Article by Rianna Alania Graphics by Chi Hong Wong
November 14, 2021
Taylor Swift is calling us up again with the release of her latest album. After months of waiting since its announcement on June 18, 2021, Red (Taylor's Version) finally dropped on November 12, 2021, Friday. Fans, as well as the public who got swept up in the hype, rushed to listen to the songs on different platforms.
For long-time fans, the excitement they are feeling is not only because of the new sounds that Taylor has spun on old favorites. But also because Taylor now owns these records, unlike the original ones that were sold off to someone else. This sentiment is dear to artists of all mediums and genres who understand the importance of being able to call a work of art, yours.
Furthermore, none of these new recordings are a hundred percent similar to the originals. Songs such as, "The Lucky One" and "I Knew You Were Trouble" had little tweaks in them, like new bass sounds in the background or added vocals. "Girl at Home" on the other hand had a whole makeover, now sporting a more synth-pop sound.
One of the most awaited parts of this album is the release of the 10-minute version of "All Too Well". If you think that the original version was heart-wrenching, then you might not be able to handle the complete song. The original release does not encompass half of the emotions that Taylor put into the full version. Listening to "All Too Well" (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) feels like finally reading the whole story after only hearing bits and pieces.
The singer also released 9 new songs From The Vault (including the 10-minute version of "All Too Well"). "Babe" was originally written by Taylor and Patrick Mohanan for Red, but it did not make the cut for the original release. Instead, Sugarland released it in 2018, the song still featuring Taylor. "Message In A Bottle" is quickly becoming a fan favorite thanks to its catchy sound. Fans described it as a song that is a cross between 1989 and Lover.
The album also features different artists. Chris Stapleton is a singer-songwriter featured on “I Bet You Think About Me”, while Gary Lightbody returns to sing his parts in “The Last Time”. Phoebe Bridgers, who was nominated for the Grammys in 2020, got a whole verse to herself in “Nothing New”. Of course, Red (Taylor’s Version) would not be complete without Ed Sheeran, one of Taylor’s closest friends. Along with “Everything Has Changed” he also sings part of “Run”, a song From The Vault.
It is well-known that Taylor was disliked by the general public back in 2012. The release of Red (Taylor's Version) gives fans and casual listeners a chance to experience the album with more positivity than before. Though the album is filled with angst and heartbreak, fans can agree that it has brought happiness in the form of good music and amazing story-telling.
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