What are Taylor Swift‘s best songs? Scroll down for a list of Taylor Swift’s best albums. Does your favourite make the list? In your opinion, who should come out on top?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Taylor Swift, who launched her music career with Taylor Swift’s debut album in 2006, has risen to unparalleled fame in the global music scene. Her album “1989” emerged as the top-selling album of its release year, outpacing all but the “Frozen” soundtrack, and she consistently produces chart-topping singles.
Her popularity isn’t without merit: Swift’s discography, spanning five albums, lacks any semblance of a flop, boasting an impressively high count of hit songs. Swift, hailed as a pop phenomenon, seamlessly blends the immediate charm of pop (and pop-country) music with the introspective depth of a singer-songwriter. Mirroring other artists known by this label, she presents a unique vocal style and leans into a confessional writing approach. Notably, she is credited as a writer on every one of her tracks, taking sole credit for a significant number of them.
Over just nine years, Taylor Swift has amassed a diverse and impressive array of hit songs. Celebrating her achievements and the joy her tunes have delivered over time, I’ve curated a list of my top Taylor Swift songs. While many other tracks also stand out, the ones I’ve included represent, in my opinion, her quintessential works.
Examining Taylor Swift’s Best Songs From Her Most Successful Albums, Which Have Turned Into Legendary Anthems in the Realm of Pop Music.
Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift
One of the best Taylor Swift songs. The debut song that launched her career is undoubtedly seen as a modest joy today, especially when contrasted with her later, more elaborate compositions. Nonetheless, its charm continues to demonstrate the way we perceive music—not merely as a backdrop to life’s moments, but as something that shares a deep, spiritual connection with those instances.
The brilliance behind it lay in introducing a notion seldom explored before—that a relationship might not only have “our song” but “our artist.” Choosing Tim McGraw for this role was a stroke of luck, as his renown and reputation have only enhanced with time. The sentimental value we attach to this 2006 hit wouldn’t be as profound if the young lovers had united over a song by Big & Rich.
Don’t Blame Me” by Taylor Swift
Before experiencing the Eras Tour, I hadn’t given much thought to the track “Don’t Blame Me” from the 2016 album “Reputation.” It never ranked as one of my top picks for that record. However, after viewing the Eras Tour movie this October, my perspective drastically changed.
This track truly stands out among a lineup of exceptional tunes, and it has been the best of Taylor Swift’s songs. It showcases a similar wit found in other songs by Swift—the lyrics “Don’t blame me, love made me crazy” capture this perfectly —yet it approaches its theme with a notable level of seriousness. It’s simultaneously sexy, clever, and incredibly catchy, perfect for singing along. Moreover, her execution of the climax note is nothing short of spectacular.
Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Back in 2014, when the original “1989” was released, one of the best of Taylor Swift’s songs. I’d spend hours lying in bed, repeatedly hitting the repeat button. It’s a tune meant for those who daydream and are eternally love-struck. Swift finds herself caught in a love affair, yet she’s already looking at it with hindsight, wondering when it’s destined to end. While such a perspective might be a matter for therapy in the real world, through the lens of a song, it transforms into something both enchanting and profoundly sad.
Enchanted by Taylor Swift
Swift transforms an encounter with an indie-pop guy she fancied, initially happening behind the scenes, into an episode that resembles a grand event more akin to a royal celebration. Even for those who aren’t highly romantic, there’s something irresistibly charming about her depiction of what appears to be a quintessential love-at-first-sight scenario (though, in reality, it’s more of a check-his-profile-on-social-media-to-confirm-if-he’s-taken kind of situation at first glance). She likely moved on from him by the following day, but she managed to craft an incredible tribute to the allure of love that struck instantly.
Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Taylor Swift
In recent times, Swift has boldly voiced her opinions on political issues, a stark departure from her early days when she faced criticism for her silence. (Of course, the backlash from speaking up has been significantly harsher than any she received for staying mum.)
While she rarely addresses these topics directly in her music, an outstanding exception is “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” a song that also inspired the title of a documentary showcasing her political awakening. The track from “Lover” cleverly compares adulthood to high school, reflecting her disillusionment not with a romantic interest but with the moderately conservative ideals she was brought up with, essentially breaking away from the belief that America would consistently follow a righteous path.
Lyrics immersed in metaphor might not resonate as deeply on an emotional level, yet the notion of America’s former darling grappling with the fear that she and her country’s paths might be irrevocably divergent carries a poignant weight.
Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift
Reflecting on times when the best of Taylor Swift’s debut albums like “Tim McGraw” or “Teardrops on My Guitar” were on repeat, it would have been hard to predict that Taylor Swift would one day criticize the outdated expectations of her, singing about the disdain for “the 1950s stuff they expect from me,” while praising the effortless connection in a love that simply exists as it does. “Lavender Haze” initiates the album “Midnights” with a rhythm that’s almost too relaxed to definitively label as R&B, though that description could apply to much of the finest understated R&B. It showcases Swift in perfect harmony with the vibe, in every sense imaginable.
