Taylor Swift released a new version of her original 2008 song “Love Story” around a month ago. This new song, “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” is one of many re-recorded songs off of her re-recorded album “Fearless” that will come out in April. It is supposed to signify a new era of Swift, but longtime fans disagree on whether this new sound is better. 

Swift’s new sound reigns over original

Shelby Denny

Swift has always been such a role model for me and is such a powerful figure in the music industry. I have been a fan of her and her music for as long as I can remember, and I know and love almost all of her music, from her country phase to her pop phase.

When I heard that Swift was re-recording her album “Fearless,” the amount of excitement I felt was inexplicable because of how much I have grown to love her new music style. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” is truly wonderful, and I definitely like it more than the original. It sounds like Swift is truly herself when singing it, and the sound feels more free, like she can finally reclaim her music and her label.

Swift recently released two albums titled “Folklore” and “Evermore,” and both absolutely captured my heart. They are within the alternative genre, and this is by far my favorite style of music Swift has come out with. This is why I prefer “Taylor’s Version” because her recent sound and style of writing is so captivating, as each of her songs tell a different story that can all tie with one another.

 As soon as she released “Love Story (Taylor’s Version),” I couldn’t wait to listen. Upon looking at the cover for the song, I saw Swift wearing the shirt that normally people would expect Romeo or a man to wear, and it was such an empowering moment. She doesn’t need a man or anyone to save her and I think that is so important for young people to hear.

Her sound in this version is a very mature sound, compared to her original recording. I enjoy it so much more because she sounds like she is finally herself and the person she wants to be.

Both versions are similar but are so different in meaning, and that’s what sets it apart. When I listen to the original, I think of the stereotypical boy-meets-girl scenario in which they can’t live without each other. But when I listen to “Taylor’s Version,” I think I am enough and understand that a man will not save me. I will.

 I can’t even put into words how excited I am for the rest of the songs to come out and for her first six albums she is re-recording, which includes “Taylor Swift,” “Fearless,” “Speak Now,” “Red” and “Reputation.” If the rest of these albums feel the same as “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” and her other recent albums that have come out, I will have them on repeat forever.

The original is more true to Swift

Paige Denny

As one of this century’s most well-known and successful female artists, Taylor Swift’s announcement of a re-recorded song initially made me so excited. After listening, though, I’m not so sure. 

While I do hear a difference between the old song and the re-recorded version and acknowledge the differences and the growth Swift has gone through, I have to stick to my roots and say that I prefer the original “Love Story” better than Taylor’s Version. 

My absolute favorite genre of music would have to be country, and I feel the original “Love Story” better fits the country genre than Taylor’s Version. Swift’s other albums have gradually fit a more pop and alternative sound than country. The new version falls under the pop category, which is why I prefer the original. 

I still get the country feeling from Taylor’s Version, and I am able to hear the background instrumentals like the banjo, guitar, fiddle and mandolin. But it just doesn’t give me the same “Love Story” message and feeling that the original gave me. 

With the original, I am able to blast it at the highest volume there is and sing it at the top of my lungs, while thinking nothing of it. With Taylor’s version, it’s almost as if I can’t get invested in it. For me, Taylor’s Version is that song where I just happen to know the lyrics word for word but hate having to listen to it. It just doesn’t feel like the true Swift. 

I am not someone who enjoys changes, and for me the change in sound and style of “Love Story” is too big of a change. After hearing it more and getting used to it, I do feel that it will grow on me and become a song that I can appreciate, but for now I will stick with the original version.