Since the release of Taylor Swift’s re-recorded Red album on November 12, 2021, Swifties have been madly streaming the album and the 9 never before heard songs that were released from “The Vault ”. Along with the 30 song album, Swift gifted her fans with a personal “Message From Taylor” on Apple Music, a music video for “I Bet You Think About Me (ft. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”, a 15 minute “All Too Well” short film starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, and a guest appearance on November 13th’s Saturday Night Live! It truly is the season of giving! Since we had so much fun composing our Fearless Rankings last spring, here is our review and rankings of Red (Taylor’s Version):

State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)(E)

This song has always been one of my favorites off the album. The lyricism throughout never fails to dazzle me. After skipping ahead to “Nothing New” and “ATW (Ten Minute Version),” I returned to “State of Grace,” one of her best album openers in my humble opinion, of course. I could not have been more satisfied with this re-record.

Red (Taylor’s Version)(M)

As the rerecord of the album’s title track, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” did not disappoint. The background drumbeat is a little louder, and Taylor’s vocals are much more mature sounding. Overall, the song sounds almost identical to the original, and the iconic “re-e-e-ed” is preserved. The song also captures the passionate emotions all the same.

Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)(M)

“Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)” is about getting into a relationship even though you know it’s not healthy. Lyrics like “And I’d be smart to walk away/But you’re quicksand” capture the feeling of recognizing red flags but entering the relationship anyway because of the passion for the other person. The song is as great as the original, and Taylor’s vocals are better than ever.

I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)(D)

A classic 2012 anthem, the new version of I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version) is the perfect song to blast on the way home from school. Taylor sings about her frustration and heartbreak, blaming herself for not seeing the red flags along the way. As always, Swift owns her emotions in the most iconic and powerful way possible.

All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)(D)

One of the most iconic Taylor Swift songs EVER! A nostalgic remembrance turned bitter heartbreak, All Too Well outlines 20-year-old Taylor’s relationship with 29-year-old Jake Gyllenhaal and their brutal fallout. The beautifully written bridge screams toxic relationship, revealing how Gyllenhaal would “call [Taylor] up again just to break [her] like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest.” Taylor also writes of
Jake stealing her metaphorical scarf and standing her up on her birthday…how rude! If you ever need a passionate heartbreak song, Taylor’s All Too Well has got you covered. 

22 (Taylor’s Version)(A)

22 (Taylors Version) was dropped at the perfect time for seniors at Hingham High School as seniors will be graduating in 2022.  Taylor explains what it feels like to be 22 as she sings, “happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time”. It is interesting to think about Taylor Swift now signing this song 9 years later. When she first wrote this song she was lost and confused as she entered her adult life. Now she has more of a grasp on who she is and did a wonderful job re-recording this song. 

I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)(D)

I Almost Do reveals Taylor’s struggle not to regress back into a relationship she had been hurt in before. Although she wants to run back, Taylor sings, “I can’t say hello to you and risk another goodbye.” This heart-wrenching inner conflict metamorphosizes as Swift ends with an inspiring courage, wishing she could go back but having the strength to move on and fight for her own happiness. 

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version)(A)

Back in 2012, this was the lead single from Red as it blasted all over the radio. I can remember making my own music videos to this song and constantly singing the catchy lyrics. Some Swifties believe how Taylor says “we” in Taylor’s Version is too different, but it is still a fabulous song to sing all the lyrics to in the car. 

Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version) (A)

After listening to this song once, the catchy chorus will be stuck in your head for weeks. This song explains how in relationships arguments can occur but it is often worth it to stay. “Stay, Stay, Stay” includes both upbeat music and well-written lyrics.

The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version) (A)

This song is about an on and off relationship similar to “We Are Never Getting Back Together” which is more upbeat and fun. “The Last Time” is more serious and thoughtful and it is a duet with Gary Lightbody which makes the song even more interesting. 

Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)(E)

This has also always been a favorite of mine. The nostalgic yet gleeful feel of the song always makes me smile. I have always gravitated towards her performance of this song Live from Formula 1 in Austin, Texas due to the exciting ways she emphasized certain words. Because of this, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the slight difference in the word “dust” in the re-record as it resembles that much loved 2016 performance.

Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)(E)

It was not until somewhat recently that I got into this song. I used to find it boring, slow, and repetitive, but that impressive bridge hooked me several weeks before the November 12 release. And, she really outdid herself with the re-record. Her vocals sound noticeably stronger and they really add so much sincerity to the words she sings. I feel bad I ranked it so low–it really is a beautiful song.

The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)(D)

I had never heard The Lucky One when Red originally came out but realized how amazing it was when listening to Red this summer in preparation for the rerecords. The lyrics relay the story of an unknown character who had it all but gave up his/her fame in pursuit of happiness. Taylor reveals the burdens of the spotlight writing “And they tell you that you’re lucky but you’re so confused, ‘Cause you don’t feel pretty, you just feel used.” The background drumbeat adds a catchiness to the song, and it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites!

Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)(M)

From Ed Sheeran’s beginning “You good to go?” to his harmonies with Taylor’s melody, “Everything Has Changed (Taylor’s Version)” remains perfect. Both Taylor’s and Ed’s vocals have matured, and the guitar remains beautiful and strong. The song is about the endless possibilities that follow meeting someone and having immediate chemistry with them. The feeling is captured all the same, and Taylor and Ed’s friendship is evidently as strong as ever.

Starlight (Taylor’s Version)(A)

A picture of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy when they were seventeen inspired Swift to write “Starlight”. She came up with a story for the picture and wrote the lyrics based on one photo. Her creativity for this song is inspiring and she even played this song for Ethel. 

Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)(M)

“Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)” is another rerecord of one of the album’s singles. The song is about the first relationship after a difficult breakup. It’s like a breath of fresh air and a new beginning full of hope and possibility captured in a song. The song sounds almost identical to the original version, aside from Taylor’s more mature vocals (which makes the song even better).

The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)(E)

Ugh!!!! This song. I had been listening to this song a lot more recently, so I had been very pumped to hear her re-record. Immediately, this song jumped to the top of my list. Swift had originally put “The Moment I Knew” as a deluxe track on the album. The song details how an ex-lover (allegedly Jake Gyllenhaal) missed her 21st birthday party after saying they would make it. The song beautifully conveys the misery one feels when someone they love lets them down. Junior Nora Lundin comments, “I really appreciate the sonic changes she made. The chorus sounds so strong now.”

Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version)(D)

Released on the deluxe version of Red in 2012, Come Back Be Here exposes the heartbreaking and cruel reality of long-distance relationships. The bridge perfectly captures the feeling of missing someone far away explaining, “But you’re in London, and I break down ‘cause it’s not fair that you’re not around.” Fans have their own theories for who Taylor is longing for in this song, but the singer has never truly revealed the subject of this sweet love song. 

Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)(D)

When Red was first released in 2012, Swifties generally thought of Girl at Home as one of the least impressive songs on the album lyrically and musically. In my opinion, this re-recorded version brought the song to a whole new level and dismissed any doubt in Taylor’s genius. Accompanied by much more involved and unique background music than the original, Taylor’s “Girl At Home” her rejection of a flirtatious friend who had a girlfriend at the time. Even spiraling rumors can’t pinpoint the love interest Taylor describes in this song, though!

State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)(M)

“State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)” is slightly slower than its original counterpart. However, it exhibits Taylor’s beautiful vocals all the same. She has great control over her voice, and the background drums and guitar enhance the performance even more.

Ronan (Taylor’s Version)(A)

“Ronan” honors a four-year-old boy who had passed away from cancer. In 2012 Swift released this song exclusively to iTunes for charity. The lyric video included a photo montage of Ronan Thompson. Swift included Ronan’s mom Maya as a co-writer for the song as it was her blog that sparked the idea for the song. Taylor Swift explained in an email to Maya that she had written the song at the same time she wrote Red and believed it belonged on Red(Taylors Version) as it fits in with the idea of loss, heartbreak, and healing. 

Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(E)

I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH!!!! Originally written by Swift but sold to Little Big Town back in the day, I was super excited to learn that Swift would include this on her version of Red. The demo was leaked weeks prior, and when I first heard Taylor sing in that demo, I knew that her re-recorded rendition would blow everyone away. I was right!!

Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(E)

As soon as I learned that Taylor would be collaborating with Phoebe Bridgers, I have been anticipating much for this song. I, along with many other Taylor and Phoebe fans, were initially very worried that Taylor would stick with her tendency to only give female collaborators background vocals (i.e. “no body no crime (ft. Haim)” and “Breathe (ft. Colbie Caillat) (Taylor’s Version).” When I first heard Phoebe’s part during my midnight streaming of the album, it took about a half-hour to recoup. Between my initial scream and the constant sobbing, I’m still pretty surprised that I didn’t wake anyone. If I had, I probably would have made them listen to this masterpiece of a song. The lyrics surrounding the depressing realities of growing older heavily resonate with me as I realize how many things this year will be the “last” of my childhood. (I am also beyond pleased that I can listen to Phoebe sing “the kind of radiance you only have at seventeen” as a 17-year-old!)

Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(E)

I have always adored this song. It is so cute! For historical context, Taylor originally wrote this song circa 2012 but sold it to the band Sugarland where she was featured for only the outro. I have always longed for more Taylor in that song, so this new version definitely satisfies that! I also love the added “What about your promises, promises / What about your promises, promises, promises? (No)” intro. This song is so fun!

Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(M)

“Message in a Bottle” is about the uncertainty of a requited crush. The person whom the song is about has apparently gone to London, leaving the future of the relationship uncertain. Before the album’s (and this song’s) release, a Swiftie said in a TikTok that he predicted that “Message in a Bottle” would “a total pop banger” based on the fact that Max Martin and Shellback — Taylor’s collaborators on many of her pop songs — were credited. Taylor, herself, responded to the TikTok saying, “‘Message in a Bottle’ is EXACTLY what you think it is!!” For the record, “Message in a Bottle” is “a total pop banger,” and, in my opinion, one of the best vault songs if not one of the best songs on the album. Its upbeat rhythm is perfect to dance and sing along to.

I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(A)

This vault song also received its own music video starring Taylor Swift and directed by one of her friends Blake Lively. Swifties viewed this song as a Jake Gyllenhaal diss-track with lyrics like,  “ I bet you think about me when you’re out at your cool indie music concerts every week. I bet you think about me in your house with your organic shoes and your million-dollar couch”. Swift, who wrote this song back in 2011 with Lori Mckenna while she was on her Speak Now tour, explained her goal for this song was to create a comedic breakup song that provided laughter to her album full of serious and heartfelt songs. She accomplished just that with “I Bet You Think About Me”. 

Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(E)

I did not know what to expect from this vault song! Once I listened, it quickly became one of my top 13 Taylor songs of all time. The vulnerable, raw emotion displayed in this song really impresses me. Taylor describes her feelings around a friend struggling with mental health explaining that “I’ll be summer sun for you forever / forever winter if you go.” Fans speculate that Taylor wrote this song about her late friend Jeff Lang. 

Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(D)

The second song featuring Ed Sheeran (along with “Everything Has Changed”), this lighthearted and sweet song describes lovers wanting to run away together. Swift and Sheeran’s voices blend together above simple background music, creating a slow yet lovely melody. 

The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)(M)

“The Very First Night” is about remembering the happy and joyful start of an old relationship. Taylor Swift can practically be heard smiling while singing. Though the song is about something said, its upbeat rhythm and bright vocals make it a great song to sing along to. The only criticism from many Swifties is that the lyric (and every subsequent lyric with the same structure)  “Didn’t read the note on the Polaroid picture/They don’t know how much I miss you” sounds better when the rhyme scheme is preserved and the lyric is “her” instead of “you.” One Swiftie edited a clip of the audio to reflect this on TikTok. Regardless, “The Very First Night” is one of the best vault songs on the album.

All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

(M): I listened to “All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” first. I was driving to school on Monday morning, and when Taylor Swift began singing the extended verse, I felt a chill. Her lyricism is perfect and captures so many emotions. By the time I got to the fourth verse where Taylor sings, “You who charmed my dad with self-effacing jokes/Sipping coffee like you’re on a late-night show/But then he watched me watch the front door all night, willing you to come/And he said, “It’s supposed to be fun turning twenty-one” (which references “The Moment I knew (Taylor’s Version”), I started sobbing. The short film starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien brought on more tears from me. Sadie and Dylan’s performances were impeccable, especially the improvised argument scene in the kitchen.

