As for writing; I think Carrie has surrounded herself from the very beginning with very professional, experienced, talented songwriters who know how to walk into a quiet room and pound out the framework to a hit song. It requires every word be placed and purposeful. And it is also quite "methodical". When its done by an experienced writer it "sounds" natural and authentic but is in fact very structured and orderly.
Carrie had no experience. And probably spent a lot of the time in the those sessions listening and learning and trying to be useful. As she has grown I hear her "musical voice" more and more in the music and lyrics. And sometimes it falls a little flat but that's ok. She is growing.... TempHome was a huge breakthrough.
Taylor was a natural talent who sharpened her teeth alone in her bedroom writing and writing and writing, from her own perspective her own voice her own inner musical compass. The fact that professionals came in and turned those simple melodies and lyrics into something bigger than the sum of its parts is part of the magic and evolution of Taylor. Her music was quite simple, so when she said something profound she was called "wise beyond her years". When she added a major7th chord she was brilliant for her age. But what she did best was have the time for her voice and her music to match each other beautifully.
Its just not fair to Carrie to compare the two. Nor is it fair to compare Taylors simplistic writing to people like P.Simon.J.Mitchell,B.Dylan. They are just very different.
I want Carrie to write. But I don't want Carrie and her team to use the approach that other celebrities use of having the big name in all the songs to get more "buzz" and awards for the brand...... I want Carrie to do what every great "singer" does. Find the very best music to sing. And sing it as no one else can....... That is her greatest talent! And she should never be downplayed as a "big voiced singer" but instead one of the great voices in music today. She can do that tomorrow. Or we can spend another five years trying to write a huge hit!