“Red” is finally back in Taylor Swift’s hands.
Nine years after its original release, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” dropped on Nov. 12.
The album consists of 30 songs, 10 of which are “vault” songs, a mix of unreleased and previously released music, all originally meant for the album.
Since last November, Swift has been rerecording masters from her first six albums because her former label, Big Machine Records, sold them.
Swift wasted no time in revisiting her past projects.
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” was released in April, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” was announced in June and fans have been anticipating another rerelease after “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” came out in September.
“Redoing the ‘Red’ album was a perfect opportunity, in my mind, to do everything the fans wanted me to do,” Swift said on “Good Morning America.”
Fans have always begged Swift to release specific songs and music videos for singles. She answered by releasing the highly anticipated 10-minute version of “All Too Well” along with a short film for the song.
Swift’s self-directed film perfectly depicts the imagery she pens in the lyrics. From the almost word-for-word visuals to the nod to her fans near the end of the film, Swift paints the full journey she’s had with the song.
Swift also appeared on two late-night shows, performed on “Saturday Night Live,” held a film premiere for fans, released a music video for “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version)” and dropped two more versions of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
Rerelease week for “Red” was a busy one for Swift and her fans.
“Red” was Taylor’s first album I experienced a release week with, and I was just as excited for the album at 21 as I was when I was 12.
Swift didn’t release any lead singles this time around. Going into an album of hers without hearing at least one full track beforehand was a first for me.
Listening to Swift’s version of the original tracklist took me back to hearing the album for the first time all curled up with my CD player.
Swift’s seasoned vocals and the new production gave a fresh feel to the previously recorded tracks.
The changes made in “Girl at Home (Taylor’s Version)” took me by surprise, but Swift’s more upbeat, pop version, reminiscent of a “1989” track, fits the song well.
As for the vault songs, choosing a single favorite is tough.
Melodically, “Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version)” and “The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version)” are top contenders for this hopeless romantic.
Swift’s message in “Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version)” means a lot to me, and “Run (Taylor’s Version)” just gets better with every listen.
“Red (Taylor’s Version)” truly exceeded all expectations.
