Taylor Swift:1989 is now

Taylor Swift had to "plead" with her record label to release a pop album.

The singer is gearing up for the release of 1989, marking her official debut as a pop artist.

She says fans can expect a stark contrast from her early country music days.

And she opened up to UK newspaper The Sun about the uphill battle she faced making the switch.

"The decision came directly from me. I had to plead my case with everyone and certain people at the record label. I had to really campaign and get everyone on my side," she said.

"I showed them that I was doing this for all the right reasons and that this was the creative decision and artistically there was no other option than to boldly hone this album for what it is.

"I had to convince my Nashville record label president it was right for me. I presented the album to him and he said, 'It's great, it's the best thing you've ever done but can you put two country songs on it?'"

Taylor refused. Eventually her persistence paid off, and executives couldn't be happier.

"He's happy as a clown now as we then got our first Hot 100 number one with Shake It Off," she gushed.

Now the star can't wait for others to hear the record, scheduled for release next month.

"I'm excited about my new album. It physically pains me that it's not out yet — I just want the whole world to hear it. There is not one song that I skip when I play it," she said.