Taylor Swift -1989 (Taylor’s Version) Album Review
Released in 2014, Taylor Swift's "1989" marked a pivotal moment in her career, solidifying her status as a pop superstar and delivering a collection of infectious anthems that dominated the charts and resonated with millions of fans worldwide. In 2022, Swift reclaimed ownership of her master recordings from her previous record label, Big Machine Label Group, and embarked on a project to re-record her first six albums, giving her complete control over her artistry and ensuring that her original vision for these songs would be preserved.
"1989 (Taylor's Version)" is more than just a re-recording; it's a testament to Swift's enduring artistry and a celebration of a pop masterpiece. By reclaiming her masters and re-recording her music, Swift has taken control of her narrative and ensured that her original vision for these songs will be preserved for future generations.
Specifically, "1989 (Taylor's Version)” is a faithful yet enhanced recreation of the original album, capturing the same vibrant energy and infectious melodies while showcasing Swift's matured vocals and refined production sensibilities. The re-recorded tracks are not merely carbon copies; Taylor has taken the opportunity to add subtle nuances and embellishments, bringing new depth and clarity to her songwriting.
One of the most noticeable changes is Swift's vocal performance. Over the past decade, her voice has developed a richness and maturity that adds a new dimension to her delivery. Her vocals are more confident, nuanced, and emotionally resonant, breathing new life into the songs and adding layers of emotion that were previously hidden.
The production has also been given a subtle yet significant upgrade. The drums are punchier, the guitars are more resonant, and the overall sound is fuller and more vibrant. This newfound clarity allows the intricate details of her songwriting to shine through, revealing hidden layers of meaning and emotion.
In addition to re-recording the original 13 tracks, Swift has also included nine previously unreleased songs from her vault. A continuous pattern throughout the whole re-recording process, every new album will include unreleased songs from that era. These songs were written during the "1989" era but never officially released. This offers fans a glimpse into the artist's creative process and provides further insight into her romantic life at the time. The vault songs from this album are as listed below:
“Now That We Don't Talk” ...
“Slut!” ...
“Is It Over Now?” ...
“Say Don't Go”
“Suburban Legends”
Pre the reclaiming of the masters process, this album marked a major milestone in Taylor Swift’s career, as it was her official abandonment of country music to become a full-fledged pop star. Though she had already transitioned her sound on her 2012 cross-genre album “RED”, in 2014 there was absolutely no confusion on which path she was choosing to take. The world suddenly became full of Swifties! Don’t even lie that you didn’t sing wholeheartedly to “Style” or “Blank Space” while dancing in the shower, because I know I did!
Overall, after years of waiting, it has been worth the wait! "1989 (Taylor's Version)" is a must-listen for any fan of Taylor Swift or pop music in general. It's a nostalgic trip through pop perfection, enhanced by Swift's matured vocals, refined production, and the addition of five previously ‘Vaulted’ songs.
-XOXO Rachel
