“November 12, 2021 Taylor Swift’s remake of her hit album Red released with the intent to reclaim her music,as her original versions were sold by her former - recording company. If you want to know my personal reviews of each song as well as a tiered list, continue reading.” --Lola Christ, 8th grade
In 2018 Taylor Swift announced her separation with her then current record company, Big Machine Records, through an Instagram post. In the same post, she said she’d be signing with Republic Records. She thanked the founder of her ex record label Scott Borchetta for believing in her at a young age, quickly after that the company sold.
In the video Taylor Swift says she'll re-record her old albums-Live On GMA, Taylor told the interviewer, "For years, I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and 'earn' one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in. I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future. I had to make the excruciating choice to leave behind my past."
Essentially, Taylors ex label (Big Machine Records) sold for over 300 million dollars, the buyer being Scooter Braun which she expressed disdain for on Tumblr afterwards, “When I left my masters in Scott’s hands, I made peace with the fact that eventually he would sell them. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter.”
Taylor had admitted dislike of Braun because of his relationship with Kanye West, who famously interrupted her acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV VMAs for the Best Female Video award. The entire fiasco left Taylor on bad terms with the company, which only grew more visible when Braun declined the use of her old songs in the Netflix documentary about her as well as refusing for her to be able to perform any old songs live. The reasoning being, “they claim that would be rerecording my music before I’m allowed to next year,” Taylor wrote in a public Tumblr post in 2019.
After this entire fiasco Taylor finally announced she'd be re-recording and re-releasing her song “Fearless” in 2019, then she announced in 2021 she would be doing the same with the entirety of her album Red through a Tweet, saying “The next album that I’ll be releasing is my version of Red, which will be out on November 19. This will be the first time you hear all 30 songs that were meant to go on Red. And hey, one of them is even ten minutes long.” She later updated the release date yet again on Twitter to two weeks earlier than initially planned.
Finally leading me up to the present, Taylor released the album November 12th, 2021. It was immediately well received , breaking the record for most streamed album in a day by a female and the most streamed female in a day titles previously held by herself with the release of Folklore on July 24, 2020. She accomplished the goal with 122.9 million streams in total, and 90.8 million on Red (Taylors version). The album was so highly received after weeks of anticipation even actor William Daniels from Boy Meets World endorsed it. Other impactful outcomes of the album’s release include a wave of hate against the speculated target of the songs “All Too Well”, the song’s 10 minute version and the song’s short film standing at 14 minutes in length.
Essentially, Taylors ex label (Big Machine Records) sold for over 300 million dollars, the buyer being Scooter Braun which she expressed disdain for on Tumblr afterwards, “When I left my masters in Scott’s hands, I made peace with the fact that eventually he would sell them. Never in my worst nightmares did I imagine the buyer would be Scooter.”
Taylor had admitted dislike of Braun because of his relationship with Kanye West, who famously interrupted her acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV VMAs for the Best Female Video award. The entire fiasco left Taylor on bad terms with the company, which only grew more visible when Braun declined the use of her old songs in the Netflix documentary about her as well as refusing for her to be able to perform any old songs live. The reasoning being, “they claim that would be rerecording my music before I’m allowed to next year,” Taylor wrote in a public Tumblr post in 2019.
After this entire fiasco Taylor finally announced she'd be re-recording and re-releasing her song “Fearless” in 2019, then she announced in 2021 she would be doing the same with the entirety of her album Red through a Tweet, saying “The next album that I’ll be releasing is my version of Red, which will be out on November 19. This will be the first time you hear all 30 songs that were meant to go on Red. And hey, one of them is even ten minutes long.” She later updated the release date yet again on Twitter to two weeks earlier than initially planned.
Finally leading me up to the present, Taylor released the album November 12th, 2021. It was immediately well received , breaking the record for most streamed album in a day by a female and the most streamed female in a day titles previously held by herself with the release of Folklore on July 24, 2020. She accomplished the goal with 122.9 million streams in total, and 90.8 million on Red (Taylors version). The album was so highly received after weeks of anticipation even actor William Daniels from Boy Meets World endorsed it. Other impactful outcomes of the album’s release include a wave of hate against the speculated target of the songs “All Too Well”, the song’s 10 minute version and the song’s short film standing at 14 minutes in length.
Many Taylor fans dug into the lyrics and deduced that Jake Gyllenhal -actor who dated Taylor for three months- was the mysterious lover in the song.
This being mostly because the age differences represented in the film and music is nearly identical to what she and Jake had. Regardless of it all, the song was the most talked about out of the (From the Vault) versions released.
