Taylor Swift is reclaiming her masters, gaining ownership over her music. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a re-recorded version of the original 16 tracks, a remix with Kendrick Lamar, and five additional tracks that have gone instantly viral.
If you haven’t heard, Taylor Swift is the world’s biggest star right now. This is partly in thanks to the re-recording and release of the first half of her discography, taking ownership of her masters back. Her stardom can also be accredited to her Era’s Tour, showcasing all her music in an epic 3-hour-long performance. But most of all, Taylor Swift is the it girl thanks to her immense talent.
The singer has won 12 Grammy’s throughout her career, taking home 3 awards for Album of the Year – being tied for the most won by an artist. She is one of the most decorated singers in history, often sweeping across any given award show. Perhaps her most known Grammy win is the Album of the Year award for 1989. Swift’s fifth album went viral worldwide, with the lead single Shake It Off gracing (and plaguing) department stores across the globe for months on end. Good news for you, the song has been re-released!
1989 (Taylor’s Version) has been out for about two weeks now (Released 10/27/2023) Now that I’ve had some time to listen and listen again and again, I’ve got a lot to say.
The album is, has been, and always will be the definition of pop music in my eyes. In 2014, Swift’s initial release solidified her place as a pop star and set the tone for many pop albums to follow. Now almost ten years later with Taylor’s Version, Swift has done it again with new songs added.
Starting strong with Welcome to New York, Swift encapsulates the city where she was inspired to write the album in the first place. This album is a love letter to New York (even if it is hidden between the lines) and this was absolutely the right song to lead with. Hearing the first beats brought me right back to buying the original CD at Starbucks almost a decade ago, then immediately listening in my mom’s minivan.
Though some are harping on production changes in the songs, I would argue that this is the growth in the talent of Swift and her team (thank you, Jack Antonoff and Christian Rowe!) The new versions are new for a reason, and it’s unfair to dislike them because it doesn’t sound exactly the same. Plus, there’s no denying the improvement in Swift’s vocals from the original tracks.
My favorite part of all the re-records from Swift are the new additions. Unlike Swift replicating her original 1989 tracks in a similar fashion, the (From The Vault) songs provide a stage for her 33-year-old voice and style to shine through. For 1989 TV, there are five new instant hits on the tracklist. Though I think you should listen to all of them, I’d argue that Is It Over Now? holds the top spot for me. As for the original tracks, I Know Places and How You Get The Girl have regained spots in my playlist this month with the revamped versions.
I believe anyone, Swiftie or not, can find a song they love on 1989 TV. And if you don’t love any, you’ll probably have one stuck in your head anyway.