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Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Song Ranking
It’s been a little over a month since Taylor Swift released the highly anticipated re-recording of her sophomore country album Fearless. We’ve all had enough time to digest the music, and although my music rankings constantly change from time to time, this is my current standing of the Fearless (Taylor’s Version) tracks including the vault songs.
“White Horse (Taylor’s Version)”
In first place is “White Horse.” There’s something so beautiful about this song that will always give me chills. The lyrics are sad but the ending has a hopefulness that Swift captures perfectly. I think this song is super strong lyrically and foreshadows the growth of Swift’s songwriting.
“Forever & Always (Taylor’s Version)”
Typically people rank the piano version of this song in the top 5, but for me, nothing beats the high energy and angsty feelings of the original. Through her vocals, Swift conveys every emotion she’s singing. You understand how she’s feeling even if you aren’t paying attention to the story in the lyrics.
“Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)”
This is complete personal bias because it reminds me of being young and naive and being nervous about high school. I adored this song on the original Fearless album, but hearing a mature Swift sing it changed the game completely. The song feels more comforting and tugs on the heartstrings even if it isn’t a love song. The guitar at the beginning also gives me such a strong sense of nostalgia.
“Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version)”
This song is way too underrated. This song is filled to the brim with personality thanks to the lyrics and the hums that are found throughout the entire track. The giggle that comes in towards the end of the song is also unforgettable and endearing. I love this song and wish it got more attention.
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”
Despite this being the title track to the album, I still think it’s quite underrated. I love the guitar in this song and the bridge is super catchy. The downbeat at the beginning of the song followed by the twangy guitar is such a good opener to the project as a whole. This was one of my favorites as a kid and it still remains in the top 5 more than ten years later.
“You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version)”
This is a classic breakup song done by Swift and it’s just- beautiful. This song really stands out among the other Fearless tracks because of it’s solemn piano sounds. This is another track where you can feel Swift’s emotion radiating as she sings the words. I also think it’s amazing how this song builds and builds until it ends.
“You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)”
This song will never not be an absolute bop. Listening to this one immediately takes me back to 2011. I still scream it in the car all the time and love the theatrical aspect that it has. The lyric, “And you’ve got a smile that could light up this whole town” still hits as hard as it ever did.
“Breathe (Taylor’s Version)”
Colbie Caillat was such a good addition to this song. The harmonizations between the two have always been beautiful, but on the new version, they sound more mature and complimentary. I appreciate the message in this song and listening to it feels like a warm hug on a dark, rainy day.
“Tell Me Why (Taylor’s Version)”
The sass in this song is unmatched. The lyric, “Well you could write a book on how to ruin someone’s perfect day” will always make me laugh; it’s so blunt and clever. This is another good song to blast on long drives while belting the lyrics with the windows down.
“The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)”
I don’t think I fully appreciated this song until I was an adult. This song is a tribute to Swift’s mom Andrea and the lyrics almost sound like they were written for a children’s storybook. Once again, the songwriting shines here as Swift describes her childhood in a masterful way that has the power to remind anyone of their own innocent memories.
“The Other Side of The Door (Taylor’s Version)”
This is one of the songs that constantly moves around in my ranking based on my mood. This was my favorite bonus track on the platinum version of Fearless when it first came out, and I honestly don’t even think it should’ve been a bonus track. The outro of the song is the cherry on top as Swift’s singing picks up in pace and you can feel the urgency and passion in her voice. She also parallels the words “little white lies” to “little black dress” and I think that is genius.
“Forever & Always (Piano Version) (Taylor’s Version)”
The piano version of “Forever & Always” is stunningly gorgeous but like I mentioned earlier, I prefer the original more because of the passionate emotion Swift reveals. I do love this version too though. It is perfect for gloomy days.
“Don’t You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”
This is by far my favorite vault track and I wish it was never hidden away. Once again, I love the story being told here and the opening lines give me chills. This track also reminds me of Swift’s later work as an artist due to the hints of underlying synths; I’m surprised it’s a vault track for the Fearless re-record and not a more recent work.
“Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”
This song changed the game for Swift and was her ultimate breakthrough to mainstream success. I love this song but it doesn’t hit me as hard as a lot of the other tracks on this album. Still love the Romeo and Juliet references though; I don’t think that will ever get old.
“Change (Taylor’s Version)”
The reason this song is in the lower half of the ranking is because I overplayed it as a kid. The meaning will always hold a special place in my heart and I practically have the words imprinted onto my brain, but as an adult, I think a lot of the other songs on this album are stronger both musically and lyrically.
“The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)”
The drums and guitars at the very start of this track are amazing. This song is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and features yet another unforgettable Swift bridge. Swift’s older vocals also add more flare to this version of the song.
“You All Over Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” feat. Maren Morris
I have a feeling this song could move up my ranking as time goes on. I loved that Swift brought on a country singer to harmonize with her on this track and Maren Morris was a perfect fit. The way Morris is able to sing with Swift using her lower register is beautiful and the line, “But no amount of freedom gets you clean” really hit me.
“Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”
This song took off when Swift randomly released it shortly before the official release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version). I love the early 2000s vibe of this tune but I like the other high energy tracks on the original tracklist better. But, I do think Swift tried to emulate her younger self while singing this track and I appreciated that.
“Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)”
This is another song I overplayed when I was younger. It is still sweet but it doesn’t give me the same feelings as it once did. That being said, I will always cherish the way Swift captures the magical essence of young love in the lyrics.
“That’s When (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” feat. Keith Urban
This was the second new track that features a mainstream country artist. I really liked the way these two sounded together, especially on the choruses where they sang together. I just prefer a lot of the original tracks to this one and I also prefer the collaboration with Maren Morris over this one.
“Come In With The Rain (Taylor’s Version)”
I love the verses on this song, and I also rave about the short and simple pre-chorus, but I think it loses traction when it gets to the chorus. This is a good track but I can see why it was only on the platinum version of Fearless and not the original when it first dropped.
“We Were Happy (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”
I loved this song on first listen, couldn’t get enough of it, and then got bored of it. The bridge on this track is spectacular though. It showcases what Swift does best with her songwriting.
“Superstar (Taylor’s Version)”
When I tell you I LOVED this song as a teenager. It reminds me of my younger, fangirl self and if she was doing this ranking it would probably be in the top 5. As an adult, I don’t enjoy it as much but still love the relatable story in the lyrics.
“Jump Then Fall (Taylor’s Version)”
The country-feel of this song is what makes it fun and this is another one that I really liked when I was younger. Now, I have to be in a certain mood to listen to it.
“Untouchable (Taylor’s Version)”
This song is ethereal and heavenly but it hasn’t aged well for me personally. I do love the lyrics in the chorus, especially the line, “In the middle of the night, when I’m in this dream it’s like a million little stars spelling out your name.” Swift portrays the feeling of being hopeful in such a clever and romantic way.
“Bye Bye Baby” (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)”
This is my least favorite vault track and my least favorite song on the whole album. I think it’s mundane, especially since it acts as the closer of the whole record. Of course, I like the lyrics because Swift’s writing is always good, but I usually skip it just because it bores me.
Do you agree? Let us know which song off the Fearless album is your favorite.
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