Closing Swiftober with “Style,” Taylor Swift has re-released her fifth studio album: “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” This time, giving her fans five “From The Vault” surprise songs – and one deluxe song featuring Kendrick Lamar.
“Slut!” – This song is a romantic trip down Sunrise Boulevard, with regards to the general public’s attitude to Swift’s experiences with being “love-struck.” The story of this song reminded me of Swift’s “Lover” album, and it took me by surprise considering the song’s title. One lyric which stood out: “If they call me a slut, you know it might be worth it for once.”
“Say Don’t Go” – Swift is known for her bridges, and this one made me collapse to the floor (literally and figuratively). This song is much slower than other pop-songs on the album, and I enjoyed that about it – the bridge picks up the pace and offers a nice contrast to the whispered lyrics. I would listen to this album forever if Swift said “don’t go.”
“Now That We Don’t Talk” – Harry Styles, this one’s for you! This head-bumping tune was super fun, it’s definitely something to play in the car on the way to the beach (or the mega-yacht). I could imagine screaming my heart out to this song with fellow Swiftie friends, or just on my own in my room.
“Suburban Legends” – Reminiscent of Swift’s 10th studio album, “Midnights,” I was looking forward to this track since it was announced. Ever since this song came out, it has held me in a chokehold that I simply do not want out of. Five out of five seagulls for sure!
“Is It Over Now?” – This song is for the “Illicit Affairs” and “Question…?” Swifties, but with a 1989 air to it. With this being the final track of the album, this song was a great way to conclude the album. I really enjoyed the references to Swift’s relationship with Styles, and it has a catchy tone which offers a seamless ending to the vault tracks.
On Instagram, Swift announced, “This is my most FAVORITE re-recording I’ve ever done because the 5 From The Vault tracks are so insane.”
The re-recorded songs have that magical (Taylor’s Version) touch. Swift’s vocals are similar to the original album, but you can definitely hear the difference due to her matured voice and subtle changes in tone. I had a blast listening to the new and improved original songs.
However, the five vault tracks did not come easy. Swift challenged her Swifties to solve 33 million puzzles (with 89 variants) in order to find out the names of the vault tracks. This was not a problem for Swifties, seeing how all the puzzles were completed within 24 hours.
Swift was born in 1989 and announced that she would be re-releasing the album while performing The Eras Tour at SoFi stadium on Aug. 9. Prior to the announcement, Swift had changed several of her concert outfits to a 1989-blue variant. Considering how August is the eighth month, and her last day in SoFi was on the ninth day, many fans had speculated this announcement for the months leading up to it.
I am in love with this album, and “This Love” isn’t going anywhere!