Thunderous Thoughts: Russell Westbrook’s ‘Reputation’

Welcome to Thunderous Thoughts, your weekly look at the OKC Thunder. This week, I make you rethink how you listen to music and view Russell Westbrook. Really I just wanted to talk about Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift released her new album “Reputation” last week. I’ve listened to it approximately 1989 times. Some may believe that the tracks are about Taylor’s career, her image, her future, her feuds with Kanye West and Katy Perry and her relationships with Calvin Harris and Tom Hiddleston.

Those people are wrong.

The tracks on “Reputation” are about her longtime friend Russell Westbrook.

Let’s go back to this past summer, when Westbrook was named NBA MVP. After a year away from the spotlight, Taylor made a brief media appearance, in a Twitter video dedicated to Oklahoma City’s favorite son.

She confirms that Westbrook came up with the idea for her hit single “Shake It Off.” What she doesn’t confirm is that his MVP season inspired the entire “Reputation” album.

RELATED: Kendrick Lamar issues challenge for Thunder fans

The opening track on “Reputation” asks “…Ready For It?”

Think back to when Kevin Durant left for Golden State. What was the biggest question asked around the NBA?

“Are we ready for Russell Westbrook unleashed?”

Baby, let the games begin.

“End Game” is a track that’s a little too obvious in how it relates to Westbrook, his reputation, his list of enemies and his late game heroics. This track is so perfect that I motion for the “big reputation” post-chorus be played every time Westbrook scores.

The theme of “Westbrook takes over late” continues on “I Did Something Bad” as Taylor sings, “They say I did something bad. But why’s it feel so good? Most fun I ever had. And I’d do it over and over and over again.”

Despite being criticized for being a ball hog and playing too much hero ball, Westbrook constantly delivered in the clutch. Over and over and over again.

This all leads directly into “Don’t Blame Me,” as Taylor believe that it’s unfair to blame Westbrook for how last season went and how the Thunder flamed out in the playoffs. He fell in love with being the alpha and collecting triple-doubles. It all led to wins, which was Westbrook’s drug that he’ll be using for the rest of his life.

RELATED: Look What You Made The Thunder Do

“Delicate” focuses on the fallout from Westbrook’s “selfish” behavior while “Look What You Made Me” looks at why Westbrook had to exhibit those “selfish” behaviors. Durant’s departure made people re-examine Westbrook and say, “No one wants to play with that guy.” Westbrook didn’t help his cause by doing what he wanted last year, but it was out of necessity because of Durant’s departure.

The first lines of “So It Goes” are “See you in the dark. All eyes on you, my magician. All eyes on us.” The chorus starts with “And all our pieces fall. Right into place.”

It’s a song about the relationship between Westbrook and Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Ignore the sexual overtones and focus on the story. It’s a story about the relationship between two people who need each other and trust each other following a whirlwind season.

“Gorgeous” and “Getaway Car” takes aim at hot take talking heads who have criticized Westbrook and the moves Presti made in the offseason. “But with three of us, honey it’s a sideshow. And a circus ain’t a love story” is an obvious line about the additions of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George.

“King of My Heart” bridges the gap between single Westbrook and OK3 Westbrook. “Dancing With Our Hands Tied” is about the challenges Westbrook, George, and Anthony would experience early in the season. It would be fun, but until they could build chemistry, their hands would be tied.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

The song “Dress” reveals Westbrook’s desire to jump in head first with George and Anthony. This goes to show the brilliance of Taylor’s songwriting as she masks Westbrook’s burning passion with a sexually charged song. You’re listening to a true genius at work on this track.

“This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” was a last minute addition to the album. It was recorded and added following the Thunder’s slow start and doubts about Westbrook’s ability to play with two other stars. It’s amazing how quickly music gets turned around and produced nowadays.

“Call It What You Want” shows Westbrook’s nonchalant attitude towards the situation. Say what you want about him or the team. He doesn’t care. He’s happy with his teammates and he’s going on about his business.

The album ends with “New Year’s Day,” a look back at the past year, the fallout with Durant, a look at what’s ahead, and moving on.

Do yourself a favor and get this album, Thunder fans. It’s a whirlwind of emotions that can only be captured by the biggest musical act in the world and the life of our point guard.