylor-swifts-iheartradio-reputation-release-party-everything-we-learned/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111152137/https://961kiss.iheart.com/content/2017-11-10-taylor-swifts-iheartradio-reputation-release-party-everything-we-learned/ |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |publisher=iHeartRadio}} The preceding four tracks are about Swift's flippant disinterest in her perceived reputation, which is the recurring theme throughout the album. On "Delicate", she begins to reveal her inner vulnerability.{{cite news |last=Yahr |first=Emily |date=November 15, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift Avoided – and Mocked – the Media with Reputation. And It Worked. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/11/15/taylor-swift-avoided-and-mocked-the-media-with-reputation-and-it-worked/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019202738/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/11/15/taylor-swift-avoided-and-mocked-the-media-with-reputation-and-it-worked/ |archive-date=October 19, 2020}} Swift explained the song's meaning during an album release party with iHeartRadio: although she could feign disinterest in others' opinions about her, things became complicated "when you meet somebody that you really want in your life", which prompted her to wonder, "Could something fake like your reputation affect something real, like someone getting to know you?" To create a sound that reflects the lyrics' vulnerable sentiment, Martin and Shellback manipulated Swift's vocals with a vocoder, which Swift thought sounded "really emotional, vulnerable, and ... sad but beautiful". This vocoder effect is recurring on subsequent Reputation tracks.
"Delicate" is a mellow electropop{{cite magazine |date=December 3, 2019 |title=Best of 2010s: Decade's Best Pop Hooks |url=https://ew.com/music/2019/12/03/the-best-pop-hooks-of-the-2010s/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107074901/https://ew.com/music/2019/12/03/the-best-pop-hooks-of-the-2010s/ |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Sarah |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift: Reputation |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/taylor_swift-reputation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502085256/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/taylor_swift-reputation |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Exclaim! |language=}} and synth-pop ballad.{{Sfn|Zaleski|2024|p=138}} Its production is driven by pulsing, dense synthesizers.{{cite news |last1=Bruner |first1=Raisa |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Analyzing Every Song on Taylor Swift's Reputation |url=https://time.com/5017724/taylor-swift-reputation-explained/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726183953/https://time.com/5017724/taylor-swift-reputation-explained/ |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2020 |magazine=Time}}{{cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=November 9, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift Is a 2017 Pop Machine on Reputation, but at What Cost? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/arts/music/taylor-swift-reputation-review.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127090052/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/arts/music/taylor-swift-reputation-review.html |archive-date=January 27, 2020}} The song features elements of urban music, showcased through influences of house music,{{Sfn|Zaleski|2024|p=138}} tropical house,{{Cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Alex |last2=LaPierre |first2=Megan |date=October 20, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift's 20 Best Songs Ranked |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/taylor_swifts_20_best_songs_ranked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206081044/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/taylor_swifts_20_best_songs_ranked |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=Exclaim!}} and dancehall in its beats,{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Uppy |date=November 11, 2017 |title=Review: Taylor Swift Takes A New Direction With Reputation – But Is It the Right One? |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/taylor-swift-reputation-track-by-track/g86Ul5aZmJs/11-11-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006060117/https://themusic.com.au/news/taylor-swift-reputation-track-by-track/g86Ul5aZmJs/11-11-17/ |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=The Music |language=en}} and Swift's emphasis on rhythm in her singing-speaking vocal delivery, influenced by hip-hop and Caribbean music.{{Cite magazine |last=Battan |first=Carrie |date=November 14, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift's Confessions on Reputation |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/27/taylor-swifts-confessions-on-reputation |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=January 1, 2023 |ref=newyorker |url-access=limited |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101031206/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/27/taylor-swifts-confessions-on-reputation |url-status=live }} At the beginning of the song, Swift's character tells her lover that, because her reputation has "never been worse", he "must like [her] for [herself]".{{cite web |last=Hodgkinson |first=Will |author-link=Will Hodgkinson |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Pop Review: Taylor Swift: Reputation |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/pop-review-taylor-swift-reputation-stk8w7b7n |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111051506/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pop-review-taylor-swift-reputation-stk8w7b7n |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=The Times}} Carl Wilson from Slate interpreted this part as Swift's revelation on her public image: after the media gossip, she achieved a "liberation" that allowed her to "make her private life her own at last".{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Carl |author-link=Carl Wilson (writer) |date=November 13, 2017 |title=On Reputation, the 'Old Taylor' Is Dead, but the New One Isn't Quite Ready to Come to the Phone |url=https://slate.com/arts/2017/11/taylor-swifts-new-album-reputation-reviewed.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103111827/https://slate.com/arts/2017/11/taylor-swifts-new-album-reputation-reviewed.html |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |work=Slate}} She shares intimate moments with her love interest at a dive bar "on the East Side".