I Know Places (Taylor Swift song)

Last updated

"I Know Places"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album 1989
ReleasedOctober 27, 2014 (2014-10-27)
Studio Conway Recording, Los Angeles
Genre Trip hop
Length3:15
Label Big Machine
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"I Know Places" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote the song with Ryan Tedder, and the two produced it with Noel Zancanella. It is a trip hop song with influences of reggae and trap in its instrumentation, and the lyrics are about a couple's struggle with public scrutiny. Critics have generally deemed "I Know Places" a weaker track in Swift's catalog, although a few complimented its concept and sound. [1] Swift performed the song as part of the setlist of the 1989 World Tour (2015), and later performed it as a surprise number in select shows in her future shows.

Contents

Following a 2019 dispute over her masters, Swift re-recorded the song as "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)", taken from her fourth re-recorded studio album, 1989 (Taylor's Version) (2023). Critics praised its increase in power in Swift's vocals compared to the original.

Background and writing

The singer-songwriter Taylor Swift abandoned the country stylings of her past music and embraced a pop production for her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), which she marketed as her "first official" pop album. [2] Her musical inspiration was 1980s synth-pop and its experimentation with synthesizers, drum pads, and overlapped vocals. [3] [4] She began writing the album in mid-2013 while touring in support of her fourth album, Red (2012), [5] and enlisted prominent contemporary pop producers including Ryan Tedder, whom she contacted via a Voice Memo. [6] [7] In that voice memo, Swift sang a demo of the chorus while playing a piano. [8]

During the production of 1989, Swift faced a lot of media scrutiny, which she said, put her in a place where "No one is going to sign up for [a relationship]. There are just too many cameras pointed at me. There are too many ridiculous elaborations about my life". Fantasizing a relationship where she "[met] someone awesome, and they were like, hey, I'm worried about all this attention you get", inspiring her to write "I Know Places". [9] [10]

Lyrics and composition

"I Know Places" is a trip hop song [11] about the pressures of public scrutiny. [12] It contains influences of reggae and incorporates trap-inspired snare beats. [13] It takes a seemingly hopeless perspective on a lifestyle where nothing is private, [14] and Swift's need to "hide [her personal information] from the world". [15] It has angry and anthemic feels in the verses and chorus, which were praised by Eliza Thompson of Cosmopolitan . [16] In an interview with Grammy Pro, Swift mentioned that the love she wrote about in "I Know Places" was similar to that of her 2016 single, "Out of the Woods", which was theorized to be about English singer Harry Styles. [9]

"I Know Places" portray the paparazzi as people that "cage" celebrities and put them into "boxes", the lyrics also show her "running from something" despite being a role model to other people. [15] It builds up trap-influenced snare drums before launching into a chorus reminiscent of American singer-songwriter Pat Benetar. [17] The song also focuses on Swift's desire to preserve an unstable relationship. [10]

Critical reception

Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone said that she "goes all Kate Bush" in "I Know Places". [18] Christine DiStasio of Bustle praised the intense imagery and suspense in "I Know Places", claiming that it was unsuspected by anyone. She also deemed the song the most vulnerable song in 1989, claiming that the song made her worried about Swift's wellbeing. [19] [20] Lindsay Zoladz, writing for Vulture , compared the song to the soundtrack of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. [21]

Release, live performances and covers

Taylor Swift performing "I Know Places" during the 1989 World Tour Taylor Swift 039 (18117627828).jpg
Taylor Swift performing "I Know Places" during the 1989 World Tour

Big Machine Records released 1989 on October 27, 2014; "I Know Places" is number 12 on the standard track listing. [22] The song received Gold certification in Australia (ARIA) [23] and the United States (RIAA). [24]

Swift performed the song as part of the setlist for the 1989 World Tour (2015), where Swift runs through doors being chased by dancers in fox masks. [25] Outside the 1989 World Tour, Swift later performed the song as a surprise song during the Reputation Stadium Tour (Tokyo, first show) [26] and the Eras Tour (2023-4) (Inglewood, fifth show). Additionally, during the Edinburgh stop of the Eras Tour, Swift performed "I Know Places" in a mashup with "Would've, Could've, Should've" (2022). [27] Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy recorded a video of him covering "I Know Places" to his YouTube channel. [28] Swift deemed his cover "so mesmerizing, it's so pretty". [29] American singer-songwriter Ryan Adams covered the song as part of his track by track cover of 1989. [12]

