Taylor Swift has been seen everywhere recently — TikTok, Saturday Night Live, Billboard Hot 100, basically every other social media site. Within the past few years, Taylor Swift fans have received two new albums (Folklore and Evermore,) two re-recorded albums (Red and Fearless,) an insane amount of merch, music videos… almost anything you could think of. As tried and true Swifties say, “Blondie has been busy.”
But what if you aren’t a tried and true Swiftie? With nine albums, it can be kind of overwhelming knowing where to start if you want to listen to Taylor Swift’s music. But have no fear — as a longtime fan, I have created the ultimate list for beginners wanting to see what Taylor is all about. The beauty of her music is that there’s something for everyone, so even if you think you won’t find anything up your alley, I’m almost positive you will!
The HITs
Of course, everyone knows who Taylor Swift is. She’s been topping charts for over a decade and her most famous songs are famous for a reason — they’re pretty darn good. For anyone looking to get a basic sample of Taylor’s music and a little trip down memory lane, I recommend these songs:
- “Teardrops on my Guitar”– Taylor Swift
- “Love Story”- Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “You Belong With Me” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “22” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “I Knew You Were Trouble” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “Blank Space” – 1989
- “Shake it Off” – 1989
The songs to convert you
These songs are so good, you’ll hear them and wonder why you haven’t been a Taylor Swift fan all along. They also happen to be perfect for belting in your car with your friends or busting out some amazing lip-syncing. Whatever floats your boat, Miss Swift has got you.
- “The Other Side of the Door” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “Enchanted” – Speak Now
- “Holy Ground” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “New Romantics” – 1989
- “Don’t Blame Me” – Reputation
- “Cruel Summer” – Lover
The songs for your breakup
Taylor might be known for her relationships, but many of which have led to the creation of some amazing breakup tunes. I’d really like to thank her for taking one for the team so I (and so, so many others) have these to cry over. I mean, “You call me up again just to break me like a promise?” Truly devastating.
- “Cold As You” – Taylor Swift
- “White Horse” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “Last Kiss” – Speak Now
- “Dear John” – Speak Now
- “All Too Well” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “Death By a Thousand Cuts” – Lover
- “august” – folklore
The Songs For your burnout
It happens to everyone, especially in college. Sometimes it’s just nice to hear someone else talk (or sing) about it and remind you that you’re not alone. These are songs for when you can’t find the words to express how overwhelmed you are.
- “Nothing New” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “this is me trying” – folklore
- “mirrorball” – folklore
- “my tears ricochet” – folklore
- “champagne problems” – evermore
The Songs to Fall in love to
If you’ve ever wanted a song to encapsulate the way falling in love in the movies seems to feel, Taylor has written it. On the flip side of her breakup songs, we have these to lift us back up after her breakup songs (and our own breakups) knock us down.
- “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” – Taylor Swift
- “Jump Then Fall” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “Sparks Fly” – Speak Now
- “Stay Stay Stay” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “How You Get the Girl” – 1989
- “King of My Heart” – Reputation
- “Paper Rings” – Lover
- “Lover” – Lover
The Wild Cards
Take this section at your own discretion. These are some of my ultimate favorites if you’re looking to just jump in. There are a variety of moods and genres here, so be prepared for sudden vibe changes! However, I can guarantee that these are just as excellent as the rest of her discography, even if some are a little underrated.
- “Picture to Burn” – Taylor Swift
- “Tell Me Why” – Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
- “If This Was a Movie” – Speak Now
- “Come Back…Be Here” – Red (Taylor’s Version)
- “I Know Places” –1989
- “New Year’s Day” – Reputation
- “Afterglow” – Lover
- “the lakes” – folklore
- “gold rush” – evermore
Taylor is kind of like the big sister I never had, giving me advice and wisdom through her music. And although she has a TON of songs, that just means there’s something for nearly every mood. Happy listening :)