Tis the Damn Season by Taylor Swift
This compilation is missing a festive tune, and it’s clear that “Christmas Must Mean Something More” won’t cut without significantly more eggnog with a kick. Fortunately for all the personalized holiday playlists out there, Swift did come back many years after her first Christmas EP with a heartwarming single (“Christmas Tree Farm”), and even more impactful was this rather unromantic reflection on reconnecting with an ex from back home over the holiday season.
Similar to much of the narrative within the “Evermore”/”Folklore” albums, we might view this as a creative endeavor (that is, it doesn’t address how they’d dodge the paparazzi while she and a former schoolmate briefly rekindle an old flame just for the thrill). Yet, the complex, realistic emotions stirred throughout the tune certainly seem genuine.
Teardrops on My Guitar by Taylor Swift
This marks the beginning, not in the realm of country music, where her reputation was solidified with her second album, but in the world of MTV. This is where the stage was set for an array of pop remixes until she decidedly “chose her path,” to use her own words. Today, it may seem a bit rudimentary, yet a sincere tear shed to the sound of a genuine instrument remains timeless. (Years later, in “My Tears, Ricochet,” she would ingeniously craft what could be seen as a follow-up to Taylor Swift’s ballad.
Mad Woman by Taylor Swift
Observing the deep and somber themes in “Folklore,” one can perceive them from two perspectives: as narratives of heartbreak or as tales reflecting her split from Big Machine. The track “Mad Woman” fits both interpretations seamlessly.
However, this piece, assuming it is reflective of her personal experiences rather than an imaginative creation, carries an unmistakably fervent tone. This vigour suggests it’s more an expression of grievances about a recent professional conflict than revisiting a long-forgotten love affair for artistic inspiration. This assumption gains traction, especially considering the raw anger she didn’t hesitate to reveal in public statements concerning the ordeal, to the point where some wondered, “Why can’t she just leave it behind?” Regardless of one’s stance on the master recordings’ sale, one cannot overlook her unwavering seriousness over time.
“Every time you call me crazy, it seems to make me even crazier,” she cautions. A scorpion in defense does not hesitate to “attack to kill, and believe that I will.” Wow, this is a significant departure from tales of slamming screen doors and inaugural or final kisses. Indeed, it captivates.
False God by Taylor Swift
The tune delves into how a relationship, despite being built on somewhat questionable motives, seems to be just right once it’s paired with a catchy rhythm—and incorporates an element never before used by Swift: a solo saxophone segment. Her decision to showcase this during a particularly sultry performance on “SNL” resulted in fans longing for more exploration in this new musical direction. Indeed, time remains on her side.
Haunted by Taylor Swift
Every female vocalist with a dash of vocal strength and a flair for theatrics ought to pen their rendition of an Evanescence track at least once during their musical journey. This grandiose Goth is the best of Taylor Swift’s songs from her third record, “Speak Now,” marking the conclusion of an era where her voice still carried a hint of youthful squeak. She is undoubtedly—perhaps exponentially—more skilled as a vocalist now than in those days, yet that doesn’t inhibit a slight sense of endearing nostalgia for the raw, almost adult, sincere expressions that propelled this tormented cry to heights.
Maroon by Taylor Swift
A beloved track from Midnights, known as “Maroon,” achieved the third spot on the charts despite not being released as an official single. This is one of the best Taylor Swift songs.
Soon You’ll Get Better by Taylor Swift
When Swift announced her collaboration with the Dixie Chicks, the majority predicted a playful venture, akin to the murder ballad she later produced with Haim. Contrary to expectations, she touched everyone deeply with “Soon You’ll Get Better,” a heartfelt piece on accepting her mother’s battle with cancer.
It explored the various phases of grief—not over death, but mourning the loss of a family’s once carefree existence. For many, this track was often skipped on the “Lover” album, but Swift, more than anyone, undoubtedly understands that this doesn’t diminish its value. Even for those fortunate not to have relatives battling chronic or terminal diseases, this song finds its place for solitary contemplation.
Daylight (Live From Paris) by Taylor Swift
As the final melody present in the 2019 “Lover” compilation, “Daylight” didn’t catch much attention; it appeared to be merely a hopeful conclusion among predominantly more emotionally charged anthems, following the tradition of “New Year’s Day” and “Clean,” yet it did not stand as memorable. However, the track ultimately suffered due to an uncommon case of an overly elaborate ballad production, which hardly did the song any justice.
When this was removed for a mostly unplugged rendition that came out on a live record just before the pandemic, her timely anthem of romance transformed into something far more poignant, almost as if her exclusive “Lover” performance in the City of Lights had indeed cast it into daylight.
