When Taylor Swift emerged on stage Aug. 9, the last night of the first leg of The Eras Tour, fans all around the world buzzed with anticipation at the prospect of what she may announce. Suspicions heightened throughout the night as she performed several sets of the concert in her signature 1989 blue. When it came time for Swift to perform the surprise songs of the night, Swifties knew what was coming as she walked out in an ocean blue wrap dress. The rumors were finally confirmed as the large screen notified fans that “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” would be her next re-release.
Almost three months since that night and exactly nine years since the original album came out, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” released on Oct. 27. Looking back at the “stolen” version of the hit pop album, or rather the version of the album that Swift does not have full ownership over, Swifties have now begun to compare the albums and share their opinions on the newly released “From the Vault” tracks.
Here is The Panther’s complete ranking and review of “1989 (Taylor’s Version):”
1. I Know Places (Taylor’s Version)
When Swift initially released this song, I was captivated by the mysterious piano introduction that transformed into an emotional crescendo as Swift sang about hiding her private relationship from the public eye. Her performance of this song during the 1989 World Tour remains an iconic moment in Swiftie history, with her unforgettable strut down the stage during the song’s chorus. In the re-recording, Swift demonstrates extreme vocal growth in her rendition of the iconic lyric “and we run” making this song my favorite sing-along in the album.
2. New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)
Dubbed as one of the best songs of the 2010s, “New Romantics” perfectly encapsulates the idealistic version of love that hopeless romantics dwell on. The re-record of this song still brings the upbeat, carefree feelings about a positive lifestyle into listeners’ ears and bodies, making it the perfect song for the dance floor. Only now, “New Romantics” has rightfully earned its place on the standard album, leaving its days in the deluxe version behind.
3. Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version)
The descriptive lyrics in “Out of the Woods” transport listeners through one of Swift’s fragile relationships and along the journey as she hopes to “get out of the woods” or past the roughest part of the relationship. The repetitive chorus with the lines “Are we out of the woods yet?” emphasizes Swift’s desperation and anxiety to get past this phase and repair the relationship. The iconic bridge with the lyrics, “Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?/ Twenty stitches in a hospital room,” alludes to the snowmobile accident Swift and Harry Styles got into in 2014. Swift’s new take on the song brings back the same memories, for both her and fans as she reminisces on the situation years later.
4. Now That We Don’t Talk (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
The moment I heard the “From The Vault” tracks, “Now That We Don’t Talk” instantly earned a top spot in my heart. From the subtle references to Swift’s past relationship with Styles to the relatable chorus about calling her mom for advice, this song represents the universal experience one goes through when they are getting over a love interest. The lyrics “I miss the old ways/You didn’t have to change/But I guess I don’t have a say/Now that we don’t talk,” represent the understanding that without a relationship, one’s opinions do not hold much meaning to the other person. Overall, the bittersweet lyrics and beat put this song above the other vault tracks — it acts as another way to sing through the pain of heartbreak.
5. Wonderland (Taylor’s Version)
Claiming its spot in the top five, “Wonderland” maintains its title as one of the best songs on the album. Swift’s mature voice brings new emotion to the song showing how easily one can get caught up in a relationship and forget about the reality waiting for them. The chorus lines, “We found Wonderland, you and I got lost in it/ And we pretended it could last forever (Eh, eh)/ We found Wonderland, you and I got lost in it/ And life was never worse but never better (Eh, eh)” plays on the fictional universe, highlighting how Swift and her partner believed that their thrilling relationship would never end.
6. I Wish You Would (Taylor’s Version)
Another upbeat song, “I Wish You Would” follows the prospect of Swift getting back together with Styles. Although the relationship was never perfect, Swift describes it with the lyrics, “We’re a crooked love in a straight line down/ Makes you wanna run and hide/ Then it makes you turn right back around,” the type of love she wishes would continue on. “I Wish You Would” has always been the perfect song to release all the feelings of that one relationship that could have been.
7. Clean (Taylor’s Version)
Interpreted as having various meanings, such as beating drug addiction, “Clean” acts as one of Swift’s most personal songs talking about overcoming struggles and hardships. Whether it connects to one listener more deeply than another, there is nothing more empowering than singing the line “I think I am finally clean” and really feeling it, no matter what the context is.
8. You Are in Love (Taylor’s Version)
One of Swift’s most underrated songs, “You Are In Love” brings the concept of love to life with the personal lyrics used. Describing a friends-to-lovers relationship, this song makes me think about the little things in a relationship, that in the end are the most valuable moments. The lines “You can hear it in the silence (Silence), silence (Silence), you/ You feel it on the way home (Way home), way home (Way home), you/ You can see it with the lights out (Lights out), lights out (Lights out)/ You are in love, true love, you are in love” epitomize all that love is about; sometimes it is not the crazy but rather comfortable version of yourself who you are only with alongside that special someone.
9. Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar) (Taylor’s Version) [Deluxe]
Swift and Kendrick Lamar reunited to re-record this song, bringing “Bad Blood” to another level. This rendition shows off the growth in both artists from when the original was recorded, both voices blending to bring this hip-hop song to fans’ hearts once again. The darker approach this song takes is a preview of what is to come once Swift re-records her record-breaking album, Reputation.
