For the purpose of obtaining ownership to her discography, singer Taylor Swift has been re-recording all of her early albums. Swift’s newest re-recording, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” was released on November 12.
The album featured rerecorded versions of all 20 original songs on “Red” that was released in 2012.
An additional 10 songs “(From the Vault)” were released on the re-recorded album, as well as a 25 second “Message from Taylor.”
Swift has presented herself as the gift that keeps on giving, as she released a short film for her 10 minute version of “All Too Well.” The film stars Sadie Sink, Dylan O’Brien, and Swift herself.
It portrays a “tortured by memories past” essence.
The film is based on the lyrics of the song “All Too Well” which is speculated to be about Swift’s past relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal.
Lyrics such as “You kept me like a secret but I kept you like an oath” highlight Swift’s view of their relationship in their contrast of love toward each other.
With beautiful scenes featuring fall foliage, Sink and O’Brien do a marvelous job at telling the tale of heartbreak.
In each song on the album, you can hear how Swift’s voice has matured over the past decade along with some slightly stronger instrumental changes in songs like “Holy Ground” and “State of Grace.”
The most notable aspect of the re-recording was Swift’s sneaky easter eggs, hidden symbols and lyrics.
First and foremost, Sink and O’Brien have the same age difference as Gyllenhaal and Swift.
The tremendous thought put into detail doesn’t end here, though.
Every “(From the Vault)” song brought so much nostalgia from when the album was first released and reminded us again just how talented of a writer and singer Swift is.
The first new track, “Ronan” is one that will definitely bring you to tears. Swift wrote the song in 2012 about a 4-year-old boy who had recently died of cancer.
Swift wrote the song from the boy’s mother’s perspective, Maya Thompson, who had a blog about her son’s sickness titled, “Rockstar Ronan.”
Swift uses many vivid lyrics that are adapted right from the blogs posts, which makes the song that much more emotional.
Track 22 is “Better Man,” which had snippets leaked prior to its release.
The entire production of the song is amazing and really highlights the vocals.
The layering at the end of the chorus is so beautiful, with so many painful lyrics like, “And I gave you best, and we both know you can’t say that,” that really show you the hurt that went into this song.
Swift then transitions into a duet with singer Phoebe Bridgers, titled “Nothing New.”
This is arguably one of the best new songs on the album.
The silkiness of their voices together, slow guitar strum at the beginning and self reflecting lyrics make you want to listen to it again and again.
Following the soft, sentimental duet comes an upbeat vault song titled “Babe.” With a first listen, it instantly gives 2010’s Disney Channel energy.
Swift is legendarily known for her bridges in most of her songs, and this one does not disappoint. The bridge builds from a catchy chorus beat to a melodic and passionate belt.
The album keeps the Disney Channel energy alive with the next song, “Message In A Bottle.” Beginning with a synthesizer and leading to hopeful romantic lyrics, the song is not what was expected, but in the best way. The chorus instantly puts a smile on our faces.
With addicting country harmonies, instrumentals and pronunciation, “I Bet You Think About Me” adds a schemy, perfect tone to the album.
Swift also released the music video to this song, directed by Blake Lively.
The video shows a groom, played by Miles Teller, on his wedding day.
Teller’s character has flashbacks of Swift, (a previous partner) and he hallucinates her being mischievous.
The video really captures the humorous side of Swift, and even includes several easter eggs.
The infamous scarf mentioned in “All Too Well” is seen in the video, and given to the actual Bride by Swift.
Additionally, the red velvet wedding cake includes a tier with the design of Swift’s “Red” ring that is seen in the album cover.
But the most enticing symbol on the cake is the bottom tier, which has seagull shapes, hinting toward the “1989” album cover.
This has led fans to believe that “1989” will be the next re-recorded album.
The next track being “Forever Winter” is a vocally brilliant song, with winter and holiday energy.
Next we have “Run” featuring Ed Sheeran. The two singers have shared an ongoing friendship for many years now and have collaborated on songs in the past.
Their voices blend sweetly together.
The song is wholesome, with a calming guitar intro. Both vocalists are able to control the “oo” vowel very well.
“The Very First Night” is definitely not the very worst song on the album. Similar to “Message In A Bottle,” Swift sings happily with hopeful romantic lyrics and upbeat catchiness.
Then, of course, to close out the album comes “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” Being a vault song, and a 10-minute song, this one really hit fans the hardest. As fans, all we have to say is “wow.”
To view our reaction to the song, see the video at thearrowheadonline.com.
Concluding the album, Swift has added “A Message From Taylor,” a 25-second audio recording summarizing what “Red” is to her: “A fractured mosaic of feelings that somehow fit together in the end: happy, free, confused, lonely, devastated, euphoric, wild and tortured by memories past.”