On Oct. 27, exactly 9 years after its original release date, Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” made its debut as the fifth re-recorded album in Swift’s discography. The highly-anticipated record is a nostalgic journey through the pop-craze of the 2010s retold through the lens of a matured Swift and serves as a powerful statement of artistic authenticity and reclamation.
The original “1989” was a diary of Swift’s early career as a female artist in the industry, with various tracks making satire of her serial-dater reputation or serving as a spunky love letter to New York City. The album also denoted her pivotal genre shift from country music to pop, winning her Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
In all its glory, the re-released version not only asserts Swift’s unwavering musical prowess, but also demonstrates the unyielding support of her fanbase in her endeavor to own her own music. The album was received with excitement bordering on fanaticism among fans, and they were not disappointed.
“It has been so nostalgic to relive all of Taylor’s albums as she’s re-recording them. It brings back so many memories of listening to her music when I was younger, and 1989 definitely lived up to my expectations,” stated Abby Howell, a sophomore and long-time fan of Swift.
“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” opens with the vibrant track “Welcome to New York,” setting the stage for the staggering 20 tracks to follow. The essence of the original album was carefully preserved, though Swift’s maturity and growth as an artist shine through in the clear vocals featured on the re-record.
“Blank Space” retains its status as the ultimate response to the media’s criticism of Swift’s dating habits early in her career. Labeled a ‘serial-dater’ and ‘boy-crazy,’ the singer retaliated by seemingly running with the character the media had crafted and writing a chart-topping song mocking the reputation altogether.
The original #1 single, “Shake It Off,” returns as an effervescent, bubbly track that makes listeners want to dance like nobody’s watching. With its infectious chorus and carefree lyrics, the anthem of resilience and self-love perfectly captures Swift’s universal message to simply shake it off.
Another standout track is “Bad Blood,” a time capsule rumored to be about Swift and Katy Perry’s fallen friendship in 2014. The cutting lyrics still drip with acid in the re-record, a reminder of Swift’s distaste for betrayal, though the song itself demonstrates the complexity of human relationships that Swift captures in her songwriting.
Another chart-topper, “Wildest Dreams,” takes listeners on a dreamlike journey through a fleeting relationship, detailing the flames and fallouts of a short-lived romance. The lyricism of the track, much like the rest of the album, demonstrates Swift’s unparalleled ability to capture the intricacies of passion and heartbreak. The re-recorded tracks magnify the emotional depth and passion of Swift’s writing, giving listeners a cathartic new take on a fan-favorite album.
Through the re-recording of Swift’s older albums, fans have had the opportunity to hear previously-unreleased songs they would not have otherwise gotten the chance to appreciate. Swift calls these “vault tracks,” referring to a metaphorical vault of scrapped songs from each album. “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” surprised fans with 5 vault tracks, each one adding a fresh perspective to the classic Swift era.
A highly anticipated vault track was “Sl*t!” which was a final contender for the album in 2014 but was ultimately replaced by “Blank Space,” according to Today News. However, the bombshell hit was unexpectedly “Say Don’t Go,” a spunky track lined with heartbreak and detailing an earth-shattering romance gone sour. The unexpected fan-favorite immediately rose in the charts and became the most-streamed out of the five vault tracks.
Swift has stood at the forefront of musicians’ rights, serving as an example for all artists to take ownership of their work and be authentic in their songwriting. The re-recorded albums serve as a symbol of Swift’s reclamation of her artistry and life’s work, while setting a precedent for other artists to take pride in their art and the experiences that form it.
Every re-record is accompanied by an intimate letter from Swift in which she shares her deep connection to the album with her fans. For “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” she wrote, “I was born in 1989, reinvented for the first time in 2014, and a part of me was reclaimed in 2023 with the re-release of this album I love so dearly.”
Swift has never been afraid to express her emotions in her writing, often using events from her own life to fuel the passion and vivacity of her lyrics. Her ingenious storytelling skills craft vivid, yet relatable songs that keep fans wanting more, and she generously delivers time and time again.
“1989 (Taylor’s Version),” serves as a testament to Swift’s enduring connection with her fans and allows the day-ones to relive the nostalgic sounds of their youth while celebrating the present. The album takes listeners on a thrilling ride through Swift’s early career, and the heartbreak, confusion and joy of being in one’s mid-twenties. The reimagined masterpiece has allowed fans to relive their wildest dreams with Swift, and it is without a doubt that her music and legacy will be one of the most influential of our time.
