On November 12th, 2021, our lives were changed forever. On the rainy Fall day, Taylor Swift dropped a re-recording of her famous album, Red. However, accompanying her re-recordings, the icon also released 9 new songs from “The Vault” along with a short film the following day. The album focuses on Swift’s relationship with fellow celebrity, Jake Gyllenhal. But for efficiency, he will only be referred to as Jake the Snake. In simple terms, he manipulated a young Taylor Swift in their romantic relationship and left her like a “Crumpled up piece of paper lying here”(All Too Well). Despite the fact that every single one of these songs will remain at the top of our playlists for the foreseeable future, it seems necessary to rank the top five. 

• All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

Although the first 5 minute and 29-second recording of this song was a smash hit, the new ten-minute version was a slice of heaven. The song perfectly encapsulates the story of the pair’s relationship and speaks of it so poetically that the lyrics are addicting. In this song, Taylor Swift unveils a vulnerable side of herself to listeners and reflects on her coming of age by Jake the Snake. And of course, it is imperative to mention the 15-minute short film that accompanied this song features America’s sweetheart, Sadie Sink, and teenage-girl heartthrob, Dylan O’Brien. If you are to take anything away from this article, listen to this song. 

• Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

Impeccable. The lyrics, the melancholy tone, and the addition of Phoebe Bridgers make this song so incredibly special. Listening to this song is like nothing I have ever felt or heard before. Every person can relate to this song and it, therefore, has a unifying power. Additionally, Taylor Swift choosing to incorporate Phoebe Bridgers into this song was an incredible choice as the artist is on the up-and-coming and helped to attract a whole new audience to Taylor Swift. Swift and Bridgers’ voices were a match made in heaven. 

• Girl at Home (Taylor’s Version)

For those who know the original version of this song, it was a true surprise to listen to the re-recording for the first time. Like all of Swift’s songs, the original was amazing, but somehow she managed to make it even better with the re-recording. This was a true remake of the original as Taylor made it her own within the background music and tones of her voice. The difference between the original and Taylor’s Version of this song was surprising and grasped the attention of all listeners. 

• Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)

In contrast to Taylor’s Version of Girl at Home, Everything Has Changed remained similar to the original recording. However, I deeply appreciated this as this has been an all-time favorite song of mine. Especially after watching the momentous music video that was released in 2012, I appreciated the story of young lovers growing apart and reminiscing on their past together. All of the elements reflected the original recording of this song including Sheeran’s beginning lines in which he nonchalantly speaks the words “Are we good to go?”, starting the song off with a piece of perfection. Lastly, it is important to note that Taylor’s genius shines through this song as the re-recording was reminiscent of the original song just as the storyline of the song has reminiscent aspects. All of her little touches make her work very personal and are what helped her gain such a great following. 

• Ronan (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

This song is so heartbreakingly beautiful. Taylor Swift wrote the song after a three-year-old boy, Ronan, who passed away due to cancer. Although she didn’t know the boy personally, she made a point to make his life memorable. Doing so, she co-wrote this song with his mother. Originally, Swift performed this song at a Stand Up to Cancer event while she was creating the first version of her album, Red. But while she was re-recording the album, Swift found a place for this song in her work and reached out to Ronan’s mother for approval to fully release it. On behalf of Taylor’s followers, we are so grateful that this beautiful song was unveiled and that we can help spread Cancer awareness by listening. 

Leave a comment below on your favorite songs from this album!