On July 7, Taylor Swift rereleased her “Speak Now” album, after gaining ownership of the album’s rights.
I could go on for hours about how much I enjoyed listening to this album, but instead, I’m going to list the name of each song, the number on the track, my favorite quote from the song and an overall rating of each one. Let’s get started!
SPEAK NOW (Taylor’s Version)
#1.) “Mine” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter”
Thoughts: I love this song. From the instrumentals to Swift’s voice to the lyrics, this song just brings me so much excitement and joy. I couldn’t help but smile the entire time listening to it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2.) “Sparks Fly” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “ I’m captivated by you baby like a firework show”
Thoughts: It is impossible for me to not sing along everytime I hear this song— let me rephrase that: It is impossible for me not to scream along to this song. My standards are much higher now than before thanks to Swift.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3.) “Back To December” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “It turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you”
Thoughts: To say I cried while listening to this song is an understatement. Without fail, everytime I hear this song, I end up in tears. I love this song so much and I can’t even begin to describe how or why. It is so beautiful and haunting.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4.) “Speak Now” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “ Horrified looks from everyone in the room, but I’m only looking at you”
Thoughts: The title song of this hit album and it doesn’t disappoint. I can’t help but dance along every time I hear it. As I’ve said before and will say again, Swift doesn’t disappoint.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5.) “Dear John” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “I’m shining like fireworks over your sad empty town”
Thoughts: OK,I won’t lie, I cried when I heard this song for the first time. I felt Swift’s pain as if it was my own and felt such a connection to the lyrics. I’m so mad it took me this long to listen to this song.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6.) “Mean” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “Someday, I’ll be livin in a big ole city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean”
Thoughts: This song was a vital piece of my childhood and I would listen to it non-stop. I would sing it at the top of my lungs for hours on end. It was my anthem and I was proud of it. Every lyric resonated with me in such a meaningful way.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
7.) “The Story of Us” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “The story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now”
Thoughts: Swift could have made this song into a heartbreaking ballad and instead she pushed it to the next level by adding a rock style to it. Everytime I hear it, I can’t help but want to get out my air guitar and play along. (Not that I’d be any good, but it’s the thought that counts.)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.) “Never Grow Up” (TV)
Favorite Quote: “I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone”
Thoughts: Without fail, one of my absolute favorites on this album, and I sobbed when I listened to her re-released version. It is absolutely stunning. I feel as though I’ve grown up with Swift as she sings this song. To grow up with the original of this song and then have the new released version just feels like it has come full circle for me.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.) “Enchanted” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “This was the very first page, not where the story line ends”
Thoughts: This song could also be known as the TikTok sensation. For the longest time, I didn’t realize this song was a Taylor Swift song. When I found out, I was shocked, but quickly fell in love with it. Now, every time I hear it, it is impossible to not scream the lyrics when this song comes on. I was enchanted to hear this song.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
10.) “Better Than Revenge” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “She took him faster than you could say sabotage”
Thoughts: The first time I heard this song, my jaw dropped to the floor. I didn’t realize just how powerful it is. Throughout this entire piece, you can practically feel Swift’s anger and emotions. Everything feels raw and it really brings light to just how hurtful betrayal can be. It also showcases what it can do to a person. All in all, I adore this song. I will not be taking criticism at this time for the person I become when this song comes on.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
11.) “Innocent” (TV)
Favorite Lyric:”Who you are is not what you did.”