10. This Love (Taylor’s Version)
Released prior to the rest of the album, “This Love” depicts a true, realistic love. Though it has its ups and downs, love brings people back together after everything. The song follows a relationship that has ended and later reunites, which is evident in the lines “This love came back to me.” Similar to “You Are In Love,” these songs spotlight realistic aspects of everyday love, making the songs much more personal for listeners.
11. Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
Shocking fans with its exposing lyrics, “Is It Over Now?” follows what is believed to be the aftermath of Swift and Styles’ breakup. Giving both fanbases deeper insight into what went down in the relationship, the catchy song hints at infidelity and other events documented during the pair’s relationship. The lyric “Your new girl is my clone” parallels Styles’ lyrics from his song “From the Dining Table,” saying “Woke up the girl who looked just like you/ I almost said your name.” While listeners delve into the deeper meanings hidden in this song, there is no doubt they will also be singing along.
12. Say Don’t Go (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
Only Swift can pull the most heart-wrenching song with an upbeat tone out of her back pocket. “Say Don’t Go” observes a star-crossed love that would never work out, much to Swift’s dismay. Despite her lyrics, “I’ve known it from the very start/ We’re a shot in the darkest dark” Swift holds hope that her partner will not give up on their relationship. However, by the end of the song, it is evident Swift’s dedication is one-sided with the lines, “I would stay forever if you say, ‘Don’t go’/ But you won’t.” This song immediately ranks as one of her best vault tracks, matching the one-sided yearning found in many of her songs.
13. Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)
The luckiest spot in the Swiftie universe for the luckiest song, no explanation needed.
14. Style (Taylor’s Version)
A classic song for fans all over, “Style” conveys the story of a messier relationship that never ends, as the pair always seems to go back to each other. The title is rumored to hint about her relationship at the time with Styles, though it has never been confirmed. Nonetheless, while the new version of this song lacks some of the passion present in the original, it will never not be a favorite.
15. S*ut! (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
Prior to hearing this song, I truly had no idea what to expect. At first, I expected the bold title to be similar to tracks from her album, Reputation. However, this dreamy pop song is the complete opposite. Nodding to her haters, Swift sings about being in love despite knowing she will receive backlash. She addresses this with the lines, “And if they call me a s*ut (if they call me a s*ut)/ You know it might be worth it for once (worth it for once).” “S*ut!” is a surprising addition that I will definitely play on repeat.
16. Blank Space (Taylor’s Version)
Another acknowledgment to her haters, Swift uses “Blank Space” to delve into the “drama queen” the media makes her out to be, and the result? Another hit. From the clever lyrics feeding into the public’s views on her to her amazing vocals, “Blank Space” is one of Swift’s most popular songs from the album, and for good reason.
17. All You Had to Do Was Stay (Taylor’s Version)
Similar to the majority of the songs on her album, Midnights, this track came to Swift in the midst of a dream, and fans are forever grateful. A staple for anyone finally realizing their worth over an ex, this song is one of the best to get in that mood. With the unparalleled lyrics, “People like you always want back/ The love they pushed aside/ But people like me are gone forever/ When you say goodbye,” you will never feel better at looking back at that one relationship, realizing it was them who made the wrong mistake.
18. Welcome to New York (Taylor’s Version)
The perfect soundtrack for any New York City lover, this song puts any listener into the best mood. The uplifting beat and use of claps throughout the song make it the perfect opening track for the album, getting listeners into the respective 1989 era. The lyrics, “It’s a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat, beat/ Forevermore/ The lights are so bright, but they never blind me, me” help share Swift’s perspective with fans and the excitement in her voice only adds to making this the perfect way to start off the album.
19. How You Get The Girl (Taylor’s Version)
The most ironic song on the album, “How You Get The Girl” serves as a guide for winning over the one you want. Along with this, Swift makes subtle references to the rom-com-worthy action of standing in the rain for a girl, with the lyrics “Stand there like a ghost shaking from the rain, rain/ She’ll open up the door and say, ‘Are you insane?’” Often overlooked, the romantic song not only has a captivating beat, but Swift also provides useful, though comical, romantic advice.
20. Shake it Off (Taylor’s Version)
Ultimately one of the most successful songs from the original release, “Shake It Off” helped establish Swift’s transition from country to pop music. Now, in the re-recording, Swift brings back the beloved song with just as much sass as she tells listeners that she does not give thought to the negative things people say about her, and rather she “shakes them off.” “Shake It Off” has earned a spot in not only Swifties’ hearts, but for many other listeners it is a go-to song to forget about the haters.
21. Suburban Legends (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
Last but in no way the least is “Suburban Legends.” The slower beat and metaphors throughout this song build the story of a complex relationship that Swift imagined several times would repair itself. Like “Say Don’t Go” this song has a Midnights feel, leaving the 1989 pop feel behind for a gradual build as the song continues on. “Suburban Legends” is simply a song meant for a different era, making it the last on the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) ranking.
