I finished the TV of Red today. I’m feeling the time crunch. Only a couple more weeks of September and then her new album will be coming out. I think the Taylor’s Versions are slowing me down. But from what I understand, there’s only one more. For 1989. After that it’s all her originals, I believe.
So, here are my general thoughts about this one. They’re very similar to the other TV’s. However, this one had a lot more songs! There were 30, and the TV of Speak Now only had 22. Not complaining though! A lot of the vault tracks were really good. I mean, all the songs are good, but these vault tracks were definitely something special and even tear-jerking—Ronan, am I right?
Again, the re-recorded songs sound much…clearer? I don’t know the word for it. I mentioned before that it’s almost like listening in high definition versus standard. Still a noticeable difference in her voice. Deeper, more mature. That difference is the most obvious in “I Knew You Were Trouble”. I kept going back and forth and listening to specific lines from each version. I like it better though. I’ve come to like the TV’s better than the originals.
I had already listened to the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” prior to starting this, but with this one, I listened to the whole TV of the shorter version. With the other songs (except the vault tracks), I only listened to the first minute or so. I’m trying to save time and speed things along so I can get them all finished before October 3rd. I created a new rule for myself though! If “All Too Well” comes up on any playlist I put it on, I will not skip over it. It is a masterpiece and deserves to be played in its entirety, every time. Also, let me add, that I’m sure Jake Gyllenhaal wishes this was the only version she released and not the whole 10-minutes worth of a gut punch that she released later. With this, I listened without following along with the lyrics on the screen. I’m determined to learn the lyrics by heart.
One side note before getting to the vault tracks, the song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” makes me think of the movie ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ every time I hear it. It’s one of my favorite movies and I can’t hear this song now without thinking of the Bellas singing it at David Cross’ house during the “I dated John Mayer” category.
Also, quick question, did the people she did duets with also re-record the songs? Did they come back and help her?
Now onto the vault tracks…
17. The Moment I Knew—Expectation, anticipation-very powerful music during the chorus, deep, cello? Something with strings? “Something really wrong” Did he break her heart or did something really happen to him? How sad! The tears in front of everybody. Why do guys keep hurting her?! (Assuming it’s about her). “Happy birthday to you” Is this about Jake again? “I’m sorry too”. Yep, it’s over now.
18. Come Back…Be Here— A fling? Someone who lies far away or travels a lot? Being on tour and meeting someone? I like this. Reminds me of being away at college when I first met my husband. We were in different cities and I only saw him on the weekends.
19. Girl At Home—Interesting! Good person! She’s been hurt by affairs, she’s not going to be the reason another girl is heartbroken by the guy. Based on general experiences or someone in particular? I like the sound of the music on this one. Are those synthesizers?!
20. State of Grace (acoustic version)—Much, much slower-changes the feeling and tone of it. I prefer the faster paced version, though it definitely works both ways. Reminds me when Glee would put their own spin on songs, either slowing them down or speeding them up.
21. Ronan—I know the story before listening, Swifties told me and I read the book, I’m ready. “You were my best 4 years” that’s when the tears started. Good Lord this is tough to get through! Please let the next song be a happy one! FYI-my husband was sitting next to me in the backyard while I listened. He looked at me funny and I explained. He’s used to me crying at movies and shows.
22. Better Man—“And I see the permanent damage you did to me”, “I know the bravest thing I ever did was run”. Not a man, but when I broke away from my old career and my old life, a lot of these lines were true for me too. “And it was always on your terms…”, “Talkin’ down to me like I’d always be around”. Except I don’t miss what I left. “And I gave to you my best and we both know you can’t say that”. SO many lines I relate to.
23. Nothing New (featuring Phoebe Bridgers)—Oh! Calling out the hypocrisy! This is very raw and vulnerable of her to share her feelings like this. “Ingenue”—big, smart word that I barely know the meaning of! “How did I go from growing up to breaking down?” Damn! That’s powerful! I thought she was talking about her fame and popularity at first, but I see it’s about men and relationships. “Once they drive me out”. Is it about both?
24. Babe—“No one else” Obviously he cheated. “And that’s on you, babe”, “You really blew this, babe”. Such an upbeat song for basically telling someone they f’d up, but! It makes it sound like she’s ok now with breaking up with him. It hurt, but it was all on him.
25. Message in a Bottle—“Freckles and bright eyes”? Who is that? “Replaying your laughter”, “Disaster”? Were they working together? I like the sound and tempo. “How is it in London?” Is this about Ed Sheeran? I thought they were just really good friends?
26. I Bet You Think About Me (featuring Chris Stapleton)—I like the sound of their voices together. Kind of, it is what it is kind of vibe. Very snarky-“Do you have all the space that you need?” Did he say he needed space? Lol! She’s kind of sympathetic toward him. Aw, poor baby is going to be miserable for all those reasons. “Chasing make-believe status”, “indie music, organic shoes, million dollar couch”? Who?! LOVE the ending! Damn right she wrote a song about you!
27. Forever Winter—I like the pace of the lyrics. “All the time I didn’t know you were breaking down”, “He’ll decide to leave instead”—depression? Suicide? “Too young to know it gets better”. I want to tell my younger self so badly that it will get better! If this is about talking someone out of suicide this is incredibly powerful and an amazing way to use her platform. Things like this need awareness. Check on your friends! Amazing way to end the song! “Believe in one thing, I won’t go away.”
28. Run (featuring Ed Sheeran)—The chain around the throat… interesting imagery. Is this two people needing to just run away and be together? Having a hard time? “The note from the locket…” Ah! The chain is a necklace. “Go where no one else is, run”. I feel like that sometimes. So people are trying to tear them apart.
29. The Very First Night—I like the tempo. Hotel, note on Polaroid picture? Are those good memories? I assume so. “Danced in the kitchen” She did that in “All Too Well” with Jake. This song sounds too happy memory-ish to be about him.
30. All Too Well (10-minute version)—I’ve already analyzed this, so I watched the short film instead. And first of all, I’m a big fan of Stranger Things and I love Sadie Sink. That scene in the kitchen, such gaslighting! This is really good! Omg! The end with him wearing her scarf watching her! (Also, side note, I saw that it was Dylan O’Brien who played the boyfriend in this and for a moment, I couldn’t remember if he was the guy from The Maze Runner or The Giver. Google confirms he’s from The Maze Runner, but it would have been cool if he was from The Giver, since Taylor had a small part in that movie.
Whew! That was a lot of songs to get through! But they were all worth the time it took to really process them.
Starting 1989 next!
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