I figured they just made a new digital version with more advanced mixing technologies available these days.
That is possible too. A remastered version or remixed version. But I’ve heard plenty of songs that seem “off” from what I remembered them - so I looked it up and learned there are re-recordings. There are also re-masters all over Spotify. Or it could be you have a better sound system. :-)
Another thing - the Beats headphones were designed to amplify the bass. It was designed for “hip hop” style and became very popular. Apple paid I think over $1B for the design. Not sure if you use Beats, I don’t, but it is also possible other more contemporary stereo systems followed that trend in audio design.
I miss the days when I could adjust my own stereo system. I suppose software could do it but these days I just listen to Spotify lists. I have to check if there is an App to adjust the audio.
That is what Taylor swift did.
I think a lot of the music that has been remixed or re-done sounds a bit different due to the playback method. After a few plays, a cassette is getting stretched out. I know the speakers in my 1970 Maverick sucked….
Today I listen through lossless playback on noise cancelling headphones that sound great.
I am not audiophile…but technology has made SOME things better.