1989 (Taylor’s Version) is finally out and ready to whisk listeners away to the pop-infused stories of love, personal growth, and self-discovery. Released on Oct. 27 under Republic Records, this re-recorded album brings more magic and wonder with the iconic hits and new songs from the vault from Taylor Swift such as “This Love (Taylor’s Version),” “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version),” and “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” 

For some background, Swift produced 1989 (Taylor’s Version) to regain ownership and control of her master recordings from music executive Scooter Braun’s company, Ithaca Holdings. Since November 2020, she has been re-recording her first six studio albums starting with Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version), and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), with this album being the latest re-recording. 

Inspired by the 1980s synth-pop music, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a significant departure from Swift’s country sound known in her earlier days as a singer-songwriter. One can view this album as a coming-of-age piece, a companion to growing up and finding yourself. Each song in the album explores a different aspect of Swift’s life and experiences when she produced the album.

Turning back time to 1989

On Sept. 17, 2021, Swift had already teased the album with the release of “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version).” This newer rendition of the single gives off a more mature take as Swift explores the bittersweet feeling of closing a relationship but still yearning for it afterwards. Listeners can feel a sense of acceptance and moving forward from this song while still enjoying this ethereal melody.

Another notable track on the album is “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version).” Regarded as one of the most popular hits of Swift in its first rendition, the song once again addresses Swift’s public image and the media’s portrayal of her and her personal life. It’s a powerful tune wherein she reclaims her narrative.

This then brings listeners to the song “Slut! (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault),” one of the most anticipated “From the Vault” tracks of Swift. With its assertive lyrics of “And if they call me a slut, you know it might be worth it for once,” Swift “owned that image” to write satirical tracks to shut down her critics. In line with that, this song can be thought of as a foil for “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version).” There’s a catharsis found within this song and the singer-songwriter won’t let anyone ruin her happiness despite the media portrayal.

Head first into the unknown

Moving forward with that catharsis, “Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)” is as bubbly and catchy as it can be. Elevating self-confidence and self-empowerment, this infectious track feels brand new and more polished. 

Similarly, “New Romantics (Taylor’s Version),” opens up a door to a carefree and adventurous life. This re-recording strongly urges listeners to live in the moment and enjoy life with the people dearest to them. Swift belts out in joy, “We are too busy dancing to get knocked off our feet. Baby, we're the new romantics, the best people in life are free.” 

Melancholy, an old friend   

Winding down, “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” is a pause from the upbeat melodies. Contemplating lost love and nostalgia with the lyrics “This love is good, this love is bad, this love is alive back from the dead,” this track is one of the most emotional songs in the album. Furthermore, its dramatic build-up near the end is powerful and full of wistfulness.  

Pulling it out of the vault, “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” touches on the distrust and anxiety surrounding one of her past relationships. With its heavy bass lines in the beginning, the song breaks out into synths, with the singer-songwriter desperately asking in the chorus “Was it over then? And is it over now?” 

A final notable track on the album is “Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault).” A nod to “All You Had to Do Was Stay (Taylor’s Version),” the song narrates how Swift tried fighting for her relationship with a past partner but that partner couldn’t give her the bare minimum. There’s a feeling of vulnerability listeners can get from this track. It goes back and forth with the theme of desiring a person to stay, juxtaposed against the feeling of being disregarded in a relationship. 

Making amends with the past

1989 (Taylor’s Version) allows Taylor Swift and her listeners to rediscover themselves. It’s an iconic album in pop culture and shows Swift’s willingness to experiment and step out of her comfort zone as an artist while still maintaining her core of storytelling in her lyricism. 

Supplementary Recommendations:

• Welcome to New York (Taylor’s Version) - As the opening track to the album, this song is filled with starlight and wonder for listeners, giving them a glimpse of what Swift has to offer from the departure from her country roots.  
• Bad Blood (Taylor’s Version) - A powerful track that encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and be the bigger person. 
• Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) - Reminiscent of the melodies from the Midnights album of Swift, this song tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers. It’s a romantic track that’s bright and exciting. 

Certainly, Swift has taken the world by storm with both her old and new music. She gives a twist to her most iconic tracks, pulling listeners in once again to her snappy music and enthralling lyrics. With several tracks outlined in this album, Swifties are sure to be entertained before Taylor Swift’s next re-recording comes out. 

If you can’t get enough of Taylor Swift, stream 1989 (Taylor’s Version) available on various streaming platforms.