Student Blog: The Pure Magic of “Fearless (Taylor's Version)”
How One Album Can Be Remarkably Timeless
A few weeks ago, singer/songwriter Taylor Swift released the first of her re-recorded albums and millions were stunned to say the least. Thirteen years after the initial release of Swift's second album, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" not only brought back countless memories and strong nostalgia for many, but the tracklist also included a large selection of songs that were brand new.
But the most outstanding element of this album is how even over a decade later, the same songs, lyrics and music had the same meaning as before while also taking on new elements due to the experience everyone has gone through between the two releases. As if there was an argument before, Taylor Swift and her undeniably amazing music have never been more timeless, as "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" so gracefully points out.
For a majority of Gen Z, we grew up on Swift's music either by being a fan or hearing her popular singles on the radio. By the time "Fearless" was released in 2008, many of us were still young, but just entering a part of our life that would define years to come. The iconic songs "You Belong With Me" and "Love Story" were quite literally the soundtrack to a several elementary school years and remain attached to happy memories even today.
And because so many people have practically grown up with Swift as her career has progressed over more than a decade now, when "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" was released, it felt like reliving a part of our lives all over again. Except this time around, new meanings and understandings became clear while listening to the album in full again.
Music has always been magical and something that can connect people together through tragedy, joy and across miles of distance. But something that is often overlooked about music is how timeless it is. Swift is the prime example of exactly this. When her fans heard the re-recorded version of songs that meant so much to them when they were younger, but now in a much different stage of life, they were reminded of how unique and special Swift and music is. There are very few artists who can say they have helped raise a generation by providing music for the most pivotal moments in their lives, but Swift most certainly can.
While the release of the re-recording was expected, the initial reaction online and among friends was momentous for several reasons. Despite the need for the album to be recorded again due Swift's masters being sold without her knowledge and her losing the rights to all of her own work, fans were excited to get a glimpse of some of their favorite songs once again.
But when the album was finally released, fans and the general public alike were amazed at how differently so many songs on the tracklist meant now. This only proved that the album was loved even more and Taylor Swift had done it once again.
To some, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" might just be another album from the well known singer, but to others, it has more meaning than anything else. Beyond the lyrics of the songs, the memories connected and the growth over the thirteen years between releases, the magic Swift captures in her music is unlike any other in the industry which sets her apart in the best ways.
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