Red Taylor’s Version – Vault Track Ranking!

Hi all!

Today I am ranking the vault tracks from Red Taylor’s Version! I have also done this for Fearless, 1989 and Speak Now. If you wish to check out my honorary Swiftie menu, please click here.

A Brief Note on Red

Red was a cultural reset. It is the heartbreak album of her discography. We were given a complete story of her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal and how that changed everything. All Too Well was already her most superior Track #5 and then we were blessed with the 10-minute version and short-film. At this stage, Red has the most vault tracks, with a total of 9. I can’t help but feel seen by this album. I know the same can be said for many of her fans worldwide. This era was celebrated exactly as it deserved to be.

Red TV was given the best rollout thus far. Taylor blessed us big time with these truly remarkable bonus songs. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) All Too Well 10

In first place, we have All Too Well 10. Let’s be real, it’s the best song she’s ever written. It’s also the only track to receive an epic short-film adaptation. There had always been rumours a ten-minute version existed, but it wasn’t until Red TV was announced, fans realised their prayers were being answered. It gave us so much more context into Taylor’s heartache after ending things with Jake Gyllenhaal. It literally tells the story of their relationship, from beginning to end. Truly a masterpiece.

2.) Better Man

In second place, we have Better Man. This is one of my favourite Taylor Swift songs of all time. When it didn’t make the tracklist in 2012, she passed it to Little Big Town, believing the group’s harmonies would suit it far better. Thank the stars she decided to re-record it. Her mature vocals take it to another level. I really like the LBT version, but it was Taylor’s baby first and she does it so much justice. I have no doubt it’s about Jake.

3.) I Bet You Think About Me

In third place, we have I Bet You Think About Me. This vault track received its own music video, directed by Taylor’s best friend, Blake Lively. Once again, it is about Jake. Taylor blesses us with scathing lyrics, plus her old-country twang in the vocals. It’s full of sarcasm and high-brow humour. The petty gal inside of me lives for it!

4.) Run (feat. Ed Sheeran)

In fourth place, we have Run, featuring Ed Sheeran. This is my favourite collab of his and Taylor’s. The others being End Game, Everything Has Changed and The Joker And The Queen. The melodies take me to another place. It makes me think about our move up north – standing on the beach; waves washing over our feet. My personal connection to this vault is why it’s ranked quite high.

5.) Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)

Nothing New, featuring Phoebe Bridgers, has really grown on me. I already liked it but seeing it performed as a duet on The Eras Tour, made me connect to it more. Phoebe’s lower register blends really well with Taylor’s mature vocals. It’s such a vulnerable song, reflecting on how women in the music industry are depreciated over time. I love how raw and real it is.

6.) Babe

In sixth place, we have Babe. Taylor originally co-wrote this song with Pat Monahan, the lead singer from Train. In 2018, she gifted it to Sugarland; opting to remain a featured artist on the single, lending background vocals, as well as appearing in their music video as “the other woman.” The original sounds quite different to the re-recorded version but both are undeniable bops. I love the production and catchy melodies.

7.) The Very First Night

Third last, we have The Very First Night. It’s a controversial placement, but I just don’t listen to it as much as the ones mentioned above. It’s a glitter-gel pen bop, referencing the beginning of her relationship with Harry Styles. In this track, Taylor longingly reflects on the honeymoon phase, wishing she could teleport back to the moment it all began. It always puts me in a good mood.

8.) Forever Winter

In second last place, we have Forever Winter. This was one of my favourite vault tracks when Red TV was first released but has since dropped in my ranking. It’s not a bad song, just super sad. It joins the ranks of Ronan, Bigger Than The Whole Sky and Soon You’ll Get Better. Taylor has admitted it’s in relation to a friend she lost to suicide years ago. It’s beautifully written and a touching tribute.

9.) Message In A Bottle

In last place, we have Message In A Bottle. It’s a bop! I like the production and the summery vibes, but lyrically, it’s quite simple. There isn’t much to it. I can see why it didn’t make the original tracklist and I mean that in the nicest way possible. It’s a top-down, driving by the beach song.

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank the vault tracks?

Peace & Love xoxo