If there are any Swifties out there, then you’ll love Taylor Swift’s re-recording of her 2012 album “Red.” PHOTO CREDIT: spotify.com
Taylor Swift has once again taken control of her fate with the release of her second re-recorded album, “Red (Taylor’s Version).”
In addition to 21 previous hits, Swift delivered six tracks “from the vault,” a highly-anticipated 10-minute version of her ballad “All Too Well” and two songs she had penned and sold to other artists for recording in 2012.
Similarly to “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” Swift and an array of decorated producers showcased incredible improvement on all fronts when compared to the original album. Vocals, instrumentals and production of her 30-piece project are pushed to another level.
Every single second of this collection is remarkable, but some are even more distinctive than others.
Take “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” for example, which has always been one of Swift’s most well-renowned songs among her fanbase. The original is breathtaking — sentimental lyrics and stripped-down chord structures tell the story of Swift’s broken past relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal.
The 10 minute version delves even deeper, adding musical complexity and filling in the gaps of a heartbreaking story.
“They say all’s well that ends well/ but I’m in a new hell every time you double-cross my mind.”
Pure genius is pulled together with an accompanying short film starring Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink. This song alone shook the world.
Her other re-recordings are incredible, each of them showing the impressive growth of Swift’s vocal tone and techniques.
“Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)” stands out as Swift’s best re-recording to date. The clarity in her voice and confidence in shared harmonies is consuming and unfiltered. Plus, Sheeran and Swift are such a powerful duo, and will always hold a special place in my heart.
A close second in terms of previously-released tracks would have to be “Treacherous (Taylor’s Version).” I’ve always loved the gradual build up throughout this tune, and everything seems heightened with added instrumentation and intensity in this version.
Swift’s six songs “from the vault” were originally intended for the “Red” debut, but didn’t make the cut back in 2012. My favorite new release, without a doubt, is “Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version.)” First of all, it’s hard to be a Pharb and not choose this track as my No. 1. Bridgers’ voice goes above and beyond in both her solo lines and background harmonies. Aside from my standom, this song has notable piano strikes and isolated vocals. Swift’s heart truly went into the lyrics of this song. Even after dozens of listens, I can’t find a single flaw.
I could write about this album non-stop. Swift gets nostalgic in her music, and even seems to have mastered the stratagem of marketing with her exclusive merchandise and vinyls flying off the shelves. The real question is: how many more surprises does Swift have up her sleeve?
“Red (Taylor’s Version)” is a must-listen, and her multiple music and lyric videos are impossible to ignore. Swift is on an exponential climb to prove her talent and worth to the music industry.