(A): The ten-minute version only adds more gut-wrenching lyrics than the original version as senior Jade Weggemen explained, “I am not normally a Taylor Swift stan, but I sobbed”. 

 “All Too Well” was never a single on Red, but it clearly became a fan favorite over the years. She also created an All Too Well short film starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien. Written and directed by Taylor Swift, the film follows the course of the song while not feeling like a music video. Both the song and the film tackle the idea of toxic relationships and heartbreak. Make sure to have some tissues nearby when you listen to the song or watch the fifteen-minute short film. 

(E): Wow. This song. I still cannot believe we were given the opportunity to hear the whole, ten-minute version. AND, A SHORT FILM??? STARRING SADIE SINK AND DYLAN O’BRIEN?? This song and movie are both so unbelievable. I cannot put into words how much I love this song. My new favorite line is “And did the twin flame bruise paint you blue? / Just between us, did the love affair maim you too?” How did she ever cut that?? I talked to sophomore Ellie McKay who had a lot to say about Red (Taylor’s Version). She shares, “I really like how much more mature Taylor’s voice sounds in the re-recorded version of all the songs. It’s been so cool to kind of grow up with her in the sense that I remember listening to the album for the first time as a seven-year-old girl, but I still get that same excitement listening to Red (Taylor’s Version) last week. It really speaks volumes on how engaged she’s kept her fans over the years.” I couldn’t agree more!

Ranking of all of Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) album*

*(excluding “Ronan (Taylor’s Version)” out of respect for the song’s subject.)

Mimi’s Ranking (at the moment)

1. Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
2. All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
3. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
4. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
5. The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)
6. Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
7. Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)
8. Red (Taylor’s Version)
9. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)
10. Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)
11. State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)
12. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)
13. 22 (Taylor’s Version)
14. All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)
15. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
16. Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
17.  Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
18. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version)
19. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)
20. The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)
21. I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)
22. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version)
23. Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version)
24. Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)
25. Starlight (Taylor’s Version)
26. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)
27. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version)
28. Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
29. State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)

Delaney’s Ranking (at the moment)

1. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
2. All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
3. The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)
4. Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version)
5. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version)
6. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)
7. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version)
8. All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)
9. State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)
10. Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)
11. Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
12. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)
13. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)
14. 22 (Taylor’s Version)
15. Red (Taylor’s Version)
16. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
17. Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)
18. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version)
19. Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
20. Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
21. Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
22. Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
23. I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)
24. State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)
25. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
26. The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)
27. Starlight (Taylor’s Version)
28. Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)
29. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)

Ava’s Ranking

1. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
2. All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
3. Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)
4. The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)
5. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
6. All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)
7. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version)
8. Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)
9. Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
10. State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)
11. Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version)
12. The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)
13. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)
14. Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
15. 22 (Taylor’s Version)
16. Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
17. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)
18. Red (Taylor’s Version)
19. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version)
20. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version)
21. Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
22. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)
23. State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)
24. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
25. Starlight (Taylor’s Version)
26. I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)
27. Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
28. Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)
29. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)

Elle’s Ranking (a lot has changed in my ranking after hearing these re-records!):

1. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
2. Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
3. Come Back…Be Here (Taylor’s Version)
4. Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
5. All Too Well (Ten Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
6. Holy Ground (Taylor’s Version)
7. The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)
8. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol) (Taylor’s Version)
9. All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)
10. State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)
11. The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
12. Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
13. Treacherous (Taylor’s Version)
14. 22 (Taylor’s Version)
15. Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)
16. The Lucky One (Taylor’s Version)
17. I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s Version)
18. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
19. Red (Taylor’s Version)
20. Starlight (Taylor’s Version)
21. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version)
22. Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version)
23. I Almost Do (Taylor’s Version)
24. Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)
25. State of Grace (Acoustic Version) (Taylor’s Version)
26. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version)
27. Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)
28. Girl At Home (Taylor’s Version)
29. Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)