Taylor Swift Surprises Fans with Acoustic Bonus Tracks on Four New 'Life of a Showgirl' CD Editions
In a surprise move, Taylor Swift announced Saturday that she has re-recorded eight tracks from her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl," and will release them as bonus acoustic recordings on four new CD editions. The news comes just one day after the album's initial release, which sold 2.7 million copies in its first week, making it the second-best tally for an album's first week in history.
According to Variety, Swift re-recorded eight tracks from "The Life of a Showgirl" and will include them as bonus acoustic recordings on four new CD editions. The CDs are described as having brand-new production by Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift, with newly recorded vocals by Swift herself. Each edition features two acoustic tracks not found on the standard version of the album.
The move is seen as a nod to Swift's fans, who have been eagerly awaiting more music from the singer-songwriter. "Taylor Swift has always been known for her dedication to her fans," said Chris Willman, senior music writer and chief music critic at Variety. "This surprise release is just another example of her commitment to delivering high-quality music that exceeds their expectations."
The new CD editions are available in limited quantities on Swift's official webstore and feature two acoustic tracks per edition. According to Billboard, the CDs were made possible by a team effort between Swift, Max Martin, Shellback, and other producers.
Swift's decision to re-record her album is not surprising given her history of taking control of her music. In 2019, she announced that she would be re-recording her old albums after a highly publicized dispute with her former record label over ownership rights.
The release of the new CD editions comes on the heels of Swift's sold-out "Life of a Showgirl" tour, which has been met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The tour is set to continue through the fall, with dates scheduled in major cities around the world.
As for what fans can expect from the new acoustic recordings, Willman notes that they offer a fresh perspective on Swift's music. "The acoustic tracks showcase Taylor's incredible vocal range and emotional depth," he said. "They're a must-listen for any fan of her music."
With the release of the new CD editions, Swift continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a musician in today's industry. As she has proven time and time again, she is committed to delivering high-quality music that exceeds her fans' expectations.
The four new CD editions are available now on Swift's official webstore, with limited quantities available for purchase. Fans can also catch Swift live on tour as the "Life of a Showgirl" tour continues through the fall.
This story was compiled from reports by Variety and Billboard.