Back to December
"Back to December" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Taylor Swift | ||||
from the album Speak Now | ||||
Released | November 15, 2010 (2010-11-15) | |||
Genre | Country pop | |||
Length | 4:53 | |||
Label | Big Machine | |||
Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift | |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Taylor Swift singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Back to December" on YouTube | ||||
"Back to December" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Big Machine Records released it as the album's second single on November 15, 2010. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Back to December" is a country pop power ballad that incorporates a string section. Inspired by Swift's relationship with the actor Taylor Lautner, the lyrics are about a remorseful plea for forgiveness from a former lover.
In contemporary reviews, music critics praised "Back to December" for its production and the mature lyrics expressing regret over lost love. Several critics have considered it one of Swift's best songs. In the United States, the single peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Country Songs chart, and the Recording Industry Association of America certified it triple platinum. Elsewhere, "Back to December" peaked at number seven in Canada and received certifications in Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The song's accompanying music video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, depicts the aftermath of a breakup between Swift and her boyfriend. Swift performed "Back to December" at the Country Music Association Awards and the American Music Awards. On the Speak Now World Tour (2011–12), she performed the song as part of a mashup with OneRepublic's "Apologize" and her own song "You're Not Sorry". A re-recorded version, titled "Back to December (Taylor's Version)", was released as part of Swift's third re-recorded album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) on July 7, 2023. The re-recorded song topped the Philippines Songs chart.
Background and release
Swift wrote her third studio album, Speak Now (2010), entirely by herself. According to Swift, Speak Now is a collection of songs about the things she had wanted to say to the people in her life, but never had a chance to.[1] "Back to December" is an apology to a past lover in the form of a song, something that she had never done before.[2][3] In press interviews leading up to the release of Speak Now, Swift said that although her past songs usually criticized her ex-boyfriends, she felt the need to apologize to a person who was nice to her: "Guys get what they deserve in my songs, and if they deserve an apology, they should get one. There was someone who was absolutely wonderful to me and I dropped the ball, and I needed to say all that."[3][4]
"Back to December" was produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman. It was first released as a promotional single from Speak Now on October 12, 2010, as a part of the exclusive campaign by the iTunes Store leading up to the album's release.[5] On November 15, 2010, the song was released to US country radio by Big Machine Records, as the second single from Speak Now.[6] Around the time of its release, the inspiration behind the song was subject to media scrutiny, because of Swift's dating history with other celebrities.[7] In press interviews, Swift refused to reveal the subject of the song, as well as other Speak Now tracks, because she wanted to focus on the songwriting aspect of her work.[8] The actor Taylor Lautner, an ex-boyfriend of Swift, told the press in 2016 that he was the inspiration of "Back to December".[9]
Composition
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg/50px-Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg.png)
Problems playing this file? See media help.
"Back to December" has a length of four minutes and 55 seconds.[10] Musically, it is a power ballad.[11][12] In contemporary reviews, critics categorized the ballad as country[13] and pop.[14] The track is set in common time and has a tempo of 72 beats per minute. It is written in the key of D major, and Swift's vocals span from of F♯3 to A4.[15] The song incorporates an orchestral arrangement consisting of strings, recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.[16][17] It is one of the three Speak Now tracks to incorporate orchestral strings, the two being "Haunted" and "Enchanted".[17] Maura Johnston from Vulture described the song's texture as "a chilly day when the sun goes down too soon and the mind can only turn to past regrets".[18] Clash opined that the production is "wintry" with "soft flourishes of guitar and strings".[19] In the Los Angeles Times, Martens Todd found the song borderline 1980s rock.[20]