{{cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=November 9, 2017 |title=Album Review: Taylor Swift's Reputation |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/reviews/album-review-taylor-swift-reputation-1202611695/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109063146/https://variety.com/2017/music/reviews/album-review-taylor-swift-reputation-1202611695/ |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=Variety}} Throughout the song, Swift goes through her inner monolog about whether what she does would affect this blossoming romance and how much her feelings would be reciprocated, over a muted pulse: "Is it cool that I said all that? Is it too soon to do this yet? 'Cause I know that it's delicate."{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Jamieson |date=November 13, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift: Reputation Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/taylor-swift-reputation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113115407/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/taylor-swift-reputation/ |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=Pitchfork}} Though she feigns confidence and tries to control her inner self-awareness, she admits: "I pretend you're mine all the damn time."{{cite magazine |last=Sheffield |first=Rob |author-link=Rob Sheffield |date=April 25, 2024 |title='Delicate' (2017) |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/delicate-2017-202724/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213185145/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/taylor-swift-songs-ranked-rob-sheffield-201800/delicate-2017-202724 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} In the refrain, a high-pitched voice echoes the title "Delicate" back to Swift's lyrics.{{cite web |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=November 10, 2017 |title=The Old Taylor Swift Is Hiding Within Reputation |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/reputation-taylor-swift-first-review/545561/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625050316/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/reputation-taylor-swift-first-review/545561/ |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |access-date=March 12, 2018 |website=The Atlantic}}
Release
The music video of "Delicate" premiered at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 11.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8231873/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-iheart-radio-music-awards/|title=Taylor Swift to Release 'Delicate' Music Video at iHeart Radio Music Awards|first=Nina|last=Braca|magazine=Billboard|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213115408/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8231873/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-iheart-radio-music-awards/|url-status=live}} Following the video's premiere, Big Machine and Republic Records released the song to US hot adult contemporary radio stations on March 12,{{cite web |title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311154126/https://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |access-date=March 12, 2018 |publisher=AllAccess}} and US contemporary hit radio on March 13, as Reputation{{'s}} fourth pop radio single.{{cite web |title=Top 40/M Future Releases |url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311153716/https://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=March 11, 2018 |access-date=March 12, 2018 |publisher=AllAccess}}{{NoteTag|"Delicate" was Reputation{{'s}} fourth single released to US pop and adult contemporary radio stations. Another single from Reputation, "New Year's Day", was released to US country radio before "Delicate".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8039304/taylor-swift-new-years-day-reputation-country-radio|title=Taylor Swift's 'New Year's Day' Goes to Country Radio: Is Country Ready for It?|magazine=Billboard|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|last2=Asker|first2=Jim|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=March 19, 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423044757/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8039304/taylor-swift-new-years-day-reputation-country-radio|url-status=live}}|name="single"}} Swift released another music video for the song—shot in a vertical format—exclusively on Spotify for users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Latin America, on March 30, 2018.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8274561/taylor-swift-delicate-vertical-video-spotify|title=Taylor Swift Gets Up Close & Personal in 'Delicate' Vertical Video|date=March 30, 2018|first=Rania|last=Aniftos|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 30, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151333/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8274561/taylor-swift-delicate-vertical-video-spotify|url-status=live}} It was available on YouTube for audiences worldwide on May 15.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8274561/taylor-swift-delicate-vertical-video-spotify|title=Taylor Swift Gets Up Close & Personal in 'Delicate' Vertical Video|first=Rania|last=Aniftos|magazine=Billboard|date=March 30, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612151333/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8274561/taylor-swift-delicate-vertical-video-spotify|url-status=live}} In Europe, "Delicate" was available for digital download in Germany on March 12,{{cite web |title=Delicate von Taylor Swift |url=https://www.universal-music.de/taylorswift/musik/delicate-448809 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129023259/https://www.universal-music.de/taylorswift/musik/delicate-448809 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |publisher=Universal Music Group |language=de}} and to Italian and UK radio stations on April 20, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.earone.it/news/taylor_swift_delicate_radio_date_20_04_2018_28526256/|title=Taylor Swift – Delicate (Radio Date: 20-04-2018)|last=Ceschi|first=Isabella|date=April 20, 2018|publisher=Universal Music Group|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206145651/https://www.earone.it/news/taylor_swift_delicate_radio_date_20_04_2018_28526256/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist|title=BBC – Radio 1 – Playlist|publisher=BBC Radio 1|date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421201823/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist|archive-date=April 21, 2018|access-date=April 22, 2018}}
