Taylor Swift: ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ – Album Review
Taylor Swift released her second re-recorded album, Red (Taylor’s Version). Listen to reimagined new record here.
Known for being one of the best “breakup” albums, Red (Taylor’s Version) is 30 tracks filled with heartbreak. Similar to Fearless (Taylor’s Version), this album includes the original tracks as well as nine songs from the vault. While the vocals may be more mature, the emotion and heartache you feel when listening is the same if not stronger.
The vault songs this time around include a track with CMA male vocalist of the year, Chris Stapleton, Swift’s version of “Better Man”, and “Babe”. Up first is “Better Man”. You may recognize the song from Little Big Town who released the single in 2017 as part of their album The Breaker. Since it was left off the original Red album in 2012, Swift decided it should be heard and gave it to Little Big Town. Written by the Pennsylvania native, it won song of the year at the 2017 CMA Awards as well as a GRAMMY for Best County Duo\Group Performance. From adding the London Contemporary Orchestra to the acoustics and the emotional vocals, Swift put her own spin on it and certainly reminded us why it’s award-winning.
Next up is “Babe” which you know from Sugarland’s recording in 2018 where Swift accompanied the duo with her background vocals. Written by Swift and Pat Monahan, the singer-songwriter again made the version unique. Speeding up the tempo, adding the line “what about your promises” before the first verse, and handling the vocals all on her own without backup, she showcases her talent of seamlessly mixing genres.
Bringing it back to her country roots with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, “I Bet You Think About Me” features award-winning artist Chris Stapleton. Written by Lori McKenna and Swift, it fits the breakup theme as it’s filled with shade towards an ex. Stapleton’s role may be minor as he comes in on the chorus but it is certainly impactful. The two vocals blend together flawlessly making the perfect duo.
Overall, Red (Taylor’s Version) may have been her album transitioning away from country music, but she reminded us where she started. We can’t wait to see what other country collaborations she may have in store!
Taylor Swift’s reimagined version of her album ‘Red’ is out now.
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Red (Taylor’s Version) is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix
