Taylor Swift has once again made history with the release of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). The re-recorded album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, making Swift the first woman in 60 years to have four albums in the Top 10 at the same time. This achievement is shared by only two other living artists, Herb Alpert and Prince.
During its first week, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moved an impressive 716,000 album-equivalent units, according to Billboard. This success solidifies Swift's position as one of the biggest stars in the music industry. Along with Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), three of her other albums also made it into the Top 10. Midnights (2022) landed at No. 5, Lover (2019) at No. 7, and Folklore (2020) at No. 10. This kind of dominance on the charts is rarely seen and is a testament to Swift's immense popularity and talent.
The only other artist to have achieved this feat while still alive is Herb Alpert. In the 1960s, Alpert had four albums in the Top 10 simultaneously. These albums were Going Places at No. 2, Whipped Cream & Other Delights at No. 3, South of the Border at No. 9, and The Lonely Bull at No. 10. Alpert's success during that era was unprecedented and showed the immense appeal of his music.
The other artist to have accomplished this feat, albeit posthumously, is Prince. After his death, Prince had five albums in the Top 10 simultaneously. These albums were The Very Best of Prince, the Purple Rain soundtrack, The Hits/The B-Sides, Ultimate, and 1999. Prince's incredible impact on the music industry is evident from this accomplishment, solidifying his status as a legendary artist even after his passing.
Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) is a re-recorded edition of Swift's original album from 2010. The new version features a total of 22 tracks, including previously unreleased recordings known as "From the Vault." This reimagined album allows Swift to regain control over her music and serves as a reminder of her talent and creativity.
The decision to re-record her albums comes as a response to Scooter Braun's acquisition of her original masters, a move that Swift vehemently opposed due to Braun's alleged mistreatment of her. By re-recording her albums, Swift aims to regain ownership and control over her music, ensuring that she benefits from its success and has the final say in its use.
In addition to her success on the Billboard 200 chart, Swift has also been making waves in other areas of the music industry. She recently won the Album of the Year award at the Grammy Awards for her critically acclaimed album Folklore. This makes Swift the first female artist to win Album of the Year three times, solidifying her status as a musical powerhouse.
Swift's continued success and domination of the charts are a testament to her immense talent and artistry. She has proven time and time again that she is not just a pop star, but also a formidable songwriter and musician. Her ability to connect with her audience through her honest and relatable lyrics has endeared her to millions of fans worldwide.
As Swift continues to re-record her earlier albums and release new music, it is clear that she is not going anywhere. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering determination to control her own narrative set her apart from other artists in the industry. With each new release, she pushes boundaries, breaks records, and solidifies her place in music history. Swift's impact is undeniable, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
