‘1989 (TAYLOR’S VERSION)’: RANKING THE VAULT SONGS AND REMINISCING
The long awaited fourth album in Swift’s lineup of re-records, following Fearless, Red, and Speak Now, 1989 is finally here. Featuring the original sixteen songs, all of which noted Swift’s strict move to pop after the “transition” album of Red, plus five vault tracks, the album was highly anticipated. As is the tradition, we’re here to look at this re-released album and most fun, to rank 1989 (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks. But first let’s reminisce and talk about some favorite original songs. 1989 taylors version vault tracks
I will just say that unlike most fans, I will be talking about some of these tracks with opinions. By this I mean, I don’t love them all or just because it’s Taylor Swift. I have opinions, and some aren’t glowing in the way I see most coverage of these tracks or nowadays, Swift in general. But we’re also here to have fun, so…
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I always did love this album. Why I don’t know since I think of any album, this album is one I relate even less to. Yet, I do like it. Perhaps because it’s such a visual album in that it tells stories and has a kind of pre-Folklore essence (almost fairy tale). Or maybe it was just because it was such a departure from her other works, and the first she fully stepped into pop. Whatever it is, I do enjoy the album as one that’s more “fun” than serious.
When I listened to this re-record of ‘Clean,’ it sounds crisper and somehow deeper (I don’t know musical technical terms!); like its original debut, ‘Blank Space’ is fun, and I love that Swift has fun with it throwing back the paparazzi and media whispers; written (I believe) about a love story she watches from the outside, ‘This Love’ is a deep and charming love story; and ‘New Romantics’ closes off the album on an upbeat and fun note.
Now, there are five new “vault tracks” that were, according to promotion, originally written during the 1989 years but had to be cut. I think these are my least favorite vault tracks so far, collectively. One does surprise me (though still not positively) and another surprises in that it’s actually my favorite of the bunch. Let’s meet the tracks and talk about them.
HOW I RANK 1989 (TAYLOR’S VERSION) VAULT TRACKS
Ranking from least to most favorite
“SLUT!”
By the title, I think many assumed this would be Swift shaming the media and pap for all they said about her dating history. In some ways, though subtlety, I think it is. But at the same time, it’s about Swift “owning” the title and being fine with it so long as it means “love” and happiness. The song did surprise me in that it’s far softer with a surprisingly romantic sound than I’d expect. However, no matter who you are, man or woman, public figure or not, I don’t think it’s smart or wise to say it’s “ok” to lead a life or even if you don’t, to give relevance to a life that leads you to be fine with this kind of moniker. (I saw someone else on Instagram say they weren’t impressed either.) I think we should want to be surer of those we love, and certainly, be more selective about the ones we say I love you to. And even if the song is promoting being ok with this because you’re dating “the one,” you aren’t if none are worth a lasting partnership. 1989 taylor’s version vault tracks
IS IT OVER NOW?
This one is kind of unforgettable to me. It’s fine, but also not an instant favorite. Swift does have voice memos saying she sees this one as a companion to ‘Out of the Woods’ and ‘I Wish You Would.’
“Let’s fast forward to three hundred takeout coffees later.” – Taylor Swift
NOW THAT WE DON’T TALK
Like ‘Is it Over Now?’, this one is mostly forgettable. I do like the “sound” and there’s lyrics I like here and there, too.
SAY DON’T GO
Again… not super memorable. I think, too, these vault tracks all sound familiar (which did cross my mind after seeing the titles), in theme if not by sound. This one is about a relationship ending (like most of these) and how all that would be required to continue in the relationship would be to say, don’t go.
SUBURBAN LEGENDS
This one kind of reminds me of a song called Legends (its themes) and while I cannot say why I like this one best (I think I like its sound really well), there’s just something I do like about the song. 1989 taylor’s version vault tracks
*Note: finally, before we go, and just for fun, here’s my ranking that I wrote down based on title, and pre-listening to the songs:
RANKING PRE LISTENING TO SONGS aka by title alone
Least to most favorite
- “Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
- Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
- Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
- Is It Over Now (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
- Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
I got the last and first one right! So I guess ‘Suburban Legends’ was one I thought I’d like!
What do you think about this re-record? Do you like it more or less? Which vault track is your favorite? How would you rank 1989 (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks? Which song (new or old) stands out most to you? Comment all of your thoughts!
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