Taylor Swift is arguably one of the most influential and popular artists of our generation. She has had her struggles throughout her career, specifically when it came to owning her own work. After leaving a record label and contract with Scooter Braun, she no longer owned her own albums. However, 5 years after the initial release date of each album she is able to re-record them. Since she doesn’t own her first five albums, Taylor Swift, Speak Now, Fearless, Red, and 1989, those are the ones that we can expect her to re-release her own versions of. So far she has only released Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) off of her album 1989.
My favorite album of Taylor’s is Red, and she is re-releasing it on November 13, 2021. Less than a week away, we will be able to hear all 19 re-recorded songs off of Red, along with 11 other songs Taylor calls “(From the Vault)”. Arguably the best and most lyrically intricate song, “All Too Well,” was originally 5 minutes and 30 seconds, but with Taylors Version, we are getting the 10-minute version. Not only are we getting the extended version of the song, we are also getting the “All Too Well” short film, starring Sadie Sink, Dylan O’Brien, and Taylor Swift. As for the rest of the “Vault” songs, I am most excited to hear “Better Man,” originally written by Taylor, but she gave it to the country band, Little Big Town, who released it in 2017. I think “Better Man” will be a fan favorite and one of the most popular songs of the initial release. A few artists are also being featured on Red (TV), including Phoebe Bridgers, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Stapleton, all popular artists in different genres. It’s a smart tactic from Taylor and should bring different listeners to her album.