Album: 1989 (Taylor's Version)
Artist: Taylor Swift
Genre: #Pop #Alternative
Label: Republic Records
Non-Airable Tracks: "Slut!"
Description:
Last Thursday, October 26, at 9:00 pm, Taylor Swift dropped the re-recorded version of her 2014 pop album:1989 (Taylor's Version). My friend is a huge Swifty so she invited me and some of our other friends to her dorm for a listening party. Although I haven't listened to Taylor's other re-recorded albums, my expectations were pretty high considering the hype that the 10 minute version of All Too Well brought to Red (Taylor's Version). However, I came out of the listening party with very mixed opinions.
Although I am thrilled that Taylor is finally able to own copies of her songs (as she rightfully should), there are some changes to the re-recorded versions that I think take away from the magic of the original tracks we know and love. As those who grow up listening to Taylor Swift know, the release of 1989 was a huge turning point in her career as it was her first official switch from country to pop music. The album brought many iconic tracks that are still popular today, such as Blank Space, Shake It Off, and Bad Blood. What made these songs so special was the loud and upbeat music, creative lyrics, and powerful vocals. However, in the re-recorded tracks the music is a lot softer, taking away from the impact of some of the most memorable moments in the songs (such as the guitar intro to Style). Her vocals are softer as well and she has more control in her voice. Although this can be beneficial at times, I think it ultimately takes away from the edge that is needed in some of her most iconic lines (such as the talking sequence in Shake it Off).
On the other hand, I think the maturity in her voice also brings shines a positive light on the album. It not only shows how much she has grown as a singer, but how much she has grown as a person throughout her career. It symbolizes the fact that she has regained control of her music, dropping the big label that had control of her for years and claiming her work as one of the most talented musicians of this generation for her own.
Is 1989 (Taylor's Version) better than the original 1989? No. But ultimately, that's not the point. The point is that it's a reflection of a memorable point in her past and her transition into a new era as a person and an artist.
Sounds Like:
Olivia Rodrigo
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
Recommended Tracks:
All You Had To Do Was Stay
Out Of The Woods
Clean
Reviewer’s Name: Kellie McGuinness
Date of Review: October 29, 2023