With three No. 1 singles and the Grammy for 2016’s Album of the Year, Taylor Swift’s 1989 came as a monumental moment both in popular culture and Swift’s career. On Oct. 27, nine years to the day after its original release, Miss Americana herself put out 1989 (Taylor’s Version), as part of her ongoing quest to reclaim her masters. Featuring five previously unheard songs, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) broke several streaming records and catapulted straight to the top of the charts, letting everyone know that Swift’s first pop album truly never went out of style.
When Swift first announced her switch to pop in 2014, critics seemed skeptical, if unsurprised. Swift’s fourth studio album, Red, exhibited the then-country music artist’s growing inclination towards a pop sound, and yet no one could ascertain whether or not the singer would make a move that bold — and that risky. With the 2014 release of 1989, a complete 180-degree pivot from the sounds that stood as the foundation of her career, Swift showcased her willingness to be bold for the sake of her artistry with a stunning, incredibly well-produced and timeless album.
The original 1989 highlighted Swift’s skills as a producer, not just a songwriter, marking the first time Swift’s production outperformed her lyrics; while some songs such as “Out of the Woods (TV)” and “Clean (TV)” show off classic Swiftian storytelling, on this album, Swift opted for catchier hooks and snappy one-liners. This contributes to just one reason why 1989 (Taylor’s Version) proves more interesting than any of Swift’s other re-records.
Since 2014, Swift’s added three more pop albums to her repertoire, and on 1989 (Taylor’s Version), Swift flexes her toned pop muscles, although subtly. Most of these minute alterations make for no significant change in the listening experience, barring the production switch on “Style (TV),” which made for a jarring and disappointing re-release.
The five vault tracks serve as the release’s real highlight. 1989 (Taylor’s Version)’s vault stands as the one most synchronous to its original album’s production, with stand-out tracks “Say Don’t Go (TV)(FTV)” and “Is It Over Now? (TV)(FTV).”
“Is It Over Now? (TV)(FTV)” might be Swift’s best vault track yet, or at least a close second to the beloved “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (TV)(FTV).” With a sound emulating the magic of the original 1989, “Is It Over Now? (TV)(FTV)” delivers four minutes of pulsating synths, heavy drums and fun-to-scream lyrics about heartbreak that slip off the tongue with ease.
Written with frequent songwriting partner and producer Jack Antonoff, this track holds all the standout parts of Antonoff and Swift’s best songs together. The original 1989 marked the pair’s first time working together, and since then, Swift and Antonoff’s collaborations have made an undeniable mark on pop music as a whole, inspiring a whole generation of songwriters, including popstar Olivia Rodrigo. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and especially “Is It Over Now? (TV)(FTV)” feels like an ode to the pair’s origins and the work they’ve created since.
1989 (Taylor’s Version) marks yet another great re-release from Swift, with the most enjoyable vault tracks yet, and a new round of tightly produced and classic pop.
5 takeout coffees out of 5
