I didn't think to do one of these for Fearless (tv) or Red (tv), I guess because the majority of songs weren't new to me, but on reflection I wish I did. Reviewing songs you've loved for over a decade holds even more truth and value to me, and noting the differences between the versions I've known so well for so long and the newbies is always a fun task. Before I go any further, I feel the need to state the awareness I have that these are purely personal opinions, and express my complete lack of judgement of those with the opposite views! In fact, I love the discussions that follow these posts, when my friends/family/readers tell me how wrong I am and that my bottom ranked track is their all time fave. My best friend Lauryn actually managed to change my mind completely about several of my rankings in my Harry's House Album Review. I also love absolutely every single Taylor song, even my least favourites, so if I talk negatively in relation to any track/ lyric/ album, I still think it's better than anything any other artist has ever wrote! ;) (hehe). With that out of the way, Speak Now is an album I've loved and known like the back of my hand since my childhood, but as Taylor has continued to release perfect album after perfect album since then, it has fallen down my (ever-changing) ranking of favourite Taylor albums to the bottom half. However, it holds some of my favourite Taylor songs of all time. Enchanted was the first non-single Taylor song I properly listened to (thanks to one of my childhood best friends), Sparks Fly is arguably one of the most captivating (iykyk) and endorphin loaded songs in her discography, Last Kiss (especially as a Joe Jonas stan) remains forever a holy experience and Dear John is the song I regard as her best of all time. If This Was a Movie was also included in this 'top tier' batch, but as you may already know, Taylor's given that one the boot for her version. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's the album as a whole I don't tend to gravitate towards these days, but the handful I favour remain in my daily rotation. So here I am, ready to revisit Speak Now and meet the vault tracks! I wonder how these opinions and feelings may vary with Taylor's Version! Ahhh!
Mine (Taylor's Version)
AHHHH! This is so similar in all of the most important ways! It has the same atmosphere as the original, just clearer. It's incredible how close her vocals do echo her original record and maintain the hopefulness of youth that so perfectly fits the feeling of the song, whilst still sounding polished and improved. Lyrically this has always been such an underrated song, with fantastic storytelling. The bridge! The journey you go on with her during that 3 minutes and 52 seconds. A beautifully written opener for her entirely self written album.
Rating: 8.5/10
Favourite Lyric: You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter
Sparks Fly (Taylor's Version)
Sparks Fly is in my top 20 Taylor songs of all time. It just really elevates me whenever it comes on, and I never get bored of it. It's such an exciting, whirlwind song, which perfectly reflects the meaning of it- about a risky, whirlwind crush that probably isn't right for you but god, does it feel exciting to chase. You really get caught up in that feeling and her message comes across so brilliantly in this song. I also love the history of it, and how this rerecord isn't the second version we know of Sparks Fly, but in fact the 3rd. It takes the pressure off a bit, as we already know its magic can't be dimmed by slight changes. It's perfectly named as it truly is loaded with charisma, just like how Taylor describes the subject of this song. When the chorus hits with 'drop everything now', I truly do... I'm captivated by Sparks Fly baby
Rating: 9/10
Favourite Lyric: The way you move is like a full on rainstorm, and I'm a house of cards
Back To December (Taylor's Version)
This song was originally incredibly beautiful, and this version even more so. The new mixing and clarity of the re-recording suits this delicate, layered song so well, just like how Treacherous and Begin Again really shone even brighter on Taylor's Version of Red. You can identify each instrument and appreciate it in a way you couldn't before. It's not just the sound of this song that is beautiful though, its fragility, vulnerability and story telling has always had me engaged and in awe. Yes, it may be known as Taylor's first apology song, but it's so much more than that. It's a deeply personal and pretty much perfect track, with one hell of a bridge!