Certifications

Certifications for "I Know Places"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [23] Gold35,000‡
United States (RIAA) [24] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

"I Know Places (Taylor's Version)"

"I Know Places (Taylor's Version)"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album 1989 (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedOctober 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
Studio Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Length3:15
Label Republic
Songwriter(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Ryan Tedder
Producer(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Ryan Tedder
  • Noel Zancanella

After signing a new contract with Republic Records, Swift began re-recording her first six studio albums in November 2020. [30] The decision followed a public 2019 dispute between Swift and talent manager Scooter Braun, who acquired Big Machine Records, including the masters of Swift's albums which the label had released. [31] [32] By re-recording the albums, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, which enabled her to control the licensing of her songs for commercial use. In doing so, she hoped that the re-recorded songs would substitute the Big Machine–owned masters. [33]

The re-recording of "I Know Places", subtitled "Taylor's Version" was released as part of the re-recording of 1989, 1989 (Taylor's Version) (2023). [34] Swift produced "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)" with Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella, who reprised their co-production roles. [35] Upon release, all songs on 1989 (Taylor's Version) entered the Billboard Hot 100, with "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)" peaking at 36. [36]

Critical reception

Rachel Martin of Notion praised its uptick in emotion in the vocals of "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)", alongside its "more powerful end". [37] Kelsey Barnes of The Line of Best Fit also praised its re-recording, hailing it as one of the best re-recorded tracks on 1989 (Taylor's Version), alongside "All You Had to Do Was Stay (Taylor's Version)", elaborating that it is "more guttural", hypothesizing that she "[channeled] her anger" at media scrutiny into the recording. Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine praised Swift's vocal's soar in power in "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)". [38]

Charts

Chart performance for "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2023)Peak

position

Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [39] 35
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [40] 30
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [41] 32
US Billboard Hot 100 [42] 36

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Romantics (song)</span> 2016 single by Taylor Swift

"New Romantics" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote it with the producers Max Martin and Shellback. The title is a reference to a cultural movement of the 1970s and 1980s, whose new wave musical style influenced the song's synth-pop production and pulsating synthesizers. The lyrics are about reigniting one's hopes and energy after emotional hardships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor Swift</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1989)

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. Known for her autobiographical songwriting, artistic reinventions, and cultural impact, Swift is a leading figure in popular music and the subject of widespread public interest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fearless (Taylor Swift song)</span> 2010 single by Taylor Swift

"Fearless" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the title track of her 2008 second studio album. Swift wrote the song with Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey while promoting her 2006 self-titled debut album, and she produced it with Nathan Chapman. She placed it first on Fearless's track listing because she thought it encompassed the album's overarching theme; the song's lyrics are about a perfect first date despite its uncertainties. The production is country pop and pop rock and incorporates dynamic guitars. Big Machine Records released "Fearless" to US country radio as the album's fifth and final single on January 4, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Story of Us (song)</span> 2011 single by Taylor Swift

"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.

<i>1989</i> (album) 2014 album by Taylor Swift

1989 is the fifth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2014, by Big Machine Records. Executive produced by Swift and the Swedish producer Max Martin, it was Swift's effort to recalibrate her artistic identity from country to pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shake It Off</span> 2014 single by Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the lead single from her fifth studio album, 1989. She wrote the song with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. Inspired by the media scrutiny on Swift's public image, the lyrics are about her indifference to detractors and their negative remarks. An uptempo dance-pop song, it features a looping drum beat, a saxophone line, and a handclap–based bridge. Big Machine Records released "Shake It Off" on August 18, 2014, to market 1989 as Swift's first pop album after her previous country–styled sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Out of the Woods</span> 2016 single by Taylor Swift

"Out of the Woods" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff. With lyrics inspired by a failed relationship and the ensuing anxieties that Swift experienced, "Out of the Woods" is a synth-pop song with elements of Eurodance and indietronica and features heavy synthesizers, looping drums, and layered background vocals.

