1989
by Ryan Adams
  • Record Label: Pax Am
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2015
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 122 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 122
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 122
  3. Negative: 30 out of 122
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  1. anitquity
    Sep 26, 2015
    4
    I am really quite shocked by the high marks this album is getting. Most fans of Taylor Swift, such as my daughters and wife, and absolutely no interest in hearing a reinterpretation of their favorite songs done in a Springsteen-esque fashion by a guy they've never heard of. From comments I have read elsewhere, it almost seems that middle aged guys into the Ryan Adams and his style ofI am really quite shocked by the high marks this album is getting. Most fans of Taylor Swift, such as my daughters and wife, and absolutely no interest in hearing a reinterpretation of their favorite songs done in a Springsteen-esque fashion by a guy they've never heard of. From comments I have read elsewhere, it almost seems that middle aged guys into the Ryan Adams and his style of music are so happy their guy can take contemporary chart toppers and take the melody and lyrics and play it with a guitar-driven and. (Full disclosure: I am a certainly a fan of most of Ryan Adams' work, and similar artists). Songs such as Badblood sound like it's done by bar band you might hear covering Taylor Swift, where you would quickly exit and find another bar.

    I can't imagine this being anything other than a novelty and those giving this 9's and 10's won't be listening to this in near future. Seriously, it's kind of embarrassing guys that you're singing rock versions of your 10 year old daughter's tunes.    … Expand
  2. R1TC
    Sep 22, 2015
    5
    Some of the songs (Shake it Off, Out of the Woods to name two) are quite beautifully interpreted and manage to work well outside of just being novelty items, but the most of the tunes on here are extremely boring, and being based on Taylor Swift lyrics, there isn't much in the way of creative lyricism to support the wannabe indie-country schlock that underpins most of Ryan Adams' oftenSome of the songs (Shake it Off, Out of the Woods to name two) are quite beautifully interpreted and manage to work well outside of just being novelty items, but the most of the tunes on here are extremely boring, and being based on Taylor Swift lyrics, there isn't much in the way of creative lyricism to support the wannabe indie-country schlock that underpins most of Ryan Adams' often unintelligible vocals. As a homage to Taylor Swift, this album does a fairly good job, but her carefree and creatively barren source material doesn't work in the context of Ryan Adams' oftentimes pretentious musical styles.… Expand
  3. gkelly185
    Sep 27, 2015
    10
    I recommend taking a step back and listening to this first as a stand-alone album. On that basis, it is a fine piece of work. Still, it is difficult for many to either get past that Adam's is covering Taylor Swift, which is a shame, or that it is not Adam's own writing. Snobbery is, of course, not the finest human quality. If you don't like the sound, fine. Individual taste makes theI recommend taking a step back and listening to this first as a stand-alone album. On that basis, it is a fine piece of work. Still, it is difficult for many to either get past that Adam's is covering Taylor Swift, which is a shame, or that it is not Adam's own writing. Snobbery is, of course, not the finest human quality. If you don't like the sound, fine. Individual taste makes the world go around. In the words of Sgt.Hulka, "lighten up Francis." This album is creative genius and a pure delight. By the way, besides being an incredible artist, Adams is a funny guy.… Expand
  4. longjetty7
    Sep 25, 2015
    6
    This album intrigues me because it's such an unlikely cover, but unfortunately, the idea of Ryan Adams covering Taylor Swift's entire 1989 album sounds way more interesting than it actually is. Ryan's arrangements are thoughtful and well executed and offer a completely different take on the songs, and at first I was actually enjoying it quite a bit, but as the album dragged on, I wasThis album intrigues me because it's such an unlikely cover, but unfortunately, the idea of Ryan Adams covering Taylor Swift's entire 1989 album sounds way more interesting than it actually is. Ryan's arrangements are thoughtful and well executed and offer a completely different take on the songs, and at first I was actually enjoying it quite a bit, but as the album dragged on, I was quickly reminded why I'm NOT a Taylor Swift fan. I think he does a good job with the material he's working with, and it's hard to say which version is better since they're so different from each other, but at the end of the day 1989 was a mediocre album, and it's difficult and rather pointless to try and make mediocre songs sound any better.… Expand
  5. Evic21
    Sep 21, 2015
    7
    This is such a good album. I can easily say that it is almost better than the original body of work. He has twisted the lyrics and production into a compleatly new album, one the feels more personal, emotional and above all, more original.
  6. Nedloh94
    Sep 22, 2015
    10
    A record of this nature has no right, or even reason to be this real, this pristine, or this spellbinding. And yet, it is all of this and more. Ryan Adams lovingly strips down the source material, and builds a spacious, rapturous, soul-piercing shell around Taylor Swift's songwriting, elevating 1989 into something magnificent.
  7. mdhenshaw
    Sep 23, 2015
    9
    Ryan Adam's take on Taylor Swift's pop album sensation is great. Adams doesn't simply cover the album, but transforms it into a complete different genre. The album is a homage to a terrific pop artist and another example of why Ryan Adams continues to be one of the best singer/songwriters around.
