Red (Taylor's Version) cover

Red (Taylor's Version)

Taylor Swift · 2021

130 min · 30 tracks · contemporary R&B

An emotionally charged blend of country and pop that encapsulates the highs and lows of love and heartbreak.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    State of Grace (Taylor’s version) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    All Too Well (Taylor’s version) — The extended ten-minute version deepens the narrative with vivid imagery and emotional nuance, providing listeners with an intimate look into past heartbreak.
  • →
    Red (Taylor’s version) — The title track juxtaposes vibrant imagery with complex emotions, capturing the essence of fleeting love through its infectious chorus and poignant verses.
  • →
    I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s version) — This track exemplifies Swift's early foray into pop, blending catchy hooks with a sense of regret that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Better Man (Taylor’s version) — Originally written for another artist, this song highlights Swift's growth as a songwriter, now delivering it with added layers of reflection and maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends familiar hits with new material, showcasing strong songwriting and production but suffers from length and pacing issues.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces more introspective ballads.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and prominent instrumental arrangements that enhance emotional delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt storytelling through melodies
  • cathartic emotional release moments
  • nostalgic reflections on past love
  • for road trip sing-alongs
  • varied pacing keeps engagement high

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy storytelling experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — This album is a re-recording that expands on an already acclaimed work, showcasing artistic growth.
Themes
heartbreak nostalgia· public disputes over masters· vibrant love stories
Career context
Released on November 12, 2021, Red (Taylor's Version) marks Taylor Swift's second re-recorded album as part of her ongoing effort to reclaim her master recordings. This project follows the release of Fearless (Taylor's Version) earlier in 2021 and showcases a matured sound while revisiting pivotal moments from her career during a time of extensive personal and artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors
Kacey Musgraves· Halsey· Lorde
New to Taylor Swift? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 State of Grace (Taylor’s version) Start here 4:55
  • 2 Red (Taylor’s version) 3:43
  • 3 Treacherous (Taylor’s version) 4:02
  • 4 I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor’s version) 3:39
  • 5 All Too Well (Taylor’s version) 5:29
  • 6 22 (Taylor’s version) 3:50
  • 7 I Almost Do (Taylor’s version) 4:04
  • 8 We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor’s version) 3:13
  • 9 Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s version) 3:25
  • 10 The Last Time (Taylor’s version) 4:59
  • 11 Holy Ground (Taylor’s version) 3:22
  • 12 Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s version) 4:44
  • 13 The Lucky One (Taylor’s version) 4:00
  • 14 Everything Has Changed (Taylor’s version) 4:05
  • 15 Starlight (Taylor’s version) 3:40
  • 16 Begin Again (Taylor’s version) 3:58

Disc 2

  • 1 The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s version) 4:45
  • 2 Come Back… Be Here (Taylor’s version) 3:43
  • 3 Girl at Home (Taylor’s version) 3:40
  • 4 State of Grace (acoustic version) (Taylor’s version) 5:21
  • 5 Ronan (Taylor’s version) 4:24
  • 6 Better Man (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 4:57
  • 7 Nothing New (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 4:18
  • 8 Babe (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 3:44
  • 9 Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 3:45
  • 10 I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 4:45
  • 11 Forever Winter (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 4:23
  • 12 Run (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 4:00
  • 13 The Very First Night (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 3:20
  • 14 All Too Well (10 minute version) (Taylor’s version) (from The Vault) 10:13

What to play next

1989
Listen next

1989

2014

Continues the pop evolution with upbeat production and themes of self-discovery.
Red
Go back to

Red

2012

Sets a strong emotional foundation that flows into the pop sound of 1989.
Full Taylor Swift discography Where to start with Taylor Swift Artists like Taylor Swift
contemporary R&B pop rock synth-pop

If this landed

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Explores themes of heartbreak and nostalgia with lush production and evocative lyrics.

By the Way, I Forgive You

By the Way, I Forgive You

Brandi Carlile

Combines heartfelt narratives with rich melodies, delving into love and personal growth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata