The familiar sounds of Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” provide Swifties with both a sense of comfort and a ballad to cry to year-round, but as fall rolls around, the lyrics “autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place” are particularly fitting.
With a total of 30 songs on the new “Red” album, there’s something for everyone. Swift was able to make a nostalgic, well-loved album bigger and better.
Arguably the magnum opus of “Red”, “All Too Well” outlines a destructive relationship between the narrator and her manipulative partner. The extended version did not hold back; its lyrics are feisty and delve even deeper into the story Swift told the first time around.
Relatable or not, the song’s lyrics make it easy to visualize the manner of the relationship it depicts. It took a while for me to appreciate the length and the added storyline, but when I listened to the original 5-minute version again, it felt like something was missing. The short film, which was released alongside the full 10 minute version, captures the exact feelings the song describes, and serves as a great visualization of the problematic relationship the lyrics detail.
With the re-release came never before heard songs, known as songs “from the vault,” which I found to be a surprising mix of upbeat, poppy “Stay Stay Stay”- esque songs, and heart-wrenching “Sad Beautiful Tragic”-esque pieces. They’re catchy and fun, laced with Swift’s signature detailed lyricism.
The classics stayed classics; it was refreshing to hear that the songs that we first heard in 2012 stayed relatively the same, with a more mature voice. I think it’s safe to say that listeners of the classics such as “State of Grace” and “Starlight” will remain loyal, especially as the re-recorded version supports Swift rather than her former manager, Scooter Braun.
The first and only song that disappointed me from this album was “Holy Ground,” the original version of which I’m typically a fan of. While the song itself didn’t change in lyrics or length, its ubeat, driven vibe was missing. Maybe it’s a nostalgic factor that steers me away, but her voice just doesn’t carry the same spunk as the original.
This release set into motion anticipation for the next re-release to come, likely “Speak Now” or “1989”. For Jake Gyllenhaal’s sake, let’s hope it happens soon.
★★★★★★★★★★
Album cover courtesy of Taylor Swift.
