5. “fOREVER WINTER” (taylor’s version) (From the vault)
“Forever Winter” is one of the songs that Swift never actually released with the original Red album, but this song was included in the re-release with others from the vault. I was originally obsessed with the melody of this song, but after really listening to the lyrics I feel even more in love with it. As I interpret it, the lyrics showcase what it’s like to love someone who is struggling with their mental health and even suicide; this reminded me of “Renegade” and “Evermore,” which are two other songs by Swift that cover mental illness and I absolutely love.
4. “State of grace” (acoustic version) (taylor’s version)
I became obsessed with this song this year, specifically the acoustic version, and my obsession did not dwindle after the re-release. The song just highlights what the beginning stages of falling in love with someone are like, especially when you didn’t see it coming. However, it just makes it a million times more painful to listen to when you connect that this song is probably about her ex Jake Gyllenhaal and that she had to sing this song after they had already broken up. The acoustic, sadder tone of the song just suggests how bittersweet and nostalgic this song became and I literally cannot get enough of it.
3. “Sad beautiful tragic” (taylor’s version)
This is another song that I can only assume is about her ex Jake Gyllenhaal, and it is something that anyone who has gone through a break up can easily relate to. I feel like this is one of her most underrated songs and the bridge might be one of my all-time favorites. Her voice in the re-recording is absolutely beautiful, and I actually get chills every time I listen to it even though I have heard it a million times already.
2. “nOTHING NEW” (FEAT. PHOEBE BRIDGERS) (TAYLOR’S VERSION) (FROM THE VAULT)
Well, it features Phoebe Bridgers so that says enough already. This song. It actually left me speechless when I first listened to it. I have never heard anything that so perfectly captures what it feels like to get older and feeling like you are slowly losing what you thought made you special when you were younger. The lyric “How long will it be cute? / All this cryin’ in my room / When you can’t blame it on my youth / And roll your eyes with affection” actually tears me apart, and I think it’s safe to say many Swifties will be crying in their rooms to this song.
1. “ALL TOO WELL” (10 MINUTE VERSION) (TAYLOR’S VERSION) (FROM THE VAULT)
You didn’t think I’d finish off this list without bringing up the 10 minute “All Too Well,” right? Yep, this is my #1 favorite song in the album, and I think many would agree. The short film, the SNL performance, the sad girl autumn version – it’s just all been too much for me and I cannot go a day without listening to this song at least once. Another Jake Gyllenhaal song, and this one takes the cake for truly revealing his toxicity and manipulation during their relationship. It actually makes me feel like I’m the one getting gaslit by Gyllenhaal every time I listen to it and like I am going through the break up with her, even if it happened 10 years ago. This song is a masterpiece, and I don’t think I will be getting over it any time soon.
Anyway, I think it’s safe to say every song on the album is a must-listen, and make sure you’re streaming Taylor’s Version of Red!