Friday, November 12, 2021 was a monumental day for Taylor Swift fans worldwide. Swift released her re-recorded version of her award winning album “Red” circa 2012. Red (Taylors Version) dropped at midnight and Swifties all across the globe are marveling in its glory. The new album features the same colorful and playful essence as the original, but it has a more meaningful message behind it.

The teenage sensation signed to Big Machine Records in 2005 at the mere age of 15. However, her contract with Big Machine recently ended. Soon after she released a re-recorded version of her album Fearless leaving fans wondering why she recorded her cult classic albums.

In 2019, Swift discovered that Big Machine Records sold all rights to her music to well known record executive Scooter Braun. Swift was devastated by Big Machine’s actions, and more importantly hurt over the fact she did not have the rights to her work. Swift wanted to gain back her ownership of the treasured albums. But how? In true Swift fashion, she re-recorded them and added “Taylors Version” as a witty comeback regarding the situation with Braun.

After all her hard work attempting to rebrand herself, in April of 2021, Swift released Fearless (Taylors Version). Fans marveled over how the star was able to bring back the same detailed emotion as she once displayed in 2009. Swifties admired the new album so much that they craved more! In September of 2021, Swift announced Red (Taylors Version) would be released on November 12. As a huge fan, I am so excited to say that the day has come and Swift has done it again!

Red (Taylors Version) features her 20 songs featured on the original Red, and 10 never heard songs from the vault! Let me say that Red (Taylors Version) has captured the same nostalgia it did back in 2012. “Stay Stay Stay” still features the simple light-hearted and playful tune as it did so many years ago. Same thing goes with the hit song “22”. But if you are interested in more angry heartbreak songs “We Are Never Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” are perfect options. In a mood to cry? “Ronan” and “Everything Has Changed ft. Ed Sheeran” are definitely the best pair for you. To say Swift has hit it out of the park with these classic songs is an understatement, but does the same go for the songs from the vault?

In the magnificent track that is Red (Taylors Version), Swift does not only give us 10 new songs from the vault, but collabs from the vault with the incredibly gifted Phoebe Bridgers, Ed Sheeran and Chris Stapleton. “Nothing New ft. Phoebe Bridgers” was definitely one of the fans most anticipated songs. It captures the essence of growing up and is guaranteed to make you feel all the emotions. Bridgers and Swifts voices blend together so beautifully and their styles mix together so well.

However, the singer’s most awaited track was definitely the beloved “All Too Well.” Swift not only released the regular version, but a whole 10 minute version and a short film starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’brien. “All Too Well” is about Swift’s toxic relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The song will make you cry, laugh, smile, and fume. It is arguably one of my favorite songs on not only the track, but of all time. I also enjoyed “Forever Winter” and “Think about Me.” The songs from the vault are so brilliant, it makes me wish she had released them in 2012!

I have been growing up with Taylor Swift since her Fearless days. Whether it was performing her songs to my family, dancing to it, or simply just listening, she has always been there for me and my fans. Swift has always been one of my inspirations and I am honored that I got to experience my childhood all over again with the new “Taylors Version” albums. Red (Taylors Version) and the “All Too Well Short” film are available on all streaming platforms, and I encourage Swift fans to give it a listen.