RED: An Album We Know All Too Well

 

The highly anticipated country-pop sensation. Both the recent rerecord and the original release blew audiences away with “Red” storytelling, raw emotion, and a record that simultaneously brings us back to her debut album, as well as forecasting the new sound she would soon embrace.

Released in 2012, the 16-song album deals with the beginnings of a new relationship, the struggles of time passing, and memories haunting you. There is a well of deep feelings woven in the intimate lyrics. 

The crown jewel of Red and one that many listeners would deem Swift’s best song is “All Too Well” hitting five and a half minutes long. As you can imagine, the Swifties were beyond thrilled when the artist announced that her rerecording of “All Too Well” would be released as the original 10-minute version as the last track. 

She then produced and directed a short film dedicated to the song, featuring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien playing Taylor and her ex. It is truly a breathtaking work of art that expertly portrays phases of love and heartbreak. Released in 2021, the short film won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Music Video and five VMAs. 

Taylor Swift - All Too Well: The Short Film

Don’t worry, the album also features some iconic hits that are perfect to dance and karaoke to, such as “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Getting Back Together”. And how could anyone forget the song heard on every young adult girl’s birthday, “22”. 

Taylor Swift - 22

Taylor Swift wouldn’t make an album without getting all of us in our feels with songs of young heartbreak, thus enters “I Almost Do”, “The Last Time (ft. Gary Lightbody)”, “The Moment I Knew”, and “Come Back…Be Here”. Her vocals here are outstanding and blow me away every time. From a perfect picture being painted of trying to move on from old wounds and just craving your loved one’s presence, it truly feels like you are going through it with Swift. 

Taylor Swift - The Last Time ft. Gary Lightbody

To end on a happy note, Swift also released some very joy-filled songs on this record! Tracks such as the opener “State Of Grace”, “Stay Stay Stay”, “Holy Ground”, and “Starlight” will make you smile from ear to ear. Most of these tell the story and express the emotions of being head over heels in love with your partner. The joy of having your favorite person to do life with and fighting for that relationship. 

Taylor Swift - Holy Ground (Live Formula 1 Austin,Texas)

I would absolutely recommend this album to anyone ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a story that leaves nothing out, from the initial meeting and falling in love, to the crushing heartbreak of a breakup, and also just having fun with your friends and leaving the drama behind.