Rating: 9/10
Favourite Lyric: It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
or
You gave me roses and I left them there to die
Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
My favourite thing about this track is how Taylor has managed to perfectly re-capture the playfulness and youthfulness that is so present and alive in the original. For me, this songs strength is found in its innocently portrayed attitude. That's what makes it for me, and that's what I listen to it for. I was nervous that even a small element of that might be lost here in Taylor's Version, but wow... that "don't you" before the second chorus confirmed that everything was going to be just fine. It's still funny to me that this song is the title track, because the message and meaning behind the song is completely different to the message and meaning behind the album name. My final rating score for this song does get bumped up by one, as it's one I thought was so fun, listened to and loved a lot when I was younger, even though I rarely ever opt to specifically play this track now. Also the Speak Now wedding performance from the speak now world tour?! You will always be famous.
Rating: 7/10
Favourite Lyric: horrified looks from everyone in the room but I'm only looking at you
Dear John (Taylor's Version)
I am not ashamed to admit I cried listening to Dear John (Taylor's Version) for the first time. It's obviously hard hitting, Taylor herself recently branded this song the most scathing in her repertoire. But most importantly, it's my favourite song of all time. And it's been rerecorded bloody perfectly. How could I not cry! To know a song that holds so much meaning and importance to you, and has for over ten years, has not only not lost any of its raw, earth-shattering perfection, but actually just sounds clearer, and somehow loaded with even more significance (she was 32 whilst rerecording this, the same age as J*hn M**** was when he dated teenage Taylor), is just the most powerful type of overwhelming. And that's what's always fuelled this phenomenal song: pain, loss (of self, as well as who you thought they were) and devastating realisation. God, it's just such a damn good song. Sonically, lyrically, contextually. I will genuinely be forever grateful for its existence, my favourite song of all time.
Rating: 10/10
Favourite lyric: I'm shining like fireworks over your sad, empty town
Mean (Taylor's Version)
Though slightly less yeehaw, the new Mean still has the same hearty feel for me. It's a song I often sing loudly over because how could you not, it's the anti-bullying anthem. If you haven't been able to strongly relate to this at some point in your life, lucky you! It's a song that has been there for so many people and I'm so glad that now, thanks to Taylor's Version, more people will find comfort in it just like I did. The perfect song for when you're a little too pissed off to simply 'Shake It Off'. I'm also forever inspired by her ability to acknowledge and explore why this person may be this way ('I bet you got pushed around, somebody made you cold, but that cycle ends right now 'cause you can't lead me down that road'), without dismissing her right to her own pain in the process. She's so strong even whilst exploring her vulnerabilities and seeing the fuller picture. Obsessed with hearing 'drunk and grumbling on about how I can't sing' with her vocals stronger than ever! Effortless. She was thriving when this was originally released but now... I'm emotional just thinking about it! Living in a big old city? Check. Big enough so you can't hit her? Check. Sucks to be the subject of this song! Never underestimate or ridicule the talent of Taylor Swift.
Rating: 8.5/10
Favourite Lyric: You have pointed out my flaws again as if I don't already see them
The Story Of Us (Taylor's Version)
I'm really going to expose myself with this one. Ever since I was a kid and first heard this album, I've been a secret The Story Of Us skipper. I know it like the back of my hand, and the song itself is fantastic, but there's something about that original recording that agitates my brain on some weird, unexplainable level. I've tried so hard over the years to try and pinpoint exactly what sound it is I hate about the original album version of the song, but because the mastering of speak now is a bit clumped together and all over the place, I've never been able to pick it out. It's so weird, but even the very first time I listened to it, there's something, some instrument, some sound, that my brain just... rejects? It makes me feel uncomfortable! I've not had this with any other Taylor song ever! I used to sit there as a kid, oblivious that not everyone else was feeling this way too, and thinking, how could she put this out when something is just so OFF! As I previously mentioned, I love the song itself, so I'd watch the BBC radio live performance of it like, all the time. And I was obsessed with the Speak Now world tour version, too! After all these years I still haven't figured out exactly why I dislike that version so much, but Bonny from Chats and Reacts mentioned recently that she hadn't really fathomed the song before due to a similar thing, and she thinks it's due to the mixing, something about the levels all being wrong, with certain instruments volumes being jumpy and inconsistent. I'd never thought of that before, and the more I think about it, the more I reckon she's right... It's like all of the instruments are at the front of the mix and at full volume and there's just no blend. ANYWAY, you can imagine the unexpected joy I felt as I clicked play on Taylor's Version and my brain was like... WAIT, THIS IS SO GOOD. Whatever evil was lurking in the original recording of that song has finally left us. The Story Of Us has been successfully exorcised. Maybe that's why this album took so long... and it was well worth the wait. Goodbye, Satan! Now, we live in peace.
