Alyson Oliver
senior editor
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” evokes sepia-hued nostalgia.
“Fearless” was originally released as Taylor Swift’s sophomore album in 2008. The idea for a remake came after her previous record label was sold to Scooter Braun, along with the recordings of her older songs. Swift decided to revisit the songs independently, allowing her to make her own profits.
Thus, a re-recording of “Fearless” was released, along with six never-before-heard songs “from the vault.” Altogether, the 26-track album clocks in at an hour and 46 minutes.
Much of “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” is the same as the original record. Musical differences are scant and hard to pick out, but 13 years after the release of the original, the new version’s mix is modernized. The album has a fuller, more polished sound.
Swift’s voice, too, has undergone a clear evolution. Her performances sound effortless, those of a seasoned artist, coupled with a richer, smoother tone.
Revisiting the popular songs from “Fearless,” it’s clear they’re standouts for a reason.
“Love Story” retells Romeo and Juliet (“So I sneak out to the garden to see you / We keep quiet, ‘cause we’re dead if they knew”), taking listeners on a dynamic and lyrical journey. “White Horse” is packed with emotion, “Fifteen” evokes high school nostalgia and “You Belong With Me” is perfect to sing along and dance around to.
But the new songs are perhaps the highlight of the re-release.
“We Were Happy” is laid back and melancholy, and bittersweet “You All Over Me” sounds like a summer night. It features vivid lyrics (“With your hands in your pockets / And your ‘Don’t you wish you had me’ grin”) and an appearance by Maren Morris, whose voice pairs nicely with Swift’s.
“Mr. Perfectly Fine” is as fun as it is brutally honest. “Bye Bye Baby” is groovy, “That’s When” is ethereal and “Don’t You” changes things up by using lots of glowy synths.
Swift rallying her fanbase behind her for the release of this record has been an interesting phenomenon to watch. Foregoing the old version of “Fearless” for the new one feels like sticking it to the man without actually sticking it to the man, and it’s sure to spark conversations about fan culture and how people connect with and stand behind celebrities.
over 12 million copies. “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” is expected to top charts as well.
While some of the lyrics on the record didn’t age so well — for instance, the not-like-other-girls mentality in “You Belong With Me” — they show Swift’s growth as a storyteller and a person.
Some songs on the tracklist leave a bit more to be desired. They could use some more of the dynamic variation “Love Story” exhibits so well.
But overall, the record is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia in its audience. Older listeners may reflect on their own growth as well, as they think back on life 13 years ago, perhaps at a time when the record was a staple of their personal soundtrack.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated fan, if you’re looking to revisit Swift’s country roots or take a trip down memory lane, give “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” a try.