Finally, to my personal review of the song., I’ll say here regardless of whether or not they are new releases or re-recordings they will be in the same list but for the re-recorded songs I’ll be taking into account Taylors improvement and the impact that had, as well as for the new songs I’ll be taking into account how fresh they feel and how necessary they are. So without further ado here is my tiered list:
28) “Stay, Stay, Stay”
While it finds a beautiful way to incorporate childish youth and rope it in with Taylor’s vocals and lyrics, it doesn’t quite keep up with the other songs in comparison. I appreciate the attempt made here, and the re-recordings new flare, but it landed itself last standing next to other phenomenal works of art. It’s actual listening capabilities kind of cower when it comes down to it. I give it a 7.9/10.
27) “Message in a Bottle”
Although it holds a charm throughout the entire song and particularly the chorus, it can’t quite make up for the lack of emotions. It's very upbeat, but on this album that doesn’t turn out to be a very good thing. I would describe it as more of an easy listen, and it’s themes are at best uncreative. It comes down to the fact I wont catch myself listening to this song very often. I give it an 8/10.
26) “Come Back...Be Here”
With such a tight race it just didn’t seem to keep up. The chorus in particular is beautiful work and heavily catchy, I will certainly listen to it again. With that being said, out of the typically sadder tracks on this album it didn’t seem to hold its ow;n. I give it an 8.3/10.
25) “The Moment I Knew”
I love this song but again the ratings are tight and a lot of the sadder material on the album starts to mush together and feel less impactful, I felt that particularly strong with this song. I give it an 8.4/10.
24) “22”
As a younger child listening to the original album, this song felt fresh and an especially easy listen. It’s something to play at a sleepover and bounce around without feeling too hurt by the severity of the lyrics or a specific meaning, it's just a fun song. She really improved on the re-recording as well, nonetheless the other songs on the album with more fleshed out specificities triumph over this one. With that I give it an 8.5/10
23) “Everything has changed”
The duet between Taylor and artist Ed Sheeran, seeing as there are two songs between the brilliant duo, just doesn’t compare to its counterpart, “Run”. Which becomes evidently noticeable when it’s between the two who work fantastic together. I give it an 8.5/10.
22) “Holy Ground”
The lyrics are beautiful but it carries obvious similarities to songs “Red” and “State Of Grace,” which in my opinion are more gut wrenching than this particular song. If it were between these three songs this would be the last I’d play. Its soft beat is cute but not something worth shedding tears. I also give it an 8.5/10.
21) “Treacherous”
A soft and supple addition to the album. Even though the vocals between the original and the re-recording aren’t particularly different or more fleshed out it’s still notably better than the original version. Out of all the songs on the entire album this would be the first I’d go to play in a romantic setting. I give it an 8.8/10.
20) “I Knew You Were Trouble”
This song shares similar qualities to “22” while still walking a heartbroken edge, you could listen to it post-breakup while sobbing your eyes out or you could jump around to it with friends, which makes it one of my favorites. The obvious diversity it holds is what makes it so amazing. I give it an 8.9/10.
19) “Girl At Home”
Similar to “I Knew You Were Trouble” the song is catchy, upbeat in a good way, and fun to hear while still having good lyrics. It may have a one dimensional theme but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun listening to it. I give it a 9/10.
18) “Run”
The second Sheeran song on the album. While the two singers manage to mesh vocals particularly well, it’s simple, not in a bad way but not in a good way either. I give it a 9.1/10.
17) “Begin Again”
Sadly I couldn’t put this any higher, but the songs' themes make you want to curl yourself in blankets and cry. It's filled with impeccable lyrics and beautiful vocals but there are songs better on the album. It still holds a special place in my heart. I give it a 9.2/10.
16) “The Lucky One”
Similar to the last song its themes are very apparent from the start all the way through to the end of the song, it makes you feel as though you're living through it and leaves you still wanting more. It also manages to be catchy on top of all of that. I give it a 9.2/10
15) “Forever Winter”
The song's vocals shine with a subtly improved edge combined with the heart and soul you feel coming through them, you can practically feel what Taylor is here which is beautiful. It manages to be fast-paced and also soft which is a hard thing to accomplish. I give it a 9.3/10.
14) “Babe”
This song is fitting with the title, which is a particularly creative one. The ad libs are funky, and the chorus is everything you’d want in a chorus. You know what she's attempting to get across with the lyrics but the way she does it using the word babe as a symbolism is pretty genius. It got a 9.4/10.
