Our Reviews for Every Song Off of Fearless (Taylor’s Version)…and Then Our Rankings!

Taylor posted the complete track list of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) on April 3, 2021 and released the album days later on April 9th!

Elle Cavanaugh, Mimi Jiang-Yu, and Delaney Coppola
April 25, 2021

After a madly successful year with the release of both her folklore and evermore albums among many other projects, Taylor Swift continues to amaze her dedicated fans. On April 9th she released the re-recordings of her second album, Fearless, and reclaimed her music with new versions and never-before-heard songs. Here’s a quick review and personal ranking of Fearless (Taylor’s Version) from some dedicated and adoring fans:

** (M) indicates Mimi’s ranking, (D) indicates Delaney’s ranking, and (E) indicates Elle’s ranking**

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (M): As far as Taylor Swift’s album intro songs go, “Fearless” has a spot in my top 3 (along with “…Ready For It?” to begin reputation and “Welcome to New York” to begin 1989). The song perfectly opens up the album of the same name by establishing the recurring theme of fearlessly facing love. “Fearless” really makes me want to dance in a storm in my best dress (and it has ever since I was 5 years old).

Fifteen (Taylor’s Version) (D): Taylor’s “Fifteen” offers a lighthearted narrative of her freshman year of high school, a relatable topic for many of us listening to the re-records during our high school years. This song pulls at my heart, flashing back to memories of a younger me listening on my CD player and dreaming of my high school days compared to my experiences now as a junior, singing along on my drive to school. Crazy to think that Taylor released this masterpiece when she was just 18 and is now reliving her high school memories at 31!

Love Story (Taylor’s Version) (D): Who doesn’t love a Romeo and Juliet style roller coaster of a love story?? The first sneak peeks at the Fearless re-records, a snippet of Love Story played in a commercial for Match.com as a favor to Taylor’s long-time friend Ryan Reynolds. This debut in early December sent Swifties (Taylor Swift fans) into a FRENZY of excitement and nostalgia. Do fans also think Swift may have altered the original lyrics from “baby just say yes” to “baby just said yes” on the re-records? Is Miss Taylor hiding an engagement?!

Hey, Stephen (Taylor’s Version) (D): With a heartfelt and lively tune, Taylor reveals her feelings for a boy through her lyrical genius (how romantic!!!). She writes “Hey Stephen, I could give you fifty reasons / Why I should be the one you choose. All those other girls, well, they’re beautiful / But would they write a song for you?” SO TRUE TAYLOR. Appearing recently on the Late Night Show With Stephen Colbert, Colbert hilariously claims himself as the beloved “Stephen” that 2008 Taylor was enamored with (Watch it here!!). Lead member of the band Love and Theft, Stephen Barker Liles, however, is rumored to be the true love interest. Who wouldn’t fall in love if Taylor wrote a song for you??

White Horse (Taylor’s Version) (M): Although it’s great to be fearlessly in love, sometimes you have to be fearless in letting a relationship go. “White Horse” reflects this fearlessness perfectly. As I listened to this song when growing up, this song taught me that I don’t always need to go looking for a prince with a white horse (although 5-year-old me had no idea what love or relationships were). Also, before there was “it’s time to go” on evermore, there was “White Horse.” “White Horse” also embodies the theme of bravely letting a relationship go, no matter how hard it may be

You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version) (D): A major throwback to my childhood! Elementary school me was OBSESSED with this song and high school me is too! This song gives off a “girl-next-door” vibe and once again tells the struggles of high school, relationships, and fitting in. Growing up listening to this song, I think we can all find new and deeper perspectives with the re-records as we live the experiences Swift has so eloquently described.

Breathe (feat. Colbie Caillat) (Taylor’s Version) (M): True to its name, “Breathe” is exactly like breathing after a long time. Colbie Caillat returns as a feature on the track, this time providing strong background vocals. Sophomore Katie Sweeney gushed, “I love ‘Breathe’ so much, especially because Colbie Caillat came back to sing the recording!!!” (I agree with every part of this sentiment, especially with the three exclamation points at the end). “Breathe” is exactly like a breath of fresh air after a long time because it captures the feeling of finally getting over a broken-up relationship. The song also captures the feeling of letting go of a botched friends

Ethan Miller via billboard.com — A photo of Taylor Swift and Keith Urban from years ago. The two artists collaborated again for “That’s When” and “We Were Happy” on the Fearless (Taylor’s Version) album.

hip or a crush that went on for far too long. It perfectly captures the feeling of finally freeing your mind of something that weighed you down so much. A masterpiece.

Tell Me Why (Taylor’s Version) (D): This song embodies Swift’s queen mentality, standing up for herself and realizing her self-worth. She writes about being taken advantage of and seeing a person’s true colors– “Why do you have to make me feel small, / So you can feel whole inside?” But Taylor doesn’t let anyone mess with her, and coun

ters with “I’m sick and tired of your attitude, / Feeling like I don’t know you.” This song reveals a powerful message about relationship dynamics and knowing your worth.

