You found it. Here’s the definitive ranking of vault tracks from Red (Taylor’s Version). Well, according to me, anyway.
How I determined the rankings:
To rank the the Red (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks, I did three things:
- Scoured the internet to get popular music and media sites’ takes. For Red (TV), I looked at Billboard, Popsugar, and Business Insider.
- Made my own list. Rankings (Krista’s Version), if you will.
- Combined 1 and 2 to create a semi-objective list of Red (TV)‘s vault tracks.
Here’s how things shook out.
Red (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks, ranked.
1. “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
As all Swifties know, the 10-minute “All Too Well” was rumored and eagerly anticipated for years. This epic song’s detailed storytelling and emotional depth have solidified its place at the top of many rankings lists, including this one.
So, what’s the appeal? It’s not just about finding those sneaky easter eggs, although that’s part of the fun. It’s more about the incredible story she’s able to tell in just ten short minutes. Just like the original, this new rendition is a songwriting masterpiece.
It’s seriously mind-blowing how it keeps you hooked all the way through without ever feeling like that ten minutes is dragging on. The music just flows, and the lyrics hit you hard (it hurts so good!)
Favorite lyric:
Did the twin flame bruise paint you blue? Just between us did the love affair maim you, too?
Watch the “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” short film:
2. “Nothing New” (featuring Phoebe Bridgers)
Who doesn’t love the yin and yang of Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers’ friendship? Lucky for us, they decided to take that friendship a step further and give us a collab.
In “Nothing New”, Phoebe and Taylor dive into a reflection on the next generation of female singers and the age-related anxiety it stirs up inside.
Swift has often talked about her fear of aging out of relevancy and success simply because she’s a woman. Women are “discarded in an elephant graveyard by the time they’re 35,” she says in “Miss Americana.”
“Nothing New” is an exploration of what that might feel like, to be on your way out while the new generation comes gliding in.
Favorite lyric:
Lord, what will become of me once I’ve lost my novelty?
Watch the “Nothing New (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
3. “I Bet You Think About Me” (featuring Chris Stapleton)
The first time I heard Taylor spit out the “organic shoes” insult, I almost choked on my coffee.
“I Bet You Think About Me” is one of my all-time favorite vault tracks. It’s a ten all the way around for me, from the harmonica to the playful lyrics to the Chris Stapleton collab.
To me, this song is just as biting as its counterpart “All Too Well (10-Minute Version)”, just a little less sad and a lot more petty. We have no choice but to stan.
Favorite lyric:
Now you’re out in the world, searchin’ for your soul
Scared not to be hip, scared to get old
Chasing make-believe status, last time you felt free
Was when none of that shit mattered ’cause you were with me
Watch the “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) music video:
4. “Babe”
Originally given to country royalty Sugarland, “Babe” brings back that familiar glow of a time when Taylor was just starting to dabble in a transition from country to pop.
Unsurprisingly, I prefer Taylor’s version to Sugarland’s, as it comes with the warm blend of keys, slide guitar, and percussion that screams “Jack Antonoff helped produce this”.
Favorite lyric:
I break down every time you call. We’re a wreck, you’re the wrecking ball.
Watch the “Babe (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video
5. “Better Man”
Similar to Sugarland’s “Babe”, Taylor Swift’s “Better Man,” was originally gifted to Little Big Town and soared to the top of the Hot Country Songs chart in 2016.
For Red (Taylor’s Version), “Better Man” is now beautifully reimagined by Swift herself. This rendition brings a new depth to the song, as Taylor reinterprets the narrative of post-breakup struggles through her unique perspective.
And maybe most notably, the harmonies that distinguished “Better Man” as a standout for Little Big Town are gracefully preserved, with Caitlin Evanson and Liz Huett lending their vocal talents to complement Swift’s poignant storytelling.
Favorite Lyric:
I know the bravest thing I ever did was run.
Watch the “Better Man (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
6. “The Very First Night”
As a nostalgia junkie, I really love this one.
In “The Very First Night,” Taylor reflects (in a nostalgic, happy way!) on a whirlwind romance with her signature lyrical flair and catchy beats. TVFN is right at home on Red (Taylor’s Version), with tracks like “22” and “Stay Stay Stay” sharing the same playful, effervescent vibe.
Watch the “The Very First Night (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
7. “Run” (featuring Ed Sheeran)
“Run,” another Ed Sheeran collab once locked away in Swift’s vault, has finally seen the light of day. Co-produced by Aaron Dessner, it carries the indie-folk vibe a la folklore and evermore.
The song’s rustic charm is a perfect match for the duet, with its intertwining guitar melodies and orchestral flourishes complementing the theme of whirlwind romance.
Watch the “Run (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
8. “Message In A Bottle”
While this one is toward the bottom for me (there are just too many good Red vault tracks!), “Message in a Bottle” is a pop anthem that fans and critics alike find catchy and relatable, securing it a spot toward the top of most other rankings lists.
This shouldn’t be a surprise — what else would you expect from a Max-Martin-produced bop?
Watch the “Message in a Bottle (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
9. “Forever Winter”
A song that touches on serious themes like mental health, “Forever Winter” is noted by fans and critics for its unique blend of emotional depth and Swift’s signature catchy melody????.
Watch the “Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) lyric video:
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