In my town, I am known as the Taylor Swift girl. Whenever she releases new music or does something notable, I always receive texts from friends, family, and even people I haven’t talked to in a long time. I’ve been a superfan of hers since her album Red was released just over eight years ago, and I haven’t turned back since. Her lyricism, ability to captivate an audience in a performance, and the way she goes above and beyond for fans has made me a huge supporter of her and her music. Now, ranking her albums is a very difficult endeavor, as they all have their moments and moods that make them so fun to listen to, but here are my decisions:
8. Taylor Swift (debut album)
Her self-titled debut is an amazing, youthful, full-blown country album. Some of those songs still hold up today, like “Should’ve Said No”, “Mary’s Song”, and, of course, her very first release, “Tim McGraw”. I find myself turning back to this album when I need some nostalgia. (Granted, I was five years old at the time of its release, but still.) However, most of these songs don’t hold a candle to some of Swift’s later work.
7. Fearless
Fearless is the era when Taylor Swift’s stardom started to explode, and for good reason. This album has perhaps some of her most beloved and most popular songs, that are still played today. We love an artist with longevity. Classic Swift numbers like “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story” are truly iconic, and even non-swifties have to admit they know the words by heart. These songs are so sweet and still reflect the youthfulness of her first album as well.
6. Speak Now
I had a hard time putting Speak Now at number six because I love it so much, but it had to be done. Before getting into song specifics, it must be acknowledged that Taylor Swift wrote this entire album — yes, all 14 songs — by herself. At such a young age, that is an incredible feat. Speak Now is the perfect mix of fairytale naivety (see: “Enchanted”, “Speak Now”) with the twinge of reality that comes with growing older (see: “Dear John”, “Back to December”, “Never Grow Up”). This album stands the test of time, and I’d bet that you could find at least one song that you relate to today.
5. Reputation
This album is a huge departure from Swift’s usual country-pop background, and that makes me love it even more. I listen to this album quite a bit, but you have to be in the mood for it — it’s not exactly background music, more like the soundtrack you blast when you need to scream. (My personal favorites are “Don’t Blame Me” and “King of my Heart”.) Some love it and some hate it, but I believe this album was a much-needed maturing step in Taylor’s career, and her discography wouldn’t be the same without it.
4. 1989
The album 1989 is Taylor’s first foray entirely into the world of pop, and it was a very successful one, with many more iconic songs coming from this work. Even the bonus tracks are amazing. Whenever I put this album on, my mood instantly improves. My favorites, if I had to choose, are “All You Had To Do Was Stay” and “Clean”.
3. Folklore
When I woke up one day this summer to see that Taylor Swift was releasing a new album out of nowhere, I audibly gasped and may have screamed. I absolutely love this album. The intricacy of the lyrics and the storytelling, Taylor’s incredible use of her lower register, and the return to some of her country roots all make this album a top favorite. In fact, “Seven” is definitely in my top three Taylor songs, which really says something. I am usually partial to her more personal songs, but I can appreciate the creativity and talent behind the songs and stories on Folklore.
1. Red and Lover
Yes, I know. It’s kind of a cop-out to have a tie for number one. But I really can’t choose. Red has always had a soft spot in my heart because it was the first album of hers I delved into; it is also an amazing balance of heart-wrenching ballads with incredible lyrics (hello, “All Too Well”) and upbeat songs you want to sing and dance to (“I Knew You Were Trouble”, anyone?). This album encapsulates the fall season and is a popular fan-favorite for good reason. Lover also has many vulnerable songs to cry to like “The Archer”, and songs that make you want to get up and dance, like “Cruel Summer”. It also has perhaps my favorite TS song of all time, although that is subject to change, “Daylight”. Lover lets the world know she is happy, and that makes for truly beautiful music.
Honorable Mention: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection
Swift’s holiday album is a fantastic listen if you want to hear young Taylor’s take on classic Christmas songs and some originals with a slight southern twang. Much to my family’s chagrin, this album is a staple every holiday season.