Taylor Swift has released a new song titled “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Disney and Pixar’s upcoming film “Toy Story 5.” The track marks Swift’s return to elements of country music, familiar to her early career in Nashville.
Taylor Swift Embraces Country Sounds Again
Though Swift’s voice doesn’t carry the typical country twang in this new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You” features live instrumentation, plucky banjo, and harmonica. These elements are anchored in the country genre.
Swift’s last full-length country album was “Speak Now,” released over 15 years ago. Her crossover experiments, like the 2012 album “Red,” have since showcased a blend of multiple styles.
The new song is Swift’s first original work since “The Life of a Showgirl,” released in October. Co-produced by Jack Antonoff, a frequent collaborator since her album “1989,” “I Knew It, I Knew You” represents a blend of genres.
Connecting With Toy Story
Swift shared on social media that writing this song felt like a musical departure while also being familiar. She expressed excitement about creating something for Jessie, the cowgirl character from Toy Story, stating it felt like second nature.
Billyboards with “TS” initials, similar to the Toy Story logo, appeared in various cities worldwide, sparking anticipation for the upcoming song.
On Instagram, Swift revealed her deep connection to the Toy Story franchise, dating back to her childhood. The song’s swift writing followed an early screening of the film.
Song’s Reception and Impact
Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton praised Swift for her deep understanding of Jessie’s character. The song felt perfectly integrated into the Toy Story universe, akin to a long-lost family member.
Oscar Prospects for Swift
Fans speculate that “I Knew It, I Knew You” may qualify for an Oscar in the original song category at the 2027 Academy Awards. The song must appear in “Toy Story 5” with a theatrical release and meet specific timing rules regarding film credits.
If successful, Swift could be closer to achieving an EGOT, with only a Tony left to win after securing potential Oscars recognition with her existing 14 Grammys and Emmy.