We all know Taylor Swift has a new album coming out. You’d have to be on another planet to have missed the news. Although even then, if we actually made alien contact in the next few months, they’d probably ask about it.
In another article, I also recognised that not everyone will be sitting on the edge of their seats waiting enthusiastically for her new release to drop. There are many, many Swifties who will be, and plenty of others much less interested, if at all. That other article was trying to tempt in a few more listeners by reflecting on Swift’s classic rock roots.
Maybe there is another way to keep people happy while they wait, or get a bit more interested if they aren't at the moment. Swift’s music isn't for everyone, but often non-fans haven’t listened properly or don't recognize her tunes. They probably won't want to tune into Swift herself, so how about we look at a few unusual covers of her songs that might have an alternative appeal.
Unusual Taylor Swift cover songs
An easy example of that would be to list all the tracks on Ryan Adams’ version of her 1989 album. He reinterpreted it on a track-by-track basis. That in itself is quite a random choice to make. But if you want to hear Swift’s songs sound a bit indie, or like the Smiths, then Adams' version of the album may be a starting point. Have a listen to his sadder sounding “Shake It Off”
Alternatively, there is also a garage rock version of “Shake It Off” out there, too. It’s by the punk grunge-based Screaming Females. Plenty of distortion and less polished vocals than Swift make this quite a different listen. But for a full, heavy blast of a Swift song reworked, then you might need I Prevail with their version of “Blank Space”. It’s a scream in more ways than one as the metalcore kicks in big style.
If punk, garage, metal, or grunge isn’t your thing, or you just don’t want to hear “Shake It Off” in any guise, there is a nice option from Post Modern Jukebox with “Bad Blood”. In place of the synth sounds and pop, it’s transformed to a swinging 1940s big band sound with vocals inspired by Ella Fitzgerald.
And then having started with a collection via that Ryan Adams album, there is another bundle from Pentatonix. They wrap their a cappella style around quite a few of Swift’s songs. That makes for quite a different sound. They include quite a few of her songs within medleys too.
But for a particular song, have a listen to their version of “We Are Never Getting Back Together.” But then, maybe contrast that with a quirkier still adaptation of it by The Radioactive Chicken Heads. That takes us nearly back to a punky new wave format and a fresh approach to the tune.
Of course, there are plenty of more normal covers you can hear. But the point was to find something unusual and different and see if non-Swifties could adapt to those and perhaps even like the songs. Maybe at least one of these ticks that box for you.