Album Review: "1989 Taylor's Version"

On Oct. 27, 2023, Taylor released 1989 Taylor’s Version. This is the fourth album that Taylor has re-recorded while owning all of her albums. 

Through the re-recordings, Taylor has stayed true to the original albums with only slight changes. Throughout “1989 TV” there are only a few subtle changes. Some of the songs have more clear and crisp instrumentals as well as vocals. 

“1989 TV” is one of Taylor’s most upbeat albums and includes themes of friendship, ex-lovers, falling in love and bad blood.

My favorite original songs from this album are:

“Bad Blood”

This song was a hit when it was released in 2014, and is still a massive hit on the re-record. This song examines a traitorous friendship and shows what happens when somebody crosses you.

“Did you have to do this? I was thinking that you could be trusted. Did you have to ruin what was shiny now its all rusted. Did you have to hit me, where I’m weak baby I couldn’t breath. And rub it in so deep, salt in the wound like you’re laughin’ right at me.”
“Cause, baby now we got bad blood. You know it used to be mad love. So take a look what you’ve done ‘cause baby now we got bad blood, hey.”

“Wildest Dreams”

This song is whimsical and follows a whirlwind relationship (presumably about Harry Styles). This is another fan favorite from the 2014 release and is still popular on Taylor’s Version. 

“He’s so tall and handsome as hell. He’s so bad, but he does it so well. I can see the end as it begins my one condition is, say you’ll remember me, standin’ in a nice dress, starin’ at the sunset. Red lips and rosy cheeks, say you’ll see me again, even if it’s just in your wildest dreams, ah, ha.”

“You Are In Love”

This song is very slow and romantic. It describes various scenes that show the process of falling love. It also depicts what love is, how it is felt and where it is seen.

“Morning, his place, burnt toast, Sunday. You keep his shirt, he keeps his word. And for once, you let go of your fears and your ghosts. One step, not much, but it said enough. You kiss on sidewalks, you fight and you talk. One night, he wakes, strange look on his face. Pauses, then says ‘You’re my bestfriend’ and you knew what it was, he is in love. You can hear it in the silence (silence), silence, (silence), you can feel it on the way home (way home), way home (way home), you can see it with the lights out (lights out), lights out (lights out). You are in love, true love."

With each re-recording Taylor has been releasing songs from “The Vault.” These songs were written for the original albums, but never made it.

1989 consist of five songs “From The Vault”: “Slut!,” “Say Don’t Go,” “Now That We Don’t Talk,” “Suburban Legends” and “Is It Over Now?”.

“Now That We Don’t Talk”

This song has an upbeat-pop sound to it, but depressing lyrics. It has quickly become a fan favorite across social media platforms such as TikTok due to the fun and exciting beat as well as the heartfelt lyrics.

“I call my mom she said that it was for the best. Remind myself, the more I gave you’d want me less. I cannot be your friend, so I pay the price of what I lost. And what it cost, now that we dont talk.”

“I don’t have to pretend I like acid rock. Or that I’d like to be on a mega yacht, with important men who think important thoughts. Guess maybe I am better off now that we don’t talk. And the only way back to my dignity was to turn into a shrouded mystery. Just like I had been when you were chasing me.”

“Is It Over Now?” 

It is common knowledge within Taylor’s fanbase that a handful of songs on this album are about her ex Harry Styles. The songs about him on the original album were pretty positive, so fans thought that Harry was safe from having an exposing song written, but this song proves everyone wrong. 

“Let’s fast forward to three hundred takeout coffees later. I see your profile and your smile on unsuspecting waiters. You dream of my mouth before it called you a lying traitor. You search in every maiden’s bed for somethin’ greater, baby. Was it over when she laid down on your couch? Was it over when he unbuttoned my blouse? Come here, I whispered in your ear in your dreams as you passed out, baby. Was it over then? And is it over now?”

Now fans are just waiting for two more re-recordings before Taylor owns all of her albums; “Reputation” and “Taylor Swift.”