Taylor Swift has been all the rage lately. Ever since her album “Midnights” was released on Oct. 21, 2022, she has been all over social media nonstop. Shortly after, Taylor announced her second stadium tour “The Eras Tour” on Nov. 1, 2022. Her fans were ecstatic, paying hundreds to thousands of dollars for tickets.
At her first Nashville Tennessee show on May 5, 2023, she announced that her third re-recorded album, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” would be released on July 7, 2023. She did it once again at the SoFi Stadium on Aug. 9, 2023, announcing the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”. Many are anticipating this release, but why? What’s so exciting about these old albums being re-recorded, and why have fans stayed listening to her so long to hear them?
When asked, West Albany students and teachers had unique perspectives on the singer and her albums.
WW: What first drew you into Taylor’s music? What’s so compelling about her work that made you continue to listen to her?
English Teacher, Krissy Rasmussen: I guess I have listened to her since her first Tim McGraw song. It was just very nostalgic for me …I listen to her older [country] music because it brings me back to when I was in my teens
WW: How much influence do you feel she has over our culture?
Freshman, Paige Morse: A lot …If she does something, everyone will see it. No matter if you are about her or not, you will hear about it from someone.
WW: How do you feel about the new album, “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” and why do you think people are so excited for it?
Junior, Nox Raveling: I feel very excited about it and I think other people like it [too] and are generally excited when there’s a new Taylor’s Version out because it benefits her a lot.
WW: What does the term (Taylor’s Version) mean in her albums?
Sophomore, Lydia Conn: “She’s rerecording it, reclaiming her own music.”
English Teacher, Krissy Rasmussen: “Saying Taylor’s Version is like saying ‘this is my money, my editing, my everything’ on it.”
People enjoyed “1989” because of the change in the music and style when she transitioned to pop. It makes fans equally excited to hear the new (Taylor’s Version), especially because it is more personal, and the proceeds can go directly to her.
Taylor puts (Taylor’s Version) in her albums to show that’s it’s her music. She re-records them in the present time so that the sound and title are different, and so she is the one gaining from their success.
Some people have listened to Taylor Swift since her first album, while some have just recently started listening to her. People start to listen to her for many reasons, and continue to listen because she is easy to relate to. “I just relate to a lot of her songs, it’s hard not to.” Conn said.
Even if you don’t listen to her you are bound to hear stuff revolving around her on social media, the halls, peers, and everywhere else.