  8. Prosmooth
    Sep 21, 2015
    10
    It's amazing--Out of the Woods is the strongest track. I honestly believe that he took the weakest track on 1989 and turned it into the best song of the year. Really all I can say.
  9. JamesDeanStyle
    Sep 21, 2015
    10
    This is awesome! Amazing cover from 1989, stay high!
    I think this album is better than the original... You are so talented, and you have a great voice, it's 10 for me.
  10. Mannhorse
    Sep 25, 2015
    8
    Ryan Adams significantly improved upon Taylor Swift's mediocre record by filling the gaps that Taylor left open. Ryan brings the intimacy and the atmosphere required to give Taylor's lyricism the needed depth for it to succeed on an artistic level.
  11. Ricko
    Nov 14, 2016
    8
    One of Ryan Adam's more interesting releases, a track for track take on the world conquering Taylor Swift album. It's a ballsy move from a man of his standing in indie circles and one that for the most part pays off. This record has encouraged me to listen to Swift's original closely and what Adams has done more than anything is highlight how strong the basic songs present are beneath theOne of Ryan Adam's more interesting releases, a track for track take on the world conquering Taylor Swift album. It's a ballsy move from a man of his standing in indie circles and one that for the most part pays off. This record has encouraged me to listen to Swift's original closely and what Adams has done more than anything is highlight how strong the basic songs present are beneath the production treatment. "1989" Ryan Adam's style is reminiscent mostly of Springsteen (stripped down - say Nebraska era) or downbeat Smiths stuff. I can't decide whether or not Adams' treatment of "1989" has improved the record. The highlights on this version are the same as on Swift's which proves the point that the best songs are transferable across genres. Ironically the main strengths and weaknesses of this album are its complete faithfulness to the original. At 13 tracks, it's slightly drawn out. Best moments are "Style", "All You Had To Do Was Stay" and "Bad Blood". I think the maudlin delivery of the likes of "Shake It Off" and "Blank Space" take away from the end product of the songs. As a whole, this album is to be commended in what it attempts to do and is a great listen for fans of Ryan Adams. For anyone who enjoys the record, I'd strongly recommend checking out the original, a pop masterpiece.… Expand
  12. Massinga
    Feb 23, 2016
    9
    Yes, covering a song is common, especially a radio dance soft version. This however is somewhat revolutionary and a new art/music form. A whole album and that of one of th emost talented artists out there: Taylor Swift. Adams makes these songs his own, changes some passages to reflect that he is male and with ease puts soul and his own touch to them. It is almost as if some of these songsYes, covering a song is common, especially a radio dance soft version. This however is somewhat revolutionary and a new art/music form. A whole album and that of one of th emost talented artists out there: Taylor Swift. Adams makes these songs his own, changes some passages to reflect that he is male and with ease puts soul and his own touch to them. It is almost as if some of these songs were his own, reflecting the split with Mandy Moore. Clean and This Love are good examples, songs that work with the challenge of stying in a relationship and the cleansing release. If you hear this once it is not catchy, Ryan Adams seldomly is. A little listening duration however uncovers a lot of depth and soul, even honest felt hurt. A great album as a whole and worthy of (car) airplay. I give it a 9 as it is original (idea of covering an entire album - which alone is already a masterpiece) and heart felt.… Expand
  13. jesseurbancsik
    Oct 7, 2015
    9
    This is a better album than the original. There should be more cover albums like this in the world! Ryan Adams is one of the greatest-underrated artists out there ATM.
  14. robertot
    Sep 26, 2015
    6
    Although some songs are better played this way, but Ryan Adams is not the suitable person to play this kind of emotion. So I'd rather say this is another way to listen to '1989', yet not Ryan Adams' own extension.
  15. wexfordman
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    a great listen from an amazing musician. his interpretation, production and arrangement of these tunes is outstanding. Made some rather average tunes sound big and emotional. A bit of J. Marr meets Springsteen meets Ryan A. Great pop record.
  16. vitorxcx
    Jun 11, 2017
    10
    This is such a good album Taylor Swift is a queen. Congrats Ryan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kisses, swifties!!!
  17. roiebiebernadas
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    Really good. Gives a new breathe of fresh air from Taylor Swift's own 1989. Ryan Adams really interpreted the songs on their own retro vibe, and that's why I liked it.
  18. mikaylamacneil
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Last month, on September 21st, 2015, Ryan Adams covered pop sensation Taylor Swift’s full album of 1989, which was released on October 27th, 2014, less than a year earlier. This is fascinating, considering Adams must have heard Swift’s album and immediately been inspired to cover it with his own unique sound. Although Adams covered each song in her album, he created his own spin on it. In fact, instead of copying her upbeat pop style, he covered the album in a smooth and relaxing Americana style. Ryan Adams has created his own masterpiece, simply off of his inspiration of Taylor Swift by honoring her talent, yet adding his own flare to the album to make it his own.
