By now Iâm sure youâve all at least heard about Taylor Swiftâs latest album, Lover. If you havenât listened to it yet, consider this your formal invitation to drop everything and listen to it on repeat for the rest of you life add it to your playlist ASAP. As a diehard Swiftie, I can confirm that this album is amazing (TBH, Taylor could sing the alphabet and Iâd still say itâs amazing).
A far cry from her Reputation era vibes, Lover is soft and dreamy but in a very grown-up way. Taylorâs lyrics bring me back to Speak Now era love songs, but not in the heartbreaking way we used to know – itâs like the perfect marriage of Speak Now and 1989. Lover was written by a confident woman who has loved and lost and still made it out okay – scratch that, Taylorâs way better than okay – and I thatâs the kind of woman I aspire to be. In case you need any more convincing, I was inspired by Ellie Schnitt and decided to break down the album by song and rate them. I wish I could rank them all at number one TBH because it kind of felt like picking a favorite child.Â
18. “False God”
While not my favorite, I still can appreciate the lyrics and slow melody of this song.Â
Best Lyric: âStaring out the window like I’m not your favorite town. I’m New York City, I’d still do it for you, babeâ
17. “You Need to Calm Down”
I am so here for this song and the music video. Put those haters in their place, Taylor!?
Best Lyric: âYou just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace and control your urges to scream about all the people you hate. âCause shade never made anybody less gayâ
16. “ME!” ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco
Why is this the first time Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie have done a collab? I. Am. Obsessed.
Best Lyric: âI know I tend to make it about me, I know you never get just what you see but I will never bore you, babyâ
15. “Itâs Nice To Have A Friend”
Iâll admit I didnât love this song at first, but after listening a few more times I really like it. Itâs a really simple story about best friends who become ~more than friends~.
Best Lyric: â20 questions, we tell the truth. You’ve been stressed out lately, yeah, me too. Something gave you the nerve to touch my handâ
14. “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince”
This song is begging for a cinematic, moody music video. Itâs like the sister song to “You Belong With Me” with its high school references and cheerleader imagery.
Best Lyric: âWaving homecoming queens, marching band playing I’m lost in the lights. American glory faded before meâ
13. “Daylight”
The closing track for Lover is Taylor at her most mature yet. Iâm glad sheâs finally found the kind of love she wanted. Plus she makes a reference to Red, so how could you not love it?
Best Lyric: âI once believed love would be burning red but it’s goldenâ
12. “Afterglow”
I love how Taylor isnât afraid to admit when sheâs the one in the wrong. This song acts as an open apology for being the one to ruin a relationship.Â
Best Lyric: âTell me that we’ll be just fine even when I lose my mindâ
11. “Cornelia Street”
BRB, going out to walk Cornelia Street and dramatically listen to this song.
Best Lyric: âThat’s the kinda heartbreak time could never mend. I’d never walk Cornelia Street againâ
10. “Soon Youâll Get Better” ft. the Dixie Chicks
As someone who has personally dealt with a parent having cancer, this song hits me hard. Itâs vulnerable and open in a way that is comforting to those who have been in similar situations.
Best Lyric: âAnd I hate to make this all about me, but who am I supposed to talk to? What am I supposed to do if there’s no you?â
9. “Paper Rings”
This song is pure pop energy. This is the one youâre going to be blasting for all future dance parties.
Best Lyric: âI hate accidents, except when we went from friends to thisâ
8. “London Boy”
The Bruce Springsteen reference alone is enough to make me love this song. Itâs a fun, catchy song that makes me want to date a London boy ASAP.
Best Lyric: âAnd you know I love Springsteen, faded blue jeans, Tennessee whiskeyâ
7. “The Archer”
I know people have mixed feelings on this song, but I love it. Itâs so raw and honest, in classic Taylor Swift ballad fashion.
Best Lyric: âI’ve been the archer. I’ve been the prey. Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay?â
6. “I Think He Knows”
This song is perfect for that exciting period in the beginning of a new relationship. Another perfect dance party song.
Best Lyric: âI think he knows he’d better lock it down or I won’t stick around ’cause good ones never waitâ
5. “The Man”
This song is the feminist anthem we all need. Political Taylor is my favorite Taylor.
Best Lyric: âIâm so sick of running as fast as I can. Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a manâ
4. “Death By A Thousand Cuts”
This song rips me apart emotionally, but Iâm fine with it because of its light, dreamy melody. Donât mind me, just singing through the tears.
Best Lyric: âMy heart, my hips, my body, my love, trying to find a part of me that you didn’t touchâ
3. “I Forgot That You Existed”
I always love a good petty Taylor Swift song and this one is no exception. Itâs the perfect, carefree song to start the album and it got me hooked immediately.Â
Best Lyric: âI forgot that you existed. And I thought that it would kill me, but it didn’tâ
2. “Lover”
I want this song to be my wedding song. Itâs a classic Taylor Swift sappy love song – but in the best possible way.
Best Lyric: âAnd you’ll save all your dirtiest jokes for me. And at every table, I’ll save you a seat, loverâ
1. “Cruel Summer”
I am completely obsessed with this song. Iâve been playing it on repeat ever since it came out and TBH I donât know if Iâll ever stop. I only wish she had released it as a single so it couldâve been my summer jam.Â
Best Lyric: âAnd I screamed for whatever it’s worth âI love you,â ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard?â
This might be my new favorite Taylor Swift album. If you aren’t currently listening to Lover as you read this, you should go do that right now. Enjoy.Â