"1989 (Taylor's Version)" is the fourth re-recorded album by Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2023, by Republic Records. This album revisits her fifth studio album, 1989, originally released in 2014, as part of her ongoing effort to regain ownership of her masters following a dispute in 2019. The announcement came during the final Los Angeles show of her Eras Tour on August 9, 2023.
Musically, 1989 (Taylor's Version) is a vibrant synth-pop album characterized by upbeat synthesizer arrangements and percussion. It features all 16 songs from the deluxe edition of the original album, along with five previously unreleased "From the Vault" tracks. Swift collaborated with frequent producers Jack Antonoff and Christopher Rowe, along with others from the original project.
The album received widespread acclaim, particularly for its production quality, Swift's evolved vocals, and the new vault tracks. It debuted at number one on various charts globally, including the Billboard 200, marking Swift's 13th number-one album in the U.S. Notably, it sold over one million copies in its first week and saw seven tracks simultaneously enter the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
Background: Taylor Swift's original 1989 album was a significant pivot to pop music, achieving critical and commercial success, including three number-one singles. After her contract with Big Machine Records ended in 2018, Swift sought to re-record her earlier albums to reclaim control over her music catalog. She began this re-recording project in 2020, with Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version) released prior to 1989 (Taylor's Version).
Writing and Recording: The album includes re-recordings of the original tracks and five new songs that complement the 1980s-inspired sound. Critics noted that while the instrumental arrangements are cleaner, the biggest difference lies in Swift's matured vocal delivery. The vault tracks maintain a similar production aesthetic to the original album, featuring themes relevant to Swift's experiences.
Release: Teasers for the album began in September 2023, and the album was made available across various formats, including vinyl and CD, featuring multiple collectible editions. The cover art depicts Swift in a striking pose against a blue sky, though it received mixed reviews for its design.
Overall, 1989 (Taylor's Version) not only revisits a pivotal moment in Swift's career but also showcases her growth as an artist, reinforcing her legacy in the music industry.