As part of the Spotify Singles series, Swift recorded a stripped-down version of "Delicate" using acoustic guitars in place of the original version's synthesizers.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2018/04/taylor-swift-delicate-acoustic-stream-spotify-apple/|title=Taylor Swift – 'Delicate' (Acoustic Version)|first=Anna|last=Gaca|date=April 13, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021|work=Spin|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821123656/https://www.spin.com/2018/04/taylor-swift-delicate-acoustic-stream-spotify-apple/|url-status=live}} The version was released alongside Swift's cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" as a two-track extended play (EP) on April 13, 2018, by Spotify.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-taylor-swifts-acoustic-cover-of-earth-wind-fires-september-628643/|title=Hear Taylor Swift's Acoustic Cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Ryan|last=Reed|date=April 13, 2018|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224230211/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-taylor-swifts-acoustic-cover-of-earth-wind-fires-september-628643/|url-status=live}} Two official remixes supported "Delicate": one by Sawyr and Ryan Tedder, available on May 25,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/delicate-sawyr-and-ryan-tedder-mix-single/1389281518|title=Delicate (Sawyr and Ryan Tedder Mix) – Single by Taylor Swift|date=May 25, 2018|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231093210/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/delicate-sawyr-and-ryan-tedder-mix-single/1389281518|url-status=live}} and the other by Seeb, available on June 8, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/delicate-seeb-remix-single/1395482302|title=Delicate (Seeb Remix) – Single by Taylor Swift|date=June 8, 2018|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=December 31, 2018|archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231093130/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/delicate-seeb-remix-single/1395482302|url-status=live}}
Music video
=Synopsis=
{{multiple image
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| direction = vertical
| width = 200
| image1 = Interior of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel-24651397143.jpg
| alt1 = Interior of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel
| image2 = 7th-Metro Center platform 2016.jpg
| alt2 = Platform of 7th Metro Center station in Los Angeles
| footer = The video was filmed at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (above) and the 7th Street/Metro Center station (below).
}}
Directed by Joseph Kahn, the music video was shot over two nights in Los Angeles; landmarks featured include the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, the 7th Street/Metro Center station, the Los Angeles Theater, and the Golden Gopher bar.{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-downtown-los-angeles|title=All the Downtown Los Angeles Spots Featured in Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Music Video|date=March 12, 2018|first=Elise|last=Taylor|website=Vogue|access-date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=March 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318031649/https://www.vogue.com/article/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-downtown-los-angeles|url-status=live}} The video opens with Swift on the red carpet, seeming disconnected from the crowd gazing off in the distance. She snaps back to reality as a reporter points a microphone at her face for an interview.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/03/11/taylor-swift-has-disappeared-from-public-view-her-delicate-music-video-may-hint-at-why/|title=Taylor Swift has disappeared from public view. Her 'Delicate' music video may hint at why.|first=Emily|last=Yahr|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 11, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206140627/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/03/11/taylor-swift-has-disappeared-from-public-view-her-delicate-music-video-may-hint-at-why/|url-status=live}} Amid camera lights, a mysterious figure slips a sparkling paper note into her hand.{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032528/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8240727/taylor-swift-delicate-video-analysis-dancing-reputaiton|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8240727/taylor-swift-delicate-video-analysis-dancing-reputaiton|title=Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Video Dances Away Her Regrets: Critic's Take|first=Richard S.|last=He|magazine=Billboard|date=March 12, 2018|archive-date=November 9, 2020|access-date=February 3, 2021|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}
After the red-carpet interviews, Swift walks into a hotel lobby surrounded by four bodyguards as the guests turn around and look at her. Swift is bothered by the attention toward her, and when she gets some privacy in a dressing room, she turns the note over in her hand and makes silly faces in the mirror before being interrupted by a group of women. When she turns back to the mirror, the note sparkles and she realizes she has become invisible as her reflection in the mirror disappears.
Thrilled by her newfound freedom from fame, Swift starts dancing barefoot through the hotel. Though she seems elated by her invisibility, there are poignant moments—at one scene in an elevator with another woman, Swift thinks that woman is smiling at her, but she is in fact looking at her own reflection in the mirror.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/every-moment-theorizing-taylor-swift-023000470.html|title=Every Moment We're Theorizing About from Taylor Swift's New 'Delicate' Music Video|first1=Olivia|last1=Bahou|first2=Jennifer|last2=Davis|publisher=Yahoo!|date=March 12, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206230920/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/every-moment-theorizing-taylor-swift-023000470.html|url-status=live}} Swift continues dancing through a subway platform, and dances in a pouring rain before arriving at a dive bar. As she holds the note, everyone in the bar turns and looks at her, and she is visible again, smiling.