In the lyrics, the narrator apologizes an ex-lover for having hurt him. The lyrics lament a failed relationship that could have been special, "It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you / Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine."[16] The narrator reminisces about the last time she saw the ex-lover, "You gave me roses, and I left them there to die."[21] She wishes to go back in time to change her mind, "I'd go back to December, turn around, and change my own mind / I go back to December all the time."[21][22] In the bridge, the narrator attempts to fix uncovered memories and change where she went wrong, but ultimately realizes that it is too late.[19]
Billboard journalist Lyndsey Havens wrote of the lyrics, "To hear Swift declare and own a previous mistake was both comforting and empowering all at once — and proved that it's OK, and sometimes even necessary, to swallow one’s pride in the name of love."[22] Mandi Bierly from Entertainment Weekly describes the song as "a melancholy mea culpa with the kind of driving chorus and age-appropriate yet universal honesty".[21] Leah Greenblatt from the same publication ranked the couplet, "Your guard is up and I know why, because the last time you saw me is still burned in the back of your mind / You gave me roses and I left them there to die," as one of the most outstanding lyrics from Speak Now.[23]
Critical reception
Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone gave it a positive review commenting, "Swift's voice is unaffected enough to mask how masterful she has become as a singer; she lowers her voice for the payoff lines in the classic mode of a shy girl trying to talk tough."[24] Jonathan Keefe from Slant Magazine complimented Swift's ability "to write an indelible melody" and praised the production of the song, writing "[the song] showcase(s) Swift's unique knack for matching the overall tone of a melody to the broader themes of a song". He added that "it isn't easy to make a melancholy song like "Back to December" sound catchy at the same time, but that's what Swift does, and it's an impressive trick."[25]
Rudy Klapper from Sputnikmusic described the song as a "regret-filled apology".[26] In The Washington Post, Allison Stewart picked it as one of the album's "great" songs.[27] Dan DeLuca writing for The Philadelphia Inquirer considered "Back to December" the Speak Now track that most showcased Swift's maturing songwriting, thanks to the lyrics depicting her acknowledgements of her own shortcomings without blaming others.[28] Steven Hyden in a review for The A.V. Club was less enthusiastic, deeming "Back to December" a generic ballad and saying that it is not as effective as other album tracks where Swift criticizes those who had wronged her, such as "Innocent", "Better than Revenge", or "Mean".[29]
In a retrospective review, Johnston selected "Back to December" as one of the most memorable tracks on the album, deeming it a wistful song and praising the emotional sentiments: "Swift's lyrics slip between in-the-moment narration and getting lost in her head in an utterly relatable way."[18] James Rettig, in a 10-year anniversary review of Speak Now for Stereogum, found it to represent Swift "at her best" for portraying universal feelings about "lost love and youthful regret" despite taking inspiration from her own personal life.[30] Clash magazine's editors included the single in their list of the 15 best songs by Swift, with Sahar Ghadirian specifically lauding the bridge.[19] On a less complimentary side, Alexis Petridis of The Guardian ranked "Back to December" 39th in his 2019 ranking of Swift's 44 singles; while saying that the song is "beautifully produced", he remarked that it "never quite sets your pulse racing".[31]
Accolades
Year | Organization | Award/work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | American Country Awards | Female Video of the Year | Nominated | [32] |
BMI Awards | Publisher of the Year | Won | [33] | |
Award-Winning Songs | Won | |||
Teen Choice Awards | Choice Break-Up Song | Won | [34] |
Commercial performance
Upon its digital release, "Back to December" debuted and peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 with first-week digital sales of 242,000 downloads.[35] On the Hot Country Songs chart, the single peaked at number three.[36] On other airplay charts by Billboard, "Back to December" peaked at number 11 on Pop Songs, number 11 on Adult Pop Songs, and number 14 on Adult Contemporary.[36] According to the Billboard Year-End Charts of 2011, "Back to December" ranked at number 38 on the year-end Hot Country Songs[37] and number 74 on the year-end Hot 100 chart.[38] As of November 2017, "Back to December" had sold two million digital copies in the United States.[39] Elsewhere, the single peaked at number seven on the Canadian Hot 100,[36] number 26 on the Australian ARIA Charts,[40] and number 24 on the Official New Zealand Music Chart.[41]
