Popular 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album reviews:
- Pitchfork
- Rolling Stone
- Variety
Pitchfork‘s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review summary
TL;DR
The review of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) highlights it as more than a mere re-recording of Taylor Swift’s 2014 album; it adds depth and a new perspective to a crucial phase in her career.
Songs like “Now That We Don’t Talk” and “Suburban Legends” are praised for their emotional depth and narrative style. The review commends the enduring appeal of standout tracks from the original album and notes that the new version enhances the understanding of Swift’s artistic evolution while maintaining the original’s charm and success.
Pitchfork‘s album score: 7.7
In this review from Pitchfork‘s Shaad D’Souza,1989 (Taylor’s Version) is praised as replicating the original’s success while adding layers of emotional depth, offering a richer understanding of this key period in Swift’s career.
D’Souza’s 1989 (TV) review, summarized:
1989 (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift’s re-recorded edition of her 2014 pop breakthrough, is more than just a replication of the original album; it adds depth and nuance to a pivotal moment in her career.
The original 1989 marked Swift’s transformation into a pop superstar, with its synth-driven, chart-topping sound, a departure from her earlier, more intimate songwriting style. This album was pivotal in solidifying Swift’s image as a powerful pop figure, combining musical precision with a carefully crafted public persona.
The re-recording includes ‘vault’ tracks that vary in quality, ranging from exceptional to less impressive. These additional songs offer a more humanized perspective of Swift, revealing the emotional layers behind her glossy, confident exterior. “Now That We Don’t Talk” is noted for portraying the poise of 1989 as a coping mechanism, while “Suburban Legends” features the dense, narrative style characteristic of Swift’s later works like folklore and Midnights.
The vault tracks are a mix of reflective introspection and classic Swift storytelling, particularly in their exploration of post-breakup emotions. Songs like “You dream of my mouth before it called you a lying traitor” from “Is It Over Now?” add to Swift’s catalog of memorable lines.
Among the new additions, “‘slu*t!’” stands out, initially expected to be a bold statement against misogyny but instead presents a more subdued, introspective take on dealing with public scrutiny and gossip. Conversely, “Say Don’t Go” shines as the best of the new tracks, blending 80s influences with the angst bridging 1989 and Red.
The re-recordings stay close to the original, with only slight variations in vocal delivery or processing. This closeness is particularly true for tracks like “Welcome to New York” and “I Know Places,” which gain new context and depth when juxtaposed with the more emotionally raw vault tracks.
D’Souza also appreciates the durability of 1989‘s standout tracks, such as “I Wish You Would,” “Style,” and “New Romantics,” emphasizing their lasting appeal despite the album’s shift in Swift’s artistic direction.
Read Pitchfork’s full 1989 (TV) review.
Rolling Stone‘s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review summary
TL;DR
1989 (Taylor’s Version) is celebrated in the review as both a nostalgic journey and a testament to Taylor Swift’s artistic growth.
The original album, known for its pivotal role in transitioning Swift from country to pop, is enhanced by the addition of five ‘vault’ tracks in the re-recording. These tracks, particularly “slu*t!” and “Say Don’t Go,” provide deeper insight into Swift’s songwriting during this era, blending emotional depth with pop appeal.
The reviewer commends Swift’s evolved vocal quality, likening it to Joni Mitchell’s growth, and notes that the re-recording adheres closely to the original while benefiting from Swift’s matured voice.
Rolling Stone‘s Angie Martoccio offers Swift the ultimate compliment in her review of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), likening her maturing vocals to the evolution of Joni Mitchell’s artistic growth over the years.
How does she feel about the album overall?
Martoccio’s 1989 (TV) review, summarized:
1989 (Taylor’s Version), the eagerly anticipated re-recording of Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking 2014 album, serves not only as a nostalgic revisit but also as a potent reminder of Swift’s evolution as an artist.
The original 1989 was a pivotal album in Swift’s career, marking her definitive shift from country to pop. It was both a commercial juggernaut and a cultural phenomenon, changing the landscape of pop music and expanding Swift’s fanbase across diverse demographics. The album symbolized Swift’s artistic rebirth, heavily influenced by 1980s pop and crafted with the help of Max Martin and a then-nascent Jack Antonoff.
The re-recorded version of 1989 brings with it five ‘vault’ tracks that were previously unreleased. These tracks provide fans with new insights into Swift’s songwriting prowess and thematic explorations during the 1989 era. “slu*t!,” a shimmering ode to defiant love amidst judgment, stands out for its emotional depth and contemporary resonance. “Say Don’t Go,” a power ballad co-written with Diane Warren, and “Suburban Legends,” a euphoric track produced by Antonoff, showcase Swift’s ability to blend poignancy with pop sensibility.