=Analysis and reception=
Media outlets considered the video's depiction of Swift's invisibility from the crowd an autobiographical reference, given that she had not given press interviews while promoting Reputation.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/12/entertainment/taylor-swift-delicate-video/index.html|title=Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' video decoded|first=Lisa Respers|last=France|date=March 12, 2018|publisher=CNN|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331115703/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/12/entertainment/taylor-swift-delicate-video/index.html|url-status=live}} Writing for The Washington Post, Emily Yahr described the video as a representation of Swift's celebrity. Yahr explained that the scenes where Swift appears jaded from the reporters and bodyguards were parallel to Swift's retreat from the press, and called her invisibility a metaphor for "the only time she's able to be herself". Denise Warner from Billboard wrote that the video's depiction of Swift being "clearly disturbed by her fame" resembled the narrative of Britney Spears's 2000 video "Lucky".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8240368/taylor-swift-delicate-video-watch|title=Taylor Swift Channels Britney Spears' 'Lucky,' Maddie Ziegler in 'Delicate' Video|date=March 12, 2018|first=Denise|last=Warner|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 12, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108173327/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8240368/taylor-swift-delicate-video-watch|url-status=live}} In another analysis for Billboard, Richard He wrote: "Swift's a singer and guitarist by trade, but through her dancing and facial expressions, she's learned to tell stories with her whole body." According to He, while the lyrics to "Delicate" were inspired by Swift's love life, the video was inspired by her relationship with her audience. He observed that her cathartic, honest, and rather awkward dancing "for the pure joy of music" reminded her audience of "the reason she began writing songs in the first place". The video won Best Music Video at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/iheartradio-music-awards-2019-full-list-winners-1191273|title=iHeartRadio Music Awards: Full List of Winners|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427070419/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/iheartradio-music-awards-2019-full-list-winners-1191273|url-status=live}}
Upon the video's release, some commentators on the internet accused "Delicate" of plagiarizing an advertisement directed by Spike Jonze in 2016 for "Kenzo World", a fragrance by the French brand Kenzo.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taylor-swifts-delicate-video-looks-a-lot-like-spike-jonzes-kenzo-perfume-ad-1093880|title=Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Video Looks a Lot Like Spike Jonze's Kenzo Perfume Ad|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Sam|last=Reed|date=March 12, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041127/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taylor-swifts-delicate-video-looks-a-lot-like-spike-jonzes-kenzo-perfume-ad-1093880|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43382742|title=Taylor Swift: Delicate video accused of copying Kenzo advert|date=March 13, 2018|publisher=BBC|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204183820/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43382742|url-status=live}} According to Emma Payne, a scholar in music and cinema in the digital era, both visuals depict a woman who "breaks free from the pressures of society and acts freely as though nobody is watching"; to express this sentiment, both feature a choreography made up of unconventional dance moves, such as "marching and stomping" and "animalistic squatting", intertwined with conventional ballet moves. Payne commented that in doing so, the video allows the audience to see the "real" Swift beyond her commercially marketed image. She noted, nonetheless, due to the plagiarism controversy, Swift's persona was scrutinized for being "insincere or fake", a claim that had perpetuated since her earlier "dorky" image.{{cite journal|url=https://www.sonicscope.org/pub/jr3x2zx6/release/2?readingCollection=b9637a4a|title=The Essence of Femininity: The Subversive Potential of the Music Video Aesthetic in Perfume Advertisement|first=Emma|last=Payne|journal=Sonic Scope|volume=1|date=October 6, 2020|doi=10.21428/66f840a4.0cbdf606|access-date=February 4, 2021|doi-access=free|archive-date=October 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011005545/https://www.sonicscope.org/pub/jr3x2zx6/release/2?readingCollection=b9637a4a|url-status=live}}
Critical reception
Music critics lauded Swift's songwriting on "Delicate". Roisin O'Connor of The Independent described the song as an example of Swift's "most honest and direct songwriting".{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |date=March 12, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift dances like nobody's watching in 'Delicate' video |website=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-watch-lyrics-reputation-world-tour-a8251316.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207023049/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/taylor-swift-delicate-music-video-watch-lyrics-reputation-world-tour-a8251316.html |archive-date=December 7, 2018}} AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine similarly praised Swift's portrayal of vulnerability as "a necessary exercise" for her to mature as a singer-songwriter.{{cite web |last1=Erlewine |first1=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |title=Reputation – Taylor Swift |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/reputation-mw0003100199 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031033/https://www.allmusic.com/album/reputation-mw0003100199 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 21, 2017 |work=AllMusic}} Ann Powers writing for NPR called "Delicate" one of Reputation{{'s}} "most memorable tracks", and described it as a reminder of Swift's songwriting talents in creating personal and relatable songs about her generation's "fashion choices, modes of gossip, dating habits and dreams of a comfortable middle-class life". To explain this viewpoint, Powers highlighted the lyrics mentioning Swift's love interest in Nike shoes: "In 21st-century America, 'Nikes' is as evocative a word as 'heartache' or 'promise.' Swift understands the heart that beats beneath the brand name."{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/11/10/562360434/the-old-taylors-not-dead|title=The Old Taylor's Not Dead|first=Ann|last=Powers|author-link=Ann Powers|publisher=NPR|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609090728/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/11/10/562360434/the-old-taylors-not-dead|url-status=live}}
Other critics highlighted the song's mellower production and vulnerable sentiment, in contrast to Reputation{{'s}} heavy electronic production and themes about drama and vengeance. Troy Smith from The Plain Dealer called it one of the album's better songs because "Swift keeps the mood light".{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Troy |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Taylor Swift's Reputation remains stellar on new album |url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/11/taylor_swifts_reputation_remai.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114839/http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/11/taylor_swifts_reputation_remai.html |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |work=The Plain Dealer}} For Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine, the song's blending "scathing self-critique with effervescent pop" offers an enjoyable moment that contrasts with the album's dominant "tired, repetitive EDM tricks".{{cite web |last=Cinquemani |first=Sal |date=November 10, 2017 |title=Review: Taylor Swift, Reputation |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007203951/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation/ |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=October 11, 2020 |work=Slant Magazine}} Clash
Music critics have retrospectively considered "Delicate" one of Swift's strongest songs. Exclaim!
