Swifties, gather 'round because we're about to embark on a journey through Taylor Swift's re-recorded discography, where each album is a treasure trove of nostalgia, growth, and even vault tracks never heard before by fans. 

The story of Taylor Swift versus Scooter Braun is a saga of resilience, artistic freedom, and the unyielding spirit of our queen. Let's dive into what really happened and why Taylor embarked on the ambitious journey to re-record her entire discography.

The conflict began when Braun's company, Ithaca Holdings, acquired Big Machine Label Group, the label that owned Taylor's early catalog. Taylor spoke out against the acquisition, stating that she was not given the opportunity to buy her masters before they were sold to Braun.

For Swifties, this was a heartbreaking twist in the narrative. It meant that the songs we had grown up with, the anthems that echoed our own experiences, were now in the hands of someone who didn't share the same emotional connection with them. The situation escalated when Swift publicly expressed her frustration and disappointment. 

Swifties rallied behind her, creating a strong and vocal support system on social media. The dispute brought attention to the broader issue of artist rights and ownership within the music industry – sparking conversations about the need for reform.

Swift, who has always been an advocate for artists' rights, found herself in a challenging situation. The ownership of her masters became a symbol of the struggles many musicians face in an industry where creative ownership can slip away. But Taylor Swift is not one to back down. Instead of succumbing to defeat, she hatched a plan as cunning as any plotted in her songs. In a move that left many in awe of her strength, Swift declared her intention to re-record all of her early albums. This wasn't just about reclaiming her music; it was a bold statement that her artistry, her stories, and her voice belonged to her and her fans. Swifties worldwide rallied behind the cause, supporting our queen in this quest to rewrite history on her own terms.

The re-recording journey began with Fearless (Taylor's Version), a symbolic reclaiming of the past. As Taylor took the helm, adding new tracks and breathing fresh life into beloved classics, we felt the empowerment radiating from every note. It was a beacon of hope for artists everywhere, a reminder that their voices can never be silenced, no matter the challenges.Through social media, Taylor kept us in the loop, sharing snippets of the process, teasing us with surprises, and turning the re-recordings into a communal experience. The Swiftie family, as passionate and dedicated as ever, stood firmly by her side, ready to embrace each new version of the songs that had shaped our lives.

Now, let's rank (Taylor's Version) albums from the fourth to the first, delving into standout tracks and those tantalizing fan theories.

4. Speak Now (Taylor's Version): Timeless Stories Retold

Speak Now (Taylor's Version) holds a special place in our hearts, but lands at number four. Standout tracks include the whimsical "Enchanted" and the poignant "Long Live." Taylor announced the release live during a show on the Eras Tour, and once the album was out, she added "Long Live" to the set list and performed with her iconic guitar from 2011. The record includes Swift's revamped version of cult favorite "Dear John," referencing Swift's relationship with John Mayer. Before the re-release, Swift shared at a show, "What I'm trying to tell you, is that I am not putting this album out so that you can go and should feel the need to defend me on the internet against someone you think I might have written a song about 14 million years ago. I do not care. We have all grown up. We're good." 

FOV: Our fan of view is that "Back to December" is the standout track on Speak Now (TV). She has grown so much as a vocalist, and that shines through on this re-release. However, early songs come with a green, not always perfectly developed sound, putting Speak Now at the bottom of the list.

Underrated track pick: “Castles Crumbling” ft. Hayley Williams

3. 1989 (Taylor's Version): Shake It Off - Again

Taking the third spot is the synth-pop extravaganza, 1989 (Taylor's Version). Standout tracks like "Blank Space" and "Style" get a fresh lease on life, and (From the Vault) tracks like "Slut!" and "Say Don't Go" have become instant playlist adds for Swifties everywhere. The album was a pinnacle point for Swift, as she dove head first into the pop scene after planting her roots in country music. Tracks such as "Now That We Don't Talk" have been speculated to be about ex-boyfriend and superstar Harry Styles. The two young stars were together during the time of the LP's original release in October of 2014. The singles "We Are Never Getting Back Together" and "I Bet You Think About Me" have been rumored to be about Styles, with lyrics, 'I tried to fit in with your upper-crust circles…They sit around talking 'bout the meaning of life / And the book that just saved 'em that I hadn't heard of.'

Fan of View: The singles and significance 1989 had on the pop world will never be forgotten. However, some of the production on 1989 (Taylor's Version) seemed rushed and clunky, putting it at number three over that of Fearless (Taylor's Version). 

 2. Fearless (Taylor's Version): Fearlessly Reclaiming the Throne

Fearless (Taylor's Version) snags the silver medal, a testament to the beginning of Taylor's journey from country to pop. Standout tracks include the iconic "Love Story" re-done and the hauntingly beautiful "Wildest Dreams." Fans can't get enough of the theories surrounding the parallels between the re-recorded Fearless and Taylor's personal evolution, drawing connections that add more to the listening experience. As always, there are layers to Taylor's re-released music. "Mr. Perfectly Fine," a vault track, fans are convinced is about none other than heartthrob and JoBro Joe Jonas.

As soon as it was released, fans drew comparisons to one specific line in the song 'Mr. Looked me in the eye and told me you would never go away,' with the original release about Jonas, "Forever and Always" lyric, "You looked me in the eye and told me you loved me." Taylor did confirm that "Forever and Always" was about her breakup with the DNCE singer. Swifties also had a theory that Taylor referenced the length of the phone call on which Jonas broke up with her (27 seconds) using the word "Mr." 27 times in the song. 

1. Red (Taylor's Version): The Scarlet Crown Jewel

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for — the top spot goes to Red (Taylor's Version). This album, with its expanded tracklist featuring the epic "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)," is a lyrical slam-dunk for Swift. Standout tracks also include the anthemic "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and the soul-baring "State of Grace." Swifties are buzzing with theories about the extended version of "All Too Well," speculating on the real-life inspirations behind Taylor's heart-wrenching lyrics.

Swift's compelling aesthetic stood out during this time, massively encouraging haircuts, fashion trends, and even red lipstick. Her glam look at the 2021 Brit Awards was very reminiscent of the looks she sported during the LP's release in 2012, nudging fans to believe their long-awaited Red (TV) was finally arriving.

FOV: Fantastic lyricism, gorgeous production, attention to detail, and perseverance led Taylor to this point. My favorite track on the LP is "Better Man" (Taylor's Version), which shows off her writing skills alongside Little Big Town.

(Taylor's Version) albums are not just a revisit to the past but a journey through the corridors of Taylor Swift's soul. The standout tracks and fan theories add a layer of intrigue that keeps us coming back for more. As we continue to unravel the magic woven into these re-recordings, one thing is clear — Taylor Swift has created a timeless legacy, and we are here for every note, every lyric, and every fan theory that comes our way. Cheers to the queen of storytelling and the enchantment that is Taylor Swift.

Photo Credit: @taylorswift on Instagram.