Taylor Swift revives the big '80s in Indianapolis

Already a success at so many things, Taylor Swift also turns out to be quite the time traveler.

Her Wednesday performance at sold-out Bankers Life Fieldhouse radiated sounds from the 1980s, a decade in which she barely existed (date of birth: Dec. 13, 1989). But Swift doesn't need to remember Ronald Reagan's presidency to master the big beats and synthesized melodies that dominated the era.

Swift named her current album "1989" to correspond with the year she was born. In a pre-show video, Swift explained the title also signifies a musical rebirth as she transitions from country to pop.

For concert attendees who lived through the '80s, Swift presented an entertaining highlight reel of sonic memories. For thousands of pre-teen fans, the show was as fresh and exciting as anything they've experienced.

The "1989 World Tour" signaled its time warp before Swift sang a note. The audience heard Tiffany's 1987 cover of Tommy James' "I Think We're Alone Now" and the Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 hit "She Drives Me Crazy" while the road crew prepared Swift's stage.

Five songs into the show, the larger-than-life rhythm of "She Drives Me Crazy" returned -- sampled as part of Swift's "I Wish You Would," a tune that also featured jagged, shimmering guitar in the tradition of the Edge in the '80s incarnation of U2.

"Blank Space," one of the signature hits of "1989," was deconstructed to channel "People are People" by Depeche Mode (1984) during Swift's first monologue of the night.

The Police also influenced the show, heard in atmospheric bass lines of "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "Clean."

And it wouldn't be surprising if Swift cited Enya (the New Age star who sold more than 4 million copies of 1988's "Watermark" album) as her spirit animal. Enya's ethereal vibrations were heard when Swift overhauled her teenage breakthrough hit "Love Story."

Away from the '80s template, Swift kept it country when she brought surprise guest the Band Perry onstage for a rousing sing-along of "If I Die Young." Although the trio isn't the biggest name to pop up on a tour that's featured Justin Timberlake, Lorde and Julia Roberts at various stops, the Nashville connection was appreciated in country-crazy Indianapolis.

Despite a strong push on social media, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health did not receive a visit from Swift on Wednesday. The 25-year-old from Pennsylvania sent a card and tour souvenirs to patients.

Swift shouldn't be slighted for fulfilling her obligation in Indianapolis: She sang at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and shared short speeches about love, romance and infatuation. Best-selling author John Green was part of the audience, and Swift saluted his written portrayals of young-adult relationships.

"Blank Space," of course, soars as Swift's satirical reaction to her "serial dater" reputation.

It would take a lot for a live rendition of "Blank Space" to match the song's over-the-top video, but Wednesday's production came close.

Visually, Swift and her troupe of top-flight male dancers bridged the gap between "The Great Gatsby" and "A Clockwork Orange." She wielded a cane, they wore bowler hats and red clouds billowed on a massive video screen.

Whether Swift proves to be a daydream or nightmare for male suitors, she's a reliable source of fun and feelings for a squad of fans and high-profile friends.

Call Star reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.