Taylor Swift Graces The Cover Of Rolling Stone

Actually, perhaps grace is not the right word to describeTaylor Swifts photo on the cover ofRolling Stone, which hit news outlets today. Maybe a better word is rocks. Because the image reflects what many of us are coming to understandthat the shy, innocent version of Taylor is starting to fade away. This comes naturally, of course, with growing up, but can only be exacerbated by falling in and out of love in public view, and constantly battling rumors in the press.

The article itself is a must-read for Taylor fans. Sheaddressesseveral issues, including rumors that she cheated on Conor Kennedy with his cousin Patrick Swarzenegger; allegations about her motivations for dating Conor; and crashing Kyle Kennedys wedding with Conor.

She evenspoketo the magazine about her feelings on love. You have to fall in love really fast, without thinking too hard, she explains.

And, of course, shetalks music. I really wanted to experiment with my sound! and the amount of colors I can paint with. Each song [onRed] is so different from any other song, its a really exciting experience to listen to the album from top to bottom.

And that cover image? Its not girl-next-door Taylor anymorethe young woman we see seethes a certain sexiness, dressed as she is in short-shorts, draped in an oversized letter jacket, with hair and eye makeup ever so slightly mussed. The image doesnt dismiss her past, but it does show her, well, growing up and moving forward.

Courtesy Rolling Stone

Besides defending herself to the media, Taylor has many positive aspects of her life to be concerned about. These include her recentAmerican Music AwardsandAmerican Country Awardsnominations.And, of course, her brand new albumRed, songs from which shes beenpreviewing all this month.

Redhit! s stores October 22, and theRolling StoneTaylor Swift issue is available now.

What do you think of Taylors cover photo?

-Rob Stone, WYCD/Detroitand Kurt Wolff, CBS Local