“Red (Taylor’s Version)” leaves listeners speechless with raw, pure emotion

By Remy Bailard

Managing Editor

Taylor Swift released another memorable comeback with the release of “Red (Taylor’s Version),” sparking the nation with a series of resurfacing emotions.

The album establishes Swift’s raw talent through personal lyrics and powerful vocals. The artist’s mature vocals, collaborations with other musicians and added tracks bring listeners into the depths of Swift’s personal life, building a strong connection with each lyric.

Swift is an American singer-sonwriter who is known for her narrative-type songwriting that is heavily influenced by her personal life and experiences. Swift’s early career started with the release of her better-known albums like “Fearless” (2008), “Speak Now” (2010) and “Reputation” (2017). Each of these albums launched Swift to the top of the Billboard charts, making her one of the world’s best-selling artists.

Released by Republic Records, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” is Swift’s second re-recorded album and is the re-recorded version of “Red,” which originally debuted in 2012. This album along with the “Fearless” re-recording, is Swift’s effort to take back her music and originality after her previous label, Big Machine Records, took the rights to her work.

“Red (Taylor’s Version)” is a lengthy 30 songs in comparison to the original “Red” album that only offered 16 tracks. The re-recorded album includes new collaborations with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Gary Lightbody, Phoebe Bridgers and Chris Stapleton. In addition, the album offers several tracks ‘From the Vault’ that Swift had written and not included in the original album. When fans didn’t think Swift could include any more surprises in the remake, she also included a 10-minute version of the track “All Too Well” along with an accompanying short film and single “All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version).”

The re-recorded album features more mature vocals from Swift that further embody the meaning of each track as it adds to her story of growing up. The lyrics come off as more of a conversation rather than full melodies, creating a deeper connection with listeners. There are even times Swift adds in laughter as if she is mocking the personal situation she represents in her lyrics, allowing listeners to better understand her emotions.

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” is notably the most well-executed track on the re-recorded album. The added lyrics open up to the story the original version was based on, allowing listeners a much more raw look into Swift’s personal life. This builds a deeper connection between the track and listeners as it sparks controversy nationwide. Although the song is almost three times the typical length of her songs, the track never seems to linger or bore, and the chorus only gets more powerful with each repetition.

Swift didn’t hold back her creative talent and additionally released “All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version),” a slowed down version of “All Too Well (10 minute version).” The slowed down version of a new fan favorite is an exceptional way for fans to feel even more emotions through an already emotion-packed track. The slower melodies make for an impactful listening experience and continue to leave fans speechless.

Separate from Swift’s exceptional music releases, her release of “All Too Well: The Short Film” alongside the album displays her true storytelling artistry. The short film is written and directed by Swift and stars Sadie Sink, Dylan O’Brien and Swift. The film brings an invigorating story alive through powerful acting. Sink’s emotional acting portrays Swift’s feelings during the time she wrote the lyrics for “All Too Well,” creating a meaningful experience for watchers and listeners alike.

Swift exceeds expectations with these collective releases, both surprising and astonishing long-time fans of hers. The artist never fails to live up to her past works, and the mixture of her maturity along with her newfound freedom from her past record label all displays a quality of confidence within each track.

“Red (Taylor’s Version)” was released on Nov. 12 and is available for purchase on iTunes and Google Play and can be streamed on a variety of services including Spotify and Apple Music. “All Too Well: The Short Film” is available for streaming on Youtube.com.