In case you haven’t heard, the music industry herself, Ms. Taylor Alison Swift, is releasing the second album in her series of re-recorded music on November 12th of this year. This means that now, (following the release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) in April), Ms. Swift has two re-recorded albums in her arsenal and is on track to regaining full ownership of her music!
Now, get excited everyone, because this time, it’s RED!
Red is Taylor’s fourth studio album, and was originally released on October 22nd, 2012. It features hits like “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “22”, along with many fan favourites, like “All Too Well.”
Considered by many fans (and by Taylor herself!) to be the quintessential Fall album, the timing of Red (Taylor’s Version) makes perfect sense as an Autumn gift to us all.
As your resident Swiftie, I thought I would share some of the songs that I am most excited to hear this November 12th:
- Begin Again
The final song on the album, Begin Again, is one of my all-time favourite Taylor songs. The storytelling is immaculate (in typical Swift fashion), and the vocals are sweet, perfectly expressing the sadness of lost love, going hand-in-hand with the excitement of a new romance. It makes you feel like you’re the main character, wandering around Paris and daydreaming in cafés, which is fitting, as that’s exactly what happens in the music video.
My favourite lyric: “You throw your head back laughing like a little kid / I think it’s strange that you think I’m funny ‘cause he never did”
- Treacherous
When I’m in the mood to listen to Red, Treacherous is one of the first songs that I’ll put on. The build of the music through the verses and chorus leads to one of my favourite bridges of Taylor’s. The song takes you on an incredible vocal and instrumental journey, mimicking the intensity of relationships, and reminding you of how dangerous they can be.
My favourite lyric: “I can’t decide if it’s a choice / Getting swept away”
- All Too Well
To no one’s surprise, All Too Well is on this list. It’s highly regarded as one of Taylor’s best written songs, and off the album, it is undoubtedly the most cathartic song to scream-sing in your car. It’s now confirmed that the already 5-minute song has a 10-minute version that will be featured on Red (Taylor’s Version). So if you need me, I’ll be crying in the corner until it’s released.
My favourite lyric: “You call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest”
- 22
Now, as mainstream as it is, 22 holds a very special place in my heart, as I’m now 22 years old, and will be when Red (Taylor’s Version) is released. I was 12 years old when Red first came out, and I remember listening to the song, wondering what I’d be like at this age. Hence, it’s incredibly meaningful to me that I’m getting a re-recorded version of the song to commemorate the ten-year anniversary. Yay!
My favourite lyric: “It’s miserable and magical.”
- Starlight
I don’t hear a lot about this song, but I loved it growing up. I have a theory that it was another foundational element of Folklore, Taylor’s 2020 Grammy-winning album, in which she largely writes from other people’s perspectives. Starlight, in the same vein, tells the story of a couple in 1945 who sneak into a yacht club party, pretending to be rich attendees. It’s upbeat and fun, and I can’t wait to hear how it sounds with Taylor’s matured voice later this year.
My favourite lyric: “Don’t you dream impossible things?”
Well, you made it through the list! I look forward to celebrating Red (Taylor’s Version) with Swifties all around the world on November 12th.