Rating: 8/10
Favourite Lyric: you held your pride like you should've held me
Never Grow Up (Taylor's Version)
My comparison to the original version of this song might not be that good, as I've truly barely listened to this song. It's absolutely beautiful, it just hits too close to home for me. I have never wanted to grow up, I absolutely loved being a kid and spent my teen years trying to hold on to childhood as much as possible. Now I'm an adult, I see that embracing your inner child is a healthy thing to do, and holding onto childlike wonder and awe, and those *silly* things that you want to do, but aren't very 'grown up and realistic' is a real key to happiness at any age. It's something I've always thought a lot about and feel strongly about. Therefore, the themes of this song make me feel so much. I think 'I just realised everything I have is someday gonna be gone' is the saddest Taylor Swift lyric for me. Listening to it for the first time in years was just as healing as it was hard. Knowing that Taylor was around my age and feeling the same feelings as I feel, and that same yearning for things to be simpler and easier again makes me feel so validated. It's a beautiful song, capturing such a bittersweet, reflective feeling. I honestly cry every time I hear her say 'Wish I'd never grown up, I could still be little'. Probably one of the most precious Taylor songs to me, even though sometimes I can't listen to it!
Rating: 8.5/10
Favourite Lyric: Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Enchanted (Taylor's Version)
This is another song that greatly benefits from the clarity of the rerecords. It's got such beautiful and enchanting (hehe) production. I don't know if it's all down to the increased quality of the rerecords but I also feel the build is even better on Taylor's Version, and of course so much of the magic of this song is in it's incredible build. This song is so well written, it's lyrically perfect and it's undeniable. The amount of times I've played this song and it's just been the perfect soundtrack to my life in that moment and captures all the magic in the feeling of meeting someone incredible... I remember once I went to a party and met this guy that was just, amazing to teenage me and I put this song on whilst lying in bed after the party and as she sang the line 'the lingering question kept me up, 2am, who do you love?' I checked the time and it was in fact 2am and I was in fact wondering that exact thing. This song is magical, what can I say! It's everything that made me fall in love with Taylor, her very real and relatable emotions and her way of being so raw, dramatic and unashamed of those feelings.
Rating: 9/10
Favourite Lyric: The playful conversation starts, counter all your quick remarks like passing notes in secrecy
Better Than Revenge (Taylor's Version)
I don't even know where to start with this one. The LYRIC CHANGE? I know a lot of people aren't happy with her changing things, but I for one won't judge anything she changes with the rerecords as she'll only change things that she feels strongly about. I personally think the change from 'she's better known for the things that she does on the mattress' to 'he was a moth to the flame, she was holding the matches' was needed and is something she can feel good about. Not only is it lyrically a lot smarter and generally a better fit, it also puts some accountability on the man, which is something the old version of this song was lacking in hindsight. I also don't judge Taylor for the original version of this song at all. She was a teenager and I myself have gone through a similar phase of being immature with relationships and unaware of the internalised misogyny that society pumps out, especially in the 2010s, which was when this originally came out. 'I was 18 when I wrote that. That's the age you are when you think someone can actually take your boyfriend. Then you grow up' - Taylor 2014. We just have to acknowledge that and grow, which is exactly what she has done. By hating the changed lyric, you're not allowing her that very necessary room to grow. I do totally get how people couldn't adjust to the change, though. I'm sure we all accidentally sing the original line now and then, we've lived with that version for over ten years. So yeah, the new version is superior. It feels even punchier and I love how emphasised the distorted backing vocals are now, so unhinged which is exactly what this song is! Also, this song is entirely Joe Jonas' fault because he wrote Much Better.
Rating: 8.5/10
Favourite Lyric: She's better known for the...just kidding.
