“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” never goes out of style

BY LILIT APRAHAMIAN THE MIRROR STAFF

From chart-topping radio hits like “Shake it Off” and “Blank Space,” all the way to soul-stirring tracks like “Clean” and “This Love,” Taylor Swift’s “1989” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic albums the singer and songwriter has released throughout her career.

This unforgettable album granted Swift 10 Grammy nominations and was the fifth album to ever remain in Top 10 of the Billboard 200 within the first year of its release.

Nine years after its original release, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” came out on Oct. 27, delighting fans all over the world.

“I admire the 1989 album because the music itself has so much meaning to it, it has stuck with me since I was nine years old,” senior Jessy Gonzalez said. “Taylor Swift’s music has such great versatility that I can dance, sing and cry. She has helped me get through so much.”

Early in her career, the artist made a record deal with Big Machine Records, signing away ownership of her first six albums. Wanting to reclaim her life’s work, Swift has been re-recording her music and reaping the benefits.

In the past few years, Swift has already rerecorded her second, third and fourth studio albums “Fearless,” “Red” and “Speak Now.” Though there are slight changes in the re-records, such as more mature vocals, higher production quality and new lyrics, Swift has stayed true to the original albums.

“1989” is named after her birth year, and signifies artistic rebirth. The album marks her stylistic transition from country music to pop as she moved to New York City and dealt with the triumphs and backlash she faced on this path to fame.

Along with the 16 original tracks, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” contains five vault tracks have been newly released: “Slut!” “Is It Over Now?” “Now That We Don’t Talk,” “Say Don’t Go” and “Suburban Legends.” Vault tracks are songs that her original producers didn’t want on the album. Now, she is releasing these hidden gems to her fans.

With so many well-known hits, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” overwhelmed listeners with nostalgia. This release has reignited people’s love for an album initially recorded almost a decade ago.

“When I was a kid, I would sing the songs and dance to them,” senior Diana Castillas said. “The songs remind me of my childhood and how happy I was when I was young.”

Through Swift’s rerecords, it is apparent how enduring her art really is, as well as how impactful it is on the music industry.