If you’re even mildly online, you probably already know Taylor Swift dropped Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) — her third re-recorded album — July 7.
Swift, who’s in the middle of her wildly successful Eras tour, is in the process of re-recording her first six albums after losing ownership of the master recordings with Scooter Braun’s purchase of Swift’s former label, Big Machine Records.
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One of the many benefits of Swift owning her own music again is the freedom to add bonus or “vault” tracks that weren’t included in the original releases. We took on the extremely difficult task of ranking the six new vault tracks from the new album. Let’s get to it.
6
Timeless (Taylor's Version)
‘Cause I believe that we were supposed to find this
So, even in a different life, you still would’ve been mine
We would’ve been timeless
“Timeless” is a sweet song that feels very Speak Now and is exactly the type of love song Taylor Swift is so famous for.
5
I Can See You (Taylor's Version)
I can see you in your suit and your necktie
Passed me a note saying, “Meet me tonight”
Then we kissed and you know I won’t ever tell, yeah
And I could see you being my addiction
You can see me as a secret mission
Hide away and I will start behaving myself
“I Can See You” feels like an amalgamation of so many Taylor Swift songs and vibes, but at times I found myself thinking of a couple of other songs while listening. It’s catchy.
4
When Emma Falls in Love (Taylor's Version)
‘Cause she’s the kind of book that you can’t put down
Like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town
And all the bad boys would be good boys
If they only had a chance to love her
And to tell you the truth, sometimes I wish I was her
Absolutely love this line: “Emma met a boy with eyes like a man, turns out her heart fits right in the palm of his hand.” Big day for all the Swifties named Emma!
3
Castles Crumbling (Taylor's Version) ft. Hayley Williams
Once I was the great hope for a dynasty
Crowds would hang on my words and they trusted me
Their faith was strong, but I pushed it too far
I held that grudge ’til it tore me apart
One of two new tracks featuring guest artists, Paramore’s Hayley Williams joins Swift for a heart-wrenching collaboration. Williams and Paramore will join Swift on some of her European tour dates, so hopefully this gets added to the rotation quickly.
2
Foolish One (Taylor's Version)
‘Cause you got her on your arm and me in the wings
I’ll get your longing glances, but she’ll get your ring
And you will say you had the best of intentions
And maybe I will finally learn my lesson
“My cards are on the table / yours are in your hand” automatically becomes one of the best opening lines for a Swift song, like, ever. Hits me right in the gut.
1
Electric Touch ft. Fall Out Boy
Just breathe, just relax, it’ll be okay
Just an hour ’til your car’s in the driveway
Just the first time ever hangin’ out with you tonight
I’ve got my money on things goin’ badly
Got a history of stories ending sadly
Still hoping that the fire won’t burn me
Just one time, just one time
Fall Out Boy joins the party for the upbeat and evocative vault track, “Electric Touch.” This was my favorite, and will likely get a lot more play in the near future.
