Begin Again Taylor Swift Cover Duet
"Begin Again" | ||||
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Single by Taylor Swift | ||||
from the album Red | ||||
Released | October 1, 2012 (2012-10-01) (original)
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Genre | Country | |||
Length | 3:59 | |||
Label | Big Machine (original)
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Songwriter(s) | Taylor Swift | |||
Producer(s) |
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Taylor Swift singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Begin Again" on YouTube "Begin Again (Taylor's Version)" (lyric video) on YouTube | ||||
"Begin Again" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her fourth studio album, Red (2012). Swift co-produced the song with Nathan Chapman and Dann Huff. Initially released as a promotional single on September 25, 2012, by Big Machine Records, the song served as the second official single from Red on October 1, 2012. "Begin Again" is a country song, with the lyrical content finding Swift falling in love again after a failed relationship.
The song was widely acclaimed by music critics, many of whom praised Swift's songwriting and complimented for coming back to her country roots for the close of the album. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Philip Andelman, who also directed the music video for Swift's "Safe & Sound". "Begin Again" was commercially successful, and it became Swift's second top ten hit from Red on both the US and Canadian music charts following the hit single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", debuting and peaking at numbers seven and four respectively. The single has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Begin Again" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Song at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
A re-recorded version of "Begin Again", titled "Begin Again (Taylor's Version)", was released as part of Swift's re-recording album Red (Taylor's Version), on November 12, 2021, through Republic Records.[1]
Background and release [edit]
Swift quipped that the song is "about when you've gotten through a really bad relationship and you finally dust yourself off and go on that first date after a horrible breakup, and the vulnerability that goes along with all that".[2] She previewed it on Good Morning America on September 24, 2012,[3] and was released digitally on iTunes the next day, September 25.[4] The song initially served as a promotional single, the first of four tracks to be released during the four weeks preceding the release of her fourth studio album Red.[5] It was later announced that the song would be the second single from Red. An individually numbered CD single was released on October 23, 2012, exclusively to Amazon.com and Swift's official store.[6] [7]
Composition and lyrics [edit]
"Begin Again" is a country song of three minutes and 58 seconds. The song was written by Swift and produced by Swift, Dann Huff and Nathan Chapman. Musically, "Begin Again" is written in the key of G major, with a tempo of 76 beats per minute. Swift's vocals span from D3 to B4.[8] Lyrically, it finds Swift falling in love again after a failed relationship.[2] According to The Boot website, "It's a beautiful ballad that tells the story of a girl who is pleasantly surprised by a new guy who does everything right that the last guy did wrong".[2] Billy Dukes from Taste of Country commented: "For those who believe the arc of songs on 'Red' tell a story, the album ends with the sweet satisfaction of love found on 'Begin Again'. [...] Again, it's her vulnerability and willingness to reveal her battle scars that make this lyric on the Best Taylor Swift 'Red' Lyrics list so palpable and brilliant".[9] Dukes placed it as the third track on Red's best lyrics list, behind "All Too Well" and the title track, respectively.[9] Billboard magazine affirmed that unlike most tracks from Red which find Swift lamenting on the end of relationships, "Begin Again" talks about "finding hope at the end of that tumultuous period".[10] According to the publication, the singer's vocals are on a "breathy, girlish vocal" tone and is reminiscent of her contributions to The Hunger Games soundtrack.[10]
Critical reception [edit]
"Begin Again" received universal acclaim from music critics, many of whom praised Swift's songwriting. Writing for Taste of Country, Billy Dukes gave the song a four star rating out of five, describing it as "a cleansing breath that hopefully foreshadows the true tone of her album".[9] Grady Smith of Entertainment Weekly wrote the song is "a well-crafted love story" and noted Swift's talent "at taking a single moment in time and letting it unfold like a pop-up storybook."[11] Jessica Sager of Popcrush gave the song 4 out of 5 stars, saying that "Swift paints a vivid picture of a first date following a rough breakup in 'Begin Again' — and she sounds like a young woman...She's not settling, whether in her love life or her studio sessions. And for that, Taylor Swift, we salute you."[12] Matt Bjorke gave four out of five stars as well for Roughstock, complimenting that "The song is a vast improvement for Taylor. A ballad that's neither in-your-face or sounding like its from a twelve year old".[13]
The Boot noted that the story Swift painted was "sweet" and it's a "beautiful ballad".[2] Justin Proper of Under The Gun Review praised Swift for knowing "how to keep her core audience happy, and that is exactly what "Begin Again" accomplishes", also saying that the song gave him a "sensation of relief".[14] MuchMusic lauded Swift, stating "while she is more than capable of releasing the carefree, jump-around-your-room-with-a-hairbrush break up songs like "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," she also has the pen of a poet and knows how to craft emotionally gut-wrenching songs that speak to her millions of fans."[15] However, Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave a mixed review, giving the song a grade "B". He lamented how Swift's songs never leave the topic of boys, saying "as Swift continues to grow older, it's becoming more troublesome that her sense of self-worth and happiness is always inextricably linked to whatever man is currently the object of her affection."[16] "Begin Again" was included in Billboard 's list of Best songs of 2012 where it was ranked at number six.
