I think I’ve heard this song before and it got better: a look into ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’
Written by Jenesy Gabrielle Burkett
At this point, we’ve all heard about Taylor Swift’s most recent album, the re-release of “Red.” But why is she re-releasing her albums in the first place? Like many artists, Swift does not own her masters, which is the official recording of a song. When she signed her record deal at age 15, she signed with Big Machine Records for six studio albums (“Taylor Swift,” “Fearless,” “Speak Now,” “Red,” “1989” and “Reputation”). This means that Taylor Swift did not have control over how, when or to whom her masters could be sold. However, this contract also stated that five years after the release, if she chose, she could re-record and release these albums.
Which is exactly what she’s doing. “Red” has been one of the most anticipated re-releases, as it is arguably her best written album (second maybe to “Folklore”). It has a 10-minute version of “All Too Well” (which even drops an f-bomb) and has long been a fan favorite album. The original album runs at 1 hour and 4 minutes with 16 tracks. The deluxe version runs at 1 hour and 30 minutes with 22 tracks. “Red (Taylor’s Version)” (Red TV) runs at 2 hours and 10 minutes with 30 tracks. Both the original album and the deluxe album were released as country albums while “Red (TV)” was officially released as a pop album.
From the angry dance track of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” to the heartbreak ballads of “I Almost Do” and “All Too Well,” “Red” has long been the go-to heartbreak album of Taylor Swift fans. Over the last few months since Swift announced the re-release of “Red,” this album has been deemed the “sad girl autumn soundtrack,” inspired further by Swift releasing “All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn Version).”
“Red” is definitely setting a standard for what it means for Swift to revisit her previous albums. Part of the goal with these re-releases is for “Taylor’s Version” to be used as the default for any advertisements, movies and general listening.
Because of this, she doesn’t want to re-create the album. In fact, with the exception of the “Vault Tracks” and “Girl At Home,” most tracks on this album sounded almost identical to the originals. “Red (TV)” has nine songs plus “From The Vault” which includes the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” and three different collaborators. These tracks account for the additional 40 minutes on the album compared to the deluxe version, and they are something that fans are looking forward to on each re-release.
While a lot can be said for the stature and importance of this album, the most important thing is the soul-crushing weight of its lyrics. This album, when it was written, was a way for Taylor Swift to get through her heartbreak — channeling all her hurt, anger and grief into her music. This resulted in her arriving at rehearsal on her “Speak Now” tour and asking her band to play with her while she worked out all the emotions she was feeling working through a breakup. That day, they created the first version of “All Too Well,” a 10-minute explicit song. At the time, Swift and her team didn’t think a 10-minute song would sell. So, she cut it down to the 5-minute song many have held dear to their hearts for many years. All the while, fans knew that there was a 10-minute version of our favorite song out in the universe, just waiting for us to hear it.
And boy, oh, boy, have we heard it. The original “All Too Well” has held the title of the crown-jewel of Swift’s discography, and the 10-minute version is here to take its place. Where the original was about heartbreak, the 10-minute version is a greater statement to the grief of a breakup and all the emotion that comes with that. It is sad, much like the original, while pulling on anger, denial and bargaining, all very natural parts of the grieving process.
The 10-minute song takes the heartbreaking emotion of the 5-minute version and brings a sharp edge with lines like “And I was never good at telling jokes, but the punch line goes, ‘I’ll get older, but your lovers stay my age.’” It’s safe to say Swift didn’t hold any punches with this song, and thank goodness she didn’t. Because not only did we get a new heartbreak anthem, but we also got a short-film written and directed by Taylor Swift starring Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink.
“Red (TV)” allows Taylor Swift to reclaim ownership of her music while bringing listeners on a journey of denial, acceptance and ultimately growth. Whether you’ve held this album near and dear to your heart for the last nine years or you are just finding your way to it, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” is for anyone looking for comradery in heartbreak, strength in lyrics or just loves a good sad song.
