World renowned singer, songwriter Taylor Swift released the second “Taylor’s Version’’ album project, “Red (Taylor’s Version).” With a total of 30 tracks, 14 of which weren’t on the original album released in 2012, Swift proves she still has the same flare as she did 12 years ago.
Taking a visit back to her “Red” era, Swift created an autumn world filled with cozy memories. I felt like I was traveling back in time to a place I had longed for. Although the new album is created with the idea of a relaxed environment, Swift’s original “Red” era corresponded with her break up with Jake Gyllenhaal. Fans are furious with the elusive ex who is posting memes and comments on social media.
While first listening to the album I noticed the new key changes Swift added, along with her more mature vocals, and I must say it made the songs all the better. Seeing Swift’s voice evolve has been a true gift, even the change from when she first released “Fearless,” to when she re-released the album this past April. Her talent astonishes me at every release.
I know many people dismiss Swift quickly because of her knack for only writing about past boyfriends, but I think if you have something to write about; write about it. Swift is able to turn her common breakup experiences into wonderful, wistful melodies anyone can enjoy and relate to.
“We Are Never Getting Back Together” is my favorite track on the album. Something about screaming that song at
the top of your lungs is therapeutic. I also enjoy the newly added tracks such as the added “Ronan” and the 10-minute version of “All Too Well.” Normally when I hear a 10-minute song it bores me, but “All Too Well” was intriguing and kept me wanting to listen.
Although this album was everything I hoped it would be, many of the tracks, such as “22” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” sounded more muffled and echoed than the ones from the original releases. Taylor Swift is known for her crisp and clear-sounding tunes, but this album didn’t have that same feeling. Don’t get me wrong I loved it, but I’ve seen better-produced things come from her vault.
Swift released a short film entitled “All Too Well” to go with her 10-minute version of the song “All Too Well”. The film was a good visual to understand the feeling and pain Swift was going through while making this album. As I mentioned before, Swift is known for her unruly track record with various men, but that is something she has chosen not to be ashamed of. Instead, she has turned her distraught into powerful songs and visuals for her audience.
On November 15, three days after “Red’s” release, Swift put out her highly anticipated music video to a track from
her vault, “I Bet You Think About Me,” which was directed by Swift’s longtime friend, actress and director Blake Lively. Once again, her talents exceed as Swift adds another perfectly done music video to her archives.
Along with her album release, Swift has already had several appearances on various late-night shows including “The
Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “SNL” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” I admire Swift because of her courage to re-release music the world has already heard and to make the point that she has made this music and it is her right to own and share it as she pleases.