You found it. Here’s the definitive ranking of vault tracks from Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Well, according to me, anyway.
How I determined the rankings:
To rank the the Fearless (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks, I did three things:
- Scoured the internet to get popular music and media sites’ takes. For Fearless Now (TV), I looked at Billboard and United By Pop.
- Made my own list. Rankings (Krista’s Version), if you will.
- Combined 1 and 2 to create a semi-objective list of Fearless (TV)‘s vault tracks.
Here’s how things shook out.
1. “Mr. Perfectly Fine”
A perfect pop eye-roll: “Mr. Perfectly Fine” is not so much a testament of heartbreak as much as a declaration against an annoying dude, with Swift brushing off an ex whose phoniness was able to upend her most naive self.
Along with sonic similarities to Swift’s Fearless and Speak Now eras — listen to the punch of those country-pop drums! — “Mr. Perfectly Fine” lets Swift pay homage to some of her grandest breakup songs, as back-to-back lines in the chorus can be found referenced in “All Too Well” and “Dear John,” respectively.
Watch the “Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
2. “You All Over Me” (featuring Maren Morris)
In “You All Over Me,” Taylor Swift revisits the soundscape of her early country roots, with guitars, fiddles, and harmonica setting the tone. However, it’s her collaboration with Maren Morris that truly highlights the lyrical prowess that distinguished Swift as a young artist.
The song delves into the lingering presence of a past lover, with Swift painting a vivid picture of his memory ingrained in her everyday environment. This sense of inescapable reminiscence is poetically expressed and richly detailed.
Morris complements Swift’s vocals, particularly in the poignant acknowledgment that “no amount of freedom gets you clean,” underscoring the song’s theme of indelible emotional imprints.
Fun fact: Maren Morris’ next album will be produced by none other than friend-of-the-Swifties Jack Antonoff, as she turns toward a more pop sound. Hopefully this means more collabs with Taylor in the future.
Watch the “You All Over Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
3. “Don’t You”
“Don’t You,” is a perfect example of Swift’s evolution as an artist, blending her early country-pop sensibilities with the polished songcraft of her more recent work. For those delving into Fearless (Taylor’s Version) in search of this blend, this track stands out as a prime specimen.
The song’s narrative, centered around the poignant experience of encountering an ex, fits seamlessly into the framework of Swift’s initial rise to fame. However, what sets “Don’t You” apart is the enriched sonic texture. The interplay of keyboards, electric guitars, and layered drums creates a lush musical backdrop.
Complementing this is Swift’s vocal delivery, which is not only filled with longing but also showcases a level of sophistication and control that she has mastered over the years. This combination of clever songwriting and evolved musicianship makes “Don’t You” a highlight of the re-recorded album.
Watch the “Don’t You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
4. “That’s When” (featuring Keith Urban)
During the OG Fearless album era, Taylor Swift had the opportunity to open for Keith Urban on tour. Fast forward over ten years, and the two have collaborated on “That’s When,” the sole duet among the six “From The Vault” tracks.
Although “That’s When” is set against the backdrop of a relationship’s aftermath, it brings a surprisingly light touch to the theme. Both artists, seasoned in the country genre, skillfully navigate through their contrasting perspectives within the song’s straightforward pop framework.
The highlight comes when Swift and Urban unite in an exuberant harmony, infusing the track with a sense of joy and musical camaraderie.
Watch the “That’s When (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
5. “We Were Happy”
In the song “We Were Happy,” Taylor Swift navigates a poignant journey of retrospection, contemplating a flawed yet cherished romance.
The track, underscored by the gentle ring of a guitar, showcases Swift’s vocal range as she oscillates between wistful nostalgia and a sense of guilt. A key moment in the song comes with the bridge, where Swift expresses her frustration with the inner voices that doubt her love, singing, “Oh, I hate those voices telling me I’m not in love anymore.”
This emotional depth is a testament to Swift’s careful and expressive vocal delivery, which elevates the song. She revisits the brighter moments of the relationship with a longing to recapture that lost happiness, making “We Were Happy” a heartfelt and introspective piece.
Watch the “We Were Happy (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:
6. “Bye Bye Baby”
“Bye Bye Baby” is a quintessential Taylor Swift farewell anthem, irresistibly catchy and sharply penned. The song truly comes into its own in the latter half, where there’s a striking moment as the production takes a step back.
Here, Swift transforms the chorus into a powerful, self-affirming chant: “Bye bye, to everything I thought was on my side.” This shift not only showcases Swift’s knack for catchy songwriting but also her ability to imbue her music with a deeper, personal resonance.
