It’s a wonderful time for female pop star fans. Britney is free, Adele has a new album, and Taylor Swift finally gets to own all of her songs by way of re-recording them—and sneaking in callbacks to her famous relationships in the best way possible. (Hey Jake Gyllenhaal, you okay?)
Taylor’s Version of Red was—nay, IS—a cultural phenomenon. We all collectively listened to the album, and was brought back to the time when we were young and heartbroken, but sometimes still hopeful. It feels like a long time ago, but they truly were great times.
Truth be told, I am no Swiftie. I am a casual Taylor Swift fan, by which I mean I often belt out her hits during karaoke. And why not? The girl has a controversial public life, for sure, and keeps up a persona that I don’t always appreciate. But it can’t be denied that she writes amazing songs—both catchy and danceable, and heartbreakingly familiar.
That said, there are a few Taylor’s Versions that I am especially looking forward to—and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Speak Now is next on her list.
5. Back to December
I really just want a video featuring a pseudo-Taylor Lautner, especially now that he recently just engaged to another girl named Taylor. The guy really has a weird type.
4. Blank Space
I have a soft spot for this song because I loved how Taylor embraced the serial dater persona and turned it into a bop. Also, it was a de facto anthem for single girls back in the day.
3. Style
Styled by Alessandro Michele as a Gucci campaign, this could bring together Taylor’s sophisticated but cozy feminine style, and Harry’s androgynous cool dude look. Imagine the chicness.
2. Mine
Mine is one of those songs that are just so mushy and sweet, you can’t help but smile every time you hear it. I’d be interested in hearing if she redoes it as a more mature mellow track, or if she keeps it as teeny-bopper as it originally was. Either way, I’m all for it.
1. Story of Us
“This is looking like a contest of who can act like they care less, but I liked it better when you were on my side.”
You can bet your girl was feeling that line a decade ago. Story of Us remains one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs ever—a track I admit I regularly scream-sing while driving alone.