Ryan Adams ‘1989’ Breakdown – ARTICLE

We have at least another year until we hear new music from Taylor Swift, but Ryan Adams' cover album, "1989," lets us relive the magic of Tay's best album to date.

Ryan's take on the hits from "1989" gives a completely different feel to the songs we've been singing along to since last October. The lyrics are the same, but the tracks take on a different meaning when stripped of their slick, synth productions.

PHOTOS: Taylor Swift's Superstar '1989' Squad

Do Ryan's covers hold up to Taylor's originals? We break down all 13 songs from "1989"...

'Welcome to New York'

More Coney Island than East Village. Ryan's version of "Welcome to New York" begins with seagulls chirping, and builds up into an edgy rock ode to Taylor's favorite city.

'Blank Space'

Hearing Ryan sing about a long list of ex-lovers to an acoustic guitar is haunting. He becomes the type of commitment-phobe heartbreaker that Taylor has written songs about in the past. (Ahem, Jake Gyllenhaal)

'Style'

An edgier take on Taylor's pop masterpiece, Ryan's "Style" is chaotic and gruff—capturing the story of two lovers who can't seem to get it right.

'Out of the Woods'

Transforming "Out of the Woods" into a soft rock anthem makes us want to hike through a forest, find a clearing, and mourn the relationships that didn't quite work out.

'All You Had To Do Was Stay'

This song belongs in a John Hughes film. Imagine it playing when the boy comes back for the girl after leaving her in the cold, but he's a too late—she's moved on. If a time machine is ever invented, we must travel back to the 1980s and make it happen.

'Shake It Off'

This may be the sole weak spot on Ryan's cover album. Taylor penned "Shake It Off" to celebrate her differences, so why is Ryan's version so brooding?

'I Wish You Would'

Without the upbeat production, "I Wish You Would" is the saddest track on "1989." Bring on the feels because our tears may end California's drought crisis.

'Bad Blood'

While Taylor's "Bad Blood" is all sass, Ryan's is all sad as he takes a retrospective look at a friendship gone sour.

'Wildest Dreams'

Best heard when driving through Big Sur with the top down.

'How You Get The Girl'

While this track is full of poppy optimism on Taylor's album, Ryan turns "How You Get The Girl" into a darker tale of loss, as he sings "Tell her how you must've lost your mind" with just the strums of an acoustic guitar.

'This Love'

Ryan's cover is a slow-burn without Taylor's dreamy breathiness, but it all comes crashing down at the bridge.

'I Know Places'

Reminiscent of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game."

'Clean'

The ultimate transformative anthem, but with beachy California vibes. It's soothing like Taylor's, but set with a more alt-country backdrop.

... overall, Ryan's covers prove that Taylor is one of the most poignant songwriters around. If you need us, we'll be getting down to these sick beats.

-- Oscar Gracey