On Oct. 27, 2023, Swift released 1989 (Taylor’s Version). This album is the highly anticipated re-recording of her fifth studio album, “1989”. During its initial release date in 2014, Swift’s first official pop project reached wild success and catapulted her into a new branch of fame. Nine years later to the date, 1989 (TV) is still breaking records, especially those made by herself. Admittedly, 1989 used to rank towards the bottom when considering my favorite albums of Taylor’s. However, in the wake of the re-record, it’s become a top favorite of mine. In fact, I think it may just be her best re-record so far.
I recognize that the album was always pop perfection. During its original release in 2014, I of course loved it, but thought she had done better lyrically in other works. Now that I am nine years older, I have a better understanding and appreciation of this album lyrically. This is something I adore about having grown up listening to her music. I think most Swifties feel that there are albums and songs relating to every age, season, and situation they’ve been through.
I’ve been fond of every re-record Taylor has released so far. Her vocals have matured so much, which has been fascinating to compare with her younger tone. However, I found the re-records to feel less nostalgic due to how different she sounded. It’s understandable to have lost the emotions she once put into each recording as she aged. I feel the rawness of those feelings were more accentuated in her original recordings, up until now. This is the first re-record that her voice sounds very similar to the original production. She seems to have matched the inflections of the initial recordings as closely as possible. To me, this makes it easier to solely listen to Taylor’s Version of 1989. I always thought her vocal abilities were the most flexible and dynamic during this era, so I’m excited to hear her sing these songs again.
There has been discourse regarding the production of 1989 (TV). Some say the smoothness takes away from the original sound of the album. The biggest complaint I have heard is regarding the introductory guitar in Style. It’s said to not sound as good as the original, which is a note I can settle on. However, the production throughout the rest of the album is stellar. The remastered version sounds smoother, accentuating her vocals, harmonies, and instrumentals. I mean, have you heard the bridge on Out of the Woods? My personal favorite record is Clean, co-written by the musical genius, Imogen Heap. The refined sound brings out Heap’s melodic vocals, adding a new dimension to Taylor’s.
One of the most exciting parts of getting a re-recorded album of Taylor’s is listening to the From the Vault Tracks. It’s so interesting to get more insight into her creative process, learning which records didn’t make the track list the first go around. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) truly didn’t disappoint with the vault lineup. Each track is fluid with the original album, providing new value as well as insight into Taylor’s life and career in the era she created them in. For example, Slut! gives fans a look into her thoughts around her public perception at the time. She was heavily ridiculed for her (normal) dating life back then, which is clear in the lyrics “I’ll pay the price, you won’t” and “if they call me a slut, it might as well be worth it for once”. My personal favorite vault track is Now That We Don’t Talk, both lyrically and sonically stunning! I feel these vault tracks sound similar to songs on Midnights. I enjoy the similarities; it’s like Midnights is the wiser, older sister to 1989.
Overall, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a gorgeous addition to her lineup. For all the reasons listed above it’s, so far, my favorite re-record. This is a re-record that I can commit to only listening to while avoiding the “stolen version”. The album is a pop-synth masterpiece by the mastermind.