"Welcome to New York" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Written by Swift and Ryan Tedder, the song was inspired by Swift's relocation to New York City in April 2014. Its lyrics explore a newfound freedom in the city and a lighthearted attitude towards past heartbreaks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blank Space</span> 2014 single by Taylor Swift

"Blank Space" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the second single from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote the song with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. Inspired by the media scrutiny on Swift's love life that affected her girl-next-door reputation, "Blank Space" portrays a flirtatious woman with multiple romantic attachments. It is an electropop track with a minimal arrangement consisting of synthesizers, hip hop-influenced beats, and layered vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Style (Taylor Swift song)</span> 2015 single by Taylor Swift

"Style" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and the third single from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). She wrote the track with its producers Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami. An incorporation of pop, funk, disco, and electronic styles, "Style" is built on an electric guitar riff, pulsing synthesizers, and dense vocal reverb. The lyrics are about a couple who could not escape from an unhealthy relationship because they are never "out of style". Big Machine in partnership with Republic Records released the song to US radio on February 9, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Blood (Taylor Swift song)</span> 2015 single by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Bad Blood" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). She wrote the song with the Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback. It is a pop song using keyboards and hip hop–inspired drum beats, and the lyrics are about betrayal by a close friend. A remix featuring the American rapper Kendrick Lamar, with additional lyrics by Lamar and production by the Swedish musician Ilya, was released to radio as 1989's fourth single on May 17, 2015, by Big Machine and Republic Records.

"This Love" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift produced the song with Nathan Chapman. An atmospheric ballad, "This Love" combines soft rock and synth-pop. Its lyrics use oceanic imagery to describe the revival of a faded romance.

"Clean" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, taken from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Written and produced by Swift and the British musician Imogen Heap, the track is a steady soft rock and synth-folk ballad with an electronic production. Its lyrics depict difficulty in letting go of a broken relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delicate (Taylor Swift song)</span> 2018 single by Taylor Swift

"Delicate" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). She wrote the song with the producers Max Martin and Shellback. Inspired by events surrounding Swift's celebrity and personal life, the lyrics depict a narrator's vulnerability when she ponders if her reputation would affect the blossoming romance. "Delicate" is an electropop and synth-pop ballad that features vocals manipulated with a vocoder. Its production incorporates dense synthesizers and beats that evoke tropical house and dancehall.

"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.

<i>1989 (Taylors Version)</i> 2023 re-recorded album by Taylor Swift

1989 (Taylor's Version) is the fourth re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on October 27, 2023, by Republic Records. A re-recording of Swift's fifth studio album, 1989 (2014), it is part of her ongoing re-recording projects following the 2019 dispute over the masters of her back catalog. It was announced at the final Los Angeles show of the Eras Tour on August 9, 2023.

"You Are in Love" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from the deluxe edition of her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Big Machine Records released the track as an iTunes Store-exclusive download on February 24, 2015. Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff, whose relationship with the writer-actress Lena Dunham influenced its lyrical content. Some critics applauded the song's portrayal of love with simple lyrics and production, although a few others deemed the track insubstantial.

"All You Had to Do Was Stay" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote the song with Max Martin, who produced it with Shellback and Mattman & Robin. The lyrics were inspired by a dream where Swift asked an ex-lover to stay when he was leaving, and the track's refrain incorporates her high-pitched voice shouting "stay". Musically, the synth-pop song incorporates an electronic groove consisting of dense synths, drum pads, and processed backing vocals.

"I Wish You Would" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Swift wrote and produced the song with Jack Antonoff, who helped build it on an initial track sampling the snare drums on Fine Young Cannibals' 1989 song "She Drives Me Crazy". "I Wish You Would" is a bubblegum and synth-pop song instrumented by a staccato disco guitar lick, thick synths, erupting snares, and layered vocals. The lyrics are about the longing between two ex-lovers.