Awards and nominations [edit]
Year | Organization | Award/work | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | American Country Awards | Female Single of the Year | Nominated | [17] |
Female Video of the Year | Nominated | |||
Video of the Year | Nominated | |||
BMI Awards | Publisher of the Year | Won | [18] | |
Country Awards Top 50 Songs | Won | |||
CMT Music Awards | Female Video of the Year | Nominated | [19] | |
2014 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Song | Nominated | [20] |
Commercial performance [edit]
In the week ending September 30, 2012, just a few hours after an early release, "Begin Again" shot to number one on iTunes. It was the first single to dethrone "Gangnam Style" and also surpassed Rihanna's "Diamonds".[21] The song debuted at number one on Billboard Hot Digital Songs selling 299,000 digital copies in the week ending September 30, 2012, which became Swift's fifth number one on that chart.[22] As a result, "Begin Again" debuted at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 4, 2012, earning Swift her twelfth top ten hit on the said chart.[23] The song fell at number fifty-two on its second week and has charted in Billboard Hot 100 for a total of twenty weeks. "Begin Again" has been certified Platinum by RIAA. It has sold 1 million copies in the United States as of November 2017.[24]
On the Hot Country Songs chart, "Begin Again" debuted at number thirty-seven after it was released as the second country single on Red. The song jumped at its peak at number ten on its second week on the chart after Billboard changed their methodology on Hot Country Songs, thus giving Swift her seventeenth top ten consecutive hit but also tied with "Fearless" as her lowest-charting single on the said chart. It additionally reached number three on the Country Airplay chart, earning Swift her sixteenth top ten hit on the chart.
The song attained moderate success worldwide. "Begin Again" became Swift's sixth top five hit in Canada, debuting at number four. It debuted in Australia at number twenty on the week ending September 30, 2012.[25] In the United Kingdom, the song gave Swift her second top 40 hit from Red after debuting at number 30, following "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" which peaked at number 4. In New Zealand, the song reached number ten. In Ireland and Spain, the song reached number twenty-five and number thirty respectively.
Music video [edit]
Synopsis [edit]
The video starts with Swift standing on a bridge while pensively gazing across the water and remembering a lost love. She then takes a walk along the Île de la Cité in Paris,[ citation needed ] wearing a Red dress with white flower appliques and blue peep toes and sits beside the river Seine. The video draws comparison to that of singer Adele's music video "Someone Like You" and Swift's own "Back to December" (only much happier).[26]
Swift then rides a bicycle, wearing a blue and white floral skirt with white cat flats with sun glasses on and bikes down a Cobblestone street. She goes shopping and tries on new clothes, which is spliced with shots of Swift singing to a man (Vladimir Perrin). In a flashback, she recalls her first meeting with the man at a café while sipping cappuccino. He starts taking snapshots of her with his Leica M6. They then have a bitter-sweet conversation, laughing and giggling at each other. The following clips shows Swift sitting at a park and sampling pastries. It also shows Swift walking by the Seine. The clip ends with the two walking side by side, as Swift allows herself to "begin again."