13) “I Almost Do”
One of the saddest songs on the entire album, rips you apart at the seams and doesn't even apologize. You can hear the faintest tones of country in the background as well which is nice to feel coming through. Beautiful work really is the least I can describe it as. Very relatable as well.9.5/10
12) “The Last Time”
The collaboration between Taylor and Gary Lightbody made me cry numerous times, it’s gut wrenching, lovely, heart felt, and the two together help make it the beautiful song it is. I gave it a 9.5/10.
11) “Better Man”
The structure of this song makes it feel like such a breath of fresh air, it really makes you feel like you're in her position and if you were to be and heard the lyrics you would certainly feel a personal connection to the lyrics. 9.5/10.
10) “The Very First Night”
After only two listens I knew the entirety of the song. It’s probably the easiest listen on the list but it stands out the most out of them. The rhymes in certain parts are “questionable”, these rhymes being “you”, and “hotel”, “fell” and “picture”. Which made fans sceptasize that the original lyrics were in fact “her” rather than “you”. Despite this it is a lovely addition to the whole thing and anytime it comes on I’m beaming with glee. I gave it a 9.5/10.
9) “Ronan”
While it may not have been on my radar when the original album was released because of the severity of the material it certainly was hearing it now. Comparatively to many of the other songs it may have been the lesser if it weren't for the lyrics, they really hit home and show that the audience doesn’t always have to have been through an experience themself to sympathize. 9.5/10.
8) “Starlight”
Similar to “Better Man” the entire song feels very unique, it’s a tremendous stand alone song which--no offense to any of the songs they are all amazing--was hard to definitively see with a lot of these songs. This alone made it climb the ranks. I give it a 9.6/10.
7) “State Of Grace” (as well as it’s included acoustic version)
Although it may not be anything too special, Taylor’s vocal ability really shines through, highlighting the improvement from the original as well as the beat. Her growth as a singer really makes this song special. Out of all the songs I’ve dubbed catchy this is by far the best. I give it a 9.6/10.
6) “We are never ever ever, getting back together”
I absolutely love this song, beautiful work. The ad libs are completely new compared to the original as well as Taylor’s vocals which have heavily improved and matured from the original. The song’s catchy, while maintaining brilliance and heart. The corresponding music video explains the childish feeling this song has. I give it a 9.7/10.
5) “All Too Well”
Don't worry this is not the ten minute version, that one holds a higher spot on this list. Nonetheless this song is just as brilliant as the original, filled with life and beauty. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and highlights real events that you may think would deattatch the audience from the relatability but she still manages to fill it with enough relatable emotions felt after a harsh break up that it fulfills the quota. I give this beautiful song a 9.8/10.
4) “I Bet You Think About Me”
Lovely, easy going and still sweet, heartfelt but still an easy listen. It makes you sympathize with what the narrator is going through and the music video really just makes the whole thing come to life. I give it a 10/10.
3) “Red”
The title track of the album manages to snag such a high rank solely on its ability to stand alone as a beautiful song. The comparison of feelings ranging like a color spectrum is, and always has been, a brilliant idea and the classic makes it noticeable when you listen to her new improvements to the song. It is lyrically impressive and makes you fall in love with the song all over again. It gets a 10/10.
2) “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)”
While this may be controversial, I don’t think the beauty this brought into my life is un-critiqueable. Personally the ending felt dragged out in hopes of making it to the ten minute mark for publicity and knowing now that the artist is probably long over the heartbreak brewing at the time of writing this almost makes it a little less fulfilling. All of that isn’t to say it isn’t a masterpiece. It shows the stages of respect, grief and sadness that came from losing the relationship with such a toxic partner. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging he was much older and it was unhealthy with the corresponding short film, and it probably still holds lots of trauma no matter how long it's been since the relationship described ended. There's no point in nit picking the loss, love, pain, sorrow and feeling of being manipulated is being portrayed in the song. It’s pure beauty. I gave it a 10/10.
1) “Nothing New”
Disclaimer: This list is my personal opinion, and this is my personal favorite. It oozes the feeling of nostalgia and sadness of growing older and feeling like your being left behind. It’s the farthest from one dimensional when it displays the feelings of pain, confusion, and pure love of someone willing to hopefully accept you despite feeling like you may not be who you used to or even be decent compared to others. It feels like time is passing you by and you're wasting your years away, it feels like despite my age I’ve discovered a new fear of growing old. Whether you were to switch “All Too Well (10 Minutes)” and this song would be up to you, both are masterpieces. I also gave it a 10/10.
