“Head First, Fearless”
Long story short - in 2019, Taylor Swift announced she would re-record her first six studio albums due to the sale of her master recordings to Scooter Braun, then sold to Shamrock Holdings. In 2021, she announced the re-recording of Fearless, titled Fearless (Taylor’s Version), would kick-start the re-recording series. Fearless (Taylor’s Version), includes 26 tracks, six of which are ‘from the vault’ that never made the final cut on the original 2008 album.
Fearless (Taylor’s Version), includes six never before released songs, Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s Version), ‘You All Over Me (from the Vault)’ featuring Maren Morris, ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine (from the Vault) ,’We Were Happy (from the Vault), ‘That’s When (from the Vault)’ featuring Keith Urban, ‘Don’t You (from the Vault)’, and ‘Bye Bye Baby (from the Vault)’.
The album consists of imaginative storylines and heartbreaking moments, full of nostalgic-melodramatic teenage feelings tracks as Swift details the romantic ups and downs as a teenager that remarkably will resonate with many listeners.
As it’s been 13-years since the original release of Fearless, reflecting on both albums, there are no lyrical changes on the re-recorded version. Including themes of teenage romance, infatuations, empowerment, and heartbreaks, it’s a cohesive release in both sonically and lyrically alongside the country-pop production.
Vocally, Swift’s vocals are sharper appearing polished and mature on each track which is phenomenal and a tremendous listen hearing her musical growth.
Musically, the tracks are catchy and memorable. Swift, again, proves her effortless talents to deliver a gorgeously heartfelt ballad with emotive elements present along with melancholic and anthemic tones on the album, altogether, overall.
Swift isn’t rewriting history by re-releasing Fearless, she revisits the album with affection and excitement, celebrating that period of time while honoring herself. It’s truly a masterpiece as an excellent replica of tracks being a stand-out in the country pop genre.
This also marks Swift’s 130th Billboard Hot 100; she now has the most entries in the Billboard Hot 100 of any female artist in history.
“Fearless, was an album full of magic and curiosity, the bliss and devastation of youth. It was the diary of the adventures and explorations of a teenage girl who was learning tiny lessons with every new crack in the facade of the fairytale ending she'd been shown in the movies.” Taylor Swift reflecting on Fearless, in 2021.
Words by Danielle Holian