I’m Excited For Taylor Swift To Rerecord These Songs
After Scooter Braun did one of America’s Songwriting Queens wrong, we were fortunate enough to learn that Taylor Swift made big plans to rerecord all of her hits from her earlier albums. This means she will officially have ownership of her music without it belonging entirely to a mere man in the music industry.
I spent some time going back through her first six albums and besides the nostalgia, I also took pleasure in imagining how she plans to reinvent some of the greatest classics that made me a fan of hers in the first place. So, in her honor, I made a list of my favorite oldies that I’m excited for Taylor Swift to rerecord.
1. Tim McGraw
This was the first single that Taylor Swift ever graced her ears with. One of the biggest things about her recording old songs again that I’m stoked about is hearing her matured voice in place of her younger voice. I think this song would also sound amazing as a duet with Faith Hill. Hearing the two of them singing about Tim’s impact on their lives sounds like a beautiful thing to me. It might even put those Georgia stars to shame.
2. Picture To Burn
This song was the epitome of my teenage angst. I loved screaming to an invisible ex that I hated their stupid old pickup truck they never let me drive. Hearing this again, I’ll probably end up striking up a match on all my wasted time. Heartbreakers, beware! I’m most curious to see if Taylor Swift’s country accent will make its grand return on this track. Fingers crossed.
3. Fifteen
Taylor Swift has a fascination with numbers, especially the number 13. The number 15, however, has its own special significance. It’s one of her biggest hits and it tells the tale of discovering yourself in your teenage years. The way that Taylor sang “seven” on folklore seems to be a special preview for how she plans to approach “Fifteen” vocally. It’s a full-circle moment for her to sing the song at the age of 30, and I’m here for it all.
4. Love Story
When Taylor Swift came onto Good Morning, America, she mentioned that one of her favorites to redo was her breakout hit, “Love Story.” It’s the story of Romeo and Juliet with a rewritten ending fitting for any teenage tale. She claimed that she was excited to breathe fresh life into the track by improving on the songs vocally. I imagine that a slowed-down version on a lower register would be a brilliant idea. I can’t wait to hear it.
5. Long Live
One of my favorite things about the reputation stadium tour was the piano mashup of “Long Live” and “New Year’s Day.” I loved hearing an acoustic version of a song that she’s dedicated to her bandmates and fans. I’m hoping she does a piano version of it with some pretty harmonies she can add in like she did at her concert.
6. Haunted
This is my favorite song on the Speak Now album. The orchestral strings that play throughout and dramatic piano keys bring a new meaning to “Haunted.” One thing I hope she adds is the church bells she included in her concert from back in the day. Anything to make the song darker and creepier would be a huge plus.
7. Never Grow Up
Just like “Fifteen” and “seven,” I love when Taylor sings about a younger period of time. It’s an interesting perspective to have when you’re older. This is a beautiful song that encourages kids to enjoy their youth because it doesn’t last long. I can see this being a song that she sings to her future kids on an acoustic guitar. What a beautiful image that would be if it happened.
8. I Knew You Were Trouble.
Do you all remember the performance that Taylor Swift did in 2019 for the American Music Awards when she won Artist of the Decade? Of course you do. It was an unforgettable show with a darker performance of “I Knew You Were Trouble.” My hope is that she records this song in the same style she performed it in, especially with more high notes that showcase her vocal range.
9. All Too Well
Swifties everywhere fainted from shock after Taylor Swift revealed that the early version of the most emotional song from her Red album was originally ten minutes along. If she gave us more to the story, she could make an entire movie of a heartbreaking love story. So long as she keeps the bridge to this song, I’ll be happy to hear new verses to this masterpiece.
10. Holy Ground
In 2019, while promoting the brilliant Lover album, Taylor played “Holy Ground,” a fast-paced thriller, on piano at BBC Radio with the saddest sacred tone I’ve ever heard from her. It was such a different take of the song that I almost wished it replaced the original version. Maybe now I’ll get that wish.
11. Bad Blood
I’m ecstatic that Taylor Swift and Katy Perry have made amends, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love “Bad Blood” from 1989. Sure, this song was problematic since it put Perry on blast, but how cool would it be if Taylor and Katy sang a duet version of this? It would truly solidify their friendship and prove that they are once and for all over the entire shenanigan that made up their “feud” to begin with.
12. I Did Something Bad
As I mentioned earlier, Taylor performs some of her hits during her reputation stadium much differently than how they were recorded originally. One other example of this is her hit, “I Did Something Bad.” The bridge of the song is slowed down completely and she even changes the melody of it into something much more dramatic before the beat drops back to the chorus. I’m praying she does the same thing for the new release of it.
13. Getaway Car
There’s no other reason I’m excited for her to redo this song other than the fact that I hope she releases a music video for it. Fans were expecting her to do it the first time and were incredibly sad when she didn’t. I know I was. Anyway, I hope she reads this and knows that I, too, am a huge Swiftie!
Which Taylor Swift songs are you most excited to hear in the new recordings? Sound off in the comments section!
Featured Image Source: https://weheartit.com/entry/350875512?context_page=2&context_query=taylor+swift+folklore&context_type=search
Scott Hill is a former middle school educator and current poet with multiple self-published collections. He has a degree in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Houston and resides nearby where he can be seen tending to plants at his job, snuggling with his dog on the sofa, or spending time with loved ones. He enjoys whiskey and wine nights and loves writing about other poets, personal life experiences, mental health, food, and sometimes Taylor Swift. Feel free to follow him on Instagram @scotthillpoetry!