"Enchanted" | |
---|---|
Song by Taylor Swift | |
from the album Speak Now | |
Released | October 25, 2010 |
Genre | |
Length | 5:52 |
Label | Big Machine |
Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift |
Producer(s) |
|
Audio video | |
"Enchanted" on YouTube |
"Enchanted" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, the song is a power ballad combining pop, rock, and country. The production incorporates gentle acoustic guitars and crescendos after each refrain, leading to dynamic electric guitars, a steady drum beat, and a vocal harmony-layered coda. In the lyrics, a narrator is infatuated with someone after meeting them for the first time, and she worries about whether the initial feeling will be reciprocated.
Critics generally praised Swift's songwriting on "Enchanted" for creating a soaring production and captivating lyrics. The track initially charted in Canada and the United States in 2010, and it additionally charted in various Asia-Pacific territories after going viral on the video-sharing app TikTok in October–November 2021. The song received certifications in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Swift included "Enchanted" on the set lists of the Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012), the 1989 World Tour (2015), and the Eras Tour (2023–2024).
After a 2019 dispute over the ownership of Swift's back catalog, she re-recorded the song as "Enchanted (Taylor's Version)" and released it as part of her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (2023). Produced by Swift and Christopher Rowe, the re-recorded song peaked within the top 10 on charts in Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Taylor Swift released her third studio album, Speak Now , on October 25, 2010. [1] She wrote all 14 album tracks on the standard edition by herself. [2] Swift wrote "Enchanted" about a man whom she was infatuated with after meeting him in person in New York City, and how she hoped to continue the relationship. [3] She deliberately used the word "wonderstruck" in the lyrics because the subject used it in one of his emails to Swift after they met. [4] In the album booklet, Swift includes the hidden message for the song as "A-D-A-M". [5] "Enchanted" was originally the title track for Speak Now, but Swift changed the album title after consulting with Big Machine Records president Scott Borchetta, who deemed Enchanted unfit for the album's grown-up perspectives. [6]
Upon the album's release, the media speculated that the subject of the song was the singer-songwriter Adam Young, the founder of the music project Owl City. [4] [5] Young responded on Owl City's website on February 13, 2011, that he too was infatuated by Swift after they met for the first time. [7] He uploaded his cover of "Enchanted", in which he changed some of the lyrics to directly address Swift. He sings, "I was never in love with someone else / I never had somebody waiting on me / 'Cause you were all of my dreams come true / And I just wish you knew / Taylor I was so in love with you;" responding to the original's lyrics, "Please don't be in love with someone else / Please don't have somebody waiting on you." [8] Despite the media's speculation, Swift never confirmed or denied that Young was the song's subject, and she never responded to Young's cover. [9]
In October 2011, Swift partnered with Elizabeth Arden, Inc. to release her fragrance brand "Wonderstruck", whose name references the lyrics of "Enchanted". [10] After the success of "Wonderstruck", she released a second fragrance brand called "Wonderstruck Enchanted" in July 2012; both perfumes stem from the fairy tale-inspired theme of "Enchanted" about being enamored by someone after meeting for the first time. [11]
Musically, "Enchanted" is a power ballad. [12] The song begins with gentle acoustic guitar, which crescendos after each lyric "I was enchanted to meet you". [13] Towards the song's conclusion is a harmony-layered coda featuring multitracked Swift's vocals over synthesizers. [14] [15] [16] BBC Music critic Matthew Horton described it as a pop song. [17] According to Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone , "Enchanted" includes rock influences. [15] The Daily Telegraph described it as an old-school country song, [18] but Brittany McKenna from Billboard considered the track "outside of the boundaries of country music". [12] Cathalena E. Burch from the Arizona Daily Star deemed it an "arena-rock-worthy ballad". [19]
"Enchanted" describes the aftermath of an encounter with a special person without knowing whether the infatuation would be reciprocated. [4] The lyrics feature a fairy tale undertone to describe romance. [13] The song opens with a scene where Swift first encounters her love interest, "Your eyes whispered 'have we met?'/ Across the room your silhouette starts to make its way to me," over repeated guitar chords. [20] As the song progresses, she wonders about the possibility of a new romance over electric guitar riffs and a steady drum beat. [20] Swift said the bridge was her favorite part because it represents her stream of consciousness when she was writing the song: "Please don't be in love with someone else / Please don't have somebody waiting on you." [4] She said, "it feels good to write exactly what your thoughts were in a certain moment." [4]
Swift's first live performance of "Enchanted" was for an NBC Speak Now Thanksgiving Special, which broadcast on November 25, 2010. [21] The TV special showcased the making of the album along with live performances on a rooftop in New York City. [22] Swift included "Enchanted" on the set list for her Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012). [23] During the concerts, she performed in a ball gown atop a winding staircase, with ballerinas dancing in the backdrop. [24] [25] Swift performed "Enchanted" at select shows of the Red Tour (2013–2014), at gigs in Denver [26] and Portland. [27]
