Global superstar Taylor Swift released her re-recorded version of her career defining album, 1989 (Taylor’s Version). 1989 was Swift’s full emergence into the pop superstar scene, going against her then-label’s demand to remain a country musician. The 80’s synth pop inspired album became one of the most awarded pop albums of all time, with the re-recorded version surpassing the original.
Taylor Swift is dominating the music industry with the release of her re-recorded albums and highly publicized Eras Tour. The pop star had started her re-recording project in order to gain ownership of her masters, after parting ways with her previous record label. Her owned albums, marked with “(Taylor’s Version),” have caught the attention of the media as well as many of her loyal fans. Fans swoon over new album covers, as well as vault tracks. The vault tracks are described to be songs that did not make it onto the original album, and fans dissect lyrics in order to gain more insight into their favorite album.
1989 (Taylor’s Version) involves five brand new vault tracks, each providing rich production and vocals that add new storylines to the 1989 tracklist.
“‘Slut!’ (Taylor’s Version) [From The Vault]” was the first vault track to be unveiled as the brand new addition to the album. Fans anticipated the track to be an up-beat anthem, poking fun at the media who painted Swift as the stereotypical crazy ex-girlfriend, (similar to her song, “Blank Space”). However, the song has dreamy pop production to it with lyrics about love. Swift describes a relationship where being criticized by the media may be worth it for her new beau. Her ethereal, breathy vocals paired with the instrumentals offer a beautiful song about a seemingly unbreakable relationship.
“Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) [From The Vault]” is a personal favorite out of Swift’s discography, the lyrics display Swift’s spectacular song-writing skills while also showing off her wide vocal range. The song begins off with smooth, deep vocals from Swift and starts off the song’s mysterious storyline. The pre-chorus is elegant and breathy, while the chorus is packed with synth and loud, demanding vocals. Swift describes a relationship where her love is not reciprocated, while also admitting to the willingness to stay if her partner admits their feelings. The feelings of being led on while still having hope that something will eventually blossom from an already dead relationship makes this track relatable to many.
“Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]” is the shortest song in Taylor Swift’s discography. The unique production elements and rich vocals from Swift perfectly blend together. The song is fun, upbeat and pokes fun at a speculated ex-boyfriend, with lyrics such as, “I don’t have to pretend I like acid rock.” While the length of the song is short, it’s an enjoyable listen and provides a lot of insight towards a certain relationship.
“Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]” is definitely a slower song, with more toned down production. Its instrumentals are similar to those of, “Mastermind,” on the album Midnights. The lyrics offer clear visuals that depict a highschool scene, with descriptions of a relationship that will have a lasting impact on Swift with lyrics such as, “And you kissed me in a way that’s gonna screw me up forever.” Of course, Taylor Swift is phenomenal at writing a bridge, and this is especially true within this track. With a catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics like, “I broke my own heart ‘cause you were too polite to do it,” this song is an easy listen that has many layers to unpack.
“Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From The Vault]” is, in my opinion, the best vault track on the album. The euphoric introduction adds a mysterious feeling to the song, while the pre-chorus and chorus are pop perfection. The lyrics in this song have left fans pining over who this track could be about, and many point to the infamous relationship between Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. With lyrics such as, “Blue dress, on a boat,” seemingly confirming fan speculation as it references the paparazzi picture taken of Swift after the breakup. Despite the uncovering lyrics, Swift’s vocal delivery and adlibs elevate this song to a truly different level regarding her vault tracks thus far.
Taylor Swift is on top of the music industry right now. With only two of her albums left to be re-recorded, only time will tell what other record-breaking heights Swift will reach in her superstar career.
