Taylor Swift released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” her third re-recorded studio album, on July 7 at midnight. The album features 16 songs from her 2010 album Speak Now and six songs from “From the Vault.”
Swift announced she would release the re-recorded album on the first night of her three nights in Nashville for the Eras Tour. The surprise song that night was “Sparks Fly,” a track from the original Speak Now album as an homage to the announcement.
After announcing the album re-recording, Swift posted a heartfelt letter to fans: “I always looked at this album as my album, and the lump in my throat expands to a quivering voice as I say this. Thanks to you, dear reader, it finally will be. I consider this music to be, along with your faith in me, the best thing that’s ever been mine.”
Both “Speak Now” and “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” are entirely self-written. “Speak Now” topped charts and received multi-platinum certifications in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, Speak Now sold one million copies within the first week of its release and received six times platinum. The album’s third single, “Mean,” received Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance awards at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012.
Fans speculated the re-recording of “Speak Now” through easter eggs in Swift’s music videos. In her “Bejeweled” music video, Swift entered an elevator with buttons representing each album. Swift selected a purple button, leading fans to believe “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” was coming soon.
“Better Than Revenge,” a song about a girl who stole her boyfriend, sparked debate among Swift’s fan community “Swifties.” In the original chorus, Swift said, “She’s only known for what she does on the mattress.”
As Swift matured to become more vocal about her feminist ideals, the lyric did not age well.
In “Better Than Revenge (Taylor’s Version)” Swift said, “He was a moth to the flame / She was holding the matches.” This lyric change sparked debate amongst fans on which of the two is morally and musically better.
Swift released six “From the Vault” songs that were written for the original album but did not make the cut. Swift included artists such as Hayley Williams and Fall Out Boy to give the tracks a more modern spin.
“Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” arguably has the best production of the “From the Vault” tracks. Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, the producers for the “From the Vault” tracks, included the 2010’s pop-rock aspect while keeping it sounding like a modern pop track.
“When Emma Falls in Love (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” is speculated to be about Emma Stone’s relationship with Kieran Culkin. Stone and Swift quickly became best friends in 2008, and Stone was one of the first to listen to Speak Now. The song follows a girl experiencing young love and how much being head over heels can turn someone’s world upside down.
“I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” puts forward that love worth chasing is also worth keeping a secret. Swift premiered the music video starring Joey King and Taylor Lautner on the first of three nights in Kansas City for the Eras Tour. She was spotted filming a music video in London with King between Eras Tour performances.
“Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” is about both stars growing up in the public eye. It is speculated that it references Swift’s drama with Kanye West at the VMAs, but it can be interpreted in many ways.
“Foolish One (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” is an ironic take on Swift’s own romanticism. The song reminds Swift not to place trust in just anyone that pursues her, and it can be a relatable song for many young women.
“Timeless (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” is a personal favorite. The song is an escapist fantasy that imagines love in different eras, such as a crowded street in 1944, to emphasize the two would have fallen in love no matter the circumstances.
Since releasing Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), Swift has been halfway through her re-recording journey. No one knows exactly when, but she plans to re-record “Taylor Swift, 1989” and “Reputation” in the near future.