Fearless (Taylor Swift song)
"Fearless" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Taylor Swift | ||||
from the album Fearless | ||||
Released | January 4, 2010 | |||
Recorded | 2008 | |||
Studio | Blackbird (Nashville) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:01 | |||
Label | Big Machine | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Taylor Swift singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Fearless" on YouTube |
"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.
Music critics praised the production and lyrics of "Fearless" for portraying earnest adolescent feelings that appealed to a broad audience. In the United States, the single peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song charted in Canada and Spain and was included in the set list of Swift's first headlining tour, the Fearless Tour (2009–2010). Footage from the tour were used in the music video for "Fearless", released on February 17, 2010. After a 2019 dispute regarding the ownership of Swift's back catalog, she re-recorded the song and released it as "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" for her 2021 re-recorded album of Fearless.
Background and release
"Fearless" was written by Swift in collaboration with Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey and produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman. Swift conceived the song while touring as opening act to promote her eponymous debut album, Taylor Swift (2006). Despite the song describing the perfect date, Swift was not dating anyone or even "in the beginning states of dating anybody" while writing the song. Swift was inspired to write the song based on the perfect first date she wished she had experienced. While developing "Fearless", Swift explained the writing process: "I think sometimes when you’re writing love songs, you don’t write them about what you’re going through at the moment, you write about what you wish you had."[1] Swift described the song's greater concept to be about "the fearlessness of falling in love", writing that "no matter how many times you get hurt, you will always fall in love again."[1] After completing the song, Swift deeply deliberated her personal definition of the word "fearless". To her, "fearless doesn't mean you're completely unafraid and it doesn't mean that you're bulletproof. It means that you have a lot of fears, but you jump anyway", an idea that convinced her to title the album Fearless.[2] The song was first released as a promotional single from the album on October 14, 2008, as part of Countdown to Fearless, an exclusive campaign by the iTunes Store;[3] it was later released as the fifth and final single from Fearless on January 4, 2010.[4][5][6]
Composition and lyrics
"Fearless" is a
Critical reception
"Fearless" has received critical acclaim. Alice Fisher of
Commercial performance
After its digital release, on the issue dated November 1, 2008, "Fearless" debuted and peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 with sales of 162,000 digital downloads.[19] It made Swift the first female artist since Madonna in 1998 to have two top-10 debuts in one calendar year.[20]
Following its single release, the song re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 99 on the week ending February 20, 2010.
On the week ending November 29, 2008, "Fearless" debuted and peaked at number 69 in Canada, spending a total of five weeks on the chart.[25] It eventually reached number 7 on the Canadian Country Airplay chart.[29] The song peaked at number 32 in Spain.[30]
Accolades
Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | BMI Awards
|
Award-Winning Songs | Won | [31] |
Publisher of the Year | Won |
Live performances
Swift's first televised performance of "Fearless" was on November 10, 2008, on the
The song was also performed on the
Music video
Various performances from the
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Certification
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[51] | Platinum | 70,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[27] | Platinum | 1,000,000* |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
"Fearless (Taylor's Version)"
"Fearless (Taylor's Version)" | |
---|---|
Song by Taylor Swift | |
from the album Fearless (Taylor's Version) | |
Released | April 9, 2021 |
Studio |
|
Genre | |
Length | 4:01 |
Label | Republic |
Songwriter(s) |
|
Producer(s) |
|
Lyric video | |
"Fearless (Taylor's Version)" on YouTube |
"Fearless (Taylor's Version)" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter
Upon the release of Fearless (Taylor's Version), "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" debuted at 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, 14 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and 36 on the
Background and release
On February 11, 2021, following a dispute with Big Machine Records over the rights to the masters of her first six studio albums, Taylor Swift announced that the first of her re-recorded albums, Fearless (Taylor's Version), a re-recording of Swift's 2008 album, Fearless.[52] On April 8, a snippet of the song was teased on Good Morning America.[53] Fearless (Taylor's Version) was released on April 9, 2021. The song was also included in Fearless (Taylor's Version): The I Remember What You Said Last Night Chapter, a streaming compilation by Swift released on May 24, 2021, featuring five other songs from Fearless (Taylor's Version).[54]
Critical reception
In a review of Fearless (Taylor's Version), Hannah Mylrea of NME described the title track as brilliant, praising its "starry-eyed lyricism" and "stellar instrumental arrangements" that elicit memories of Swift's older music while simultaneously being much more refined in its production.[55] A reviewer for Clash magazine highlighted Swift's improved vocals and the crisper production while also pinpointing the nostalgia the song evokes.[18]
Commercial performance
Following the release of
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal[57]
- Taylor Swift – vocals, songwriting, production
- Hillary Lindsey – songwriting
- Liz Rose – songwriting
- Christopher Rowe– production, vocal engineering
- Mike Meadows – acoustic guitar, Hammond B3, mandolin
- Derek Garten – engineering
- John Hanes – engineering
- Lowell Reynolds – engineering, recording
- David Payne – recording
- Caitlin Evanson – background vocals
- Paul Sidoti – background vocals, electric guitar
- Amos Heller – bass
- Matt Billingslea – drums
- Max Bernstein – electric guitar
- John Yudkin – fiddle
- Randy Merrill – mastering
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
Chart performance
Chart (2021) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[58] | 54 |
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[59] | 46 |
Global 200 (Billboard)[60] | 53 |
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[61] | 4 |
Singapore ( RIAS)[62]
|
26 |
99 | |
US Billboard Hot 100[64] | 71 |
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[65] | 14 |
US Rolling Stone Top 100[66]
|
36 |
Certification
