Taylor Swift never goes out of style. On October 27, 2023, Swift released 1989 (Taylor’s Version). The album had originally been released on October 27th of 2014, and now nine years later Swift re-recorded the original thirteen songs plus the six original deluxe tracks. In addition to the iconic songs already on the album, Swift added five “From the Vault” songs to the newest edition of 1989.
Swift’s mastermind plan all began with the re-recording of her 2008 Fearless album that was released in April of 2021 with six “From the Vault” songs. Later that same year, she released her 2012 Red album adding nine “From the Vault” tracks- including her ten-minute version of the timeless “All Too Well.” Earlier this year, Swift released her newest version of the 2010 Speak Now with six “From the Vault” songs. Finally, this October she released 1989 (Taylor’s Version).
Along with the eleven original tracks on 1989 Swift added these five “From the Vault” songs: “Slut!,” “Is It Over Now?,” “Now That We Don’t Talk,” “Say Don’t Go,” and “Suburban Legends.” My personal favorite being “Is It Over Now?.” All five of these songs are upbeat and exciting, matching the vibe of the other songs on the album including “Style,” “Out of the Woods” and “Shake it Off.” The album is based off of Swift’s time in New York City and is rumored to be written about another popular singer, and her ex-boyfriend, Harry Styles. The setting and background of the album explains why the tracks are more electric and lively, just like the city. Now, as seen in the album cover, the re-released album revolves around a quiet, beach scene with seagulls, waves, and lively colors.
Personally, 1989 is one of my favorite albums that Swift has created. Tracks like “Blank Space,” “Style,” and “Wildest Dreams” will forever be iconic and well-known hits. However, my personal favorite songs from the album are “Clean” and “This Love,” plus the newly released “Now That We Don’t Talk.” For me, the album gives excited, loud-love-in-New-York-City vibes, which is generally what Swift based the album on, but some of the more relaxed and calm songs such as “You are in Love” and “This Love” contrast the other upbeat songs offer more of a quiet and private storyline. Lyrics such as “’Cause you can hear in the silence, You can feel it on the way home” in “You are in Love” focus on a private love story. These lyrics are much more touching and personal because of the more private focused diction. In contrast, lyrics such as “The lights and noise are blinding” and “Please take me dancing, and, Please leave me stranded, It’s so romantic” in another personal favorite “New Romantics” focuses around a more vibrant and high-spirited love story. The passionate poetic-language Swift writes is flawlessly expressed even in an energetic and outgoing song.
Although the styles of the songs are in contrast, Swift pulls them all together perfectly to create an iconic and unique album. 1989 was one of Swift’s most celebrated and established albums in her career. 1989 being the newest addition to Swift’s re-recorded albums revived the original’s popularity and iconicness. Now, the real question that every Swiftie is asking right now is: when will Swift make the much awaited decision to re-release her powerful, and telling Reputation album?
