In the next phase of her re-recording process, Taylor Swift released Red (Taylor’s Version) on   Friday, Nov. 12. The record, originally released in 2012, was dropped just seven months after the superstar rolled out Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (to read more about Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and the re-recording process, click here). Along with the 22 original songs and bonus tracks, Swift released nine new “From the Vault” never-before-heard songs. The Precedent staff is no stranger to being a “swiftie”, four of Taylor’s biggest fans give their thoughts on the new songs.

“Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 4:57

Fun Fact: This song was originally sung by the band Little Big Town in 2017.

Notable Lyric: “I gave to you my best and we both know you can’t say that”

Mood: Sad, regretful

Our Thoughts: “While the original song is great and ended up with a lot of radio time, Swift takes it to another level. There’s something about the song being sung by the actual songwriter that adds another level of vulnerability and tenderness,” Lindsey Harrison

“Nothing New (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) [feat. Phoebe Bridgers]”

Run Time: 4:19

Fun Fact: This is the first time Swift has collaborated with a female who’s sung more than just background vocals.

Notable Lyric: “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?”

Mood: Reflective, hopeful

Our Thoughts: “The song’s lyrics are thoughtfully written and introspective. They focus on the uncertainty of growing up and the future of love. Bridgers was a really good choice for Swift to sing with, their voices really complement each other,” Lindsey Harrison

“Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 3:44

Fun Fact: This song was originally sung by the band Sugarland in 2018.

Notable Lyric: “I’m here on the kitchen floor. You call, but I won’t hear it. You said, ‘No one else’.”

Mood: Disheartened, disappointed

Our Thoughts: “Swift definitely ties in other songs on the Red album: last calls (The Last Time) and broken promises (All Too Well). This song is an empowerment song for anyone who has had a partner cheat on them; it’s about realizing that it’s not your fault that they screwed up.” Saydria Ostler

“Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 3:46

Fun Fact: Similarly to “Come Back, Be Here,” this song references having a lover in London.

Notable Lyric: “‘Cause you could be the one that I love. I could be the one that you dream of.”

Mood: Trusting, in love

Our Thoughts: “This song is about putting yourself out there and hoping for the best. It’s about placing trust in your partner to love you as you love them, even through hardships, such as long distance relationships.” Saydria Ostler

“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) [feat. Chris Stapleton]”

Run Time: 4:45

Fun Fact: The music video for this song is close friend of Swift, Blake Lively’s directorial debut.

Notable Lyric: “But now that we’re down and it’s over I bet it’s hard to believe When it turned out I’m harder to forget than I was to leave And I bet you think about me”

Mood: Reflective, vengeful

Our Thoughts: “Listening to the lyrics from the beginning to the end really made me feel the pain that Swift endured from this heartbreak. This song spoon feeds us the truth about all the terrible things that Jake Gyllenhaal put her through during their relationship. Swift calls him out on all his crap and this was a very big power move on behalf of women who can no longer take the stupidity of men.” Derek Fernandez

“Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 4:23

Fun Fact: It was written about Swift’s close friend from high school who died of a drug overdose.

Notable Lyric: “Too young to know it gets better, I’ll be your summer forever”.

Mood: Hopeful, supportive

Our Thoughts: “The perspective of this song is from a person who is being supportive of someone going through a tough time mentally. The song really reminds the person to not give up and they are there for them. Swift portrays this message well with not making it sapy, but just a reminder that there’s always someone supporting you, and they would miss you to much if you left” Meghan McGowan

“Run (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) [feat. Ed Sheeran]”

Run Time: 4:00

Fun Fact: This was the first song that Swift and Sheeran wrote for Red in 2012.

Notable Lyric: “There’s been this hole in my heart. This thing was a shot in the dark. Say you’ll never let ’em tear us apart”

Mood: Nostalgic, heartbroken

Our Thoughts: “Swift sings about her past failed relationship and how much energy, love she put into it. Listening to the song the first time around, there was this tightness in my chest after listening to her admit to giving away a note along with a chain with a key on it just for the relationship to die away. Once she felt as if they were able to run away anywhere together but it all ended once he stopped loving her the same. The lyrics within this song are very relatable.” Derek Fernandez

“The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 3:20

Fun Fact: Because of the more happy tone to the song, it is thought that the song is not about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal (who most of the album is about), but another relationship.

Notable Lyric: “Back then we didn’t know. We were built to fall apart. We broke the status quo. And we broke each other’s hearts”.

Mood: Reminiscent

Our Thoughts: “The song is reminiscent of a relationship that ended, but still holding onto the good in the relationship, and just wanting to go back to that time. Even though the lyrics in the song are sad, it still has a very upbeat and pop vibe that gives you the feeling of reminiscing the good in the relationship” Meghan McGowan

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”

Run Time: 10:13

Fun Fact: This song is accompanied by a short film directed by Swift herself. It’s thirteen minutes long and stars Sadie Sink and Dylan O’brien.

Notable Lyric: “You kept me like a secret but I kept you like an oath”

Mood: Epic

Our Thoughts:

“This song gives me violent thoughts about Jake Gyllenhaal” LH

“I love this version of the song, and it gives us a better and more specific insight into her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, and her deep feelings of the relationship at the time.” MM

“An hour? Oh, you mean ‘All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)’ six times.” SO

“This song is my new form of therapy!” DF