Deep Dives: Taylor Swift Part Four (Red)
As we continue our Taylor Swift Deep Dive, at the time of writing, we are three days away from 1989 (Taylor's Version). So, these Deep Dives are kinda like a countdown celebration leading up to release! Red has the most remarkable lyrics in Swift's discography. Showcased best on both versions of "All Too Well," and the cannonball arena rock opening that is "State of Grace." She began to grow with this record into the juggernaut audiences all know and love today. Red is probably the fan favorite. Sonically it was the much-needed stepping stone to the second career peak that was 1989. Swift infamously collaborated with music mastermind Max Martin and his partner-in-crime, Shellback. Two collaborators that would go on to contribute to her future full-pop record. The rest of the roster included familiar faces from the past three records. Many critics find this to be her best album, and it has ranked on many different bests lists. There are definitely different shades of red here. Let's dive on into this color!
The Red era was kicked off with the number-one smash hit "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" back in 2012. A song from the minds of Swift, Martin, and Shellback. It gave fans a small taste of what to expect from Swift's fourth studio album. Inspired mostly from her whirlwind romance with actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Red saw Swift explore her sound and push it into new territories that she managed to mold to her artistry. She also was at her most poetic and quill-pen here. Swift has gone on to discuss the album's "indecisiveness" in various interviews, especially during the Taylor's Version release. She has also reportedly blamed the diverse music scape of it as a reason why it infamously did not win a Grammy. Because Rrrrandom Access Memories did. But, here's the thing. The variety is perhaps Red's greatest strength, secret weapon, and what makes it shine. It's not just a country record or a pop record. It's so much more. And that's what will make it memorable for years to come. Swift even stated she didn't want it to be cohesive, and she wanted to collaborate with many new people to learn from them. And that she did. The one thing that holds this album together is Swift herself and her uniqueness.
I think Red can be defined in one word: eclectic. And it accomplishes everything it set out to do. Swift seemed to really come into her own and experiment as an artist here. Dipping her toes and then confidently diving right in. She had never done dubstep before, but she did on "I Knew You Were Trouble" and "22" and it works so well. At the time, other artists freaked out about that opening guitar on "Trouble," and it was even the song that Adele heard that inspired her to work with Martin. "22" is just plain and simple fun. Forgetting about the troubles of yesterday and having fun today. The title track is beautiful and atmospheric. The chorus is a standout from Swift's whole discography.
I think it's worth noting that the Swifties will cling onto something of Swift's that they love and not let go until everyone is aware of it. Case in point: "All Too Well." The 10 minute version being a number one hit 9 years after release is just bonkers. But the song deserves it. It's Swift at her most lyrical poetic. Swiftspeare. We talked about that before. Everything about the song is well-crafted and genuine. The emotion is just real. If Swift had a magnum opus of just one song, it would probably be this one. As even if she just wrote this one song only, it would be remembered and treasured. "Treacherous" is apprehensive and delicate. The build towards the end is great work.
I think something Swift really nails here are the various aspects of a relationship from beginning to end. And that's the album's main theme. There's falling in love after love ends with "Begin Again" and falling in love unexpectedly with "State of Grace." There's being in love and loving it even with its imperfections with "Treacherous." Heartbreak and pain with "All Too Well." Having fun without a relationship and just enjoying being young and single with "22." Knowing that you shouldn't get involved with someone and doing it anyways because you like the bad boys in "I Knew You Were Trouble." Absolutely universal. The many colors one feels during a relationship on the rocks with the title track. And then there's "Stay Stay Stay." A song about not-so-serious fights that lead to making up in what might just possibly be a toxic relationship. Perhaps a bit of foreboding in a light, up tempo pop song.
The vibes between the songs are never the same. The coffee shop vibe of "Begin Again." The two mellow friends with guitars vibe of "Everything Has Changed" which features great deliveries from both Swift and Ed Sheeran who is a guest on the track. And sparked the beginning of many collaborations. The famous-feeling "Starlight" like you're shooting for the moon. The acoustic rock goodness of "I Almost Do." Red is polished and shined to perfection but feels like an indie record at times. The "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" shoutout at play?
At the time, this album had Swift's best vocal performance on it as she had improved considerably since her 2010 effort, Speak Now. With the Taylor's Version, Swift felt even more comfortable performing the tracks. There's more emotion in the original recording, understandably, but it's a treat just seeing how much she has improved.
The new additions on the Taylor's Version are very welcome. There are also some noticeable changes here best seen on "Girl At Home" which has transformed into a indie-film electronic poppy hot take. It's a great song in both forms, but I actually think I like this new version better.
"Better Man" is a treat. The harmonies on the chorus give me shivers. It's a fun song to sing along to. Due to label restrictions of saying she could only include 3 pop songs on the original, we now have the outgoing "Message In A Bottle." A catchy number from the first second to the last.
We also now have the gloriously gloating "I Bet You Think About Me" which features sex-tastic tenor, Chris Stapleton. They both sound so good on this song. Stapleton has such a emotional powerhouse voice that I think it's hilarious that Swift did not give him his own verse. A strategy which Swift has often deployed. But it works so well here, you're not even upset. The collaborations on Red are little treasures. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol features on the dramatic "The Last Time." Which makes me think of a Snow Patrol meets Coldplay/Grey's Anatomy ballad. Ed Sheeran makes an appearance two times, on the previously discussed "Everything Has Changed" and on Taylor's Version track, "Run." Sheeran is always a welcome guest on a Swift track. The album also features Phoebe Bridgers. Both artists have expressed fondness for the other's work, and they both use their strengths on "Nothing New."
A 30 track album can seem daunting and overwhelming to anybody, but Red rarely drags. There's just more to love. Usually a burst of energy comes through to revive interests with upbeat, thumping songs like "Holy Ground" sprinkled throughout. It holds your attention, and the next thing you know, you're 15 tracks deep. One of my favorites of the new songs is "Forever Winter." It has a lot going on in the production that is just a delight. The horns and backing vocals that scream and show urgency before choruses makes the message of the song pop.
Red proves its greatest asset is its diversity. And that's really a diversity of everything from lyrics to music to its themes to its sequencing. With observant fans making connections to the stories and Easter eggs from one track to the next like the transition from fast-paced "Trouble" to heart-breaking ballad "All Too Well" to upbeat, move on anthem "22" being about aspects from her previous relationship. It's devices like the ones showcased here on Red that show us why Swift has captivated her audience, and she won't be letting go anytime soon.
Rating: S Rank! We remember Red all too well...
Recommendation: Stream it while you cook dinner and wash dishes. I suggest a lasagna. Red food.
Standouts:
All the singles, of course. They're classics. 💖
Stay Stay Stay ⭐
State of Grace 💣
Starlight ⭐
Better Man 🔥
Forever Winter
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