When I first heard 'Fearless,' I had a horrifyingly big crush I didn't want to tell anybody about, which I probably sublimated into Swiftie fandom. This is Fearless, NPR Music's version, track by track (almost) in its entirety. We invited writers and musicians to revisit their first experiences with the 2008 record as they come to the 2021 re-release.

Hana Vu Age: Revisiting 'Fearless' at a Distance

As I look back on my own experience with Fearless, I'm reminded of the countless sleepovers, late-night conversations, and secret crushes that came with being a teenager in the late 2000s. The album's themes of youthful rebellion, first loves, and the struggles of growing up resonated deeply with me, and I'm sure I wasn't alone.

In hindsight, it's easy for Swift to sum up the record's warmth for our assessment of Taylor's Version, we chose to consider the perspective of the fans that have grown up - and evolved - alongside Swift. For fans, whether you were 15, 19 or 22 when Fearless debuted, Taylor's Version feels shrouded in an air of whimsical nostalgia.

Mining the past and making use of a time when touring is off the table may prove to be a savvy business venture, but the long-term impact of Fearless (Taylor's Version) - and the full re-record project - remains to be seen. The result of a high-profile ownership dispute, it's the first of what promises to be a series of re-recordings of her early material in order to regain artistic and financial control of her masters.

But on her latest release, Fearless (Taylor's Version), released April 9 via Republic Records, Swift returns to the past, revisiting a breakthrough moment as an act of reclamation. From the coming-of-age country pop of Red, to the harsh heel turn of reputation, to her pandemic-era collaboration with Aaron Dessner, Swift's switched up her sound and stayed centerstage in an ever-evolving industry.

It's been 13 years - a very Swiftian coincidence, as her purported lucky number occupies an outsized role in Taylor lore - since the release of Fearless, and in the intervening years, plenty's changed. Music has evolved, technology has advanced, and Swift herself has grown and adapted to the ever-shifting landscape.

Despite the passage of time, Fearless (Taylor's Version) is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of Swift's music. For fans who grew up with the album, it's a chance to relive fond memories and recapture the magic of their teenage years. And for new listeners, it offers a window into a pivotal moment in pop culture history.

In the end, Fearless (Taylor's Version) is more than just a re-release - it's a celebration of Swift's artistry, her resilience, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. It's a reminder that music has the power to transcend time and circumstance, and that sometimes, revisiting the past can be the key to unlocking new memories and experiences.

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