Taylor Swift Premieres “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)” in The Handmaid’s Tale

Taylor Swift has debuted “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version),” a re-recorded version of her iconic single from the 2017 album Reputation, on the sixth season of The Handmaid’s Tale. This premiere took place during the ninth episode of the season on May 19, 2023. The song is not yet available for streaming or download, and an announcement for the entire album Reputation (Taylor’s Version) has not been made.

The Significance of the Collaboration

Elisabeth Moss, the lead star and executive producer of The Handmaid’s Tale, expressed her excitement about featuring Swift’s music on the show. In an interview, she stated, “I’ve been wanting to use a Taylor song for many years… there could not be a more perfect song for a more perfect moment.” Moss’s comments highlight the deep connection Swift’s music has with the themes explored in the series, resonating well with both the cast and audience alike.

Background on Reputation

Swift’s Reputation marked a significant moment in her career; it was her fifth No. 1 album and the last one released under Big Machine Records, which had been her label since the beginning of her career. The album received one Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, although it ultimately lost to Ariana Grande’s Sweetener. The production involved notable collaborators, including Jack Antonoff, Max Martin, Shellback, Future, and Ed Sheeran.

This re-recording initiative comes as part of Swift’s broader campaign to regain control over her music catalog after Scooter Braun’s acquisition of Big Machine Label Group in 2019—a deal that has since faced public criticism from Swift. She embarked on this journey of re-recording her previous albums, starting with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version), both released in 2021, followed by Speak Now and 1989 in 2023.

Continuing Success and New Releases

In addition to the re-recordings, Swift has maintained a steady stream of new material, with her tenth album Midnights released in October 2022, and her eleventh album, The Tortured Poets Department, expected in April 2024. Furthermore, her recent Eras Tour has been a landmark event in her career, breaking numerous records and showcasing her extensive discography to global audiences.

Conclusion

The premiere of “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)” signifies not only a pivotal moment for Swift as she revisits her past but also highlights the ongoing relevance of her music in contemporary media. As Swift continues to navigate her career post-Big Machine, her endeavors to reclaim her artistic voice resonate deeply with her fanbase, known as Swifties, and the broader music industry. This collaboration with The Handmaid’s Tale underscores the intricate and often emotional ties between music and storytelling, suggesting that fans can expect more meaningful intersections between Taylor Swift’s work and cultural narratives in the future.