Commercial performance
"Delicate" was a sleeper hit in the United States.{{cite magazine |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=December 7, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift's Reputation Is Grammys' Biggest Snub |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-reputation-grammys-snub-764008/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208132356/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-reputation-grammys-snub-764008/ |archive-date=December 8, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |url-access=limited}} It entered at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2018{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8257716/bad-wolves-zombie-taylor-swift-delicate-hot-100-chart-moves|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Bad Wolves Bring Back The Cranberries' 'Zombie' & Taylor Swift Hits a Milestone|date=March 23, 2018|magazine=Billboard|first=Gary|last=Trust|access-date=February 5, 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206014448/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8257716/bad-wolves-zombie-taylor-swift-delicate-hot-100-chart-moves|url-status=live}} and reached the top 40 in May, becoming Swift's 56th song to enter the top-40 region and extending her status as the woman with the most top-40 entries.{{cite web |last=McPhate |first=Tim |date=May 21, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift: 'Delicate' Extends Her Billboard Chart Record |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/taylor-swift-delicate-extends-her-billboard-chart-record |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027105006/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/taylor-swift-delicate-extends-her-billboard-chart-record |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |publisher=The Recording Academy}} In July, in its sixteenth charting week, "Delicate" entered the top 20, driven by strong airplay performance.{{cite magazine |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |date=July 6, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Became the Biggest Reputation Radio Hit While You Weren't Looking |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8464159/taylor-swift-delicate-reputation-biggest-radio-hit |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213050237/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8464159/taylor-swift-delicate-reputation-biggest-radio-hit |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |access-date=April 13, 2020 |url-access=subscription}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8464213/demi-lovato-debuts-hot-100-chart-moves|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Demi Lovato Debuts, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj Add Their Fifth Shared Hit|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=July 6, 2018|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 5, 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205072505/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8464213/demi-lovato-debuts-hot-100-chart-moves|url-status=live}} It was the second single from Reputation to enter the top 10 of Billboard{{'s}} Radio Songs chart (peaking at number two),{{cite magazine |title=Taylor Swift Chart History (Radio Songs) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/taylor-swift/chart-history/hsb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227200157/https://www.billboard.com/music/Taylor-Swift/chart-history/HSB |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=February 23, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}} after the lead single "Look What You Made Me Do".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8462264/taylor-swift-delicate-reputation-radio-songs-top-10-hot-100-chart-moves|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Becomes Second Radio Songs Top 10 From Reputation|first=Gary|last=Trust|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|date=June 22, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205021122/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8462264/taylor-swift-delicate-reputation-radio-songs-top-10-hot-100-chart-moves|url-status=live}} "Delicate" peaked atop the Pop Songs chart{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8466462/taylor-swift-delicate-pop-songs-chart-no-1|title=Taylor Swift Tops Pop Songs Airplay Chart With 'Delicate'|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=July 23, 2018|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 5, 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205193057/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8466462/taylor-swift-delicate-pop-songs-chart-no-1|url-status=live}} and was Reputation{{'s}} first number-one single on the Adult Pop Songs{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=July 2, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift Scores First Adult Pop Songs No. 1 From Reputation With 'Delicate' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8463575/taylor-swift-delicate-no-1-adult-pop-songs-chart |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206224301/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8463575/taylor-swift-delicate-no-1-adult-pop-songs-chart |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |url-access=subscription}} and Adult Contemporary charts,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8474633/taylor-swift-delicate-adult-contemporary-chart-number-one|title=Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' Hits No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Chart|magazine=Billboard|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=September 11, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033839/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8474633/taylor-swift-delicate-adult-contemporary-chart-number-one|url-status=live}} becoming the album's most successful radio single.
