When I say that I’ve been waiting four years for 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to be released, I’m not exaggerating. Back in 2019, Swift had announced that she would be rerecording all her albums that she had not owned. These albums include her self-titled debut album, all the way to reputation. Automatically, I knew that I would get a whole new version of my favorite pop album, 1989. The original album was the soundtrack to my middle school years, and I was ecstatic that I would have a new version to enjoy my college years. This is one of the best-selling pop albums of the 2010s and cemented Swift as more than a country artist. 1989 is the definition of a pop bible album and the rerecording of it is just as amazing. It is literally such a great upgrade! It’s been a blast listening to new versions of songs that I have always loved, and to enjoy vault songs that are new to all of us.
Style (Taylor’s Version): Right off the bat, I could already tell that I loved this new version of “Style”. The production of the song sounds so crisp and a lot cleaner than the original. The track opens with Swift singing “Midnight. You come and pick me up, no headlights.” and you’re transported back to 2014. With the song being called “Style”, one can’t help but wonder if this song is supposedly inspired by the fabulous Harry Styles. I always thought it had been, hence the name of the song, but only Swift has the answer for our question. Swift’s vocals on the track have improved tremendously and it has truly made the track pure heaven.
Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version): If I’m talking about production, I can’t forget to shine the spotlight on “Out of the Woods”. The production on this is top tier! It just has this quality to it that helps enhance the album. With the help of Jack Antonoff, Swift was able to bring the magic that original “Out of the Woods” had and elevate. You’ll have yourself asking if you’re in the clear yet when listening to this bop.
You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version): I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, “You Are In Love” is one of the best songs of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). I have always personally enjoyed this song for almost a decade and I’m still in awe with it. This is such an adorned song in the Swiftie community, and it holds such special meaning. I don’t how she has managed to do it, but Swift has made the song softer and more romantic. The line “Pauses and says, you’re my best friend” has always been my favorite and now that it has been rerecorded, it’s even more magical.
How You Get the Girl (Taylor’s Version): Now, all of you come closer. I’m about to give you some solid advice. If you want to know how to get the girl, you need to listen to this song. Don’t ask any questions, Ms. Swift has laid it all out for you for almost a decade. I hope with this newly rerecorded version, you’ll finally listen. Where do I start with this song?! It is such a fun pop hit that it will have you dancing and singing around your room. It always puts me in such a happy mood whenever I have it playing. The younger me would be singing “I want you for worse or for better. I would wait forever and ever. And that’s how it works. That’s how you get the girl.” for days on end. It is a quintessential Taylor Swift pop hit.
All You Had to do was Stay (Taylor’s Version): Underrated hit! If I had to describe this song, this is what I would say. I am here with the reminder of listening to the full album. If you don’t you miss so many hidden gems. “All You Had to do was Stay” is such a genuine hidden gem that I felt wasn’t appreciated before, but with the rerecording, I hope it gets the praise it deserves. The one thing about this song that makes it an iconic Swift hit is the fact that it is a song with sad lyrics but has a catchy beat. This song is all so heartbreaking when you look at the lyrics, but the fun and poppy rhythm is able to mask the sadness of the lyrics.
It’s not a true Swift rerecording if there are no vault songs. One of the best parts of listening to a rerecording is finally getting to listen to songs that weren’t originally released!
Vault Tracks:
Sl*t!: When the vault songs were announced, the whole Swiftie fandom was excited for this particular track. We assumed it would have this girl boss vibe to it, but it pulled a “Little Freak” (a song from Harry’s House) on us. What I mean by this is that the song ended up being completely different than we thought it was going to be because of the title. “Sl*t!” ends up being this soft song that talks about being in love with someone and giving the media the attention of that relationship. The production of the song fits very well with the lyrics. I know for some people, it took a couple of listens for them to vibe with it, but it’s definitely a song I recommend listening to.
Say Don’t Go: The ultimate situationship song to some people, but to me, it’s the best vault song on this album. On a side note, this song is for Belly and Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty. Listening to the song, Swift tells the story of someone begging the other person not to leave. It also centers around the idea of telling the other person that you love them, but in return, you get nothing back because they don’t want to commit. The chorus does a good job in getting the song’s overall message across. The lyrics “Why’d you have to twist the knife and leave me bleeding, bleeding” and “Why’d you whisper in the dark, just to leave in the night. Now your silence has me screaming, screaming” hit the most. There is so much emotion in these lyrics and you could really feel it in Swift’s vocals.
Now That We Don’t Talk: Two words. Friendship breakup. I haven’t heard many songs that could also convey the idea of a friendship breakup. So many people, including myself, saw this song not only related to romantic relationships, but to friendships as well. The one thing Swift is good at is writing a song about a topic that you haven’t thought about in a long time. On top of the relatable lyrics, the whole song has a catchy beat that you can nod your head to. If you’re like me, you might even dance to it. The only downside to the song is that it’s too short. I wish it was just a tad bit longer.
Suburban Legends: The most underrated vault song on this album is “Surburban Legends”. For some reason, many Swifties are not a fan, but I love it very much. The production on this track reminds me of Swift’s previous work, Midnights. Specifically, it sounds familiar to her song “Mastermind”. The synth like melody also gives off a homage to music in the 80s as well.
Is it Over Now?: According to many Swifties, this is their favorite song. With the lyrics, many are wondering if this song is also about Styles. Only people who have been Swifties for a long time can explain to you why they think so. I see why they say that, but like I said before, Swift is the only one who can tell us who it is about. Though all signs point to the song being about Styles. The overall song is greatly produced by giving us slow beats in the verses and then switching to faster beats in the chorus and the bridge. It’s a great song to sing along to!
1989 (Taylor’s Version) is one of Swift’s best rerecordings and I really enjoy it very much. It has been so nostalgic getting to hear songs that I love being reworked. The vault songs are incredible and I’m so glad that I get to listen to them. I hope you all check it out. With this album out, I am looking forward to reputation (Taylor’s Version) and Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) next.
Photo Credits from: Republic Records
