Happy Red (TV) Day! I’ll start off by saying full disclosure, this is my favourite Taylor album and one of my favourite albums of all time. Similar to the reviews I did of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) part one and two, this will follow the same format with Red Taylor’s Version part 1 and 2. Today’s post will focus on the sixteen songs on the original album before part 2 focuses on the extras, bonus tracks and new additions.
This album was first released back in 2012 when I had just started uni. I’d had a whirlwind summer romance, was pretty heartbroken but was ready for new opportunities. I ended up meeting a nice guy at uni who turned out to be a total flake. You know when an album just fits at the right time. Red is that for me. It’s the best album as a whole piece of music for me.
These reviews are upon first listen so I’m sure they’ll change as I listen more. This is going to be my soundtrack between now and Christmas completely. Here’s Red Taylor’s Version part 1!
State of Grace
Probably my favourite opening track of hers. This new version suits her more mature vocals moreso than ever. Lyrically, it’s beautiful still.
Red
I’m so please she kept this one country. This is one I’ve always sung at the top of my lungs and today is no different. I’ve always thought the lyrics would sound great as a ballad but it’s juxtaposed with a happy tune.
Treacherous
One of the most underrated Swift songs for me. I am obsessed with these lyrics since I first heard them. I’ve always loved how it starts off soft and beautiful before sweeping into the dramatic. ‘Put your lips close to mine, as long as they don’t touch’ has always been a fave lyric of mine.
I Knew You Were Trouble
Now to one of my least faves, it’s always been too boppy for me. It’s got more of a 1989 vibe. Her vocals sound better on this updated version with a bit more power in her voice.
All Too Well
Here we go, the most heartbreaking of all. Wow, this hits differently when you’re older and have experienced the highs and lows of love. ‘I’d like to be my old self again but I’m still trying to find it’ sums up my life over the past couple of years.
22
Oh, to be young and 22 again, singing this song with all my friends when they reach the age. Can she write a song called 30 now? The acoustic guitars stand out much more now and I love it! This one feels a lot more nostalgic than I thought it would, bringing back a lot of old memories.
I Almost Do
I listened to this on repeat when it was released after that summer romance and cried my way through it. The added guitars on it now lift it to another level! Gosh, we’re only a few songs in and I’m already too emotional!
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Needing a break from the ballads, WANEGBT still sounds light-hearted and fun! However, I’m not crazy for the background vocals on this one. The ‘WEEEEEE’s in the chorus are a bit too annoying.
Stay Stay Stay
I’ve always liked this songs but thought it sounded a bit too sickly sweet. With Taylor maturing, it now sounds more like she’s having a flashback to fun times with an ex.
The Last Time (featuring Gary Lightbody)
For some reason, the piano opening has always sounded haunting to me. I’ve been a huge fan of the harmonies in this one because they’re a bit unusual, especially for Taylor. I love the tug of war between Gary and Taylor on the vocals yet they blend lovely together!
Holy Ground
Okay, this sounds even better now! I’ve always loved the beat behind Holy Ground as it feels unexpected. It sounds so retro but that’s probably why I love it so much!
Sad Beautiful Tragic
I’ve no idea why I didn’t like this song for years, probably because I didn’t really understand it! ‘You’ve got your demons and darling, they all look like me’ hits differently now. Probably one of my favourite lyrically now, it sounded so beyond her years the first time!
The Lucky One
I guess I never really understood this one originally but now you can tell its irony. It feels very relevant when celebrities seem to be more famous than ever, the #MeToo movement and recently, Britney’s conservatorship. Also, the background vocals and harmonies are stunning!
Everything Has Changed (featuring Ed Sheeran)
I’ll start by saying I’m not an Ed fan anymore (loved his first album and that’s about it). Ed’s vocals sound so much better now though! I’ve always thought this song was just two friends jamming in the studio and then going, ‘Oh, that sounds good, shall we record it?’. They have such complementary voices too.
Starlight
It’s not a fan favourite but I’ve always loved it and its happiness! Again, the background vocals sound so much clearer now too. It’s one of the few Taylor songs you can dance to so I always make the most of it! I just love the ‘swept away and in the moment’ vibes about this song.
Begin Again
This song definitely relates more now I’m older, thinking about changing for a guy previously when you should always just be yourself. Been there, done that. I’ve always loved the gentle vibes of Begin Again but now it feels like it builds up a bit more.
Wow, I need a few minutes to compose myself before part 2! Where are my Swifties at? If you enjoyed the review of Red Taylor’s Version part 1, you can find part 2 here! Let’s chat on Twitter about our love for Red!