References

  1. ↑ O'Connor, Roisin (July 23, 2020). "Taylor Swift's 100 album tracks – ranked". The Independent . Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  2. ↑ Light, Alan (December 5, 2014). "Billboard Woman of the Year Taylor Swift on Writing Her Own Rules, Not Becoming a Cliche and the Hurdle of Going Pop". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 26, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  3. ↑ Eells, Josh (September 16, 2014). "Taylor Swift Reveals Five Things to Expect on 1989" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  4. ↑ Zollo, Paul (February 13, 2016). "The Oral History of Taylor Swift's 1989". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016– via Medium.
  5. ↑ Talbott, Chris (October 13, 2013). "Taylor Swift Talks Next Album, CMAs and Ed Sheeran". Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 26, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  6. ↑ Leight, Elias (January 12, 2021). "10 Great Songs You Didn't Know OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder Wrote" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  7. ↑ Perricone, Kathleen (October 20, 2014). "Taylor Swift Gives Details on Recording 'I Know Places' With Ryan Tedder". American Top 40 . Archived from the original on January 19, 2015.
  8. ↑ "GLAM Chat: Taylor Swift". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  9. 1 2 "Who Are Taylor Swift's 1989 Songs About? What She Has Said About the Inspirations". People. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Iasimone, Ashley (October 11, 2015). "Taylor Swift Shares the Stories Behind 'Out of the Woods' & 'I Know Places'". Billboard. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  11. ↑ Jones, Nate (May 20, 2024). "All 245 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Vulture. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  12. 1 2 Wood, Mikael (September 21, 2015). "Ryan Adams Turns to Taylor Swift for Help on His Version of 1989" . Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
  13. ↑ Galvin, Annie (October 27, 2014). "Review: Taylor Swift, 1989". Slant Magazine . Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  14. ↑ Yahr, Emily (November 2, 2017). "If you think Taylor Swift writes only about her exes, then you don't get Taylor Swift". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "Taylor Swift's "I Know Places" Lyrics Make It The Most Vulnerable Song On '1989'". Bustle. November 7, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  16. ↑ Thompson, Eliza (October 27, 2014). "Taylor Swift's 1989: A Track-by-Track Review". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  17. ↑ Galvin, Annie (October 27, 2014). "Review: Taylor Swift, 1989". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  18. ↑ Sheffield, Rob (April 25, 2024). "All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  19. ↑ "Which Taylor Swift '1989' Song Should You Listen To First? A Definitive Ranking of the Album's 13 Tracks". Bustle. October 27, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Taylor Swift's "I Know Places" Lyrics Make It The Most Vulnerable Song On '1989'". Bustle. November 7, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  21. ↑ Zoladz, Lindsay (October 24, 2014). "Did Taylor Swift Rip Off Lorde and Lana Del Rey?". Vulture. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ Graff, Gary (October 24, 2014). "Taylor Swift to the Haters: 'If You're Upset That I'm Just Being Myself, I'm Going to Be Myself More'". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  23. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  24. 1 2 "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – I Know Places". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  25. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (May 21, 2015). "Review: On Taylor Swift's '1989' Tour, the Underdog Emerges as Cool Kid". The New York Times . Archived from the original on November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  26. ↑ Iasimone, Ashley (May 26, 2018). "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on Her Reputation Stadium Tour B-Stage (So Far)" . Billboard. Archived from the original on May 27, 2018. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  27. ↑ Shafer, Ellise (August 20, 2024). "Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Every Surprise Song She's Played So Far". Variety. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  28. ↑ Vain, Madison. "Watch Vance Joy cover Taylor Swift's 'I Know Places'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  29. ↑ Eidell, Lynsey (May 6, 2015). "Hear Taylor Swift's Favorite 1989 Cover?Ever". Glamour. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  30. ↑ Melas, Chloe (November 16, 2020). "Taylor Swift Speaks Out about Sale of Her Masters". CNN. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  31. ↑ "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.
  32. ↑ 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.
  33. ↑ 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.
  34. ↑ Vassell, Nicole (October 27, 2023). "Taylor Swift Fans Celebrate As Pop Star Releases 1989 (Taylor's Version)" . The Independent . Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  35. ↑ D'Souza, Shaad (October 30, 2023). "Taylor Swift: 1989 (Taylor's Version) Album Review". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  36. ↑ Zellner, Xander (November 6, 2023). "Taylor Swift Charts All 21 Songs From '1989 (Taylor's Version)' on the Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  37. ↑ Martin, Rachel (October 27, 2023). "Album Review: 1989 (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift". Notion. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  38. ↑ Keefe, Jonathan (October 30, 2023). "Taylor Swift '1989 (Taylor's Version)' Review". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  39. ↑ "Taylor Siwft Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  40. ↑ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  41. ↑ "Taylor Swift – All You Had to Do Was Stay (Taylor's Version)". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  42. ↑ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.