#theopeningtrilogyofredisperfection

[aurora-v-the-world]

The Tracklist of Red TV

For Any New Swifties confused in regards to RED TV: 

The track list in the initial portion of Red may seem initially confusing, but upon greater look, is one of the masterstrokes in Taylor’s songwriting and album composure. Listening it in full order is a MUST. It may seem quite chaotic, but for newer Swifties, it was intended to make great sense. 

The album opens with ‘State of Grace’, a song that acts as both a conclusion and introduction. State of Grace is reflective, but in the moment, it’s about the in-the-moment, hot-blooded romance, not thinking so much about the consequences, but rather the present feeling. It foreshadows something soon to come, but it is also about the feeling of falling in love. It is strongly juxtaposed with the titular track, which is about the same hot-blooded emotions but once the love is no longer. 

This concept of ‘in the moment’ and then post-humous sobbing can be seen in ‘Treacherous’ and ‘IKYWT’, which is about a specific element in the relationship- falling in love with someone you know will mess with you. This train of juxtaposed, conflicting emotions continues with ‘I Almost Do’- about constantly wanting to get back together- with ‘WANGBT’ about making fun of your ex and breaking the cycle. ‘Stay, Stay, Stay’ is a celebration of a relationship that is going to make it. ‘The Last Time’ is an indictment of one that is not. ‘Holy Ground’ and ‘Sad Beautiful Tragic’ are reflective and nostalgic, but continue this contrast between heartbreak and falling in love. 

Ultimately, the album resolves itself with some pieces reflecting on Taylor’s role in Hollywood (’The Lucky One’), a duet I never cared for (sorry Mr. Ginger), a song with a great riff but not much else (’Starlight’). This would dampen my appreciation for red, however it works in with the theme perfectly. It’s a transition away from the heartbreak, it’s trying to move on, reflect on some happier alternative loves. Of course, the effectiveness of this is limited, but I think the proximity to the closer ‘Begin Again’ saves it. 

Begin Again is another genius placement on the tracklist and a masterful song. It is a song about moving on, but a relationship that seems doomed because it’s still comparative and in relation to the last. But nonetheless, we move on. We repeat. We begin again, to our next state of grace. The Cycle repeats. 

The Vault songs add some insight, of course. It would be a shame not to mention them. ATWTMFTVTV explains the placement of ATW with 22- it’s making new moments in light of what a relationship took from you. I Bet You Think of Me is the country WANGBT for those who was put off by the poor production reconstructing the Taylor’s Version (sorry- it’s true). Better Man is BEAUTIFUL and the last-kiss, angry, honest and raw song that is an example of Taylor’s offensive songwriting. Babe is another cheating bob, a TS forte, (SINCE YOU ADMITTEDDDD IT). Nothing New is the Lucky One’s honest and forthright twin. Run is an even boringer attempt at reconstructing the ginger-duet, except it’s even more boring. Message in a Bottle and TVFN are great pop bops to break us out of our heartbreak, full of the hot-blooded emotion that makes Red Red. 

I never appreciated Red until I got to know the track list. It’s messy in terms of genre and seems the opposite of cohesive everywhere. But upon further look, it perfectly defines heartbreak, the rocky way we go from crying to making fun. It has some of her best Songwriting. 

Now, Taylor, give a snippet of the attention you give to Red to Evermore and I will DIE happy.