You Are in Love

Last updated

"You Are in Love"
Promotional single by Taylor Swift
from the album 1989
ReleasedFebruary 24, 2015 (2015-02-24)
Studio Jungle City (New York)
Genre Electropop
Length4:27
Label Big Machine
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Jack Antonoff
"You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album 1989 (Taylor's Version)
ReleasedOctober 27, 2023
Studio
Length4:27
Label Republic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Jack Antonoff
Lyric video
"You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube

"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.

Contents

The song was the inspiration for the music video of Swift's 2019 single "Lover". Following a dispute over her masters with her former label, Big Machine Records, Swift re-recorded the song as "You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)", as part of her fourth re-recorded album, 1989 (Taylor's Version) (2023).

Background and writing

Taylor Swift had identified as a country musician until her fourth studio album, Red , which was released on October 22, 2012. [1] [2] Red incorporates eclectic pop and rock styles beyond the country stylings of Swift's past albums, which led to critics questioning her country-music identity. [3] [4] Swift finalized her fifth studio album in mid-2014, during the Asian leg of the Red Tour. [5] Inspired by 1980s synth-pop, she named the album 1989 after her birth year to signify an artistic reinvention: she described it as her first "official pop album". [6] On 1989, Swift worked with new producers including Jack Antonoff, who produced three tracks with Swift, including "You Are in Love". [7] Antonoff first sent Swift the instrumental track of "You Are in Love", with Swift later writing the lyrics to it. [8]

Music and lyrics

"You Are in Love" is an atmospheric electropop [9] ballad [10] [11] instrumented by a recurring synth riff [12] that critics thought to evoke the music of Bruce Springsteen; David Greenwalt of The Oregonian thought that it "[echoes] the synth tones" of "Streets of Philadelphia" (1993), [13] while Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine picked "Secret Garden" (1995) as a possible influence. [12] The lyrics, narrated from an outside woman's perspective, [8] [13] present imagery of various phases and experiences in a fruitful relationship ("small talk", "coffee at midnight", "kisses on sidewalk"), [12] with the words being set to a four-note motif that forms the melody of the verses. [10] According to Swift, the inspiration was the relationship of Antonoff and the writer-actress Lena Dunham, both of whom were close friends of hers. [14] Dunham dubbed it as her "someday wedding song". [15]

When interviewed about writing "You Are in Love", Swift said she found it difficult and boring at times. The song also describes love as something that does not need to be perfect. Swift also said that she wrote it as a commentary of Antonoff and Dunham's relationship, saying that she's actually going through everything that happened in it. [16] The song is also the inspiration for the music video of the title track of her seventh studio album, "Lover". [17]

Release and commercial performance

Swift performing "You Are in Love" on acoustic guitar during the 1989 World Tour Taylor tokyo 20150506 (cropped 2).jpg
Swift performing "You Are in Love" on acoustic guitar during the 1989 World Tour

"You Are in Love" was originally included as one of the three bonus cuts on the deluxe package of 1989, which was released exclusively at Target in the United States. On February 17, 2015, Swift announced that she would make all the bonus tracks available to US iTunes Stores as promotional singles one at a time. [18] The song was released on February 24, 2015, by Big Machine Records. [19]

"You Are in Love" debuted on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100, with peaks of number 83 [20] and number 99, [21] respectively. The track was featured in the setlist of the 1989 World Tour (2015), where Swift would sing it on acoustic guitar. [22] On August 4, 2023, she sang the song with a piano during the Los Angeles stop as part of her Eras Tour (2023–2024) and included it on the extended cut of the tour's associated concert film. [23] [24] [25] Swift later performs "You Are in Love" as a surprise number in mashup with "Cowboy Like Me" (2020) on piano and "Fresh Out the Slammer" (2024) on guitar during the Amsterdam and Munich stops respectively. [23] In January 2024, the song received a gold certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for selling over 35,000 units. [26]

