The world’s biggest pop superstar has outdone herself… again. Taylor Swift smashed not one, but two Spotify records with the release of the long-awaited 1989 (Taylor’s Version) on October 27. The album dethroned Swift’s Midnights as the most streamed album in a day and Swift overtook herself to become the most listened to artist in a day, too. Plus, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) skyrocketed to the top of music charts in 18 different countries, over 250,000 copies were sold on release day alone, and Swift became the first artist in history to occupy the top six spots on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Talk about an impact!
1989 (Taylor’s Version) not only benefits from more matured vocals and an overall sleeker production thanks to her good ol’ friend, Jack Antonoff. However, the addition of five never before heard vault tracks is what ultimately sets the album apart from its predecessor that was released over nine years ago. Below is my comprehensive ranking of the vault tracks, but beware! This list may be controversial to the biggest fans since I’m well aware of how not everyone in the FHS Swiftie community agrees with my hot takes.
#5. Suburban Legends
Initial thoughts: It’s cute. It’s fun. It’s short and sweet. Nothing super special, though.
Standout lyric: I had the fantasy that maybe our mismatched star signs would surprise the whole school
Track rating: 7/10
#4. “Slut!”
Initial thoughts: I had high hopes for this one considering its spicy title. Yes, I was a bit underwhelmed by how low-key the song is, but no, that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. It’s just not the next So It Goes… to me (100% BEST SONG ON REP).
Standout lyric: In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman
Track rating: 7.5/10
#3. Say Don’t Go
Initial thoughts: A bit too similar to Clean at first, this track progressively gets more enjoyable after each listen. Oh, and the chorus slaps! There’s no other way to word it.
Standout lyric: Why’d you have to lead me on? Why’d you have to twist the knife? Walk away and leave me bleedin’, bleedin’?
Track rating: 8/10
#2. Now That We Don’t Talk
Initial thoughts: As Swift’s shortest song in her entire discography, this one sure packs a punch! I love the snarky lyrics towards the end and the Bejeweled-esque sound to this one.
Standout lyric: I don’t have to pretend I like acid rock/Or that I’d like to be on a mega yacht
Track rating: 8.5/10
#1. Is It Over Now?
Initial thoughts: This isn’t just Swift’s best vault track from 1989. It might be one of her best songs ever written.
Standout lyric: THE ENTIRE BRIDGE. I mean, just look at it:
And did you think I didn’t see you?
There were flashin’ lights
At least I had the decency
To keep my nights out of sight
Only rumors ’bout my hips and thighs
And my whispered sighs
Oh, Lord, I think about jumpin’
Off of very tall somethings
Just to see you come runnin’
And say the one thing I’ve been wanting, but no
Track rating: 10/10
In conclusion, the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) vault has no skips and could be considered the strongest across her four re-recordings. I will be furious if Is It Over Now? doesn’t go down in Swiftstory as a masterpiece, too. And finally, I thank you for reading, dear reader. Now please stream New Romantics (Taylor’s Version) as much as possible since it deserves to be Ms. Swift’s next lead single.
