There are very few, if any, precedents for what Taylor Swift accomplished by rocketing Fearless (Taylor’s Version) to the top of the album charts. After wrongly losing the ownership of her original masters, Swift has embarked on the journey of revisiting all of her old eras to re-record their songs and reclaim ownership over her own creative property.
Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is the first iteration of that endeavor and it’s safe to say that it has exploded in terms of fan reaction. Some of the tracks, released 13 years after the originals, sound even better and some original versions will always be the songs fans love the most. Either way, fans definitely have firm opinions on the tracks. Swifties always do.
10 Original: You Belong With Me
One of the biggest hits of the original Fearless was “You Belong with Me.” As such, it’s etched into the brains of many Swifties, who can recognize even one out-of-sync instrument or one differently played note. (They’re also able to pore over every detail of her documentaries for Easter eggs.)
The new version definitely holds up and works as a recreated version of a classic hit. But that original has an irreplaceable energy. Couple that with the new version being just a touch faster and the first “You Belong with Me” is still the touchstone for many fans.
9 Taylor’s Version: Fifteen
It might be easy to think that “Fifteen” would be a song that would unquestionably be better as the original track. After all, Swift’s younger voice and perspective are natural matches for a song all about what it’s like to be 15 years old.
Yet, there is something truly magical about Swift revisiting the track at age 31. Hearing her sing the lyric, “I didn’t know who I was supposed to be / At 15” is enough to send goosebumps through the body. It’s like one can see the influence Folklore had on her creative process.
8 Original: Breathe
It is truly lovely and sweet that Colbie Caillat returned for Taylor Swift’s artist reclamation project to record her backing vocals on “Breathe.” She may not be as famous as she was when “Bubbly” was released, but Caillat is clearly still revered in the industry.
The original “Breathe” was just perfect timing between the burgeoning careers of Swift and Caillat. It’s one of those lightning-in-a-bottle instances that make many fans prefer the original, even if the new one hits all the familiar beats.
7 Taylor’s Version: Today Was A Fairytale
One element of Taylor’s version of Fearless that really knocked the socks off fans was that she made “Today Was a Fairytale” into a pivotal, unskippable track in the annals of Fearless (Taylor’s Version). The song was always loved, but never fully appreciated.
The re-recorded version, though, opens up so many new elements of the song with a more focused production. Not to mention, Swift’s voice has become much stronger over the course of a decade and a half and it shows here.
6 Original: White Horse
Another big hit from the original Fearless was “White Horse,” one of Taylor’s quintessential country songs. She did a pretty solid job of bringing back the instrumentation and orchestration from talented musicians who helped bring her original sophomore album to life.
However, there is a true magic in the original version of “White Horse.” There’s an earnestness and eagerness in Taylor’s voice that – while she may still be both earnest and eager – is impossible to replicate as one gets older. The song still works and flows beautifully, but her teenage/youthful energy remains in 2008 for fans.
5 Taylor’s Version: Forever And Always (Piano Version)
Like “Today Was a Fairytale,” “Forever and Always (Piano Version)” is a track that many Swifties never expected to be vital. Yet, she made it highly relevant with the new version.
There is a soaring beauty to this version of “Forever and Always” that just never existed before. It’s a clear example of Swift taking the opportunity to improve on some of her earlier shortcomings, rather than try to recreate the songs, beat for beat.
4 Original: Untouchable
Many Taylor Swift fans feel that the original “Untouchable” is, in fact, “Untouchable.” As one of the busier songs on the original album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) takes on the unenviable task of recreating an entire confluence of creativity.
It doesn’t quite reach the mark. It does enough to ensure that most Swift fans will add this version to their library to support Taylor and her mission through these projects, but it’s one of the least obvious tracks to come out looking shinier.
3 Taylor’s Version: The Best Day
Similar to “Fifteen,” Taylor’s version of “The Best Day” is just gutting and highly moving to listen to when one considers all that has transpired since the original song came out. After all, the testament to her parents grows more touching as they grow older with her.
Considering her mother’s health, which prompted the Lover track, “Soon You’ll Get Better,” one has to imagine that “The Best Day” was a tough one for Taylor to return to. Yet, she does it so gorgeously and with immense dignity. It’s a total win on the new album.
2 Original: Love Story
The most iconic track from the original Fearless was undoubtedly “Love Story.” Aside from 1989‘s “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space,” it might just be the biggest hit Taylor has ever had. As such, even non-Swifties will know if the Valentine’s Day treat lived up to the original.
Did it? Not quite. But it came impossibly close, which is impressive for one of the biggest top-charting tracks of the entire 2000s. It’s just hard to replace the original in the minds and ears of fans, but at least this one pays tribute to fans with a new lyrical twist.
1 Taylor’s Version: You’re Not Sorry
The most undeniable success story of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), in the minds of most fans, is definitely “You’re Not Sorry.” Frequently labeled a skip on Fearless and one that fans might cut in favor of a vault track, “You’re Not Sorry” has now been elevated to one of the best songs on the entire album.
For one, Swift’s voice fits the pop tones of the song much more strongly now than she did when she was still largely a country star. For another, there is true power in the orchestration that mostly felt manufactured on the first go around. Taylor’s version of “You’re Not Sorry” is the clear MVP of her first re-record venture.
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