Music video
Development and concept
"Back to December"'s accompanying music video was directed by Yoann Lemoine, who directed the video for Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream", and was filmed in late December 2010 before Christmas Day.[42] In an interview with Country Music Television, Lemoine explained that he developed the idea for the video after being inspired from the film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.[43] He also told MTV News that he wanted the video to be simple yet metaphorical. He added, "I wanted to work on the coldness of feelings in a very visual way, playing with the snow, the distance and sadness."[44][45] He wanted to focus on Swift's look in the video so that she would come off as accessible, saying "I wanted her to perform a very natural way, to make her look very European. This was the main challenge to me. All of Taylor's world is very far away from my culture, but I saw something in her that could be very rough and heartbreaking; far from the princess glittery outfits and glam that she often goes for."[44] Lemoine was allowed to take control of the whole production of the video, although it was Swift's idea to have her character leave the letter for her beloved.[44] Swift's love interest in the video was played by model, Guntars Asmanis.[46][47] Lemoine commented that Asmanis was the perfect fit for Swift's love interest, saying "I wanted a boy that was fragile and beautiful. I didn't want to go for a hunk or a perfect cheesy boy that would have killed the sincerity of the video."[44] The outdoor scenes were filmed in Binghamton, New York (including footage of the school and stadium at MacArthur Park) and neighboring Vestal, New York,[48][49] while scenes with Swift were shot in an old country mansion outside of Nashville.[43]
The music video premiered on January 13, 2011, on CMT[50] and Great American Country.[51] It begins with a young man seen walking alone in a small town to the snowy football field in a winter morning. The video cuts to Swift inside a house wearing a comfy sweater draped over one shoulder. She is brooding and singing about her lost love while wandering morosely around her house. She is also seen sitting in the bathtub, missing her boyfriend who she didn't treat well when they were together. About halfway through the video, it starts to snow inside the spacious house. A montage of Swift writing a letter is shown alternately with scenes of her boyfriend strolling around the town. It is then revealed that the whole situation is the aftermath of a break-up between Swift and her boyfriend. It is also shown that Swift slips the letter that she has written in his coat pocket before he leaves. The final scene shows her ex-boyfriend sitting in the bleachers of the snowy football field, reading her apology letter.[52][53]
Reception
Critical receptions towards the music video were positive. Jillian Mapes of Billboard believed that the video is "appropriately understated" considering the fact that the song is all about making an apology.[54] The Improper noticed that the video has "the look and feel of a Hallmark movie and is almost as maudlin,"[55] while Amos Barshad of New York magazine felt that the video was "terrible".[56] Tamar Anitai of MTV described the video as "a bummer", writing "[It] isn't just about a girl with her calendar permanently stuck on the twelfth month of the year. It's not just about feeling like a Lady Antebellum song. It's about getting stuck in a place of romantic regret."[57]
In a different perspective, Kyle Anderson of MTV argued that the music video puts Swift in a "pantheon of modern classics" with regards to its "almost haunting visual sense" which makes up for the inadequate narrative.[52] Leah Collins of Dose.ca called the music video "dreamy and moody".[58] Her points were echoed by Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly, who deemed the video as "kind of lovely", which corresponds with the melancholic yet regretful mood of the song.[59] Joycelyn Vena of MTV noticed that the video is "darker" and "somber", something that is not synonymous with Swift.[42] Yet, The Oxonian Review considered Swift's "listlessness, the bare trees, and snowy indoors" in the music video attuned to the tenor of the song, achieved by "mixing wide shots, medium close ups, and cut-ins of Ms. Swift and her ex, matching their gazes across frames, and blurring focus tastefully."[60]