Thoughts: When I first listened to this song, I was not a huge fan. I wouldn’t call it boring, but I wouldn’t call it captivating. However, the more I listen to it, the more I have begun to enjoy it. The message that is conveyed is both uplifting and heartbreaking. I still wouldn’t call this one a favorite, but it is still a fantastic song.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
12.) “Haunted” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “Come on, come on, don’t leave me like this”
Thoughts: I love this song with my entire heart and would protect it with my life. The first time I heard this song, I fell completely head over heels. It haunts (no pun intended) me every day. If life was a movie, this song would be playing during the climax of it. It’s so beautiful and powerful.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
13.) “Last Kiss” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “All that I know is I don’t know, how to be someone you miss”
Thoughts: Well, I hadn’t intended to cry when I heard this song, but that is exactly what I did. Let’s just say, July 7 was an interesting day. But even though it is such a sad piece, it is absolutely amazing and I love it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
14.) “Long Live” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “It was the end of a decade, but the start of an age”
Thoughts: This song has become increasingly popular on TikTok and for good reason. Swift wrote this song as a homage to all of the people she works with, including her band, dancers and producers. As it is known now, it wasn’t, but the fear at the time was prominent. I absolutely adore this song with every fiber of my being. When I listen to it, it makes me feel alive in the best way possible.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
15.) “Ours” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “People throw rocks at things that shine”
Thoughts: An adorable love song for an incredible album. Everything about this song makes me feel pure and radiant joy. Swift has a way of making her songs so catchy and memorable and this is absolutely no exception. This song is perfect for when experiencing first love.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
16.) “Superman” (TV)
Favorite Lyric: “I’ve loved you from the very first day”
Thoughts: If I’m honest, this song is not one of my favorites, but I can still see why so many people find it enjoyable. I find this one a little more on the repetitive side without good reasoning. However, I will still sing along anytime it comes on.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
17.) “Electric Touch” (TV – From the Fault)
Favorite Lyric: “All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life”
Thoughts: The first song from the vault on “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and what a song it is. Although it isn’t a personal favorite of mine, best believe I am singing the chorus of this song like it’s going out of style. I think Swift did such a beautiful job with this song and it deserves more recognition than it receives.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
18.) “When Emma Falls In Love” (TV – From the Vault)
Favorite Lyric: “She’s the kind of book that you can’t put down”
Thoughts: This song makes me so happy in every way. I feel like Swift reached inside my mind and took the words right out of my head. I can honestly say, this is my favorite song on the “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” album. Everything about it makes me enjoy it, but it’s the relatability of the song that makes me love it.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
19.) “I Can See You” (TV – From the Vault)
Favorite Lyric: “You won’t believe half the things I see inside my head”
Thoughts: The song that has taken Swifties by storm. Personally, I don’t think this is the vault track that should be receiving all the hype it gets, but the music video for this song is next level, so I can’t say the hype is unreasonable. Unfortunately, this song did fall flat for me. I feel it is repetitive and somewhat obscure based on the rest of the album. I would say this is my least favorite of the vault tracks.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
20.) “Castles Crumbling” (TV – From the Vault)
Favorite Lyric: “And you don’t want to know me, I will just let you down”
Thoughts: When originally writing this review, I was planning on giving this song two stars. However, my opinions and feelings have changed drastically since then. I realize now just how personal this song is for Swift. This is the song for the oldest child, academic validation craver, perfectionist—and she did not leave us hanging. The more I listen to this song, the sadder it is to me, but it also becomes more beautiful.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
21.) “Foolish One” (TV – From the Vault)
Favorite Lyric: “You are not the exception. You will never learn your lesson”
Thoughts: Another absolute favorite on this album. I did not need to be called out by Taylor Swift, but low and behold here I stand. Swift absolutely knew what she was doing with this song and I’m so glad she did. When I heard this song for the first time, I fell foolishly in love with it. Lets just say it was on repeat for the rest of the day.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
22.) “Timeless” (TV – From the Vault)
Favorite Lyric: “We would’ve been timeless”
Thoughts: Although this isn’t one of my absolute favorites on this album, I’d be crazy to not recognize how beautiful it is. Such a simple song with a complex message. Not to mention, I adore Swift’s vocals in this song. I believe it is a wonderful song to end such an amazing album.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final thoughts: I can’t express enough just how much I love this album. Staying up until three in the morning was entirely worth it. No regrets. I can’t wait to see what Swift has in store for her fans next.