She thinks I'm psycho 'cause I like to rhyme her name with things
Innocent (Taylor's Version)
This song has some really interesting themes flickered throughout it, we know it's aimed at Kanye after the VMA situation, but it's the sub-themes that intrigue me. The pre-chorus' in particular echo themes of yearning for childhood, reminiscent of Never Grow Up, which feels like it's coming from Taylor herself and her struggles at the time rather than a direct reference to KW. Doesn't 'Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days? always a bigger bed to crawl into, Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything and everybody believed in you?' feel so personal to Taylor after hearing her exploration of exactly this on Never Grow Up? Also the lyric '32 and still growing up now' shows her sympathy for the hardships of being an adult, and the pressure of responsibility that she discloses being so overwhelming for her at the time in Never Grow Up. It also has a great feel of general forgiveness, not just forgiveness specific to him. Castles Crumbling (which we shall get to later!) furthers this. It's very clear that around the same time as the Kanye situation, she was being extremely hard on herself and judging herself though a very unflattering lens. It would explain why she was so quick to give Kanye the get-out-of-jail-free card if she herself was struggling with low self esteem. Lyrics such as 'every one of us has messed up too' and 'lost your balance on a tight rope, it's never too late to get it back' point to Taylor giving Kanye the forgiveness she herself would like receive. Time has shown that maybe some of this complete understanding and forgiveness towards Kanye was misdirected, and should have gone to herself. It's a song with a very strong message that no one is perfect and growing up is hard, we all make mistakes and our mistakes and mis-steps don't define us. I think, whether she knew it or not, she was not just writing a song about Kanye, she was writing a song that was reassuring her on these things, too. She was writing the song that she needed to hear. She was writing what we all need to hear sometimes, and to dismiss it because of what followed in regards to specifically Kanye, you're denying yourself of some top tier Taylor Swift acceptance and advice.
Rating: 7.5/10
Favourite Lyric: Wasn't it easier in your firefly catching days? when everything out of reach someone bigger brought down to you
Haunted (Taylor's Version)
The intense violin that kept me from listening to this song in recent years is finally mixed into the track a lot more seamlessly!!! I loved the dramatics of this production as a teenager with heightened emotions, but found it to be a bit too much for casual listening, so the changes made to Taylor's Version are perfection. I'm obsessed with the bass and guitars I can now hear clearly, and the new effects on the vocals. It's really matured this song in my opinion. This, along with The Story Of Us, are the most improved songs on this album for me, everything I loved about this song as a teen remains, it's just much more cohesive- we love a dramatic moment, but the original was more halloween than angst. Her mature, lower vocals in this are soooo impressive. Such an improvement all round. Whoever mixed it this time round, ily!
Rating: 8/10
Favourite Lyric: He will try to take away my pain, and he just might make me smile but the whole time I'm wishing it was you instead
Last Kiss (Taylor's Version)
This song is one of Taylor's absolute best breakup songs. Definitely top 5. It sounds like heartbreak. The arrangement of instruments it's just so painfully perfect. It's just complete sadness, that's what this song captures. In the music and lyrics. Taylor's Version has even clearer production but other than that it's such an accurate rerecording which I appreciate greatly in such a meaningful song. The 27 second intro that pays homage to the 27 second phone call? The BRIDGE?! One of the best bridges in her discography.
Rating: 9.5/10
Favourite Lyric: You can plan for a change in the weather and time, but I never planned on you changing your mind
Long Live (Taylor's Version)
I think this song will forever mean so much within the fan base, as it's a song Taylor wrote for her people: her band and her fans. If you get it, you get it. The re-record is of course absolutely perfect, it had to be, it means so much to everyone involved. The fact it's now her bandmates that she wrote this for playing on the actual track is a huge plus for Taylor's Version. Superior. The emotion has duplicated, because this song only means more the more time goes by. So much has changed, but this hasn't. The bridge. The bridge. I'm emotional every time. 'May these memories break our fall' is :') and gets a special mention here because it's a close 2nd to my favourite lyric that I'll write under the rating.