Live performances
![Scene of a concert where Taylor Swift, dressed in a white gown, plays a piano as an orchestra plays on an arched bridge behind her](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Taylor_Swift_-_Back_To_December_-_Speak_Now_Tour_in_Vancouver.jpg/220px-Taylor_Swift_-_Back_To_December_-_Speak_Now_Tour_in_Vancouver.jpg)
Swift first performed "Back to December" in Paris at a showcase at the Salle Wagram theater, on October 18, 2010, to promote her upcoming album, Speak Now, set for release on the October 25, 2010.[61] Swift also performed the song on Speak Now: Taylor Swift Live From New York City, a special programme which was streamed live on CMT.com, MTV.com, VH1.com and other MTV Networks websites in Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America to celebrate the release of her new album.[62]
Swift also performed "Back to December" on several other occasions. On November 10, 2010, she performed the song live at the 44th annual Country Music Association Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.[63] Her performance of the song during that event was graded as a "B+" in the Los Angeles Times, noting she "kept it simple" and "rose to the occasion".[64] On November 21, 2010, Swift mashed "Back to December" with OneRepublic's "Apologize" at the 38th American Music Awards.[65][66] Her rendition in that event was graded as a "B−" in the Los Angeles Times, noting that "a brief end-song breakaway into OneRepublic's "Apologize" seemed unnecessary".[20]
Swift performed "Back to December" and several songs from Speak Now on November 24, 2010, during Thanksgiving night, on NBC.[67] She later performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on December 2, 2010.[68] On January 31, 2011, she sang the song in JetBlue's Terminal 5 in New York as part of JetBlue's Live at Terminal 5 concert series.[69] She also performs the song on her Speak Now World Tour as well as mashing the song with Apologize and her own song "You're Not Sorry", from her album Fearless.[70][71][72] The performance was released on Swift's first live album called Speak Now: World Tour Live.[73] On the July 15, 2023, concert in Denver, as part of the Eras Tour, Swift sang "Back to December" as a "surprise song".[74]
Charts
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[86] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[87] | Platinum | 60,000‡ |
Canada (Music Canada)[88] | Gold | 40,000* |
United Kingdom (BPI)[89] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[90] | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000‡ |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | October 12, 2010 | Digital download | Big Machine | [91] |
November 15, 2010 | Country radio | [92] | ||
November 30, 2010 | Contemporary hit radio |
| [93] | |
United Kingdom | March 20, 2011 | Digital download | Universal | [94] |
"Back to December (Taylor's Version)"
"Back to December (Taylor's Version)" | |
---|---|
Song by Taylor Swift | |
from the album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) | |
Released | July 7, 2023 (2023-07-07) |
Length | 4:54 |
Label | Republic |
Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift |
Producer(s) |
|
Lyric video | |
"Back to December (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube | |
After signing a new contract with Republic Records, Swift began re-recording her first six studio albums in November 2020.[95] The decision came after the public 2019 dispute between Swift and the talent manager Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine Records, including the masters of Swift's albums the label had released.[96][97] By re-recording her catalog, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, including the copyright licensing of her songs, devaluing the Big Machine-owned masters.[98] Her first two re-recordings, Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version), were released in April and November 2021, respectively.[99][100]
On May 5, 2023, at the first Nashville show of the Eras Tour, Swift announced Speak Now (Taylor's Version) as her next re-recorded album, slated for release on July 7,[101] with "Back to December (Taylor's Version)" as the third track of the record.[102] On June 29, a snippet of "Back to December (Taylor's Version)" was featured in the trailer to the second season of the Prime Video original series, The Summer I Turned Pretty.[103]
Personnel
Adapted from Speak Now (Taylor's Version) digital album inline notes.[104]
Production
- Taylor Swift – producer