This being mostly because the age differences represented in the film and music is nearly identical to what she and Jake had. Regardless of it all, the song was the most talked about out of the (From the Vault) versions released.
Finally, to my personal review of the song., I’ll say here regardless of whether or not they are new releases or re-recordings they will be in the same list but for the re-recorded songs I’ll be taking into account Taylors improvement and the impact that had, as well as for the new songs I’ll be taking into account how fresh they feel and how necessary they are. So without further ado here is my tiered list:
28) “Stay, Stay, Stay”
While it finds a beautiful way to incorporate childish youth and rope it in with Taylor’s vocals and lyrics, it doesn’t quite keep up with the other songs in comparison. I appreciate the attempt made here, and the re-recordings new flare, but it landed itself last standing next to other phenomenal works of art. It’s actual listening capabilities kind of cower when it comes down to it. I give it a 7.9/10.
27) “Message in a Bottle”
Although it holds a charm throughout the entire song and particularly the chorus, it can’t quite make up for the lack of emotions. It's very upbeat, but on this album that doesn’t turn out to be a very good thing. I would describe it as more of an easy listen, and it’s themes are at best uncreative. It comes down to the fact I wont catch myself listening to this song very often. I give it an 8/10.
26) “Come Back...Be Here”
With such a tight race it just didn’t seem to keep up. The chorus in particular is beautiful work and heavily catchy, I will certainly listen to it again. With that being said, out of the typically sadder tracks on this album it didn’t seem to hold its ow;n. I give it an 8.3/10.
25) “The Moment I Knew”
I love this song but again the ratings are tight and a lot of the sadder material on the album starts to mush together and feel less impactful, I felt that particularly strong with this song. I give it an 8.4/10.
24) “22”
As a younger child listening to the original album, this song felt fresh and an especially easy listen. It’s something to play at a sleepover and bounce around without feeling too hurt by the severity of the lyrics or a specific meaning, it's just a fun song. She really improved on the re-recording as well, nonetheless the other songs on the album with more fleshed out specificities triumph over this one. With that I give it an 8.5/10
23) “Everything has changed”
The duet between Taylor and artist Ed Sheeran, seeing as there are two songs between the brilliant duo, just doesn’t compare to its counterpart, “Run”. Which becomes evidently noticeable when it’s between the two who work fantastic together. I give it an 8.5/10.
22) “Holy Ground”
The lyrics are beautiful but it carries obvious similarities to songs “Red” and “State Of Grace,” which in my opinion are more gut wrenching than this particular song. If it were between these three songs this would be the last I’d play. Its soft beat is cute but not something worth shedding tears. I also give it an 8.5/10.
21) “Treacherous”
A soft and supple addition to the album. Even though the vocals between the original and the re-recording aren’t particularly different or more fleshed out it’s still notably better than the original version. Out of all the songs on the entire album this would be the first I’d go to play in a romantic setting. I give it an 8.8/10.
20) “I Knew You Were Trouble”
This song shares similar qualities to “22” while still walking a heartbroken edge, you could listen to it post-breakup while sobbing your eyes out or you could jump around to it with friends, which makes it one of my favorites. The obvious diversity it holds is what makes it so amazing. I give it an 8.9/10.
19) “Girl At Home”
Similar to “I Knew You Were Trouble” the song is catchy, upbeat in a good way, and fun to hear while still having good lyrics. It may have a one dimensional theme but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun listening to it. I give it a 9/10.
18) “Run”
The second Sheeran song on the album. While the two singers manage to mesh vocals particularly well, it’s simple, not in a bad way but not in a good way either. I give it a 9.1/10.
17) “Begin Again”
Sadly I couldn’t put this any higher, but the songs' themes make you want to curl yourself in blankets and cry. It's filled with impeccable lyrics and beautiful vocals but there are songs better on the album. It still holds a special place in my heart. I give it a 9.2/10.
16) “The Lucky One”
Similar to the last song its themes are very apparent from the start all the way through to the end of the song, it makes you feel as though you're living through it and leaves you still wanting more. It also manages to be catchy on top of all of that. I give it a 9.2/10
15) “Forever Winter”
The song's vocals shine with a subtly improved edge combined with the heart and soul you feel coming through them, you can practically feel what Taylor is here which is beautiful. It manages to be fast-paced and also soft which is a hard thing to accomplish. I give it a 9.3/10.
14) “Babe”
This song is fitting with the title, which is a particularly creative one. The ad libs are funky, and the chorus is everything you’d want in a chorus. You know what she's attempting to get across with the lyrics but the way she does it using the word babe as a symbolism is pretty genius. It got a 9.4/10.
