After Scooter Braun acquired ownership for Taylor Swift’s first six studio albums, she decided she would re-record the songs to get ownership of her albums. Her second re-recorded album, Red, was released November 12. It totaled 30 songs, seemingly telling the story of her 3 month romance with actor Jake Gyllenhaal in 2010. Here are my top 10 favorite songs from the album that I think everyone should listen to.
1. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
The spotlight track on the album is her “All Too Well” 10 minute version. The release of this track also included a short film featuring Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink, and tells the up and down roller coaster of her relationship with Jake. While the song is very long, it gives you a full picture of their relationship and why their age gap was the reason for its end. It’s extremely well written and makes you understand the anger and betrayal that she felt.
2. Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)
This track was not one of my favorites from the original album, but was a standout song when I first listened to the re-recordings. This is one of the songs where you can see how much her voice has matured–she definitely made this new re-recording more pop and less country. You can see how this song would have been more a transition to her next album,1989, if she had released it this back in 2012 in the original Red.
3. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
This has been on replay for me since it was released; it’s the song I turn on when walking across campus because it has such a great feeling. It’s my favorite Vault song that she added to this album. Many fans feel that the song is not about Jake Gyllenhaal at all, and instead is about the former One Direction band member, Harry Styles, because it contains lyrics that match with songs on her next album that were written about Styles.
4. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version)(From the Vault)
This song represents growing up and looking back on how much you have changed. Time moves so quickly and things change so fast; in one moment you can feel like you know everything, but in the next moment everything is different. It is a beautifully written song that I think many college students can relate with.
5. Red (Taylor’s Version)
The track that the album is named after represents what the entirety of the Red is about. It’s the complete happiness that she felt and then the rejection she felt when her and Jake broke up, and clearly, this three month relationship took a toll on her emotional well being. That relationship inspired her to write the entirety of this album that contains 30 songs. I think this song in particular on the album is one that so many people can relate to, because it explains the timeline of any relationship.
6. State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)
The perfect opening to Red, this track showcases Taylor’s talent; it gives a glimpse into what the rest of the album brings to the table. As it shows the beginning first stages of her relationship that ultimately lead to heartbreak, it’s one of those songs that you’re meant to scream in the car with the windows down.
7. Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
The ultimate pop song, this is trending all over Tik Tok; it’s the type of song that could be in an end credit scene of a Disney movie. Nevertheless, it’s a solid pop song that aligns with the songs that conquered the charts in 2012. While it definitely does not feel like a current popular song, it brings me back to listening to her original album 9 years ago. It’s a pick me up song that brings light-hearted fun to the album.
8. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)
Again, I think this a song where you can see how much Taylor’s voice has grown. It is so much stronger now than on the original Red album. I like how slow it starts and then builds up. It feels like an explosion of feelings once you get to the main chorus. I think she did a great job using her emotions in these lyrics and is completely vulnerable in this song.
9. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton)(Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
Another song that has already created a Tik Tok trend, this song ties back to her country roots. With its strong guitar and harmonica sounds, it recalls all the moments that will remind your ex of you. It emphasizes the differences between Taylor and her ex, and shows that she couldn’t help falling for him even if she regrets it now. It’s a relaxing song to listen to and a song that is great to study to, and I think it was a great choice to release from the vault.
10. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)
If you’ve just gone through a breakup or are just feeling sad, this song is for you. It’s one of the saddest songs on the album, describing how hard it is to move on. Taylor has always done a great job with metaphors, and in this song, she uses them especially well. It definitely brings down the mood of the album from the other upbeat songs.
Out of the two albums she has re-recorded so far, this one is my favorite. She keeps the passion and emotions in every single song even when talking about a relationship from years ago. It also had some really strong vault songs that I’m glad we were able to hear. I’m extremely excited to hear the songs from her next re-recording, which should be released within the next year.