- Christopher Rowe – producer, vocal engineer
- David Payne – recording engineer
- Lowell Reynolds – assistant recording engineer, editor
- Derek Garten – engineer, editor, programming
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
- Bryce Bordone – mix engineer
- Randy Merrill – mastering
Musicians
- Taylor Swift – vocals, background vocals, songwriter
- Amos Heller – bass guitar
- Paul Sidoti – acoustic guitar, electric guitar
- Mike Meadows – acoustic guitar, Hammond B-3, mandolin, background vocals
- Max Bernstein – electric guitar, synth pads
- Jeremy Murphy – string recording
- London Contemporary Orchestra – strings
- Galya Bisengalieva, Zahra Benyounes, Natalie Kloudak, Charlotte Reid, Anna Ovsyanikova, Antonia Kesel, Eloisa-Fleur Thom, Anna de Bruin, Charis Jenson, Guy Button, Nicole Crespo O'Donoghue, Nicole Stokes – violin
- Zoe Matthews, Clifton Harrison, Matthew Kettle, Stephanie Edmundson – viola
- Oliver Coates, Jonny Byers, Max Ruisi – cello
- Dave Brown – double bass
Charts
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[105] | 11 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[106] | 17 |
Global 200 (Billboard)[107] | 10 |
Greece (IFPI)[108] | 52 |
Ireland (Billboard)[109] | 17 |
Malaysia (Billboard)[110] | 12 |
Malaysia International (RIM)[111] | 5 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[112] | 10 |
Philippines (Billboard)[113] | 1 |
Singapore (RIAS)[114] | 4 |
UK Streaming (OCC)[115] | 30 |
US Billboard Hot 100[116] | 16 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[117] | 5 |
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)[118] | 55 |
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[86] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[119] | Gold | 20,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ Conger, Bill (October 11, 2010). "Taylor Swift Talks About Her New Album Speak Now, And Her Songwriting". Songwriter Universe. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ "VIDEO: Taylor Swift Explains Apology Song 'Back to December'". People.com. November 23, 2010. Archived from the original on January 7, 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ a b Jennifer Still (October 13, 2010). "Swift: 'Back To December is an apology'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on October 16, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ "Life after the Fairy Tale: Pop princess Taylor Swift on staying grounded while living her dream". Idaho State Journal. October 24, 2010. p. H.5. ProQuest 759690125. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ "Speak Now 3-week iTunes countdown!". taylorswift.com. September 27, 2010. Archived from the original on January 7, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: CHR/Country". Radio & Records. November 15, 2010. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ Collins, Leah (October 25, 2010). "Swift won't change her tune". The Vancouver Sun. p. D.4. ProQuest 760165147. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Patch, Nick (October 25, 2010). "Lautner, Kanye, Mayer, oh my: Swift doesn't mind speculation about her songs". The Canadian Press. ProQuest 760101640. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Kickham, Dylan (August 9, 2016). "Taylor Lautner confirms Taylor Swift's 'Back to December' is about him". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Speak Now – Overview". AllMusic. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
- ^ Rodgers, Larry (October 26, 2010). "Swift's evolving as singer-writer". The Arizona Republic. p. D.6. ProQuest 760061731. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ "The 100 Best Taylor Swift Songs: Staff Picks". Billboard. March 16, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ^ Collins, Leah (October 13, 2010). "Swift apologizes in new song". Regina Leader-Post. p. B.2. ProQuest 758842147. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Dickinson, Chrissie (October 21, 2010). "Taylor Swift's intuition: Star says she writes what she feels". Chicago Tribune. p. 3.1. ProQuest 759300261. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Back to December by Taylor Swift Digital Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing. October 26, 2010. Archived from the original on December 2, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
- ^ a b Vick, Megan (January 8, 2011). "Singles Review: 'Back to December'". Billboard. Vol. 123, no. 1. p. 49. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2022 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Randy Lewis (October 24, 2010). "Taylor Swift: the next chapter". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved December 24, 2010.