You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version) (E): Taylor REALLY outdid herself on several of the re-recorded songs, and this is one of those!!! The vocals on “You’re Not Sorry” received mixed criticism when it was initially released 13 years ago, as some found issue with the raw vocals. This time around, in “YNS (Taylor’s Version),” Swift made sure to beautifully showcase her more experienced voice while belting the heartbreaking lyrics, especially at that bridge!! Senior Elsa Mosholder examines, “You can hear the maturity in her voice,” and this matured voice matched with such heavy lyrics continues to make “You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version)” a smashing success.

The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version) (E): “The Way I Loved You” was my favorite track off of the original album, and I was anxiously waiting to hear this one re-recorded. Sophomore Aisling Doyle notes, “‘The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)’ brings back a childhood anthem with a new feeling,” and I wholeheartedly agree. I’m embarrassed to say, at first, I was a little disappointed and cited the absence of the “country twang” as the reason, but the more I listened, the more I came to my senses and realized I had been searching for a way to criticize one of the most brilliant displays of passion since “The Way I Loved You.” As freshman Rachel Patel puts it, “In ‘The Way I Loved You,’ she can portray the strong emotions from the original while slightly changing the aspects of the song.” There’s no way around it, this song is still a masterpiece.

Forever & Always (Taylor’s Version) (D): A MASTERPIECE! Forever and Always displays Taylor’s anger, confusion, sadness, and conflicting emotions after her then-boyfriend Joe Jonas broke up with her in a 27-second phone call (talk about rude!). This song at full blast makes me feel all Taylor’s emotions for a breakup I never even experienced full of broken promises and loose ends. Elle wants to add that she particularly freaks out over the “it rains when you’re here / and it RAINS WHEN YOU’RE GONE” part <3.

The Best Day (Taylor’s Version) (D): To be honest, this song is SO underrated and one of my favorites on the album. Taylor reflects on simple happiness such as childhood innocence, how “leaves change in the fall”, and car rides with her mom. To me, this song is a peaceful and radiant reminder of all the good around us and to take time to appreciate the little things in life, a message that proves even more impactful than ever in our crazy current lives.

Change (Taylor’s Version) (E): Taylor Swift singing, “It was the night things changed,” in light of the Scooter Braun/Scott Borchetta/Big Machines Records legal battle…WOW!!!! In case you haven’t heard, Swift is re-recording her first five–eventually her sixth as well–studio albums after her record label refused to sign over her masters on her terms. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is the first album Swift has started with this project, and by doing so, “the walls that they put up to hold us back fell.” No other song on this album wields as much power as “Change (Taylor’s Version).” If you’d like to read more on why Swift is re-recording her catalog, check out this article here...I wrote it 😉

Jump Then Fall (Taylor’s Version) (M): As a kid, I brought my Fearless (Platinum Edition) CD everywhere. My bus driver (also a huge Swiftie) always let me play it on the way to kindergarten. “Jump Then Fall” is the intro song for Fearless (Platinum Edition), and it will always be the song that begins more than an hour of me singing my favorite songs at the top of my lungs. I love Taylor’s vocals in this song, especially now that she is older and her voice is more powerful. The song embodies the recurring theme of the album — fearlessly facing love — as Taylor sings about eagerly embracing a relationship that makes her happy.

Untouchable (Taylor’s Version) (M): As the second track on Fearless (Platinum Edition), “Untouchable” was the first Taylor Swift song I memorized all the lyrics to (although 5-year-old me had no idea what any of it meant). To this day, “Untouchable” is one of my

While her debut album was a massive success in the country world, her sophomore album Fearless really paved the way for her fame and opened countless possibilities for genre expansion. Fearless made Swift famous, but with Fearless (Taylor’s Version), she finally owns it all. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

favorite songs of all time. I adore every part of this song, from the beautiful melody to Taylor’s vocals. The song is truly a little taste of heaven.

Forever & Always (Piano Version) (Taylor’s Version) (E): The more slow-paced, melancholy version of the hit song, “Forever & Always” remains a beautiful exhibition of heartbreak, and matched with her seasoned vocals, “Forever & Always (Piano Version) (Taylor’s Version)” proves even more impactful than before.

Come in With the Rain (Taylor’s Version) (M): As another song previously featured on Fearless (Platinum Edition), “Come in With the Rain” was another song I listened to all the time and memorized all the lyrics to as a kid. I remember thinking the lyrics “I’ll leave my window open / ‘Cause I’m too tired tonight to call your name / Just know I’m right here hoping / That you’ll come in with the rain” were so poetic. I still think those lyrics are the most poetic words ever, as well as every lyric in the song.

Superstar (Taylor’s Version) (M): Although I didn’t pay much attention to “Superstar” as a kid, the song is now one of my favorites of all time. The lyrics “I’m no one special, just another wide-eyed girl / Who’s desperately in love with you” perfectly captures the strong feelings of unrequited love where the person you like probably has no idea who you are or doesn’t feel the same way about you. “Superstar” epitomizes Taylor Swift’s ability to capture such strong feelings of heartbreak and yearning so accurately.

