With part 1 with the original album tracks, now it turns to the bonus and vault songs. I wasn’t sure what to expect from them, especially with two more collaborations with heavier artists! It’s a long time since I’ve been a proper fan of Fall Out Boy or Paramore but I was expecting a pop-rock sound on their tracks. Let’s jump straight into Speak Now Taylor’s Version part 2, the review!
Ours
It’s never been one of my favourites (very sickly sweet) and I don’t think this new version will change my mind much. It sounds similar but with better vocals and production, yet it’s sort of just there for me. I don’t hate it by any stretch but it’s not one that I adore either. I don’t know why but it’s always felt quite juvenile compared to the rest of the album. Just my personal opinion, of course!
Superman
This one definitely sounds pop-rockier! Again, it’s never been a favourite of mine but I like it more than Ours (If This Was a Movie was the best added track from the OG Speak Now). It definitely feels like it could’ve been huge about a decade earlier (it’s giving 00s American rom-com vibes). Again, the production feels a bit extra, which makes me enjoy the song more.
Electric Touch (featuring Fall Out Boy)
Now this one feels like it should be in a 00s teen drama show, like The OC or One Tree Hill! I was expecting it to be a little heavier with Fall Out Boy being featured. However, I did like their addition. I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of theirs anymore (I was at one point) but it gives the song another dimension. They get more vocal time than any other featured artist has had before too!
When Emma Falls In Love
As soon as this song started, all I could think of was Drops of Jupiter in the melody (it might just be me). It definitely grew on me as the song went on. I really enjoyed the lyrics on this and it seems very relatable to most young girls/women. How does Taylor have a way of writing songs about her life but they’re so applicable to you as the listener?!
I Can See You
Well, that was funkier than I was expecting! I don’t think there’s a song in her back catalogue with that sort of sound! The lyrics are certainly risque for Taylor at that time so I can only assume her label didn’t want this on the original album! I love sassy Taylor, it’s a treat and a little unexpected on this re-record! I’d love to know who this song was written about!
Castles Crumbling (featuring Hayley Williams)
I don’t know what I was expecting but a ballad wasn’t it! This was definitely written around the time of the Kanye incident when everyone went after her in the media. Again, I was once a fan of Paramore but my music tastes have changed since then (I’ll be listening to them before the Eras tour though). Hayley and Taylor’s voices blend beautifully together though. Taylor loves a good metaphor, doesn’t she?
Foolish One
I liked it with the guitar before the beat kicked in (just didn’t think it was necessary). The lyrics on this one felt like a trip down memory lane. This would’ve been up there for me as a favourite if it was on the original album. Definitely had me feeling all of the feels from back in the day! If it was made into a ballad, I’d have loved it even more!
Timeless
Now we’re talking, an old-school ballad. It’s giving Mary’s Song from her debut but a newer version. She just has such a talent for telling a story with her lyrics, whether they’re real-life or not. The lyrics here are some of the best she’s written for this album. How didn’t it make the final cut the first time around? Probably my favourite vault track from Speak Now.
Final thoughts
I’m not as sold on the Vault tracks as I was on Fearless, but they seem better than the ones on Red thus far. As a whole, Speak Now Taylor’s Version is probably the re-record that’s been changed the least.
Whilst I love it in some places, it would’ve been nice to hear properly updated versions of some songs, just my opinion. It’s not overtaken Fearless as my favourite TV but it’s up there with Red!
Speak Now Taylor’s Version part 2 was a look at the bonus/vault tracks. For part 1, you’ll find the original album tracks. If you enjoyed this review of Speak Now Taylor’s Version part 2, be sure to check out my other reviews of her re-records. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!