- ^ a b Johnston, Maura (November 10, 2017). "Speak Now Is a Peek Into Taylor Swift's Future". Vulture. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c "15 Best Taylor Swift Songs". Clash. January 2, 2022. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ a b Todd, Martens (November 21, 2010). "American Music Awards 2010: Rihanna, Katy Perry, Santana, Ke$ha and all the performances, graded". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 28, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ a b c Bierly, Mandi (October 12, 2010). "Taylor Swift apologizes (to Taylor Lautner?) in 'Back to December'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift's Speak Now Turns 10: Billboard Staff Goes Track-By-Track On Their Favorite Songs". Billboard. October 22, 2020. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Greenblett, Leah (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift's Speak Now: The 10 best lines from her new album". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (October 26, 2010). "Taylor Swift Speak Now (2010)". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Keefe, Jonathan (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift, Speak Now". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Klapper, Rudy (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift Speak Now (staf review)". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on October 30, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Stewart, Allison (October 26, 2010). "Album review: Taylor Swift, Speak Now". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 12, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
- ^ DeLuca, Dan (October 26, 2010). "Take that: On her enjoyable and mature Speak Now, Taylor Swift has words (and music) for the celebs that done her wrong". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. D.1. ProQuest 759979009. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Hyden, Steven (November 2, 2010). "Taylor Swift: Speak Now". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Rettig, James (October 23, 2020). "Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now' Turns 10". Stereogum. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (April 26, 2019). "Taylor Swift's singles – ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
- ^ Hensel, Amanda (December 5, 2011). "2011 American Country Awards Winners – Full List". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on February 23, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ "Bobby Braddock, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Sony/ATV & More Honored at 2011 BMI Country Awards". Broadcast Music, Inc. November 9, 2011. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ "Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez Win at Teen Choice Awards". Rolling Stone. August 8, 2011. Archived from the original on June 21, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith; Pietroluongo, Silvio (October 21, 2010). "Chart Moves: Lil Wayne, David Archuleta, Taylor Swift, Kanye West". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 23, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Taylor Swift Album & Song Chart History". Billboard Hot 100. October 30, 2010. Archived from the original on January 20, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Best of 2011: Country Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
- ^ a b "Best of 2011: Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. 2011. Archived from the original on February 11, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
- ^ Trust, Gary (November 26, 2017). "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 25, 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift – Back to December". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift – Back to December". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (January 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift Breaks A Heart In Her 'Back To December' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Bonaguro, Alison (January 14, 2011). "OFFSTAGE: E.T. Inspires Taylor Swift's "Back to December"". CMT. Archived from the original on January 17, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Vena, Jocelyn (January 18, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Back To December' Video Director Explains Clip". MTV. Archived from the original on January 21, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ L. Betts, Stephen (January 21, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Back to December' Video Dissected". The Boot. Archived from the original on January 25, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (January 13, 2011). "Who Is Taylor Swift's 'Back To December' Video Co-Star, Guntars Asmanis?". MTV. Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift's 'Back to December' Video: Who is the Mystery Man?". The Wall Street Journal. News Corporation. January 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ "New Taylor Swift video partially shot at Binghamton's MacArthur Park". Pressconnects.com. Press & Sun-Bulletin. Retrieved January 13, 2011. [dead link]
- ^ Taylor, Traci (February 2, 2023). "Vestal House Featured in Taylor Swift Music Video To Be Torn Down". 98.1 The Hawk. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift: Back to December". CMT. Viacom. Archived from the original on January 17, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Mease, Jason (January 13, 2011). "Watch the World Premiere of Taylor's Swift's Video for "Back To December"". Great American Country. Archived from the original on January 17, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Anderson, Kyle (January 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift's 'Back To December' Video: The Key Scene". MTV. Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Willis, Jackie (January 13, 2011). "WATCH: Taylor Swift Goes 'Back to December'". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Mapes, Jillian (January 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift Braves Breakup in 'Back To December' Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Melancholy in Back to December Video". The Oxonian Review. January 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ Barshad, Amos (January 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift Makes a Boring Breakup Video Featuring Magic Snow". New York. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 22, 2011.
- ^ Anitai, Tamar (January 13, 2011). "Video Premiere: Taylor Swift, 'Back To December'". MTV. Archived from the original on January 15, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Collins, Leah (January 13, 2011). "Video: Go Back to December with Taylor Swift (But Not Taylor Lautner)". Dose. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Greenblatt, Leah (January 13, 2011). "Taylor Swift's new 'Back to December' video: So cold, so very cold". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ Prabhakar, Rahul (January 14, 2011). "Taylor Swift Is Cold". The Oxonian Review. Archived from the original on February 8, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Taylor Swift Performs In Paris, France". Disney Dreaming. October 20, 2010. Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ Todd, C.M.T Staff (October 25, 2010). "Taylor Swift Meets Her Friends Live From New York City". CMT.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2010.
