The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
by Anna Alford, Staff Writer
Taylor Swift signed to the Big Machine Label Group when she was 15 years old, and together they produced six albums. In 2018 their contract ended, and Taylor signed with Republic Records of Universal Music Group. Although Big Machine would still profit from her first six original albums, Taylor would be able to own her new music and songs with this new label. Since signing with Republic Records, three new albums have been produced.
Taylor finally got control of her work, and now she owns her music. Unfortunately, Big Machine still has their name on Taylor’s original albums, so she decided to re-record her music. From her first self titled album in 2006 to Reputation (2017), Taylor announced that she will be re-recording her discography. On February 11th, Taylor announced from her social media that her new version of her second album, Fearless, is “done and will be with you soon.” This new recording will be titled “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” which includes six new songs that were never released. On February 12th, Love Story (Taylor’s Version), a song from Fearless, was released for a taste of what present Taylor has brought to young Taylor’s music.
Bradley students enjoy Taylor Swift because of how versatile her music is. Alex Voght (11) likes that “no matter what mood you’re in, you can find a Taylor Swift song that fits it.” All of her albums have different styles and messages to them. Malachi Haynes (12) agrees with Alex because of the messages in her music. Malachi says, “What I like about Taylor’s music is that even though it’s not relatable to me, it still has meaning behind the songs and it’s a bunch of manufactured stories that fit everyone.” Fans love Taylor’s range in music because of her ability to make a different sound on each project.
Voght, Haynes, and Maria Martin (12) are all excited to hear the new recording of Taylor’s fourth album, Red. Maria is most excited to hear Taylor’s new version of “All Too Well” because she loves the “depth and connections between the lyrics she writes.” Fans enjoy hearing the difference in her voice and the passion she gives to each song. Voght said “it’s difficult to choose a favorite because all of [Taylor’s] music is full of emotion. She’s so hardworking and talented, and I cannot wait to hear the re-recordings.” There isn’t an official release date for any of the re-recordings, but you can expect Fearless (Taylor’s Version) to come out soon.