After signing a new contract with Republic Records, Swift began re-recording her first six studio albums in November 2020. [27] The decision came after a 2019 public 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. [28] [29] By re-recording them, Swift had full ownership of the new masters, including the copyright licensing of her songs, devaluing the Big Machine-owned masters. [30] The re-recording of "You Are in Love", subtitled "Taylor's Version", was released as part of Swift's fourth re-recorded album, 1989 (Taylor's Version), on October 27, 2023. [31] It debuted and peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Global 200 [32] and reached the countries of New Zealand (38), [33] Canada (42), [21] and the US (43). [34]

Critical reception

Hannah Yasharoff and David Oliver, writing for USA Today , commended two lines from "You Are in Love": "You understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars / And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it in words", further elaborating that it "[puts] specific and universal feelings into words", something Swift "does best". [35] Billboard 's Ashley Iasimone compared the song to "The Lakes", elaborating that both songs portray "love that's as pretty as a picture, the kind that has no place for the noise from the outside world". [36] Alex Berry of Clash applauded the song for being an "ethereal, delicate [ballad]", [11] while Grace Wehniainen of Bustle commended it for being a "hidden gem among gems", further elaborating that it "isn't just a gorgeous song, but a handy time capsule for Swift's personal and professional life". [16] Vulture's Nate Jones complimented its simplicity demonstrated by the "appropriately restrained" vocals and production, [37] and Variety's Chris Willman deemed the track "a sweet testament to being aspirational about love through the proxy passions of friends". [38] Amara Sorosiak of American Songwriter ranked it eighth in a 2024 list of "Taylor Swift's Top 10 Love Songs", praising "her stripped-back, atmospheric pop prowess". [39]

On a less positive side, Jane Song of Paste ranked "You Are in Love" 66th out of 158 in a 2020 ranking of Swift's songs, considering it "sweet", but also noting that the romantic rumors of Antonoff blemished its message. [40] Courteney Larocca of Business Insider regarded the song as one of the 17 worst Taylor Swift songs, criticizing it for being "boring" and commenting that "It's just disappointing that a song about realizing you're fully in love is about a relationship that ultimately didn't work out—and wasn't even one from Swift's own life". [17] Reviewing the re-recording, "You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)", Hugh G. Puddles argued that it declines in quality due to Antonoff's "overstating his ascending synth arpeggios in the chorus, walking headlong into the '80s kitsch" that overshadows Swift's understated vocals as in the original. [41]

Credits and personnel

"You Are in Love" (2014) [42]

"You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)" (2023) [43]

Charts

"You Are in Love" (2014)

Chart performance for "You Are in Love"
Chart (2014)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [21] 99
US Billboard Hot 100 [20] 83

"You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)" (2023)

Chart performance for "You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)"
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [44] 42
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [32] 38
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [33] 38
US Billboard Hot 100 [34] 43

Certifications

Certification for "You Are in Love"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [26] Gold35,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Antonoff</span> American musician (born 1984)

Jack Michael Antonoff is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Antonoff is the lead vocalist of rock band Bleachers. He was previously the guitarist and drummer for the pop rock band Fun and the lead vocalist for the indie rock band Steel Train. Aside from his work with the three groups, Antonoff has been prolific in songwriting and production for various music industry acts, including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, P!nk, Sara Bareilles, the 1975, Lorde, St. Vincent, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Fifth Harmony, Sia, Kevin Abstract, Carly Rae Jepsen, the Chicks, Tegan and Sara, and Clairo. Antonoff is credited with impacting the sound of popular music throughout the 2010s and 2020s.

<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.

"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.

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

"Babe" is a song recorded by American country music duo Sugarland, featuring guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released by Big Machine Records on April 20, 2018, as the second single from Sugarland's sixth studio album, Bigger (2018). "Babe" is a midtempo country pop ballad and breakup song. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart, number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, and at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"August" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her eighth studio album, Folklore (2020). Swift and Jack Antonoff wrote the song, and the two produced it with Joe Alwyn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Lakes (song)</span> 2020 song by Taylor Swift

"The Lakes" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, taken from the deluxe edition of her eighth studio album, Folklore (2020). Written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, "The Lakes" is a midtempo indie ballad, set to acoustic guitar and strings, with themes of introspection and escapism that reflect on Swift's semi-retirement in Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You All Over Me</span> 2021 song by Taylor Swift featuring Maren Morris