    Ryan Adams sings with compassion and sincerity, and his songs tend to be more on the gloomy side, rather than the upbeat, peppy side that Swift expresses through her biggest hits. Adams sings to a different crowd than Swift normally performs to. While Swift is usually performing for an audience full of squealing teenage girls, Adams’ music typically leans toward a calmer, more subtle crowd. It is remarkable to think that Adams was able to pull off covering an album that seemed to be completely different than what he is used to.
    Ryan Adams did a beautiful job at recreating his own version of 1989. He recorded the songs in the same order that Taylor Swift did on her album, yet he recreated his own meaning in each song. In Swift’s song, ¨Long List of Ex-Lovers,” she brags about the hearts she’s broken. In Adams’ version, he grieves over the heartbreaks he has faced and suffered from. The two different styles express both sides of being an ex-lover, creating two totally different points of view. ¨Out of the Woods¨ was a song that Taylor Swift mourns over the past but gives a forward outlook, making escape feel possible. When Adams covered ¨Out of the Woods¨ he lengthened the song, and used the lyrics to represent a trapped or lost feeling inside. In Swift’s hit songs, she adds an upbeat feeling, making listeners feel pumped about her lyrics; while Adams uses his own twist to turn it around to make his songs more relatable and sensitive to listen to. By doing so, he creates a sequel to her album. Taylor Swift’s 1989 first came out a year ago, and fans have raved over her confident and uplifting vibes that the album gave off. Following shortly after, Adams recreated the album, giving listeners a whole new perspective with a whole new story.
    This was an honor to Taylor Swift, and she expressed her gratitude to Ryan Adams. Some would say that Adams’ cover could not compare to the excellence of Swift’s and some would say the opposite; however, it was not his intent to make a better version of her album. He recreated Swift’s 1989 as a tribute and also to express how he personally interpreted each song. Through covering her album, he showed great respect for her by taking the album seriously, and opening up a new way to connect to the lyrics, just as he did himself. Nothing can compliment an artist more than another artist covering his or her music, and Swift certainly took it as if she had received another Grammy award. When Adams first started to release sneak peeks on Instagram, everyone who followed him begged for more. Once the word got out to Taylor Swift that he was covering her entire album, she blew up with excitement. She mentioned how the whole thing seemed ¨surreal and dreamlike¨, which is ironic, because she already seems to be living the dream life.
    Some say that his cover of the album seemed skeptical at first, because many felt as if he was just looking for attention and publicity; however the compassion he expressed through singing in this album is indescribable. If he was simply looking to grab media’s attention, he could have kept the style of 1989 the same, and would not have changed the meaning of each song. Throughout the album, Adams seems to express a hardship that he has faced or the deep thoughts he has pondered over. The connection he made to 1989 is fascinating, considering most people do not even pay attention to the lyrics, yet he was able to reinterpret the lyrics into a whole new meaning.
    Taylor Swift created her album 1989 last October only hoping for some number one hits. Little did she know that her album would go a lot farther than her studio. Along with many other listeners, Ryan Adams fell in love with the album itself. Many people will cover a song or two as a tribute to another artist, or simply for the publicity, but Ryan Adams took it to a whole new level. It is evident that the lyrics in this album took him to a place in his heart that has inspired him to express his feelings through the recreation of the album. By doing so, he honors Taylor Swift for her creativity and musicality. Ryan Adams covered 1989 not only as a relapse of the hardships he has faced, but also as a relapse of Taylor Swift’s own album that he was able to recreate in a beautiful and unique way.    … Expand
  19. alexded
    Feb 15, 2016
    6
    Мне редко нравятся перепевки... Вероятно, это как раз тот случай. Правда, я не слушал Тейлор Свифт. Оценки могли оказаться ещё ниже. А если абстрагироваться... Голос довольно приятный, особенно если не бормочет скороговорки.Иногда есть скомканность, иногда подвывания... Однако общий уровень исполнения хороший. [ 5564775776556 = 5.7 ]Мне редко нравятся перепевки... Вероятно, это как раз тот случай. Правда, я не слушал Тейлор Свифт. Оценки могли оказаться ещё ниже. А если абстрагироваться... Голос довольно приятный, особенно если не бормочет скороговорки.Иногда есть скомканность, иногда подвывания... Однако общий уровень исполнения хороший. [ 5564775776556 = 5.7 ]

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2015
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. The Guardian
    Nov 5, 2015
    40
    There is comparatively little room for Adams and his mournful guitar. He may begin the likes of Bad Blood and Blank Space by unearthing appealing melodies from Swift’s harsh, mega-pop productions, but once the choruses kick in, Adams is at the mercy of their unyielding, playground-style chants.
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  2. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 4, 2015
    70
    This 1989 may work wonderfully on its own terms (if Adams had written this himself it would be his best album) but its real strength is in highlighting Swift’s immaculate writing for those of us whose relationship to the original is intellectual rather than instinctive.
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  3. Uncut
    Oct 27, 2015
    50
    There are worth while curiosities here: his "Bad Blood" is utterly tuneless, but "Blank Space" is appealingly tremulous. [Dec 2015, p.67]
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