For her shows on the 1989 World Tour, Swift included a stripped-down mashup of "Enchanted" and "Wildest Dreams", performed on a grand piano. [28] [29] [30] She performed "Enchanted" as a surprise song at the Reputation Stadium Tour show at MetLife Stadium on July 22, 2018. [31] [32] It was the only song from Speak Now performed on the Eras Tour (2023–2024) until the addition of "Long Live" on July 7, 2023. [33] During the performance, she wore in a voluminous ballgown and surrounded by dancers in sparkling, flowing dresses. [34]
"Enchanted" was acclaimed by critics. In a Rolling Stone review of Speak Now, Sheffield commented that Swift's "voice is unaffected enough to mask how masterful she has become as a singer". [15] He included "Enchanted" among the best songs released by Swift, highlighting the harmony-layered coda as a "coup de grace". [35] Alex Macpherson from The Guardian praised the song for showcasing "Swift's instinct for capturing emotion with astonishing exactitude – right down to the dread sneaking in at the song's close". [36] Matthew Horton of BBC Music praised its radio-friendly production, [17] and Slant Magazine critic Jonathan Keefe lauded the production for exhibiting Swift's songwriting craftsmanship, selecting "Enchanted" as one of the album's highlights. [13]
Erin Strecker of Billboard ranked it as the fourth most underrated Taylor Swift song in a 2014 list. [37] The Daily Telegraph included it in their 2014 list of Swift's top ten songs. [18] In another ranking of Swift's discography, Jane Song from Paste placed "Enchanted" among the top ten best songs released by Swift, lauding the track for Swift's songwriting resulting in a captivating narrative. [38] Hannah Mylrea of NME specifically highlighted the track's "huge swooning instrumentals and [...] heartfelt chorus". [39] Nate Jones from Vulture praised the production but thought that the song's six minute duration was unnecessary. [40]
After Speak Now was released, on November 13, 2010, "Enchanted" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 75, [41] the Digital Song Sales chart at number 44, [42] and the Country Digital Song Sales chart at number 11. [43] It entered at number 95 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. [44] In 2014, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified "Enchanted" gold for surpassing 500,000 track-equivalent units, based on sales and on-demand streaming. [45]
Between October and November 2021, "Enchanted" experienced a popularity resurgence after it went viral on the video sharing app TikTok. [46] [47] In the United States, for the week of October 27, 2021, it amassed over one million streams; the following week, it gained over three million streams. [46] It reached the top ten on Billboard's Country Streaming Songs [48] and entered two other Billboard's component charts: Digital Song Sales and Streaming Songs. [49] [50] The song's unexpected popularity was part of "SwiftTok", a hashtag for the collection of TikTok videos using Swift's songs. [47]
"Enchanted" peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Global 200. [51] It reached a new peak on the Canadian Hot 100, at number 47. [52] The song charted on the singles charts of Australia (number 43) [53] and Singapore (number 14). [54] The song was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), platinum by Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ), and gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). [55]
Chart (2010) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [44] | 95 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [41] | 75 |
US Country Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [43] | 11 |
Chart (2021–2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [53] | 27 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [52] | 47 |
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [51] | 55 |
Malaysia (RIM) [56] | 11 |
Panama (PRODUCE) [57] | 10 |
Philippines ( Billboard ) [58] | 13 |
Portugal (AFP) [59] | 51 |
Singapore (RIAS) [60] | 4 |
UK Audio Streaming (OCC) [61] | 74 |
US Hot 100 Recurrents ( Billboard ) [62] | 4 |
US Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [49] | 37 |
US Streaming Songs ( Billboard ) [50] | 32 |
US Country Streaming Songs ( Billboard ) [48] | 9 |
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100) [63] | 90 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [55] | 2× Platinum | 140,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [64] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ) [65] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [66] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [67] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
United States (RIAA) [45] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
"Enchanted (Taylor's Version)" | |
---|---|
Song by Taylor Swift | |
from the album Speak Now (Taylor's Version) | |
Released | July 7, 2023 |
Length | 5:53 |
Label | Republic |
Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift |
Producer(s) |
|
Lyric video | |
"Enchanted (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. [68] The decision came after a 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. [69] [70] 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. [71] A re-recorded version of "Enchanted", titled "Enchanted (Taylor's Version)", was released on July 7, 2023, via Republic Records, as part of Speak Now (Taylor's Version) , Swift's third re-recorded album.
Enchanted (Taylor's Version) was produced by Swift and Christopher Rowe. The song incorporates with heavy and bass drums, enhanced bass, and more presence of orchestral arrangements. The rerecorded version of the song was more blended compared to the original. Swift sings without a country twang and she related her matured vocals to the song.
