“Deeply weird, feverishly emotional, wildly enthusiastic, 1989 sounds exactly like Taylor Swift, even when it sounds like nothing she’s ever tried. And yes, she takes it to extremes. Are you surprised? This is Taylor Swift, remember? Extremes are where she starts.”
– Rob Sheffield, ROLLING STONE

“On 1989, she matches deceptively simple, irresistibly catchy melodies with lyrics that can seem by turns confessional and elusive, playful and aching.”
– Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY

These reviews were written in 2014 and they still stand true. On Oct 27, Taylor Swift re-released her best-selling album, 1989, now rebranded as Taylor’s Version. Aside from her 13 re-recorded songs, she’s adding four new songs. The complete list of vault tracks includes: “Now That We Don’t Talk,” “Say Don’t Go,” “Suburban Legends,” and “Is It Over Now?”

Why is she re-recording her albums?
Simply put, Taylor’s Version implies that Taylor owns the music and gets the money from them. Taylor doesn’t own her first six albums. (Debut, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation) produced by Big Machine and owned by Scooter Braun, therefore, all the money goes to him allowing him to profit millions from her song.

Her Classics, like Bad Blood and Style, are more mature and spunkier. Her new Vault tracks have the same essence as the rest of the album.

“Say Don’t Go” is a very emotional song that presents a heartfelt narrative of longing and heartbreak. The song encapsulates the desire for the other person to stay. Swift is known for her deep lyrics. A line repeated multiple times during the song: “Why’d you have to lead me on? Why’d you have to twist the knife? Walk away and leave me bleedin’?”

“Now That We Don’t Talk” is a gritty song that packs a punch. It explores the feelings that arise as a once-important relationship fades away, painting a picture of change and distance between two people who used to be close. In the verses, Swift talks about noticing changes in the other person’s life, while the chorus captures the struggle of accepting the end of a relationship. The song ends on a note of acceptance and a newfound sense of self.

“Suburban Legends” paints a vivid picture of a powerful relationship. The lyrics capture moments of magnetic attraction and the complexities of love. The chorus resonates with a sense of destiny, acknowledging that some bonds are destined for greatness, even amidst heartache. Swift skillfully employs the imagery of a ticking clock, crashing waves, and the absence of a familiar knock to convey a sense of loss and longing.

“Is It Over Now?” holds comparisons to “Out of the Woods” and “I Wish You Would”. The last vault track on Taylor’s Version of 1989 explores feelings of heartbreak and reflection in a relatable way: sharing moments of loneliness and memories of past experiences with a former love. Swift’s lyrics capture the mixed emotions that often accompany a breakup but ultimately emphasize her self-respect: a theme shared by other vault tracks like “Now That We Don’t Talk”