Deviation from lyrics [edit]
Directed by Philip Andelman and produced by Arthur Cantin,[27] the story in the video deviates from the song's lyrical narrative in several respects. While the lyrics recount the narrator's (Swift) trepidation of a first date after a bad breakup, the video instead relates a chance meeting in a cafe in Paris. In the video, Swift is seated at a booth, doodling in a small notebook when a Frenchman at another table takes interest and introduces himself. Missing from the video are the Swift's initial moments in the cafe, where her date has arrived early to wait for her, greets her, then helps her into her chair, displaying kindness and respect that was apparently absent from her former relationship. Late in the song, the restaurant encounter draws to a conclusion while the couple walks to Swift's car.
The song lyrics describe a touching moment when Swift feels an urge to talk about her previous relationship, but before she can, her date starts describing his family's Christmas movie watching tradition. It is the pivotal moment in "Begin Again", where Swift realizes she is no longer bound to her old relationship, "And for the first time, what's past is past". In the video, instead of a clear end to the date, Swift is shown walking her bike alongside her new friend down a cobblestone road. The couple apparently is not walking to her car as described in the song lyrics, as she walks with her bike. In the video, it is clear that Swift is feeling love for her new friend, while the song lyrics leave it to the listener to decide whether Swift is finding love in her new friend, or is more generally reclaiming her ability to love through the experience of this date.
Reception [edit]
Entertainment Weekly thought the video was "another classic bittersweet Swift joint," writing: "Though her boyfriend doesn't laugh at her jokes and bores her with stories about his family's Christmas movie-watching traditions, she finds the ultimate salve: Wandering through the streets of Paris, chuckling with handsome dudes in a café (and probably snacking on snails or something). It's a lovely clip, but a little bit sleepy. Also, there's something about it that recalls 'Back to December' — is it the color palette, or just the general moodiness?".[28] [29] To date, the video has over 190 million views on YouTube.
Credits and personnel [edit]
"Begin Again" (2012) [30]
- Taylor Swift – lead vocals, songwriter, producer
- Dann Huff – producer, electric guitar, digital editing, acoustic guitar
- Nathan Chapman – producer, acoustic guitar, high string acoustic guitar
- Steve Marcantonio – recording
- Seth Morton – assistant recording
- Justin Niebank – mixing
- Drew Bollman – assistant mixing
- Mike "Frog" Griffith – production coordinator
- Jason Campbell – production coordinator
- Tom Bukovac – electric guitar
- Paul Franklin – steel guitar
- Ilya Toshinsky – mandolin
- Jimmie Lee Sloas – bass
- Jonathan Yudkin – violin, string
- Charlie Judge – Hammond B3, synths, strings, accordion, piano
- Aaron Sterling – drums
- Caitlin Evanson – background vocals
"Begin Again (Taylor's Version)" (2021) [31]
- Taylor Swift – lead vocals, songwriter, producer
- Christopher Rowe – producer, vocals engineer
- David Payne – recording engineer
- Dan Burns – additional engineer
- Austin Brown – assistant engineer, assistant editor
- Bryce Bordone – engineer
- Derek Garten – engineer
- Serban Ghenea – mixer
- Charles Judge – accordion
- Mike Meadows – acoustic guitar, Hammond organ, mandolin
- Amos Heller – bass guitar
- Matt Billingslea – drums
- Paul Sidoti – electric guitar
- David Cook – piano
- Max Bernstein – steel guitar, synths
- Jonathan Yudkin – violin
- Caitlin Evanson – background vocals
Charts [edit]
"Begin Again" [edit]
"Begin Again (Taylor's Version)" [edit]
Certifications [edit]
Release history [edit]
See also [edit]
- List of number-one digital songs of 2012 (U.S.)