Adapted from Speak Now (Taylor's Version) digital album inline notes [72]
Production
Musicians
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [55] | Platinum | 70,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [88] | Platinum | 40,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [89] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. Known for her biographical songwriting, artistic reinventions, and cultural impact, Swift is a leading figure in popular music and the subject of widespread public interest.
"You're Not Sorry" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her second studio album, Fearless (2008). She was inspired to write "You're Not Sorry" by an ex-boyfriend who she realized was the contrary to what he had appeared to be. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "You're Not Sorry" is a rock power ballad that incorporates piano and dynamic electric guitars. Big Machine Records released the song for download via the iTunes Store on October 28, 2008. A remix was released for the television episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, in which Swift made an appearance. Some critics praised Swift's songwriting but others took issue with the balladic production as overdone.
"Ours" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for the deluxe edition of her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). It was released to US country radio as the album's last single on December 5, 2011, by Big Machine Records. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Ours" is an understated country pop ballad with a folk-influenced production. The lyrics depict a young couple's resilience to protect their relationship despite others' scrutiny.
Speak Now is the third studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 25, 2010, by Big Machine Records. Swift wrote the album entirely herself while touring in 2009–2010 to reflect on her transition from adolescence to adulthood.
"Mine" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the lead single from her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Big Machine Records released the song for download and to radio on August 4, 2010. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Mine" is a country pop and pop rock song. In its lyrics, it discusses the ups and downs of young love, inspired by Swift's tendency to run away from love for fears of heartbreak.
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"Speak Now" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It is the title track for her third studio album of the same name (2010), and was released for digital download as a promotional single on October 5, 2010, by Big Machine Records. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Speak Now" is an acoustic guitar-driven country pop song with its refrain incorporating the 1950s rock chord progression. Lyrically, the track is about a protagonist interrupting a wedding in an attempt to win her ex-lover back. Swift was inspired to write it after learning that an ex-boyfriend of her friend would marry someone else.
"Mean" 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 the song to US country radio as the album's third single on March 13, 2011. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Mean" is a six-string banjo-led country pop and bluegrass track that incorporates hand claps, fiddles, and multitracked vocals. Inspired by critics of Swift, the lyrics narrate a protagonist's self-awareness of her own shortcomings, efforts to overcome the criticism, and ridicule of a "mean" antagonist.
"Sparks Fly" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Swift had written the track in 2006 and occasionally performed it live, and she recorded it for Speak Now after receiving fan requests to release it. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Sparks Fly" is a pop rock track combining elements of arena rock and country; its production incorporates dynamic electric guitars and subtle fiddles. The lyrics are about temptations and reluctance caused by a dangerous love affair.
"The Story of Us" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). The international mix was released to radio in Europe on April 7, 2011 and the original version was sent to US pop radio on April 19, 2011, as the fourth single from the album. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, the track combines pop-punk, dance-pop, new wave, and power pop, with a production consisting of fast-paced drums and dynamic electric guitars. For the lyrics, which are about the awkwardness between two parted lovers, Swift was inspired by her encounter with an ex-boyfriend at an awards show.
"Better than Revenge" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Swift and Nathan Chapman produced the track, which is an electric guitar-driven pop-punk song. In the lyrics, Swift's character addresses a romantic rival that stole her boyfriend, lambasting the sexual habits, tastes, and life choices of the other girl. "Better than Revenge" charted in Canada and the United States in 2010, and it was included in the set list of Swift's Speak Now World Tour (2011–2012).
Speak Now World Tour – Live is the first live album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released on November 21, 2011, by Big Machine Records. It consists of two components: an audio CD and a visual accompaniment either on DVD or Blu-ray. Recorded on Swift's Speak Now World Tour, which she embarked on to support her third studio album Speak Now, the live album consists of songs and performances on various dates.
"Eyes Open" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for the soundtrack to the 2012 film The Hunger Games. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Eyes Open" is an alternative rock song with chiming guitars. Its lyrics are about staying strong during hardships, told from the perspective of the film's protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. The track was released as a single from the soundtrack.
"Long Live" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Long Live" is a heartland rock song featuring girl group harmonies and chiming rock guitars. The lyrics are about Swift's gratitude for her fans and bandmates, using high-school and royalty imagery to describe the accomplishments in the narrator's life.
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"Treacherous" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, taken from her fourth studio album, Red (2012). Swift wrote the track with its producer Dan Wilson. Blending styles of country and pop, "Treacherous" is a slow-burning ballad that builds up into a finale. Its lyrics are about a narrator's attempt to protect a fragile and dangerous relationship. A demo of the song was included in the tracklist of Red's deluxe edition.
"Dear John" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). The title references the Dear John letter, which is a letter written to a man by his romantic partner to inform him that their relationship is over. The lyrics describe a 19-year-old's toxic and inappropriate relationship with an older man. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Dear John" is a slow-burning power ballad combining soft rock, electric blues, and country pop; the production incorporates electric guitar licks.
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