All US Number 1s From 2021 Ranked Worst To Best
3. All Too Well - Taylor Swift
The one example of a frontloaded debut that can be forgiven. Especially since the song's short-lived chart success means nothing compared to its enduring popularity, which had reached near-mythical levels amongst Taylor Swift's fanbase.
The original All Too Well, inspired by Taylor's relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal, had long been hailed as a masterpiece. So, when the rerecorded version of the album Red was announced, expectations for this track were high. Taylor managed to surpass them all, by gifting fans with an extended version, complete with new lyrics (and new jabs), a dramatic short film headlined by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, and an all-new cultural moment, which had many a person on Twitter (including the legendary Dionne Warwick) demanding that Jake give back the damn scarf already.
Running for more than ten minutes, All Too Well (Taylor's Version) never seems that long when you listen to it, as the song sucks you into its story and makes you share in on the underlying hurt. Then it builds into something glorious, only to fade out amidst the bittersweet sensation that, yes, a part of the listener has just died, but they will go on stronger somehow.
As far as chart-topping songs go, this one is a peculiar entry; as far as the career of one of the biggest stars in the planet is concerned, the new All Too Well truly is Taylor's magnum opus.