References [edit]
- ^ Al-Heeti, Abrar (November 11, 2021). "Red (Taylor's Version): Release date, tracklist, why Taylor Swift is rerecording her albums". CNET . Retrieved November 13, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Taylor Swift 'Begin Again' Lyrics Tell Sweet Story of First Date". The Boot. September 25, 2012. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift's 'Begin Again' Previewed On 'Good Morning America' [UPDATE]". The Huffington Post. Aol, Inc. September 24, 2012. Archived from the original on November 22, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ a b "Begin Again - Single by Taylor Swift". iTunes Store. Apple, Inc. Archived from the original on September 27, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ Williott, Carl (September 21, 2012). "Taylor Swift's 'Red' Nabs Countdown Campaign With iTunes & 'Good Morning America'". Idolator. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ a b "LIMITED EDITION 'Begin Again' Single CD". Amazon. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
- ^ a b "LIMITED EDITION 'Begin Again' Single CD". store.taylorswift.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift - Begin Again Sheet Music". musicnotes.com. September 28, 2012. Archived from the original on March 8, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ^ a b c Dukes, Billy (September 25, 2012). "Taylor Swift, 'Begin Again' – Song Review". Taste of Country. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift, 'Red': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. October 12, 2012. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ Smith, Grady (September 25, 2012). "Taylor Swift's new track 'Begin Again' isn't a break-up song". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ Sager, Jessica (September 25, 2012). "TAYLOR SWIFT, 'BEGIN AGAIN' – SONG REVIEW". Popcrush. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (September 25, 2012). "Single Review: Taylor Swift - Begin Again". Roughstock. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ Proper, Justin (September 25, 2012). "STREAM: TAYLOR SWIFT – BEGIN AGAIN". Under The Gun Review. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ Music, Much (September 25, 2012). "TAYLOR SWIFT OPENS UP IN NEW SONG BEGIN AGAIN". MuchMusic Blog. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
- ^ John Coyne, Kevin (September 28, 2012). "Single Review: Taylor Swift, "Begin Again"". Country Universe. Archived from the original on September 6, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
- ^ "American Country Awards: See the winners here!". CNN. December 11, 2013. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
- ^ "2013 BMI Country Awards Honor Dillon, Clawson, Hayes, Verges and Others". Broadcast Music, Inc. November 6, 2013. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ "CMT Music Awards: Archives: 2013 CMT Music Awards". CMT. Archived from the original on March 29, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ "Grammys 2014: The complete list of nominees and winners". Los Angeles Times. January 26, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ Copsey, Robert (October 1, 2012). "Psy 'Gangnam Style' tops Aussie singles chart". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ^ "Mumford & Sons, Green Day, No Doubt Debut at Nos. 1-3 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. October 3, 2012. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ "PSY Can't Beat Maroon 5 In Close Race For Hot 100's Top Spot". Billboard. October 3, 2012. Archived from the original on February 24, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
- ^ Trust, Gary (November 26, 2017). "Ask Billboard: Taylor Swift's Career Album & Song Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 26, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
- ^ Copsey, Robert (October 1, 2012). "Psy 'Gangnam Style' tops Aussie singles chart". Digital Spy. Nat Mags. Archived from the original on November 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason (November 25, 2012). "Taylor Swift Decides To 'Begin Again' in Paris: Watch New Video". Billboard . Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift - Begin Again (2012) | IMVDb". IMVDb. October 24, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
- ^ Lansky, Sam (October 24, 2012). "Taylor Swift's "Begin Again" Video: Review Revue". Idolator. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ^ Anderson, Kyle (October 24, 2012). "Taylor Swift's 'Begin Again' video: The French connection!". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 23, 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ^ Borchetta, Scott (2012). "Liner notes". Red (Booklet). Taylor Swift. Nashville: Big Machine Records. p. 18. BMR310400A.
- ^ Red (Taylor's Version) (vinyl liner notes). Taylor Swift. Republic Records. 2021.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Taylor Swift – Begin Again". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Begin Again". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "Top Singles Chart, WK #40 (October 1–7, 2012)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on February 4, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ "Taylor Swift – Begin Again". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ "Taylor Swift – Begin Again" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
- ^ "Hot Country Songs – 2012 Year-End Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 20, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ^ "Country Airplay – 2013 Year-End Chart". Billboard. December 13, 2013. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
- ^ "Hot Country Songs – 2013 Year-End Chart". Billboard. January 2, 2013. Archived from the original on December 15, 2015. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ "Canadian single certifications – Taylor Swift – Begin Again". Music Canada.
- ^ "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – Begin Again". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Country Aircheck Chart Info" (PDF). Country Aircheck. No. 313. September 24, 2012. p. 16. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begin_Again_(Taylor_Swift_song)
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