Taylor Swift released “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” which included re-recordings from her second album, in addition to six new songs from the vault. The album was amazing and it explores Swift’s matured voice, over 10 years after the original release. I also loved that Swift is able to own her songs again.

Listening to the album the first time was very nostalgic because I listened to the original album all the time when I was little. Currently being the same age Swift was when she wrote the songs gave me a new perspective on the music I’ve heard many times before. 

Swift kept the overall feel of the album the same as before, but slipped in a few small changes in pronunciation to switch things up. Certain songs are noticeably different from the original. For example, in “Fifteen” and “You Belong With Me,” Swift changes the pronunciation of a few words which drastically affects the overall sound. Others, like “The Way I Loved You,” sound like exact copies of the 2008 version. The songs that didn’t change are just as good as the ones that did, but it was very exciting listening and trying to spot what Swift changed.

When it comes to the songs from the vault, some were better than others, with my favorites being “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “Don’t You.” These tracks leave me wondering what stopped Swift from putting them on the album back in 2008. They perfectly embody the emotions of a teen girl going through a breakup in two very different ways. 

The features on the new songs were not my favorite, specifically Keith Urban. Although I’m not a country fan, I do appreciate how Swift went back to her roots in country music while recording this album. Swift’s style has changed so much since the original release of “Fearless,” from “Reputation” to “Lover” and then to “Folklore” and “Evermore.” All the experience she’s gained in that time has changed her voice and it’s interesting to hear that, combined with lyrics she wrote when she was 18. 

One of the songs that highlights her maturity the most is “Fifteen.” I imagine the song was originally addressed to her younger self, but now that Swift is 31, the song feels more like a mother’s advice to her daughter. I love how the lyrics didn’t change, but Swift managed to change the meaning of them regardless.

Overall, the album isn’t anything new, but Swift did a great job bringing back old songs with a slight twist. Also, listening to “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” supports Swift directly because she has the rights to the songs unlike the original recording of ‘Fearless.’

“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”: ★★★★★