"You All Over Me" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift featuring harmony vocals from the American singer Maren Morris. Swift wrote the track with Scooter Carusoe in 2005 for her second studio album, Fearless (2008), but excluded it from the track-listing. She produced the song with Aaron Dessner for the album's 2021 re-recording, Fearless . "You All Over Me" was released for download via Swift's website on March 26, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Perfectly Fine</span> 2021 song by Taylor Swift

"Mr. Perfectly Fine" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her first re-recorded album, Fearless (2021). It is one of the album's "From the Vault" tracks that was intended for but excluded from her second studio album, Fearless (2008). The song was released for limited-time download via Swift's website on April 7, 2021. She wrote "Mr. Perfectly Fine" in 2008, a track that incorporates wordplay and sees the narrator's heartbreak and fallout with a lover she presumed was the ideal figure for her.

"That's When" is a song by Taylor Swift featuring Keith Urban. It was released as part of Fearless (2021), a re-recording of Swift's second studio album Fearless (2008). She wrote the track with the Warren Brothers at age 14 and handled the production with Jack Antonoff. "That's When" is an acoustic country pop and indie folk ballad about the end and aftermath of a relationship: Swift's and Urban's characters contemplate how to reunite with one another.

<i>Fearless (Taylors Version)</i> 2021 re-recorded album by Taylor Swift

Fearless (Taylor's Version) is the first re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on April 9, 2021, by Republic Records. A re-recording of Swift's second studio album, Fearless (2008), it is part of her re-recording projects following the 2019 dispute over the master recordings of her back catalog.

<i>Red (Taylors Version)</i> 2021 re-recorded album by Taylor Swift

Red (Taylor's Version) is the second re-recorded album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released on November 12, 2021, by Republic Records. A re-recording of Swift's fourth studio album, Red (2012), it is part of her re-recording projects following the 2019 dispute over the ownership of her back catalog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Message in a Bottle (Taylor Swift song)</span> 2021 single by Taylor Swift

"Message in a Bottle" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was her first writing collaboration with Max Martin and Shellback. The song was intended for but excluded from her fourth studio album, Red (2012). Shellback and Elvira Anderfjärd produced the track for Swift's re-recorded album, Red (2021). "Message in a Bottle" is a 1980s-influenced dance-pop, synth-pop, and electropop song with lyrics about the anxiety from falling in love.

"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.

"I Can See You" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her third re-recorded album, Speak Now (2023). It is one of the album's "From the Vault" tracks that was intended for but excluded from her third studio album, Speak Now (2010). Produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, "I Can See You" features a guitar riff. The lyrics are sexually suggestive and contain flirtatious innuendos, describing Swift's attraction to a person she comes across often.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">"Slut!"</span> 2023 single by Taylor Swift

"'Slut!'" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote and produced it with Jack Antonoff and Patrik Berger. The song was intended for but ultimately left out of Swift's fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). Following a 2019 dispute regarding ownership of Swift's masters, the song was produced for Swift's re-recording of 1989, titled 1989 (2023). "'Slut!'" was released for streaming and download on October 27, 2023, via Republic Records; the same day, Universal Music released the song to Italian radio. An acoustic version was released for limited-time download as part of a deluxe digital release of the album.

"Now That We Don't Talk" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was written by Swift for her 2014 studio album, 1989, but did not make the final track-list. She re-recorded the song and produced it with Jack Antonoff for her 2023 re-recorded album, 1989 . A synth-pop and disco song, "Now That We Don't Talk" features disco grooves, falsetto vocals, and thrumming synths. The lyrics are about contempt for an estranged ex-lover.

"Suburban Legends" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who wrote and produced it with Jack Antonoff. The track was originally intended for her 2014 studio album, 1989, but was included in the 2023 re-recording, 1989 . A midtempo synth-pop ballad, "Suburban Legends" features 1980s-inspired synthesizers, a disco groove, and a gentle pulse. The lyrics contain imagery of fantasy and nostalgia: Swift's character reflects on a failed small-town romance and details the thrilling parts of the relationship and its dissolution.