The Other Side of The Door (Taylor’s Version) (E): Easily one of the best of the re-records. “TOSOTD” was originally included on the Fearless Platinum Edition and is a Swiftie favorite. In addition to “The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version),” I was also anticipating greatness for this re-recording. Senior Julia Burm agrees, “‘The Other Side of The Door (Taylor’s Version)’ is hands down the best song on the entire album. The minor changes, like her pronunciation of “window” make the song written by a seventeen-year-old Swift an absolute work of art.” I was delighted to hear that bridge for the first time again. It truly transported me back to my six-year-old self. Swift nailed the country sound, and I couldn’t be more impressed by “The Other Side of the Door (Taylor’s Version).” Burm confesses, “I listen to ‘TOSOTD (Taylor’s Version)’ at least three times a day because of how perfect and magical it is.”

Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s Version) (E): Speaking of “perfect and magical,” the wonderfully nostalgic feel of “Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)” takes me back to my childhood like no other song on the album. The beautifully simple lyrics make you feel giddy and perfectly encapsulate both pure innocence and happiness. Swift’s voice sounds stronger, but she still channels the youthful sound that made her so famous. I was very pleased with this re-record!!

You All Over Me (feat. Maren Morris) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (M): “You All Over Me” was the first From The Vault song that Taylor Swift released. Featuring Maren Morris singing background vocals, “You All Over Me” showcases Taylor’s superior songwriting ability. From “The way the tires turn stones, on old county roads / They leave ‘em muddy underneath” to “But like the dollar in your pocket, it’s been spent and traded in / You can’t change where it’s been / Reminds me of me,” Taylor captures the feeling of leaving a broken relationship with someone but still feeling stains of that person no matter how much you try to cleanse yourself. The lyric “But no amount of freedom gets you clean” alludes to the lyric “Rain came pouring down / When I was drowning, that’s when I could finally breathe / And by morning / Gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean” from the song “Clean” from 1989. Keep in mind, Taylor wrote “You All Over Me” when she was eighteen and “Clean when she was older and wiser. That’s growth.

Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (E): In my opinion, that key change alone should have made this song the lead From the Vault single!! By “vault,” we mean that Taylor wrote this song during the Fearless era, but chose not to release it with the rest of the original album. Like “Forever & Always,” this song is rumored to be about a certain Joe Jonas, but even his wife, actress, and major Swiftie Sophie Turner, could not resist the catchy melody, posting via Instagram, “It’s not NOT a bop.” Senior Mia Kourafas shares, “I think ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version)’ is a really good song that would’ve made the charts if she had released it in 2008.” In conclusion, PERFECT!!!

We Were Happy (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (D): A slower, sadder song, “We Were Happy” is one of the 6 “vault” songs Swift released along with the original records. Keith Urban harmonizes on the choruses, a flashback to Taylor’s opening act on his 2009 tour when she first released Fearless!! The song describes falling out of love and looking back on when “we were happy”.

That’s When (feat. Keith Urban) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (D): Another romantic narrative, this vault song takes us back to Taylor’s country roots (especially because of its duet-like nature with Keith Urban!). The song tells the story from “I need some time, need some space” to “That’s when I love you” as Taylor narrates a reuniting relationship. “That’s When” perfectly fits in with the Fearless era’s love stories, relationships, and heartbreaks.

Don’t You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (E): I was impressed with this vault song. I had never heard it before, and I find it extremely calming despite its desolate lyrics. When Swift released a promotional “decoding” video a week before the album release, she ran part of this track backward in the video. Kourafas adds, “I love the double meaning of the phrase ‘don’t you.’” So why don’t you go listen?

Bye Bye Baby (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (E): I cannot get this song out of my head!! It took me by surprise. I did not know much to expect from From The Vault songs, but I was incredibly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I also think it is super interesting that the song deals with more mature themes and utilizes euphemisms. You can hear the Fearless style, but we never got any comparable lyrics to the ones in “Bye Bye Baby (Taylor’s Version)” until later eras. It makes me excited because I can’t help but wonder what other “Bye Bye Baby (TV)”s she has locked away in the vault from the Taylor Swift, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and reputation eras! Only time will tell!!

Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Elvira Remix (M): As the last track on Fearless (Taylor’s Version), “Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Elvira Remix” serves as a dance party version of “Love Story” (see review above). This song is for anyone who doesn’t exactly enjoy country; they can enjoy “Love Story” regardless. Although I did not prefer the remixes of “willow” from evermore, I don’t mind this version of “Love Story.” I definitely wouldn’t mind it if some people refused to play the original country version, but who wouldn’t want to listen to the original version? “Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Elvira Remix” would be great for the dance floor.

Now that you know what we think of each song, here are Elle, Delaney, and Mimi’s separate rankings of each of the 27 songs offered on Fearless (Taylor’s Version). (We tried to keep these rankings solely based on how we like Taylor’s Versions instead of comparing old and new.)

Elle’s Ranking (this changes like every minute…):