Rating: 9/10 (of course it's a 10/10 emotionally tho)
Favourite Lyric: If you have children someday, when they point to the pictures, please tell 'em my name, tell them how the crowd went wild, tell them how I hope they shine
Ours (Taylor's Version)
I've always loved this song. It's so sweet and wholesome. None of that has changed with Taylor's Version. It feels reassuring, like a safe hug. That feeling perfectly aligns with the lyrical content, as she does often on this album. 'Don't you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine' is a line I use to uplift in many a context, not just within the romantic context of this song. I also have always loved the music video for this song, and that little story line very much stays in my mind when listening to it, even now. Iconic that she parodies the US Office (one of mine and Taylor's favourite TV shows) in the behind the scenes. I just love so much about the world that Ours creates. You know when people say 'they don't have a bad bone in their body' about people? That's how I feel about this song... if that makes any sense to anyone else! hahaha
Rating: 8.5/10
Favourite Lyric: Elevator buttons and morning air, strangers' silence makes me want to take the stairs, if you were here we'd laugh about their vacant stares but right now, my time is theirs
Superman (Taylor's Version)
Superman is one of my least played Taylor Swift songs in general, which is funny because it's not a bad song by any means, just Taylor Swift is so good that even her (for me, at least) 'duds' are decent songs with elements of great sprinkled throughout. My favourite part of Superman has always been and still remains the bridge, especially the second half that starts 'right here wishing the flowers were from you'. I just love the stripped back shift that ultimately leads to a fantastic build into the final chorus. Now I'm paying particular attention to the song in a way I haven't in years, I think I can pin point my lack of love for it in the lyrics and overall message of the song. It's very childlike, which in the right context is not an insult, but knowing it's about the same man she wrote Dear John for (a song that details her mistreatment at the hands of an emotionally abusive ex, and therefore a real loss of that innocence and childlike 'blind optimism') really gives this young-hearted, all adoring song for him a tragic and slightly dark undertone that I can't seem to shake. Like watching the 'happy' part of a movie you know ends really badly. Like seeing your friend fall for a guy you know is bad news. Like rewatching the La La Land cast celebrating their Best Picture Oscar and just waiting for the realisation to hit. This, and the way she paints herself very strongly as the inferior, the lesser in this relationship... He's superman and she just waits at home for him. 'I watch superman fly away, You've got a busy day today, go save the world, I'll be around, forever and ever', 'I'm lovestruck and looking out the window, don't forget where I'll be', Sickening! Know your worth, Tay!
Rating: 6.5/10
Favourite Lyric: He's got his mothers eyes, his fathers ambition
Electric Touch
This was my least favourite on first listen (and the title I was least drawn to when the vault first got announced) but it is growing on me slightly. I really love that Taylor featured Fall Out Boy and Hayley Williams on these vault tracks to reflect her biggest inspirations at the time of making Speak Now. I think that's a really cool way to pick who features and feels really authentic and special. I haven't particularly liked anything Fall Out Boy has put out in quite a long time (who cares when their earlier albums feature such bangers, though) so I wasn't expecting to love their feature on this. When I first heard it, I honestly thought it would be one I'd choose to skip, but now, depending on my mood, I might keep it on. Please bare in mind, my brutal honesty comes from a place of want for accurate representation of my first impressions, so I can truly see the change in my opinions when I look back. It might be on repeat one day, you never know with Taylor Swift songs!
Rating: 6/10
Favourite Lyric: I've got my money on things ending badly, got a history of stories ending sadly
When Emma Falls in Love
This song has such lovely chords and happy production. We know it's about one of Taylor's closest friends and oh my goodness, can you imagine being painted in such a gorgeous light? and at the hand of Taylor Swift?! She's the kind of book that you can't put down and this song is the kind of song I can't stop singing!! It's such a flattering but real depiction of Emma, and the way Taylor links in her own feelings and how she learns from Emma? Beautiful, beautiful song. I can't quite believe this one was ever left in the vault.