"Delicate" peaked at number 12 and spent 35 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-charting single from Reputation. The single was one of the 10 most successful songs on United States airplay of 2018, culminating 2.509 billion radio audience impressions.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=January 8, 2019 |title=Drake's Scorpion Is Nielsen Music's Top Album Of 2018 in U.S., 'God's Plan' Most-Streamed Song |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8492663/nielsen-music-top-album-2018-drake-scorpion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202234015/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8492663/nielsen-music-top-album-2018-drake-scorpion |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}{{NoteTag|Audience impressions refer to the number of audience reached by a song on airplay from a radio station.{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709034623/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/charts-legend|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/charts-legend|title=Charts Legend|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=July 9, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=February 12, 2021}}}} iHeartRadio awarded the single a Titanium Award for amassing one billion spins throughout 2018.{{Cite web |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=2019-04-02 |title=Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Cardi B & More Songs Earn iHeartRadio Titanium Award for 1 Billion Spins: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-cardi-b-iheartradio-titanium-award-8505214/ |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=Billboard |archive-date=January 30, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130232236/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-bruno-mars-cardi-b-iheartradio-titanium-award-8505214/ |url-status=live }} It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, which denotes two million units consisted of sales and on-demand streaming. Philip Cosores from Uproxx thought that the success of "Delicate" changed the narrative that Reputation was an underwhelming era for Swift,{{cite web |last=Cosores |first=Philip |date=August 30, 2018 |title=How Taylor Swift Changed The Narrative Around Reputation with A Hit Song and a Record-Breaking Tour |url=https://uproxx.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation-narrative-change-delicate-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204184906/https://uproxx.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation-narrative-change-delicate-tour/ |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=Uproxx}} an idea corroborated by Andrew Unterberger from Billboard, who described its sleeper success as a "turnaround in momentum". For Unterberger, the single's vulnerable sentiment and production contrasted with the previous singles' "outwardly vindictive" sentiments and proved that "[the audience] too still like Taylor for Taylor".
"Delicate" peaked within the top 20 on singles charts of Iceland (3), Honduras (11), Malaysia (14), the Czech Republic (19), and Canada (20). It was a top-40 chart entry in Greece, Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway (where it was certified gold), and Australia (where it was certified five-times platinum). The single was certified double platinum in Brazil, and platinum in Portugal, and the United Kingdom, where it charted outside the top 40.
Live performances and covers
File:Eras Tour - Arlington, TX - Reputation act 1 (cropped).jpg (2023)|alt=Taylor Swift in a sparkling black bodysuit]]
Swift included "Delicate" on the set list of her Reputation Stadium Tour (2018).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8455216/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-set-list |title=Here Are All the Songs Taylor Swift Played on the Opening Night of the Reputation Tour|magazine= Billboard|first=Denise|last=Warner|date=May 9, 2018|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=May 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522091658/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8455216/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-set-list|url-status=live}} During the concerts, she performed the song while standing in a golden balloon basket that floated above across the crowd.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/why-taylor-swifts-reputation-tour-is-her-finest-yet-628294/|title=Why Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' Tour Is Her Finest Yet|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Rob|last=Sheffield|author-link=Rob Sheffield|date=May 9, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=July 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714033652/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/why-taylor-swifts-reputation-tour-is-her-finest-yet-628294/|url-status=live}} Swift performed an acoustic version of the song on a guitar at BBC Radio 1's Biggest Weekend on May 27, 2018, in Swansea.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8458039/taylor-swift-biggest-weekend-set-list-videos |title=Taylor Swift Performs 'Look What You Made Me Do,' 'Delicate' & More at Biggest Weekend|magazine= Billboard|access-date=November 29, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623161554/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8458039/taylor-swift-biggest-weekend-set-list-videos|url-status=live|first=Ashley|last=Iasimone|date=May 27, 2018}} On December 6, 2018, Swift made an unannounced appearance at the Ally Coalition Talent Show, a benefit concert organized by producer Jack Antonoff in New York, where she performed an acoustic rendition of "Delicate" with Hayley Kiyoko.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2018/12/taylor-swift-hayley-kiyoko-jack-antonoff-benefit-video/|title=Watch Taylor Swift's Surprise Appearance With Hayley Kiyoko at Jack Antonoff's Ally Coalition Benefit|work=Spin|first=Winston|last=Cook-Wilson|date=December 6, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820051232/https://www.spin.com/2018/12/taylor-swift-hayley-kiyoko-jack-antonoff-benefit-video/|url-status=live}}
