Having a vault and occasionally releasing treasures from it is a highly esteemed and rare position. Only Walt Disney and Taylor Swift, whose fandom rivals Disney in vastness and devotion, can claim to have such a vault. With Swift’s re-recordings of her albums, she includes “vault tracks” – songs that didn’t make it to the original release. As the internet takes a nostalgic trip back to 1989, let’s closely examine the first vault offering, titled intriguingly as “Slut!” Is it a hidden gem or a second-tier track that doesn’t live up to the hype? A music writer and an average person debate.
Rebecca Alter: I feel privileged to be having this conversation with someone on Tree Paine’s actual mailing list. Moreover, I heard that you actually like this song?
Justin Curto: Yes! I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to the vault tracks of 1989 and heard something reminiscent of Swift’s later dreamy pop songs. It’s a blend of “False God,” “Midnight Rain,” and a touch of “mirrorball.” It’s simply beautiful, which I don’t think anyone anticipated from a song with that title. But hang on, were you expecting Taylor Swift to create a sex-positive, provocative pop anthem? Did you think it would be like a Kim Petras song? Because that thought terrifies me.
RA: Hahaha, definitely not. But a song called “Slut!” during the Reputation era would have been entertaining. Maybe something like a B-side to “Bad Blood” from the vault. Something fun! Taylor may not venture into provocative pop, but she can definitely do comedy occasionally. Personally, I would have preferred this song to be in that style. I agree with your point that she defies expectations with the title, but my issue is that I’m not as fond of Taylor’s dreamy and hazy side. Among all the vault songs from 1989, this is one of the least catchy. It meanders without reaching any climaxes or delving into anything profound. If it were truly from the 1989 era and not written specifically for this release, it should have been closer to “Wildest Dreams” – that dreamy airiness cut through by one of her trademark catchy hooks. Also, the “aaaah-aaaah” tag. Although this song does have a fun “ah!” moment. What would you call it? Is that coming across in writing?
JC: I’m not sure what to call it, but I do enjoy a classic Taylor Swift “ah!” You’re right that “Slut!” doesn’t have the same dynamic as the other vault songs from 1989 (it isn’t even my favorite). However, that’s what makes the little moments so impactful. When the drums momentarily fade out and she sings, “In a world of boys, he’s a… gentleman”? That just melts my heart! I want to meet this guy! (Is it Harry Styles? Conor Kennedy?) It’s a sweet and charming song that’s more enjoyable than “Wildest Dreams,” which is frankly quite dull. The lyrics play a significant role in making the song work for me; they have a cheeky and tender quality that is quintessentially Swift. While “Slut!” may not have the same level of genius as “Blank Space,” Taylor Swift manages to turn criticism of her dating life into a beautiful love song.
RA: Noo! I hate to rain on anyone’s parade, but “In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman” is so heavily coded in Lover territory, it made me cringe. I also wish the melody was sweeter! Unfortunately, I couldn’t pick up on the same sweetness you did. Like much of the generic pop music today, it sounded a bit dull and lackluster to me. However, there were a few standout lyrics: “Got lovesick all over my bed” (naughty!) and “Lovethorns all over this rose” (what the heck?). At least I’m glad to see she’s expanded her vocabulary of color words here. “Flamingo pink”? “Aquamarine”? “Tangerine”? Looks like someone got the big box of Crayola crayons for back-to-school.
JC: The funniest part is that Swift splits that line, making it sound like she’s just saying, “Taking your time in the tangerine.” I’m not an expert on Swiftian Color Theory, but I’ve learned to accept the rainbow that comes with her songwriting. As I mentioned earlier about “Midnights,” you have to embrace the cringe a bit with her. Some of the sillier lines in this song (I have no idea what getting lovesick all over her bed means either) fit perfectly with its cutesy, sing-songy melody. It’s a brilliant moment where Swift’s intentions and capabilities align seamlessly.
RA: That’s completely fair. I did laugh out loud during the final chorus when it almost becomes a call-and-response whisper-shouting of the word “slut!” It’s silly! Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be in the minority here, as many people will enjoy the track because it does what all of Taylor’s most talked-about songs do – comment on her fame and persona. Either way, it doesn’t really matter, because the Taylor Swift song I’ll be listening to all weekend is this:
JC: The 1975… now that’s a band I’d love to hear make a song called “Slut!”
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