Rating: 8/10
Favourite Lyric: Little miss sunshine always thinks it's gonna rain, when Emma falls in love that boy will never be the same
I Can See You
This song is so cool, especially for Speak Now, which is a very whimsical, raw and enchanting album. The production is my absolute favourite thing about it, and it's got me craving to hear more Taylor songs with a similar sound. I think it suits her in such a surprising way, and her lower register is gorgeous. The i-i-i-i's are so smart, immediately reminiscent of the start of the album (mine) but with less innocence, like a cool older sister version. When listening to this song for the first time, it felt so satisfying- she goes exactly where you want her to with the melodies and drama of it all. Though lyrically, it's not quite as intricate and clever as the rest of the album, it doesn't need to be. It suits the meaning of the song well (once again Speak Now sounds just like the story of the song feels!!!) and is just so effortless. I also want to talk about the music video as it is possibly the best thing my eyes have ever seen. I know this is a bold claim, especially when All Too Well 10 and LWYMMD exists, but I think it might be my favourite Taylor Swift video ever. TAYLOR LAUTNER (her ex, who Back To December is about) JOEY KING AND PRESLEY CASH (the girls who were being picked on in the Mean music video back in 2011) BREAKING SPEAK NOW TAYLOR OUT OF THE VAULT??? THE MUSEUM FULL OF SPEAK NOW CLOTHES AND ARTEFACTS??? THE HEARTBROKEN LAST LOOK TAYLOR GIVES BEFORE SHE JUMPS IN THE CAR KNOWING HER PAST IS GOING DOWN IN FLAMES??? I will never ever get over the significance of this video. Iconic. Who knew the vault was holding such a bop.
Rating: 9/10
Favourite Lyric: I spend my time trying not to feel it
Castles Crumbling
First things first, the Hayley feature! I've been a fan of Paramore since my early teens and Hayley's vocals are some of the absolute best in the biz. Her voice is able to perfectly capture the emotion this song needs, so despite many people saying they wanted to hear more of her range than Castles Crumbling has to offer, I think she was a perfect choice for this song. Would have loved to hear her take a chorus as well but totally understand that the song is so personal to Taylor therefore her singing the chorus' holds a lot of meaning. Obviously I've touched on the topic of this song already whilst talking about 'Innocent', so you already know this song is likely to be yet another reference to the VMA situation. A few years ago she mentioned in an interview that she thought the crowd was booing her for getting the award instead of Beyonce, not booing Kanye. This song seems to directly fit into how she felt in that moment, evident in lyrics such as 'they used to cheer when they saw my face' and 'people look at me like I'm a monster, now they're screaming at the palace front gates, used to chant my name, now they're screaming that they hate me'. The emotion in her voice when she repeats 'I never wanted you to hate me' with her quivering vocal. It really is a clever song, with the castle metaphor linking directly back to the main themes on Fearless (which is the album she was accepting the award for and the era she was in). Hearing how Taylor felt when she wrote this song is absolutely heartbreaking. It also is the flip side of the coin to Long Live, a song written about her band and fans in the Fearless era and about how their legacy will live on no matter what the 'cynics raged'. It's such an interesting insight to know she also at times felt like this, such a huge contrast to the empowered, confident Taylor on Long Live. It's reassuring in a way to know even your hero struggles with severe self doubt, but in the end it's Long Live that ended up on the original Speak Now album, so her strength conquered over all. That's an inspiring message to me, that she can feel both these extremes so strongly but ultimately chooses to hold onto the good. Just because someone is embracing the best of things, doesn't mean they don't still feel the bad.
Rating: 8/10
Favourite Lyric: I sit here alone behind walls of regret, falling down like promises that I never kept
Foolish One
This song parallels so well with Superman, the delusion she references slipping into ('wishful thoughts forget to mention when something's really not right' 'I will block out these voices of reason in my head' 'cause when my head is on your shoulder, it starts thinking you'll come around and maybe someday when we're older, this is something we'll laugh about') is essentially what the entirety of Superman is about. Other lyric parallels include 'you smile and say how are you and I say 'just fine'' and 'I know how to act like I'm fine', 'I hope you don't save some other girl, don't forget about me' and 'you got her on your arms and me in the wings', 'right here wishing the flowers were from you, wishing the card was from you, wishing the call was from you' and 'you haven't written me or called ... Stop checking your mailbox for confessions of love that ain't ever gonna come', 'You've got a busy day today, go save the world, I'll be around... when you come back down' and 'chances are tonight you've already got plans and chances are I'll talk myself to sleep again'. One big difference between this song and Superman is that I love this song a lot more. It lyrically gives me so much than Superman does, but that makes sense seen as superman is written from her daydream delusions that couldn't have had much depth. I love the melodies of this song and how well she encapures that feeling of being delusional about an unhealthy relationship in a very light way, whilst still getting the very strong message of slow realisation throughout the songs progression across perfectly. What an amazing concept for a song, showing her thought process from being a delusional 'foolish one' to someone finally admitting the truth and 'learning her lesson' at the end of the 5 minutes.
