4 Moments When Movies Turn into ASMR
Posted on November 25, 2021
After months of nail-biting worthy anticipation, Taylor Swift has finally released Red (Taylor’s Version) on November 12, 2021. If you were anything like me, the release of Red in 2012 completely changed the trajectory of your life forever. While it is bittersweet saying goodbye to Red, this re-recorded version offers a new sense of polish, momentum, and purpose. Red (Taylor’s Version) also allows fans to rest easy while being fully aware that we can enjoy an album that Taylor Swift has once again taken rightful ownership of. With additional tracks added from the vault, features from Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, and a short film written and directed by Swift herself, Red (Taylor’s Version) is worthy of a classic status only a week after its release.
For the sake of this article, (Taylor’s Version) will be abbreviated (Image Credit: Spotify) to (T.V.).
Image Credit: Spotify
Some of the songs I was most looking forward to when Swift released the tracklist were State of Grace, 22, and, of course, All Too Well and its fabled 10 minute long version.
I have stood firmly on the claim that State of Grace is the best song to ever open an album. And to no surprise, State of Grace (Taylor’s Version) did not disappoint. The instrumentals and vocals are stronger than ever, immediately demanding the attention of the listener and telling them, “Hey, I’m talking. Listen to me.”
22, in all of its cheesy glory, has been a song that has remained close to my heart since 2012. While 22 (T.V.) maintains the same infectious energy as the original, it also carries a whole new level of significance. Based upon the information we learn in All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (T.V.), Taylor sings about her boyfriend missing her 21st birthday, among many other offences. As a result, turning 22 has given her a new sense of purpose and joy that turning 21 is usually supposed to offer. 22 (T.V.), to everyone’s surprise, has further contextualized itself within the All Too Well narrative.
All Too Well (T.V.), as to be expected, is phenomenal. Widely recognized as one of the best songs in Swift’s entire catalogue, All Too Well (T.V.) is an experience unlike any other, which is only heightened by All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (T.V.). The infamous 10 minute version, the original, first draft of the All Too Well we all know and love, brings forth a sense of momentum that feels like electricity. 10 minutes may seem daunting at first glance, but the added verses only add to the rich and intricate narrative that the song is famous for.
Accompanied by a 15 minute long short film starring Sadie Sink, Dylan O’Brien, and Taylor Swift herself, I have no doubt that All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) will go down in history as one of the most poignant, well-written songs of the 21st century.
Image Credit: IMDb
As if the All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (T.V.) was not enough, Swift also brings forth a level of unpredictability that had not been anticipated before. The change in production for track 19, Girl At Home (T.V.) offers a fresh new perspective on a song that, from my observation, went generally skipped by fans. As well, the vault song Message in a Bottle (T.V). feels like it came straight off of Lover. Another vault highlight that cannot be ignored is Nothing New (T.V.), featuring Phoebe Bridgers. This track is a gut wrenching ode to youth in which Swift allows Bridgers to share the spotlight as they sing about the pain of knowing everything at 18, but nothing at 22. Ouch.
Clearly, I could go on and on about the genius that is Red (Taylor’s Version). Not only does the album consist of some of the most iconic tracks in Swift’s repertoire, but is a milestone of her musical genius. As expected, Red (Taylor’s Version) is a triumph, and features Swift at her absolute best.
Listen to Red (Taylor’s Version) now!
Image Credit: Beth Garrabrant