"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. Caulfield, Keith (October 30, 2012). "Taylor Swift's Red Sells 1.21 Million; Biggest Sales Week for an Album Since 2002". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  2. Lewis, Randy (October 30, 2012). "Taylor Swift raises the bar with a savvy Red marketing campaign" . Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  3. McNutt 2020, pp. 78.
  4. 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 May 8, 2024.
  5. Garibaldi, Christina (May 30, 2014). "Taylor Swift Finally Reveals Details About Her Next Album". MTV. Archived from the original on June 2, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  6. 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 May 8, 2024.
  7. Zollo, Paul (February 12, 2015). "The Oral History of Taylor Swift's 1989". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on April 4, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2024 via Cuepoint.
  8. 1 2 Hopper, Alex (February 7, 2024). "Behind the Meaning of 'You Are In Love' by Taylor Swift". American Songwriter . Archived from the original on April 19, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  9. Zaleski 2024, p. 124.
  10. 1 2 Perone 2017.
  11. 1 2 Berry, Alex (October 27, 2023). "Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)". Clash . Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  12. 1 2 3 "Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff's 20 Best Collaborations". Slant Magazine . April 29, 2024. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  13. 1 2 Greenwald, David (October 27, 2014). "Review: Taylor Swift's 1989 loses more than country". The Oregonian . Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  14. Monroe, Jazz (May 8, 2015). "Taylor Swift reveals that Lena Dunham and Jack Antonoff inspired 1989 song". NME . Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  15. White, Caitlin (October 25, 2014). "Taylor Swift Finally Wrote The Happiest Love Song—But It's Not About Her". MTV. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  16. 1 2 Wehniainen, Grace (October 23, 2023). "Taylor Swift Wrote 'You Are In Love' About Lena Dunham & Jack Antonoff". Bustle . Archived from the original on April 4, 2024. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  17. 1 2 Larocca, Courteney (October 30, 2019). "17 of the best and 17 of the worst Taylor Swift songs of all time". Business Insider . Archived from the original on April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  18. Lipshutz, Jason (February 17, 2015). "Taylor Swift Releasing 1989 Bonus Songs to iTunes". Billboard . Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  19. "You Are In Love – Single by Taylor Swift". iTunes Store (United States). February 24, 2015. Archived from the original on June 3, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  20. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  22. Landsbaum, Claire (June 9, 2015). "We Re-created Taylor Swift's 1989 World Tour for You". Vulture . Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  23. 1 2 Shafer, Ellise (July 22, 2024). "Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Every Surprise Song She's Played So Far". Variety. Archived from the original on July 22, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  24. Georgi, Maya (March 14, 2024). "Taylor Swift Reveals 'You Are in Love' As Third Surprise Song for 'Eras Tour' Disney+ Version". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  25. Dailey, Hannah (March 14, 2024). "Taylor Swift Confirms This 1989 Fan Favorite Is the Third Acoustic Song in Disney+ 'Eras Tour': Watch". Billboard . Archived from the original on April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  26. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  27. 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.
  28. "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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. Vassell, Nicole (October 27, 2023). "Taylor Swift Fans Celebrate As Pop Star Releases 1989 (Taylor's Version)". The Independent . Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  32. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  33. 1 2 "Taylor Swift – You Are in Love (Taylor's Version)". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  34. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  35. Yasharoff, Hannah; Oliver, David (December 13, 2019). "Taylor Swift's 85 best lyrics definitively ranked". USA Today . Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  36. Iasimone, Ashley (August 30, 2020). "If Folklore Turned You On to Taylor Swift, These Are the Deep Cuts You'll Like". Billboard . Archived from the original on April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  37. Jones, Nate (November 8, 2023). "All 214 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Vulture . Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  38. Willman, Chris (August 9, 2023). "Taylor Swift's 25 Best Bonus Tracks, Ranked". Variety . Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  39. Sorosiak, Amara (September 12, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Top 10 Love Songs". American Songwriter . Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  40. Song, Jane (February 11, 2020). "All 158 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Paste . Archived from the original on February 27, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  41. Puddles, Hugh G. (October 31, 2023). "Review: Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)". Sputnikmusic . Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  42. 1989 (CD liner notes). Taylor Swift. Big Machine Records. 2014. BMRBD0500A.
  43. 1989 (Taylor's Version) (Compact disc liner notes). Taylor Swift. Republic Records. 2023. 0245597656.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  44. "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2023.

Bibliography