13) “I Almost Do”
One of the saddest songs on the entire album, rips you apart at the seams and doesn't even apologize. You can hear the faintest tones of country in the background as well which is nice to feel coming through. Beautiful work really is the least I can describe it as. Very relatable as well.9.5/10
12) “The Last Time”
The collaboration between Taylor and Gary Lightbody made me cry numerous times, it’s gut wrenching, lovely, heart felt, and the two together help make it the beautiful song it is. I gave it a 9.5/10.
11) “Better Man”
The structure of this song makes it feel like such a breath of fresh air, it really makes you feel like you're in her position and if you were to be and heard the lyrics you would certainly feel a personal connection to the lyrics. 9.5/10.
10) “The Very First Night”
After only two listens I knew the entirety of the song. It’s probably the easiest listen on the list but it stands out the most out of them. The rhymes in certain parts are “questionable”, these rhymes being “you”, and “hotel”, “fell” and “picture”. Which made fans sceptasize that the original lyrics were in fact “her” rather than “you”. Despite this it is a lovely addition to the whole thing and anytime it comes on I’m beaming with glee. I gave it a 9.5/10.
9) “Ronan”
While it may not have been on my radar when the original album was released because of the severity of the material it certainly was hearing it now. Comparatively to many of the other songs it may have been the lesser if it weren't for the lyrics, they really hit home and show that the audience doesn’t always have to have been through an experience themself to sympathize. 9.5/10.
8) “Starlight”
Similar to “Better Man” the entire song feels very unique, it’s a tremendous stand alone song which--no offense to any of the songs they are all amazing--was hard to definitively see with a lot of these songs. This alone made it climb the ranks. I give it a 9.6/10.
7) “State Of Grace” (as well as it’s included acoustic version)
Although it may not be anything too special, Taylor’s vocal ability really shines through, highlighting the improvement from the original as well as the beat. Her growth as a singer really makes this song special. Out of all the songs I’ve dubbed catchy this is by far the best. I give it a 9.6/10.
6) “We are never ever ever, getting back together”
I absolutely love this song, beautiful work. The ad libs are completely new compared to the original as well as Taylor’s vocals which have heavily improved and matured from the original. The song’s catchy, while maintaining brilliance and heart. The corresponding music video explains the childish feeling this song has. I give it a 9.7/10.
5) “All Too Well”
Don't worry this is not the ten minute version, that one holds a higher spot on this list. Nonetheless this song is just as brilliant as the original, filled with life and beauty. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and highlights real events that you may think would deattatch the audience from the relatability but she still manages to fill it with enough relatable emotions felt after a harsh break up that it fulfills the quota. I give this beautiful song a 9.8/10.
4) “I Bet You Think About Me”
Lovely, easy going and still sweet, heartfelt but still an easy listen. It makes you sympathize with what the narrator is going through and the music video really just makes the whole thing come to life. I give it a 10/10.
3) “Red”
The title track of the album manages to snag such a high rank solely on its ability to stand alone as a beautiful song. The comparison of feelings ranging like a color spectrum is, and always has been, a brilliant idea and the classic makes it noticeable when you listen to her new improvements to the song. It is lyrically impressive and makes you fall in love with the song all over again. It gets a 10/10.
2) “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version)”
While this may be controversial, I don’t think the beauty this brought into my life is un-critiqueable. Personally the ending felt dragged out in hopes of making it to the ten minute mark for publicity and knowing now that the artist is probably long over the heartbreak brewing at the time of writing this almost makes it a little less fulfilling. All of that isn’t to say it isn’t a masterpiece. It shows the stages of respect, grief and sadness that came from losing the relationship with such a toxic partner. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging he was much older and it was unhealthy with the corresponding short film, and it probably still holds lots of trauma no matter how long it's been since the relationship described ended. There's no point in nit picking the loss, love, pain, sorrow and feeling of being manipulated is being portrayed in the song. It’s pure beauty. I gave it a 10/10.
1) “Nothing New”
Disclaimer: This list is my personal opinion, and this is my personal favorite. It oozes the feeling of nostalgia and sadness of growing older and feeling like your being left behind. It’s the farthest from one dimensional when it displays the feelings of pain, confusion, and pure love of someone willing to hopefully accept you despite feeling like you may not be who you used to or even be decent compared to others. It feels like time is passing you by and you're wasting your years away, it feels like despite my age I’ve discovered a new fear of growing old. Whether you were to switch “All Too Well (10 Minutes)” and this song would be up to you, both are masterpieces. I also gave it a 10/10.