- ^ Ziegbe, Mawuse (November 10, 2010). "Taylor Swift Performs 'Back To December' At CMA Awards". MTV. Archived from the original on November 13, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Todd, Martens (November 10, 2010). "CMA Awards 2010 live: All the performances as they happen". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 17, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Ward, Kate (November 21, 2010). "AMAs: Taylor Swift covers OneRepublic. Who was she singing to?". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (November 21, 2010). "Taylor Swift Goes 'Back To December' With Snowy AMA Performance". MTV. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2010.
- ^ Eastman, Marc (November 23, 2010). "NBC Kicks Off The Holidays With Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade And More – Previews Included". Tv.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Watch Taylor Swift Perform – On Ellen's Music Page". The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Archived from the original on December 10, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ Wyland, Sarah (January 31, 2011). "Taylor Swift Performs "Back To December" Live From T5". Great American Country. Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift shimmers in Omaha". Coffey, Kevin. Omaha World-Herald. May 28, 2011. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
- ^ Herrero, Javier (March 19, 2011). "Taylor Swift encandila a unos 4.000 madrileños con su country edulcorado" [Taylor Swift dazzle some 4,000 locals sweetened country]. La Rioja (in Spanish). Grupo Vocento. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
- ^ Sträter, Andreas (March 13, 2011). "Blaue Augen, süße Songs: Taylor Swift in Oberhausen" [Blues, sweet songs: Taylor Swift in Overhausen]. Soester Anzeiger (in German). Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
- ^ Vaughan, Andrew. "Speak Now World Tour Live [CD/DVD]: Taylor Swift: Music". Amazon. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
- ^ Iasimone, Ashley (July 15, 2023). "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on The Eras Tour (So Far)". Billboard. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Hot 100 Chart". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ "Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay Chart". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 20, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Back To December" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Back to December". Music Canada.
- ^ "British single certifications – Taylor Swift – Back to December". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – Back to December". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
- ^ "Taylor Swift – Back to December – Single". Apple Music. Archived from the original on October 15, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ "Country Aircheck Chart Info" (PDF). Country Aircheck. No. 217. November 8, 2010. p. 13. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
- ^ "Available for Airplay". FMQB. Archived from the original on December 15, 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
- ^ "Back To December (2011)". 7digital. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
- ^ Melas, Chloe (November 16, 2020). "Taylor Swift Speaks Out about Sale of Her Masters". CTV News. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Wants to Re-record Her Old Hits". BBC News. August 22, 2019. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
- ^ Finnis, Alex (November 17, 2020). "Taylor Swift Masters: The Controversy around Scooter Braun Selling the Rights to Her Old Music Explained". i. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
- ^ Shah, Neil (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift Releases New Fearless Album, Reclaiming Her Back Catalog". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- ^ Willman, Chris (April 20, 2021). "Taylor Swift's 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' Debuts Huge: What It Means for Replicating Oldies, Weaponizing Fans". Variety. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (November 21, 2021). "Taylor Swift Scores 10th No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Red (Taylor's Version)'". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason; Aniftos, Rania (May 5, 2023). "Taylor Swift Announces 'Speak Now' as Next Re-Recorded Album at Nashville Concert". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
- ^ Strauss, Matthew (June 5, 2023). "Taylor Swift Reveals Hayley Williams and Fall Out Boy Features on New Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Tracklist". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
- ^ Atkinson, Katie (June 29, 2023). "Taylor Swift Debuts 'Back to December (Taylor's Version)' in New 'Summer I Turned Pretty' Trailer". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (digital album notes). Taylor Swift. Republic Records. 2023.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "IFPI Charts". www.ifpi.gr. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Ireland Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Malaysia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "TOP 20 Most Streamed International Singles In Malaysia Week 28 (07/07/2023-13/07/2023)". RIM. July 22, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2023 – via Facebook.
- ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 28 (7 - 13 Jul 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Official Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Back to December (Taylor's Version)" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- v
- t
- e
- "Tim McGraw"
- "Picture to Burn"
- "Teardrops on My Guitar"
- "Should've Said No"
- "Our Song"
- "Fearless"
- "Fifteen"
- "Love Story"
- "Hey Stephen"
- "White Horse"
- "You Belong with Me"
- "Breathe"
- "You're Not Sorry"
- "The Way I Loved You"
- "Forever & Always"
- "The Best Day"
- "Change"
Taylor's Version |
---|
- "Mine"
- "Sparks Fly"
- "Back to December"
- "Speak Now"
- "Dear John"
- "Mean"
- "The Story of Us"
- "Never Grow Up"
- "Enchanted"
- "Better than Revenge"
- "Innocent"
- "Haunted"
- "Long Live"
- "Ours"
Taylor's Version |
|
---|
- "State of Grace"
- "Red"
- "Treacherous"
- "I Knew You Were Trouble"
- "All Too Well"
- "22"
- "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
- "The Last Time"
- "Holy Ground"
- "Everything Has Changed"
- "Begin Again"
Taylor's Version |
|
---|
- "Welcome to New York"
- "Blank Space"
- "Style"
- "Out of the Woods"
- "All You Had to Do Was Stay"
- "Shake It Off"
- "I Wish You Would"
- "Bad Blood"
- "Wildest Dreams"
- "This Love"
- "Clean"
- "You Are in Love"
- "New Romantics"
Taylor's Version |
|
---|
- "...Ready for It?"
- "End Game"
- "I Did Something Bad"
- "Don't Blame Me"
- "Delicate"
- "Look What You Made Me Do"
- "So It Goes..."
- "Gorgeous"
- "Getaway Car"
- "Dress"
- "Call It What You Want"
- "New Year's Day"
- "I Forgot That You Existed"
- "Cruel Summer"
- "Lover"
- "The Man"
- "The Archer"
- "Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince"
- "Paper Rings"
- "Cornelia Street"
- "London Boy"
- "Soon You'll Get Better"
- "False God"
- "You Need to Calm Down"
- "Me!"
- "The 1"
- "Cardigan"
- "The Last Great American Dynasty"
- "Exile"
- "My Tears Ricochet"
- "Mirrorball"
- "Seven"
- "August"
- "This Is Me Trying"
- "Illicit Affairs"
- "Invisible String"
- "Mad Woman"
- "Epiphany"
- "Betty"
- "Peace"
- "Hoax"
- "The Lakes"
- "Willow"
- "Champagne Problems"
- "'Tis the Damn Season"
- "Tolerate It"
- "No Body, No Crime"
- "Happiness"
- "Dorothea"
- "Coney Island"
- "Long Story Short"
- "Marjorie"
- "Lavender Haze"
- "Maroon"
- "Anti-Hero"
- "Snow on the Beach"
- "You're on Your Own, Kid"
- "Midnight Rain"
- "Question...?"
- "Vigilante Shit"
- "Bejeweled"
- "Labyrinth"
- "Karma"
- "Sweet Nothing"
- "Mastermind"
- "Hits Different"
- "Bigger Than the Whole Sky"
- "Would've, Could've, Should've"
- "You're Losing Me"
Department
- "Fortnight"
- "The Tortured Poets Department
- "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"
- "Down Bad"
- "So Long, London"
- "But Daddy I Love Him"
- "Florida!!!"
- "Guilty as Sin?"
- "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?"
- "Loml"
- "I Can Do It with a Broken Heart"
- "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"
- "The Alchemy"
- "Clara Bow"
- "The Black Dog"
- "So High School"
- "Thank You Aimee"
- "Crazier"
- "Today Was a Fairytale"
- "Safe & Sound"
- "Eyes Open"
- "Sweeter than Fiction"
- "I Don't Wanna Live Forever"
- "Beautiful Ghosts"
- "Only the Young"
- "Carolina"
- "Two Is Better Than One"
- "Half of My Heart"
- "Both of Us"
- "Babe"
- "Gasoline"
- "Renegade"
- "The Joker and the Queen"
- "The Alcott"
- "Us"
- "Best Days of Your Life"
- "Ronan"
- "Highway Don't Care"
- "Better Man"
- "Christmas Tree Farm"
- "All of the Girls You Loved Before"
Category