On April 23, 2019, Swift performed an acoustic version of the song at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts during the Time 100 Gala, where she was honored as one of the "100 most influential people" of the year.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8508485/taylor-swift-performs-style-delicate-time-100-gala|title=Taylor Swift Took Some of the World's Biggest Stars Down Memory Lane With This Performance|magazine=Billboard|date=April 24, 2019|access-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424075818/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8508485/taylor-swift-performs-style-delicate-time-100-gala|archive-date=April 24, 2019|url-status=live|first=Lars|last=Brandle}} During promotion of her seventh studio album Lover in 2019, Swift performed the song at the Wango Tango festival on June 1,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-wango-tango-rainbow-pride-month-at-wango-tango-concert-1203230999/|title=Taylor Swift Goes Full Rainbow for Pride Month at L.A. Wango Tango Show|work=Variety|first=Chris|last=Willman|date=June 2, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207053400/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/taylor-swift-wango-tango-rainbow-pride-month-at-wango-tango-concert-1203230999/|url-status=live}} at the Amazon Prime Day concert on July 10,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519517/taylor-swift-performs-shake-it-off-amazon-prime-day-concert|title=Taylor Swift Sings 'Shake It Off,' 'Blank Space' & More at Amazon Prime Day Concert: Watch|first=Lars|last=Brandle|magazine=Billboard|date=July 11, 2019|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=July 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712114938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519517/taylor-swift-performs-shake-it-off-amazon-prime-day-concert|url-status=live}} and at the City of Lover one-off concert in Paris on September 9.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-review|title=Taylor Swift's The City of Lover concert: a triumphant yet intimate celebration of her fans and career|last=Mylrea|first=Hannah|website=NME|date=September 10, 2019|access-date=September 12, 2019|archive-date=September 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916000640/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/taylor-swift-city-of-lover-concert-review|url-status=live}} "Delicate" was included on the set list of Swift's sixth headlining concert tour, the Eras Tour (2023–2024).{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2023-03-18 |title=Taylor Swift Eras Tour: The Full Setlist From Opening Night |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-setlist-1235552488/ |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=Variety |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318073358/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/taylor-swift-eras-tour-setlist-1235552488/ |url-status=live }}
On May 23, 2018, the British singer-songwriter James Bay covered "Delicate" as part of his BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.{{Cite magazine|title=James Bay Gives Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' a Twist With Drake Mashup|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8457846/james-bay-sings-taylor-swift-delicate-drake-mashup-bbc-live-lounge|access-date=July 30, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730184917/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8457846/james-bay-sings-taylor-swift-delicate-drake-mashup-bbc-live-lounge|url-status=live}} The American singer Kelly Clarkson performed the song in an episode of her daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which aired on November 4, 2019.{{Cite magazine |date=2019-11-05 |title=Kelly Clarkson Beautifully Covers Taylor Swift's 'Delicate' |url=https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews110519clarkson1-8542778/ |access-date=2024-09-10 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910173756/https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews110519clarkson1-8542778/ |url-status=live }}
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Reputation.{{cite AV media notes|title=Reputation|title-link=Reputation (album)|last=Swift|first=Taylor|author-link=Taylor Swift|year=2017|type=CD|page=8|publisher=Big Machine Records|id=B0028815-02}}
- Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriter
- Max Martin – producer, songwriter, programming, keyboards
- Shellback – producer, songwriter, programming, keyboards
- Sam Holland – engineer
- Michael Ilbert – engineer
- Cory Bice – assistant engineer
- Jeremy Lertola – assistant engineer
- Şerban Ghenea – mixing
- John Hanes – mix engineer
- Randy Merrill – mastering
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Weekly chart performance for "Delicate" ! Chart (2017–2019) ! Peak |
| {{single chart|Australia|28|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 14, 2018|refname="aus"}} |
| {{single chart|Austria|70|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 4, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Flanders Tip|4|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 28, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Wallonia Tip|4|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=May 19, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Canada|20|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=August 21, 2018|refname="can"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadaac|3|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=September 25, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|6|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=August 8, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|2|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=September 18, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Czech Republic|19|year=2018|week=25|rowheader=true|access-date=June 25, 2018|refname="czech"}} |
| {{single chart|Czechdigital|31|year=2018|week=14|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Finnishairplay|46|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=June 25, 2019}} |
| {{single chart|France|169|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=March 28, 2018}} |
| scope="row"|Greece International (IFPI){{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531163813/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2018|publisher=IFPI Greece|access-date=May 31, 2018|title=Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 20/2018|language=Greek}}
| 25 |
|---|
| scope="row"| Honduras (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Honduras/General/20180521|title=Monitor Latino – Top 20 General – Honduras – Del 21 al 27 de Mayo, 2018|publisher=Monitor Latino|language=es|access-date=June 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605065933/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Honduras/General/20180521|archive-date=June 5, 2018|url-status=dead}}
| 11 |
| {{single chart|Hungarystream|32|year=2018|week=14|rowheader=true|access-date=April 14, 2018|refname="hungary"}} |
| scope="row"| Iceland (RÚV){{cite web|url=http://www.ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|publisher=RÚV|language=is|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526120730/http://ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 26, 2018|title=Topplistinn 26. Mai 2018|access-date=May 25, 2018}}
| 3 |
| {{single chart|Ireland3|31|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=April 14, 2018|refname="ireland"}} |
| scope="row"| Malaysia (RIM){{cite web|url=http://www.rim.org.my/main/images/stories/RIM/Chart%202018/16_i_dm.pdf|title=Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia|publisher=Recording Industry Association of Malaysia|access-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194318/http://www.rim.org.my/main/images/stories/RIM/Chart%202018/16_i_dm.pdf|archive-date=July 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}
