Breaker of records, and maker of history, genre-fluid music superstar Taylor Swift's tussle for control over her previous catalogs of music has been widely publicized, with most industry insiders agreeing that the artist should own their music. Swift's first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and reputation were sold under her nose, and her answer to the unfair sale was simple. She decided to re-record all these albums and reclaim ownership on her own work.
The release of Fearless (Taylor's Version) proved that the music doyen was on the right path, with her sophomore album breaking records all the way in 2021. As fans wait with bated breath for the surprise drops and Easter eggs that are so characteristic of Taylor, here's a list of her most anticipated re-recorded tracks to pore over.
Wildest Dreams
Taylor's extremely successful venture into 1980s inspired synth-pop, Grammy-winning 1989 birthed iconic hits which continue to appear on charts and are instant hits at parties, almost seven years later. "Wildest Dreams," the dreamy, wistful ballad to an almost-ex lover was special: it was set to the beat of Taylor's own heartbeat and featured an uncharacteristic vocal style which was loved by fans.
This dream-pop track is one of the most anticipated tracks by fans and was even recently heard on Netflix's Bridgerton, albeit in an instrumental string form. The chance of a whole new video for the song is also keeping fans on tenterhooks.
Delicate
A notable Track 5 off of reputation, Taylor's sixth studio album, "Delicate" is a sweetly vulnerable song, which describes the singer's insecurities about a reputation built by the media, and how that may affect her blooming romance with a potential partner.
In an otherwise darker album, the track offered signature Taylor Swift romance and intimacy, letting fans into her inner world after years of absence from the public eye. Fans are eager to listen to re-recorded vocoded lyrics and the gentle pop of "Delicate."
Teardrops On My Guitar
This one helped launch Taylor Swift into the stratosphere, a certified star. An early masterpiece, this single from her eponymous debut gave listeners a glimpse into the vivid images she painted with her words. Her heart-wrenching lyrics about unrequited love and teenage heartbreak resonated with people all around the world.
Swifties around the world await "Teardrops On My Guitar (Taylor's Version)" with bated breath, to relive young Swift's lyricism and to see how it would sound with her more mature, skilled vocals right now.
I Knew You Were Trouble
A career-defining song, this single from the unanimously critically acclaimed Red gave fans a peek into the future of Taylor's discography when it was released in 2012. The energetic track about a toxic relationship and all the missed red flags was produced very differently from other Swift tracks: it was heavily dub-step and electro-pop inspired, and it was really good.
Along with hearing songs where it's just Taylor and her guitar, fans also want to hear, again, the song that marked the beginnings of a pop queen.
Our Song
One of young Taylor's most evocative songs, fans can't wait to hear the poetic lyrics of this earworm again, sung and owned by an older, wiser Taylor Swift. "Our Song" continues to be a much-loved track from the debut album, which makes it a top contender for re-recorded listening.
The storytelling of a budding relationship between teenagers who sneak around their parents, the little things that makes their love special, along with her nostalgic country production — what's not to love.
Dear John
A songwriter who wears her heart on her sleeve, much of Taylor Swift's discography is autobiographical. This particular song beautifully captures her dynamic with a singer who is in the name of the song and holds him accountable for her treatment at his hands.
"Dear John" is a bit of a guilty pleasure for many Swift fans, and they can't wait to hear the familiar twang of the guitar and Swift's revelatory lyrics she wrote at 19 and relive her measured vocals and all the emotions in the track.
Dress
A rare saucy track by Taylor off of the more recent reputation, Dress caught the attention of many Swifties who had now grown up, and happy to hear Taylor handling slightly more adult subject matters beyond fairytale love.
Taylor's breathy vocals, the steamy lyrics, the subtle synth-pop production... everybody wants to hear Taylor's version ASAP.
Style
Few songs and songwriters achieve the cult-like status that Swift's funk-pop-rock track achieved. Often heralded as the best track off of Grammy-winning 1989, through "Style," Taylor sings about an on-again, off-again relationship both parties can't help but return to — an instantly recognizable milestone in every young person's life.
The iconic dance number is most eagerly awaited by lovers of 1989.
All Too Well
Widely hailed as the greatest song made by Taylor Swift ever, Red's lyrical masterpiece is inarguably the one song every single fan wants to hear re-recorded. Add to that the mythical ten-minute version of the ballad which Swift has kept hidden away, Red era fans now have renewed hope of listening to the extended version of the magnum opus, recorded and produced.
It's safe to say that fans will remember the re-recorded version all too well.
Vault Songs
Besides the struggle to right the wrong that Swift experienced regarding the ownership of her masters, the most exciting part of the new Taylor's Version albums are the Vault Songs. Taylor Swift is known to write at feverish paces and has many a song locked away in her proverbial vault which haven't seen the light of day.
The legendary singer is making these songs available to her loyal fanbase with the release of each album, and what could drive fans into a frenzy more than brand new Taylor music from every era? Nobody can calm down.