“Is It Over Now” and “Now That We Don’t Talk” are highlights among the vault tracks. “Is It Over Now” serves as a sequel to the 1989 hit “Out of the Woods,” reflecting on a tumultuous relationship, while “Now That We Don’t Talk” is a dreamy disco anthem filled with Swift’s trademark lyrical digs.
Ultimately, Martoccio believes the re-recorded tracks stay true to their originals, as intended, yet benefit from Swift’s more refined and richer vocal quality.
Read Rolling Stone’s full 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review, then follow Angie Martoccio on Twitter (X).
Variety‘s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review summary:
TL;DR
The inclusion of five ‘Vault’ tracks alongside the original 16 offers fresh insights into Swift’s artistic journey, showcasing a shift from her earlier romantic naivete to a more mature, self-aware perspective. These new tracks, which stylistically echo her 2022 album “Midnights” and collaboration with Jack Antonoff, provide a contemporary feel and explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth with a newfound balance and acceptance.
Overall, the album is praised for deepening the understanding of Swift’s career transition and her ability to reinvent her music while maintaining her core artistic essence.
Variety‘s Chris Willman always has good things to say about Taylor’s albums, and his 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review was no exception.
Overall, he believes 1989 (Taylor’s Version) offers a rich, nuanced revisitation of a pivotal album in her career, and that it stands as a testament to her enduring relevance and ability to continually reinvent her music.
Read on for more of Chris’ review.
Willman’s 1989 (TV) review, summarized.
1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a reimagined representation of Taylor Swift’s transformative 2014 album, which marked a significant shift in her career from country to mainstream pop. The re-recording includes all 16 tracks from the original album, along with five new ‘Vault’ tracks that offer a fresh perspective on Swift’s artistic evolution.
These Vault tracks, while written around the same time as the rest of 1989, don’t strictly adhere to the album’s original style. Instead, they reflect the more recent musical influences of Swift’s 2022 album, Midnights, and her ongoing collaboration with producer Jack Antonoff. This approach gives the new songs a contemporary feel, distinct from the sound of 1989 but still resonant with Swift’s current artistic direction.
Lyrically, the Vault tracks capture a Taylor Swift at a pivotal moment in her career, transitioning from romantic naivete to a more seasoned, self-aware artist. Songs like “Now That We Don’t Talk” and “Is It Over Now?” showcase Swift’s evolving perspective on love and relationships, mixing earnestness with a newfound maturity.
“Now That We Don’t Talk” stands out among the Vault songs, with its poignant lyrics reflecting a sense of liberation and self-discovery post-breakup. Another track, “Is It Over Now?”, is noted for its thematic connection to the original album’s “Out of the Woods,” hinting at past relationships and personal growth.
The song “’slu*t!’” represents a more relaxed, even satisfied approach to romance and public perception, indicating Swift’s growing comfort with her public image and personal life. Unlike the heart-wrenching narratives of earlier works like “All Too Well,” these new songs convey a sense of balance and acceptance of love’s complexities.
The review also touches on the reasons why these songs might not have made the original album, such as thematic overlaps with other tracks. Musically, the Vault songs feature mid-tempo rhythms that lean more towards pleasure than sadness, aligning them with the feel of Midnights rather than the original 1989.
The inclusion of the Vault tracks provides a deeper understanding of her artistic journey, showcasing a transition from youthful idealism to a more nuanced, mature understanding of love and self.
Read Variety‘s full 1989 (Taylor’s Version) review, then follow Chris Willman on Twitter (X).
Let’s unpack some of the prevalent themes in 1989:
According to fans on Reddit, here are a few of Swifties’ favorite themes explored on 1989 (both OG and TV).
Embracing Change and Independence
This is a big one. Taylor explores her journey into adulthood, independence, and finding her own voice.
Songs like “Welcome to New York” and “New Romantics” embody this spirit of embracing a new phase of life with open arms.
Reflections on Past Relationships
Many songs on the album, like “Style” and “Out of the Woods”, reflect on past loves and relationships (*cough, cough* Harry?).
There’s a mix of nostalgia, regret, and learning from these experiences, which is prevalent on all her albums, but I do love that most of these tracks look at the previous through a lens of fondness.
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Throughout the album, Taylor explores her own identity and growth. “Clean” is a devastatingly beautiful example of this, symbolizing a rebirth and moving on from past hardships.
Love and Heartbreak
It wouldn’t be a Taylor Swift album without a deep dive into the complexities of love and heartbreak. “Wildest Dreams” and “This Love” delve into the highs and lows of romantic relationships.
Media Perception and Fame
Taylor also addresses her public image and the media’s perception of her, especially in “Blank Space”, which has been praised as a witty take on how she’s portrayed in the media, especially regarding her relationships.
1989 is more than just a collection of catchy pop tunes; it’s a multifaceted exploration of change, love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its musical innovation but also in its emotional depth and relatability.
