Taylor Swift has released a new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for Disney and Pixar’s upcoming film “Toy Story 5.” This track marks a return to her country music roots. Swift first gained fame in the Nashville music scene before achieving global stardom.
Taylor Swift Goes Country Again
While Swift doesn’t fully revert to a traditional country twang, the song features country elements like live instrumentation, a plucky banjo, and harmonica. Swift’s previous major venture into country music was in 2012’s “Red,” though some argue her 2010 “Speak Now” was her last true country album.
This release also marks Swift’s first original material following October’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” Significantly, the song is co-produced by her former collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who she started working with in 2014 on her “1989” album, continuing through to “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Swift explained on social media that writing the song felt like both a departure and a return home. She described creating for the beloved cowgirl character Jessie as both a challenge and second nature, expressing her long-standing admiration for the “Toy Story” films.
The ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ Rollout
Before the official unveiling, billboards with “TS” styled like the “Toy Story” logo appeared in major cities, generating excitement. Swift confirmed the song’s release on Instagram, sharing her childhood connection to “Toy Story.” She saw early versions of “Toy Story 5” and wrote the song immediately after a viewing.
Preorders for three versions of the CD single quickly sold out on her website. Each version features a different rendition of the song: the film version, an acoustic version, and a piano version.
Andrew Stanton, director and writer of “Toy Story 5,” praised Swift’s connection to the character Jessie and her intuitive understanding of the role. He stated that the song felt destined to be part of “Toy Story.”
Oscar Speculation for Taylor Swift
Fans have speculated about whether “I Knew It, I Knew You” could be considered for an Academy Award in the Best Original Song category. For a song to qualify, the film must have a theatrical release within the calendar year. “Toy Story 5” debuts in theaters on June 19, meeting this requirement.
New rules might affect eligibility, such as the necessity for end credit songs to overlap with the final moments before the credits roll. If Swift’s song wins, she moves closer to achieving an EGOT, requiring only a Tony Award, having already won 14 Grammys and an Emmy. Broadway might be her next pursuit.
Leave a Reply