Draft:Vault tracks

Vault tracks are previously unreleased songs by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, typically originating from earlier phases of her career. These tracks are often unveiled as part of her re-recorded albums, known collectively as Taylor's Version, a project aimed at regaining control of her masters.

Background

Further information: Taylor Swift masters dispute

The release of vault tracks is rooted in Swift’s dispute over the ownership of her master recordings. In 2019, the rights to her first six albums were sold to music executive Scooter Braun through his acquisition of Big Machine Records, a deal Swift publicly criticized. She expressed her frustration at not being given the opportunity to purchase her masters outright and accused Braun of manipulating her career.

In response, Swift announced plans to re-record her first six albums, aiming to reclaim ownership of her music. By releasing re-recorded albums with additional content, such as vault tracks, Swift offered fans a reason to embrace the new versions over the originals, ensuring her creative control and financial benefit from her catalog.

Taylor's Version

Fearless (Taylor's Version)

The concept of vault tracks was introduced with the release of Fearless (Taylor's Version) in April 9, 2021. Swift described these songs as works she had written during the album's creation but had not released due to various reasons. These tracks remained metaphorically "in the vault" until Swift revisited her past albums for re-recording.

Swift's first re-recorded album introduced six vault tracks that were written during the Fearless era but never released. Notable songs include:

• "You All Over Me" (feat. Maren Morris)
• "Mr. Perfectly Fine"
• "We Were Happy"
• "That's When" (feat. Keith Urban)
• "Don't You"
• "Bye Bye Baby"

Red (Taylor's Version)

The re-recording of Red included nine vault tracks, offering a deeper exploration of the album's themes of heartbreak and nostalgia. Highlights include:

"I Bet You Think About Me" (feat. Chris Stapleton): A country-leaning jab at a former partner's privileged life. "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)": An extended rendition of one of her most iconic songs, providing more detailed storytelling. Other vault tracks include "Forever Winter," "Run" (feat. Ed Sheeran), and "The Very First Night"

Vault tracks are marketed as exclusive content, adding value to Swift's re-recordings and encouraging fans to engage with the reimagined albums. They typically feature collaborations with both old and new artists, blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives.