Whether it’s re-recorded songs or new releases, Taylor Swift knows exactly how to bring her fans together. Earlier this year, she announced the re-recording of her highest grossing album “1989” at her world famous “Eras Tour”. This tour has been one of the most hit events this past year — with over 2 million in attendance, and it’s no doubt it will continue to succeed throughout 2024. 

1989 is definitely, without question, a fan favorite. It is her most commercially successful album, breaking multiple records such as selling over 1.3 million copies in its debut week, spending 11 weeks as No. 1 on Billboards 200 chart, AND yielded three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Blank Space,” “Shake It Off,” and “Bad Blood (ft. Kendrick Lamar).” But the real question is, is the re-recorded version of the album really worth the hype? 

It is certain that the original album was definitely a fan favorite, but many believe that her voice is now much more mature. Fans are going crazy over how the songs on the album seem “slower” and “don’t bring the energy” as much as they did back in 2014. 

The controversy on this album has been a trending topic ever since last week when it received 176 million streams the day of release. Many chose to entirely ignore the re-records and only listen to the “From the Vault” tracks, which were the songs that got cut from the final 16 songs on the album when it was released in 2014. While on the other hand, many adore the maturity in her voice and prefer the re-recorded version. 

Listening to this album and writing this story made me realize my stance on this album and how it affects how I feel about 1989, Taylor’s Version. In my perspective, there are a few songs that highlight the maturation in her voice creating a noticeable transformation, but the majority of the songs amplify the growth in her vocals, making them even more captivating. There is no doubt that she will achieve even greater success and shatter many more records to come.

WORKS CITED 

https://www.theshorthorn.com/life_and_entertainment/