Rating: 8/10
Favourite Lyric: My cards are on the table, yours are in your hand
chances are tonight you already have plans
and chances are I will talk myself to sleep again
Timeless
This is one of my favourite songs from the Speak Now Vault. It was love at first listen, it took me on such a journey the first time I ever pressed play on this track and I knew it would be a favourite from the first line. As a songwriter, I'm in awe of the story telling on this song. Honestly, just listen to it. If you've just ignored me and not gone to listen to it, then I'll sum up the magical journey that is timeless for you as briefly as possible. In the verses she talks about objects she finds in an antique shop and the stories they tell, in the pre chorus' she links it to her love interest and then in each chorus she describes how she imagines her love would've been with said love interest in each era the object is from. It's such a beautiful and genius concept for a love song. I also love that we both have (very different haha) songs about second hand shops and how they relate to our personal lives, even if in opposite ways (I'm talking about my song Second Hand Shop from my new album Voice Recordings which I'll write a post about soon I promise!). It makes me feel really connected to Taylor on a songwriting wavelength which means a lot to me, even if it's a small link! Ending on the strongest vault song lyrically is so Speak Now of her... and the RHYTHM of the lyrics is so addictive, paired with the prettiest melody that truly feels so nostalgic somehow (suiting the songs theme perfectly, yet AGAIN!!!). Another small thing, but the way she says 'age old classic' is so charismatic I smile every time I hear it. I love this song, it's just so perfectly Taylor Swift.
Rating: 9.5/10
Favourite Lyric: Down the block there's an antique shop and something in my head said 'stop', so I walked in
And that is Speak Now Taylor's Version! It's built on what was already a phenomenal album with vault tracks that fit perfectly into the world of Speak Now. The biggest improvement with Taylor's Version is definitely the production and mixing of these songs. It's taken the magic and made it ten times clearer. It's changed my relationship with both The Story Of Us and Haunted, the former of which was *lowkey* unlistenable for me with it's previous production and mixing. Just like Taylor says herself in the album booklets prologue, it's a difficult album that documents some really uncomfortable transitions, criticisms, heartaches in a period of lots of change; the end of her teenage years. Yet she channeled into so much beauty and some of her very best songs, and that is for sure her superpower.
Favourite Song: Dear John
Least favourite song: Superman
Better than my favourite rerecording (RED)? No, RED (tv) is my everything
Better than Fearless Taylor's Version? I'm not sure... it's pretty equal rn!
Song that made me cry: Never Grow Up (sobbed) and Dear John (I was so relieved it was so perfectly done and held the same emotion as the original)
Song that made me dance: Better Than Revenge
Song that I'm most likely to skip: Superman and Electric Touch
Most relatable: oooh, nothing stuck out as relatable to me right now in particular, though so many of these songs have felt like diary entries for me over the years. Right now I'll say Never Grow Up, Timeless and Mine. I've just realised upon hearing the rerecordings how Ours is also relatable to certain things I've been through in the last few years as well! Thats the magic of the rerecordings for you :)
✨Album Rating: 7.9/10✨
Just wanted to come on here and say that I work out the final album rating mathematically by just calculating the mean of all my individual song ratings because it's simply too hard to rate a Taylor Swift album as a whole. They'd all be 10/10s hahahaha. Hope you've enjoyed this review, my longest one yet as this album has 22 tracks! If you made it this far, drop a comment below!
All my love
0 comments