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[67] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ a b c d Swift, Taylor. "Cut By Cut". Big Machine Records. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- Viacom. Archivedfrom the original on March 12, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- Apple, Inc. Archived from the originalon November 8, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Going For Adds: CHR/Country". Radio & Records. January 4, 2010. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Country Aircheck Chart Info" (PDF). Country Aircheck. No. 172. December 29, 2009. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
- ^ Trust, Gary (January 5, 2010). "Taking Peaks, Part 1: Nos. 100-76". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 28, 2014. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
- ^ a b Lefevre, Jules (February 12, 2021). "Every Song On Taylor Swift's 'Fearless', Ranked". Junkee. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
- ^ Mylrea, Hannah (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift – 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' review: a celebration of self". NME. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Barbieri, Alyssa (April 10, 2021). "Ranking every song on Taylor Swift's re-recorded 'Fearless' album". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Great American Country. Archivedfrom the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Fearless > Overview". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Archived from the original on January 2, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
- ^ Lindsey, Hillary; Swift, Taylor; Rose, Liz (November 3, 2008). "Fearless". MusicNotes. Alfred Music. Archived from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ a b Jones, Nate (January 11, 2021). "All 179 Taylor Swift Songs, Ranked". Vulture. Archived from the original on September 13, 2019. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (November 11, 2008). "Fearless". Blender. Alpha Media Group. Archived from the original on February 28, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ a b Fisher, Alicer (May 9, 2009). "Enough to make you scream". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
- MediaNews Group. Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2010.
- ^ Sheffield, Rob (November 24, 2020). "All 129 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked by Rob Sheffield". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 15, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ a b "Taylor Swift - Fearless (Taylor's Version)". Clash. April 9, 2021. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (October 23, 2008). "T.I. Returns To No. 1 On The Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ProQuest 227233802.
- ^ "The Hot 100 Chart – February 20, 2010". Billboard. February 20, 2010. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "Fearless (song) by Taylor Swift - Music Charts". aCharts.us. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Fearless Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (November 12, 2009). "Rihanna's 'Roulette' Lands In Hot 100's Top 10". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
- ^ a b "Fearless Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Fearless Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c "American single certifications – Taylor Swift – Fearless". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Fearless Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "Taylor Swift - Fearless (Song)". Spanishcharts.com. Productores de Música de España. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
- ^ "Bobby Braddock, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Sony/ATV & More Honored at 2011 BMI Country Awards". Broadcast Music, Inc. November 9, 2011. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015.
- ^ About.com. November 6, 2008. Archivedfrom the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
- ^ "Watch Taylor on Clear Channel Stripped". Big Machine Records. November 11, 2008. Archived from the original on September 18, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
- ^ CMT. Archivedfrom the original on February 20, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
- ^ Coffey, Kevin (May 28, 2011). "Taylor Swift shimmers in Omaha". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
- ^ Herrero, Javier (March 19, 2011). "Taylor Swift encandila a unos 4.000 madrileños con su country edulcorado" [Taylor Swift dazzle some 4,000 locals sweetened country]. La Rioja (in Spanish). Grupo Vocento. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
- ^ Sträter, Andreas (March 13, 2011). "Blaue Augen, süße Songs: Taylor Swift in Oberhausen" [Blues, sweet songs: Taylor Swift in Overhausen]. Soester Anzeiger (in German). Archived from the original on October 16, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
- ^ 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 November 19, 2018.
- ^ Shafer, Ellise (March 18, 2023). "Taylor Swift Eras Tour: The Full Setlist From Opening Night". Variety. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (February 18, 2010). "Taylor Swift's 'Fearless' Video A Love Letter To Her Fans". MTV News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
- ^ Swift, Taylor (February 26, 2010). Taylor Swift - Fearless (Video). YouTube. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- Canciones Top 50. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Chart Log UK: DJ S - The System Of Life". Zobbel.de. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Taylor Swift – Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
- ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 10 (1 - 7 Mar 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ "Year End Charts - Hot Country Songs - Issue Date: 2010". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ "Jan 2024 Single Accreds" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason (February 11, 2021). "Taylor Swift Announces Re-Recorded 'Fearless' Album: Updated 'Love Story' Out Tonight". Billboard. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ GMA Team (April 8, 2021). "Taylor Swift debuts 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' exclusively on 'GMA'". Good Morning America. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
- ^ Swift, Taylor (May 24, 2021), Fearless (Taylor's Version): The I Remember What You Said Last Night Chapter - EP by Taylor Swift, Apple Music, archived from the original on May 24, 2021, retrieved July 10, 2021
- ^ Mylrea, Hannah (April 9, 2021). "Taylor Swift – 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' review: a celebration of the star's breakout album". NME. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
- ^ "Country Streaming Songs Chart". Billboard. April 24, 2021. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "Credits / Fearless (Taylor's Version) / Taylor Swift". Tidal. April 9, 2021. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 19 April 2021". The ARIA Report. No. 1624. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 19, 2021. p. 4.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 19, 2021. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ "RIAS International Top Charts Week 15". Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
- ^ "Official Audio Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ "Top 100 Songs". Rolling Stone. April 9, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ "Jan 2024 Single Accreds" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 14, 2024.