"Love Story (Taylor's Version)": A Ballad by Taylor Swift For Taylor Swift

Officially opening the vaults containing both old and new songs, Taylor Swift released “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” the first single of the highly anticipated re-recording of her 2008 album Fearless. Swift appeared on Good Morning America to share the news with fans but took to social media to reveal the release date in what fans see as the most Taylor Swift way — a cryptic message. April 9th has come to be the suggested release date as fans put together the letters capitalized by Taylor in a note via social media. While much can be added into the discourse regarding Swift’s back catalog and those who once acquired it, it would do no justice to add to the narrative and turn a blind eye as to why her soon-to-be-released re-recorded and new music is already resonating with fans. 

In a time where most, if not all, people are forced to simultaneously confront their past, present, and future, it seems as though Swift is right there alongside fans as they dive through the same weighted motions. Releasing “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” it feels like Swift is throwing listeners a small bread crumb that will soon lead to a trail of possible new revelations within the music as far as lyrics and production go. The distinction of how Swift’s voice has changed since the original release of Fearless is clear. Sonically, Taylor’s Version gives more warmth and delicateness, especially to the lyrics. As she sings about finding love and officially claiming it for what it is, the re-recorded song takes on a different tone than the original. Singing about youth and simply taking things for what they are in a single instant, it feels as though she’s speaking about her younger self and her fans as they were younger rather than two individuals in a romantic relationship. There is a universal connection between growing up with others and being able to relate to one another’s experience. In the re-recorded version of “Love Story,” that sentiment is there, gracefully sitting right next to the one of everyone being able to reconnect with their younger selves, which I don’t think is a dynamic that is reflected on within music too often. I believe that listeners and Swift both benefit very strongly from these and is a massive reason as to why she is the prominent artist in the industry she is today. Moving forward, fans, and I think most others watching and listening, are eager to see how Taylor Swift officially being in charge of her own narrative and all of her music can influence current and future creative decisions.