Taylor Swift Challenges Fans to Solve Word Puzzles for New Album’s Vault Tracks

Taylor Swift is well-known for her ability to engage with her fans through clever marketing strategies and hidden clues. As she prepares to release her fourth re-recorded album, “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” on October 27, Swift has teamed up with Google to create an interactive word puzzle game. The game aims to uncover the titles of the album’s five vault tracks, which are bonus songs that didn’t make it onto the original album.

A Fun and Challenging Game

The word puzzle game was officially launched on September 16, when a closed blue vault started appearing in Google search results for Taylor Swift’s name. Clicking on the vault reveals a word jumble filled with scattered letters. Each puzzle comes with a hint that helps fans solve it.

Initially, the only clue given was, “My name is Taylor and I was born in…” Fans quickly deciphered the answer as “1989 Taylor’s Version,” referencing the album and year of Swift’s birth. As the days went on, the puzzles became more challenging. Clues like “Blank Space,” “Nice to meet you,” “Got a haircut,” “She lost him,” “Love,” “Golf Club,” “Pen Click,” and “Summer Fling” led fans to their respective answers.

According to Google, there are a total of 89 puzzles to solve—one for each year since Swift’s birth in 1989. The titles of the vault tracks will only be revealed once fans have collectively solved 33 million puzzles.

Fans Excited and Impatient

Swifties, as Swift’s fans are affectionately known, are usually quick to solve the singer’s riddles. However, this latest challenge seems to be stumping them more than usual. Fans have taken to social media to express their impatience and excitement for the puzzle game.

One fan humorously commented on Twitter, “Me checking Taylor Swift’s Google page every single minute just to see ‘check back soon’ while trying to open the vault.” Another posted a video of someone typing furiously on their laptop, captioning it, “Swifties typing Taylor Swift into Google every 30 seconds trying to get the 1989 TV vault puzzles to work.”

The Story Behind the Re-Recordings

Taylor Swift’s decision to re-record her earlier albums stems from a significant event in her career. In 2019, her former music catalog was acquired by Scooter Braun, resulting in Swift losing control over her masters. Determined to reclaim her music, she embarked on a mission to re-record her first six albums.

Since then, Swift has released re-recordings of “Fearless,” “Red,” and “Speak Now.” With the upcoming release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” and the inclusion of five never-before-heard tracks, Swift continues to breathe new life into her past work.

The Significance of “1989”

Originally released in 2014, “1989” marked a pivotal moment for Swift. It was her official transition from country music to pop and showcased her collaboration with producer Jack Antonoff. The album received critical acclaim and earned Swift her second Album of the Year Grammy in 2016.

Fans have long theorized that the songs on “1989” were influenced by Swift’s relationship with ex-boyfriend Harry Styles. While Swift has never confirmed the specific subjects of her songs, she has hinted at the connections. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she explained that the song “Style” should have been titled, “I’m Not Even Sorry,” suggesting it was about a relationship that was never truly over.

Looking Ahead

With the impending release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” Swift is poised to continue captivating and entertaining her fans. The inclusion of the album’s vault tracks adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. As fans work together to solve the word puzzles, the countdown to October 27 becomes even more thrilling.

Swift’s dedication to her artistry and her unwavering connection with her fans make her a unique and beloved figure in the music industry. As the release date approaches, one thing is certain—Taylor Swift’s re-recorded albums are not to be missed.