Following part 1 earlier, I wanted to separate it into two blog posts. The second half is all about the bonus songs, from the vault tracks and a couple of collaborations thrown in for good measure! Keep reading for Red Taylor’s Version part 2.
The Moment I Knew
Another underrated one because it’s terribly sad. I always felt like this was the fallout from Enchanted on Speak Now. It’s still as sad as it ever was, possibly more when you think about how crappy men have treated Taylor in the past!
Come Back… Be Here
I love how this is a sad song lyrically but musically, it’s not ballady (not a word, I know). This was one of the songs I had on repeat back in the day after every break-up (I clearly don’t handle them well). It’s another song that builds gradually, which are always right up my street!
Girl at Home
I don’t care what people say, it’s one of her best and deserved a spot on the standard album. Actually, all three bonus tracks did for me! The production on this new version is certainly different. It certainly sounds funkier (yes, the word is making a comeback) but I’m not sure it’s my sort of thing, just sounds too modern to me. Now I sound old. This song will always remind me of certain guys during my life, several in fact!
State of Grace (Acoustic Version)
Taylor does acoustic so well, I’d love for her to record every song acoustically and have a huge compilation of them! I know she’s not the best powerhouse vocallist out there but she does soft vocals so well and well, she can write lyrics like very few others.
Ronan
Here we go with the Vault songs then. God, Ronan will never not be a tearjerker when you know the story behind it. Okay, I’m a mess. The fact that she’s used the words of Ronan’s mother and turned them into lyrics with a Taylor stamp and given Ronan’s mother an album credit is just incredible!
Better Man
I’m a big Little Big Town fan but always love to hear original versions of songs. I can see why it didn’t make the original Red album but it would’ve been great on Fearless. The harmonies on it are beautiful too. More country please, Taylor!
Nothing New (featuring Phoebe Bridgers)
I know nothing about Phoebe Bridgers so this is the first time I’ve heard her voice. I’m sad I’ve not listened to her before now, what a beautiful voice! Her’s and Taylor’s complement each other so well. I’m going to say that this song wasn’t on the original album because it references drinking, which wasn’t part of Taylor’s image back then!
Babe
Since first hearing the Sugarland version, I was so suprised that this didn’t make the Red album the first time around. It has Taylor’s stamp all over it! I’ve no idea why people aren’t a fan of it when it fits the entire vibe of the album to a tee!
Message in a Bottle
Major 1989 vibes, rather than Red. I’m not sure it’s the production I was expecting, probably because I’m in the more country side of Taylor. I’d love to hear a slowed-down, acoustic version so I can listen to the lyrics properly.
I Bet You Think About Me (featuring Chris Stapleton)
It feels incredibly old-school, first album Taylor with the music and Chris’ voice is honestly one of the best in music right now. I just wish it was more of a duet, rather than him just doing background vocals!
Forever Winter
Ooh, some brass instruments! This could become a favourite of mine and another that I’m surprised didn’t make the album originally. I’d love to hear what it would’ve sounded like back in 2012 because I just think her vocals are so much better now!
Run (featuring Ed Sheeran)
I think I prefer this one to Everything Has Changed! This feels so light and fluffy but maybe too green for red (haha). Even though I’m not an Ed fan, there’s something about Taylor and his vocals together as well as being such good songwriters.
The Very First Night
Oh, this felt very Fearless, rather than Red. It sounds a bit too happy and naive for Red! This would’ve been a great single though as it’s a bit more upbeat than Taylor’s usual stuff. It’s not the worst but I’m not sure it’ll ever be a favourite of mine.
All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
So I took a few minutes break before going in with this one. Wow, I needed it. That was a moment. In a way, I’m glad it wasn’t on the original album because I think I’d have had a full meltdown back then. Now, it’s like a letter to music to the ex was a dick, albeit more eloquently than that. It just hits deeper than the shorter version.
As much as I love the Red album, I think the vault tracks on Fearless are better. Most of these feel like they should’ve been on Fearless rather than Red. Maybe they’ll be growers instead, who knows? Once again, I adore the collaborations and they are a real highlight. However, it’s so nice to hear this album again like it’s the first time but at a different point in my life.
Enjoyed Red Taylor’s Version part 2? You can find part 1 right here and then we can dissect it over on Twitter!