| 14 |
| scope="row"| Mexico Ingles Airplay (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/mexico-ingles/2018-05-19/|title=Mexico Ingles Airplay|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2013|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204154138/https://www.billboard.com/charts/mexico-ingles/2018-05-19/|url-status=live}}
| 10 |
| {{single chart|New Zealand|33|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2018|refname="nz"}} |
| {{single chart|Norway|27|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2018|refname="norway"}} |
| {{single chart|Poland|42|chartid=2702|year=2018|rowheader=true|access-date=May 28, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Portugal|56|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=May 11, 2018|refname="portugalsingles"}} |
| {{single chart|Scotland|51|date=20180601|rowheader=true|access-date=June 2, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakia2|61|year=2019|week=1|rowheader=true|access-date=January 8, 2019}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakdigital2|44|year=2018|week=15|rowheader=true|access-date=April 17, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Sweden|98|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 20, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Switzerland|88|artist=Taylor Swift|song=Delicate|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2018}} |
| {{single chart|UK|45|date=20180420|rowheader=true|access-date=April 21, 2018|refname="occ"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardhot100|12|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 24, 2018|refname="hot100"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|1|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=September 11, 2018|refname="adult contemporary"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|1|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 3, 2018|refname="adult top 40"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboarddanceairplay|4|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=August 4, 2018|refname="dance airplay"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|1|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=July 24, 2018|refname="mainstream top 40"}} |
| scope="row"| Venezuela (National-Report){{cite web|url=http://www.national-report.com/top-venezuela|title=Top 100 Venezuela|language=es|publisher=National-Report|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514091930/http://www.national-report.com/top-venezuela/|archive-date=May 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}
| 69 |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col"| Chart (2024) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| Singapore (RIAS){{cite web|title=RIAS Top Charts Week 10 (1 - 7 Mar 2024)|url=https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/|publisher=RIAS|access-date=March 12, 2024|archive-date=March 12, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240312065047/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/}}
| 19 |
|---|
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2019 year-end chart positions for "Delicate" ! scope="col"| Chart (2019) ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2019/adult-contemporary-songs|title=Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 2019|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205170931/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2019/adult-contemporary-songs|url-status=live}}
| 6 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Delicate"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=|award=Platinum|number=5|artist=|type=single|relyear=2018|certyear=2024|access-date=February 14, 2024|refname=aria}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2018|certyear=2024|access-date=July 24, 2024|refname="brazil"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|title=Delicate|artist=Taylor Swift|award=Gold|relyear=2018|certyear=2021|id=9864|access-date=January 6, 2021|refname="denmarkcert"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|award=Gold|access-date=July 19, 2024|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|relyear=2018|certyear=2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|award=Gold|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|type=single|id=12099|access-date=29 February 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|access-date=January 8, 2025|source=radioscope|relyear=2017|certyear=2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|region=Norway|relyear=2018|certyear=2020|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=October 29, 2020|refname="ifpinorway"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2018|certyear=2023|access-date=December 20, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2017|certyear=2022|id=file_2022-05-13-15-04-29.pdf|access-date=May 23, 2022|digital=true|refname="portugal"}}
{{Certification Table Entry |region=Spain|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2017|certyear=2024|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|accessdate=September 16, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2017|certyear=2023|id=15194-1598-1|access-date=May 26, 2023|refname="bpi"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Taylor Swift|title=Delicate|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2018|certyear=2020|access-date=March 13, 2020|refname="riaa"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for "Delicate" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Version ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| scope="row"| Germany
| rowspan="2"| March 12, 2018 | Digital download | rowspan="4"| Original |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States
| Hot adult contemporary radio | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Big Machine|Republic}} |
| March 13, 2018 |
| scope="row"| Italy
| April 20, 2018 | Universal |
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| Various
| May 25, 2018 | rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Sawyr and Ryan Tedder remix | rowspan="2"| Big Machine |
| June 8, 2018
| Seeb remix |
See also
Footnotes
{{NoteFoot}}
References
{{reflist}}
= Sources =
- {{Cite book |last=Zaleski |first=Annie |author-link=Annie Zaleski |title=Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs |publisher=Thunder Bay Press |year=2024 |isbn=978-1-6672-0845-9 |pages=132–147 |chapter=The Reputation Era}}
External links
- {{YouTube|eQVhAN7-IAw|The Making of a Song: "Delicate"}}
{{Taylor Swift songs}}
{{Seeb}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Song recordings produced by Max Martin
Category:Song recordings produced by Shellback (record producer)
Category:Songs written by Max Martin
Category:Songs written by Shellback (record producer)
Category:Songs written by Taylor Swift
Category:Music videos directed by Joseph Kahn
Category:Big Machine Records singles
Category:Vertically oriented music videos