Taylor Swift has officially confirmed that she will be releasing a new version of her 2010 album Speak Now on July 7, 2023. The announcement came during her Eras Tour show in Nashville on May 5, where she surprised the audience with a performance of “Sparks Fly” during the acoustic portion of her set.
Swift later shared the news on Instagram, stating that her version of Speak Now will feature six extra songs that she has “sprung loose from the vault”. The pop star also reflected on the album’s original release, which was “completely self-written” and recorded between the ages of 18 and 20. She described the songs as being “marked by their brutal honesty, unfiltered diaristic confessions, and wild wistfulness” and said that she “absolutely cannot wait to celebrate Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) with you”.
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Swifties had been speculating about the possibility of a re-recorded Speak Now after the pop star dropped a number of hints in her music video for “Bejeweled”. Eagle-eyed fans spotted several Easter eggs in the video that seemed to point to the album, including purple jewelry and a balcony that resembled the one used during the Speak Now tour in 2011 and 2012. The most obvious clue, however, was when Swift pressed a purple elevator button that dropped her off on floor 3. Speak Now was her third album, and she wears a purple gown on the cover.
This is not the first time that Swift has re-recorded her earlier music. After losing control of her masters in a high-profile dispute with manager Scooter Braun, the pop star has been in the process of re-recording her first six albums. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was released in April 2021, and included several “From the Vault” songs that did not make the original cut. Red (Taylor’s Version) followed later that year, featuring a highly anticipated 10-minute edition of her breakup hit “All Too Well”.
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In a February 2021 Instagram post, Swift explained that she was re-recording her early albums because “artists should own their own work for so many reasons”. The pop star added that she hoped her approach to re-recording her music would “illuminate where I’m coming from” as an artist.
During a November 2021 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Swift opened up about the process of revisiting her old songs. She said that it was “really nice to be able to put this album out and not be sad”, adding that the release week of her original Red album had been “so stressful”. Several of the songs on Red were written in the aftermath of her split from Jake Gyllenhaal, but when asked whether she was worried about how her former flames would react to her re-recorded albums, Swift said that she had not thought about their experience.
Swift’s re-recordings of her earlier works have not only given her control over her music but have also allowed her to revisit her past and reflect on her growth as an artist and as a person. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she shared her thoughts on the process of re-recording her albums, saying, “It’s been the most amazing adventure rediscovering my music from this decade and seeing these songs evolve as I’ve evolved.”
Swift has always been known for her personal and honest songwriting, and her earlier works, including Speak Now, are no exception. The album features hits such as “Mine,” “Back to December,” and “Mean,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance in 2012. The album was praised for its relatable lyrics and catchy melodies, and it cemented Swift’s status as one of the biggest stars in the music industry.
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With the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), fans can look forward to hearing their favorite tracks with a fresh perspective and perhaps some surprises. Swift has already teased that the album will include six extra songs that were previously unreleased, and fans are speculating about what these songs might be.
Swift’s re-recordings have not only been a way for her to regain control over her music but also to connect with her fans in a new way. She has been open about her experiences and emotions during the process, and fans have been touched by her vulnerability and authenticity. Many have shared their own stories of how Swift’s music has helped them through difficult times and have expressed their excitement for the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).
Swift’s Eras Tour, which kicked off on May 5 in Nashville, will feature songs from her entire discography, including her re-recorded albums. The tour has already received rave reviews, with critics praising Swift’s powerful vocals, stunning visuals, and impressive stage presence. Fans can expect to hear some of their favorite hits, as well as deep cuts and surprises.
With the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and her ongoing tour, Swift shows no signs of slowing down. Her music continues to inspire and connect with fans around the world, and her re-recordings are a testament to her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her craft. As she sings in “Shake It Off,” “I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off.”
