Taylor’s ‘Red’ Made Me Relive My Childhood

By EMILY BUSH/Staff Writer

Taylor Swift has released a re-recording of her fourth studio album “Red” as of Nov. 15, 2021. She has completely revamped her entire album including the deluxe version with the same tracks, lyrics, and even similar instrumentals. However, the importance behind her re-recording is the reclaiming of what should have remained hers to begin with: her music.

This album was recorded away from a separate record company, showing through all of the songs that are now parenthetically called “Taylor’s Version.” There are even songs on the album subtitled “From The Vault” that show some of Taylor’s songs that never really got to be given to the public.

With the original album being recorded nine years ago, it’s refreshing to think of the times when I was young and still exploring the world of music.

The year 2012 marked a music revolution for both myself and for Taylor, a transition from youthful country pop to something slightly more mature with moving into the world of regular pop.

One thing that I want to note about this album is how I never noticed how autumnal all of these songs sound. All of them have a nostalgic feel, even the ones that I don’t quite remember from my listening. They bring sunny warmth in some, specifically “Red,” “22,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and “Everything Has Changed” with Ed Sheeran. Some of them are cold, much like the cold fronts that usually start appearing through here, like “State of Grace,” “All Too Well,” and “The Last Time” with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol.

The timing of this album could not have been more perfect with the coming of fall and soon winter. This way, the songs will be able to lead you into a nostalgia overload for December and to wrap up the year.

Another thing I’d like to point out Taylor’s Version is the 10-minute version of “All Too Well.” Within this song, she demonstrates the feelings that she was going through during her getting over Jake Gyllenhaal and the cruel things that she went through during and after their relationship. She even directed a short film in place of a music video to further show the song’s implications.

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Despite the song’s extreme personalization towards her side of relationships, the fans really seem to relate and care for it, and I can say the same despite never having been through such pain before. The song introduced an interesting perspective that can really be dug deeper into.

However, just for now, I will go ahead and give this album my stamp of approval. It revives my tween years in a way nothing else could but gives me something to gnaw on as an adult, which I enjoy quite a bit. If you haven’t already, give the songs a listen!

Looking at the album art alone, you can already see a big growth in Swift. However, the album covers reflect the same overall vibe and still carry the same signature red lipstick. Image credit: Reddit user brewerybridetobe