The concept of an artist re-recording their music has been around for decades and usually comes about due to conflicts with record labels. In order for artists to gain control of the master recordings of their past work, they record songs again when they are legally allowed to do so. Some of the earliest recorded examples of this can be seen with the Everly Brothers switching to a larger record label and recording their biggest hits a second time. Following suit in similar situations, we see big names like Frank Sinatra, Def Leppard and even Prince re-recording their work again.
We see a modern resurgence of re-recording past work in part due to globally recognized artist Taylor Swift. Fellow musical artist Kelly Clarkson suggested that Swift record her music again after having difficulties with her record label, similar to JoJo, who re-recorded her first two albums amidst drama with her record label … which brings us to today — the Taylor Swift re-recording era. Swift has seen a lot of success in this endeavor: she’s been given the opportunity to reintroduce her old catalog to her new and ever-growing fanbase while releasing new music along the way.
In an interview with “Metro UK,” Ashanti says that in her effort to reclaim her 20-year-old self-titled album, she has felt further “empowered” by Swift. In an interview with “Buzzfeed,” Joe Jonas says he would re-record the Jonas Brothers’ debut album “It’s About Time,” citing Swift’s business decision as “clever.” Every Swift re-recording is denoted by “(Taylor’s Version)” in the title, and now we see artists like Aly & AJ releasing “Like Whoa (A&A Version)” and “Chemicals React (A&A Version).” Paris Hilton recently rang in the new year by releasing “Stars Are Blind (Paris’s Version).”
We’ve also seen some remixes of songs over a decade old. Keke Palmer released “Bottoms Up 2.0,” a remake of her 2007 hit. Elton John has hit the top of the charts again with his collaborations “Cold Heart” (ft. Dua Lipa) and “Hold Me Closer” (ft. Britney Spears), both of which are based on songs he previously recorded. Dolly Parton recruited Kelly Clarkson to re-record “9 To 5” for her documentary “Still Working 9 To 5.”
This has proved to be quite an effective business strategy, as artists see that there is value in releasing old music again. There’s money in loyalty and nostalgia — You can make songs sound fresh and updated while giving longtime fans the opportunity to relive old album eras of their favorite singers. I, personally, am very excited by the prospect of artists like Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and possibly even Madonna potentially re-recording their back catalog in the future.