The Paw Print

By Maddie Spanbauer

Taylor Swift, one of the biggest names in music at the moment, released her re-recorded version of her fifth studio album on October 27, 2023. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was met with immense support from fans, and quickly caused Swift to become the most streamed artist in a single day on Spotify. 

Over the past few years, Swift has made it clear that she values artists having ownership of their music. When she started her music career in 2006, she signed a contract with Scooter Braun, the owner of Big Machine Records. Braun had complete ownership of the music that she created and released in her first six albums, then refused to sell it back to her when she requested it in 2019. Since then, Swift has been re-recording those first six albums, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) being her fourth to be released. 

The album itself is similar to the original in many ways, however, fans have been noticing some small differences that could be deemed positive or negative. 

One of the largest changes found when listening for the first time was the addition of new harmonies in the bridge of “Blank Space.” When Swift sings, “Boys only want love if it’s torture / don’t say I didn’t, say I didn’t warn you,” there is a higher harmony that was either recently added or was downplayed in the original recording. 

Similarly, in her re-recorded version of “Out Of The Woods,” Swift appears to have added a new harmony in the chorus. This harmony is especially apparent in the final chorus, and it helps to blend the sound in a new and noticeable way. 

Swift also added a synth effect in the introduction of her new version of “I Know Places” on the final “I” in each grouping. In addition, she has a much deeper, more developed sound when she sings, “And we run” before the second chorus. Many fans have expressed their delight and surprise upon hearing this change. 

The first vault song, or song that Swift wrote but didn’t release with the original version of the album, is titled “‘Slut!’.” Fans speculated that the song would be a feminist anthem where Swift called out those who called her the track title back in the time of the album’s original release. Instead, the song is an ethereal, mellow love song about how being called this derogatory term might be worth it to be with the person she loves. This is evident in the line, “And if they call me a slut / you know it might be worth it for once.” 

Another noteworthy vault song is titled, “Is It Over Now?”, and the song is speculated to be about Swift’s relationship with Harry Styles back in 2014. Swift sings, “If she’s got blue eyes, I

will surmise that you’ll probably date her,” as well as, “You search in every model’s bed for something greater, baby.” These lines point to infidelity on behalf of Styles, as well as his desire to find a partner similar to her once they broke up. Despite this speculation, Swift and Styles appear to be friends across social media and award shows, so it looks like they have put their past behind them. 

Addison Casey ‘25 also had her own thoughts on the album. “I think success varies by song. The songs that are good are very good, and the songs that aren’t are just ok and I’d rather listen to the original. I think the biggest changes consistently are the ways in which she sings things. I feel like a lot of lyrics are sung a little differently or the background singers harmonize in a new way and I’m eating it up! ‘Blank Space,’ ‘I Know Places,’ and ‘Style’ are my favorite re-records. I will say I was hoping to love the vault tracks a little more. I think they are very Midnights-y and not my favorite, but I have been listening to the album on repeat since it’s been out regardless. Overall, I’m obsessed!” 

June Lamb ‘25 expressed her excitement about getting to experience the album for a second time with the re-release. “Although I’ve seen mixed reviews online, I personally loved 1989 (Taylor’s Version)! It was so fun to experience the album all over again, and the vault tracks are amazing. My favorite one is either ‘Say Don’t Go,’ or ‘Now That We Don’t Talk.’ I’ve seen a lot of negative comments on the internet about how Taylor’s re-releases have become a cash-grab for her or that she is ‘steadily putting less effort into them,’ which I think is not only rude and discriminatory, it’s incorrect. Her re-recording process has been so exciting and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was just the same! I think one of my favorite re-recorded songs was ‘You Are In Love,’ or ‘Bad Blood ft. Kendrick Lamar.’” 

The new version of the album has been met with overwhelming support from fans, and hopefully Swift will continue to deliver outstanding re-recordings of her old music in the future.