In a remarkable achievement, Taylor Swift has solidified her position as the female artist with the most No. 1 albums in history. With the release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” a reimagining of her 2010 album, Swift has secured her 12th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, surpassing Barbra Streisand’s record of 11 chart-topping albums.
“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” debuted at No. 1, marking Swift’s incredible milestone and further solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the music industry. This achievement also ties her with Drake‘s record of 12 No. 1 albums, placing her just behind Jay-Z, with 14 No. 1 albums, and the Beatles, who hold the record with 19.
Not only has Swift broken records with her No. 1 albums, but she has also claimed the title of having the biggest album release of 2023 so far. According to Luminate, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” garnered an impressive 716,000 equivalent album units, with 506,600 of those units coming from traditional album sales. This includes a combination of 410,000 physical sales and 96,600 digital sales.
Swift’s achievement comes after a bitter battle over the ownership of her original master recordings. In a move to reclaim her artistic autonomy, Swift has been re-recording her previous albums, releasing them as “Taylor’s Version.” Prior to “Speak Now,” she had already released re-recordings of “Fearless” and “Red.”
“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” features new recordings of the original 14 tracks from Swift’s third album, along with two bonus songs from the 2010 release. The album stays faithful to the beloved songs while adding a polished sheen and showcasing Swift’s ever-confident vocals. Additionally, the reimagined album includes six new “vault” tracks, including collaborations with alternative rock band Fall Out Boy and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.
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The anticipation for the rerelease of “Speak Now” was fueled when Swift performed “Dear John” during a concert in Minneapolis. The scathing musical summary of her past relationship with John Mayer garnered attention, prompting Swift to request her fans not to engage in online harassment.
With her monumental achievement, Taylor Swift continues to make her mark on the music industry. Her ability to connect with audiences, combined with her unwavering dedication to her artistry, has propelled her to new heights and solidified her status as a trailblazing force in the world of music. As Swift’s journey unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate what she has in store for the future.