Taylor Swift releases four new songs ahead of US tour

Overview of Taylor Swift’s new singles.

The last song on the roster is “If This Was a Movie.” The song was originally released on “Speak Now (Deluxe),” but has now been rebranded to “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” seemingly without explanation.

Beth Garrabrant

The last song on the roster is “If This Was a Movie.” The song was originally released on “Speak Now (Deluxe),” but has now been rebranded to “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” seemingly without explanation.

Sasha Hulsey, Staff Writer
April 2, 2023

On Thursday, March 16, Taylor Swift revealed four “Taylor’s Version” singles that would be released ahead of her upcoming tour, sending fans into a frenzy.

Taylor Swift’s newest album “Midnights” was released on Oct. 21 of last year, and a week later came the tour announcement. All in support of the world-renowned artist, “The Eras Tour” has fans spending thousands of dollars for a ticket and cities changing their names.

The songs released were “All of the Girls You Loved Before,” “Eyes Open (Taylor’s Version),” “Safe and Sound (Taylor’s Version),” and “If This Was a Movie (Taylor’s Version).”

Many people outside of Taylor’s fanbase aren’t sure why these singles are so exciting for fans and are confused as to why she’s re-releasing old music.

In short, Taylor’s old record company currently owns her first six albums, and all of the songs involved. This means to regain ownership, she must re-record and re-release said albums/songs. Taylor has dubbed these versions, ‘Taylor’s Version,” giving them new vocals and a revamped sound.

I spoke with longtime fan of Swift Katie McClung, and watched reviews to gather some opinions on these new renditions.

“I absolutely loved them,” McClung said.“‘All Of The Girls You Loved Before’ is amazing. I somehow managed to miss all the leaks that happened weeks before.”

After the release of “Lover,” rumors began circulating that two songs titled “Need” and “All of The Girls” were vaulted from its tracklist. Almost four years afterward, “All of The Girls You’ve Loved Before” was officially released as a single, leaving “Need” on the cutting room floor.

The song was originally going to be included on Swift’s seventh album, “Lover,” but was later scrapped. Prior to its official release, a snippet spread across TikTok and Twitter, causing people to beg for a release. 

“‘Safe & Sound’ is one of my favorite songs of hers,” McClung said. “So I was thrilled when I heard it was being rereleased. I had no idea ‘Eyes Open’ was from ‘The Hunger Games,’ but I absolutely adored it.”

Both “Eyes Open” and “Safe and Sound” are originally from “The Hunger Games” soundtrack. Both have been re-recorded and released as “Red (Taylor’s Version)” singles.

Swift is known for giving hints to upcoming projects, and fans believe this was one of those instances. With the release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” later this year, “Eyes Open” and “Safe and Sound” give reason to believe Taylor will be involved with the upcoming prequel to the franchise.

McClung had no complaints about the new songs, and is enthusiastic about the upcoming tour dates. 

She isn’t the only one losing her mind over these releases, as thousands of YouTube channels have made reviews delving into each song, examining its implications.

According to YouTuber Ally Sheehan, “Taylor is beginning a pattern here, and every Friday she is going to generously drop some new songs.”

Swift has such a dedicated fan base, and always receives  positive responses to new releases. She constantly keeps fans on their toes, and knows how to start a ruse in the fandom. This tour is an homage to fans old and new, honoring her career so far. Old “Swifties” hold this time dear to their hearts, considering all that Swift has endured in her career.

“Old fans have been around long enough to hear the original albums, and had to go through Taylor losing her masters,” McClung said. “It really means a lot to us to see her re-record these songs, and put them out.”