The Last Great American Dynasty by Taylor Swift
It appears that Swift holds a particular fascination for women who are perceived as deranged. It’s quite perplexing, especially considering she’s had her fair share of being maligned in the decade before, right? Consequently, upon purchasing a mansion in Rhode Island sometime in the mid-2010s, she felt a connection with a notorious past resident, the affluent socialite Rebekah Harkness, and chose to narrate her tale of deliberate self-exclusion from society.
A common thread is observed here, comparable to songs like “Mad Woman” and an earlier tune, “The Lucky One,” which depicts the life of a celebrity who abandons everything for joyful solitude. Such nuanced storytelling is exemplary, and while it doesn’t quite adhere to the confessional style typical of many of Swift’s other tracks, it suggests an aspiration towards becoming an eccentric, affluent, and influential elderly woman, who exchanges mocking stares and scornful laughter with the locals over the fence.
Peace, by Taylor Swift
What could be given to a girl who possesses everything? Swift reveals to her partner that even though she may have it all, serenity isn’t part of the package, as depicted in one of the unmistakably autobiographical tracks off Taylor Swift’s album “Folklore.”
Essentially, the concept of keeping calm and carrying on seems unattainable as long as she remains with her significant other. This scenario isn’t as alarming as it might seem, particularly because it’s understood to portray a dynamic celebrity duo.
It’s likely that numerous other pairs, especially those involving at least one individual in a demanding or public-facing role, can see parts of their relationships mirrored within these lyrics. The song subtly but sinisterly expresses a lover’s confession that it might occasionally be necessary to give in to someone who has a demanding schedule, challenging circumstances, or just an overwhelming personality.
All You Had to Do Was Stay by Taylor Swift
In one of Taylor Swift’s classic songs, “I Only Asked You for One Thing: Don’t Go,” he ended up departing just like Adam from Eden after disobeying the sole directive and then recognizing his error when it was already too late.
This song could easily have turned into something more mainstream, melody-wise. However, Swift was moved by a dream where she found herself repeatedly crying out “Stay!” in a piercingly high tone —this unusual vocal effect found its way into the chorus rather than sticking to a more conventional vocal pitch. It’s yet another testament to Swift’s knack for initially surprising choices in her music that, after the third listen, seem utterly right and anticipated.
As much as that proves to be an entertaining gimmick, what impresses me the most is the song’s audacity —despite her fervent wish for the relationship to endure, once the guy decides to end it, there’s no going back. This theme recurs often in Swift’s body of work. Indeed, it offers quite a lesson, especially for her younger listeners, who are still shaping their emotional responses
I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
It was apparent they were heading towards what could be considered beneficial turmoil upon their arrival—referring to Max Martin and Shellback, tasked with revitalizing Taylor Swift’s musical style for a select few tracks on her “Red” album. While Nathan Chapman played a predominant role in the album’s production, skillfully directing soon-to-be timeless hits such as “All Too Well” and “Sad Beautiful Tragic,” the entry of the Swedish powerhouses marked a departure from the familiar.
Essentially, this signaled our exit from the conventional country music realm, spanning from Kansas to other regions dominated by this genre. Among the transformative efforts, “I Knew You Were Trouble” stood out, blending what could be recognized as genuine dubstep elements into the repertoire of an artist who could have easily adhered to more traditional sounds.
Despite its age, the track remains impactful with an electronic chorus that carries an almost aggressive musicality, portraying an intensity befitting a woman confronting emotional turmoil over a complicated romantic encounter.
Karma by Taylor Swift
Venturing bravely into the fray, I dare to declare this track as arguably the most hilarious piece Taylor Swift has ever crafted—yes, even considering her penchant for genuine compositions, the competition in this category does exist.
Upon the release of “Midnights,” a few devoid-of-humor critics attacked this track’s over-the-top self-praise and the notion of divine retribution as if they were meant to be interpreted with stark seriousness, as though lyrics such as “Karma is a cat / Purring in my lap ’cause it loves me / Flexing like a skilled acrobat” aren’t among the funniest lyrics penned in recent times.
However, recognizing the song’s humor doesn’t dispute that Swift is likely being quite serious to some extent: The track serves as either a celebration of victory or perhaps a proclamation of rightful claim, particularly in the way fortunes have shifted in specific situations. She does hold the belief that the trajectory of history eventually leads to righteousness for those who are morally upright.
Nonetheless, the ingenious co-production efforts by Antonoff on this number mark it as an effortlessly cool hit. It becomes an excellent follow-up to “I Forgot You Existed,” suggesting that destiny has not overlooked her.
Should’ve Said No by Taylor Swift
Many of Taylor Swift’s greatest hits about heartbreak, particularly in the initial stages of her music career, centers around her simply pointing out what should have been obvious to her past lovers, after the fact. It’s like she’s saying: The only thing you had to do was… stay! The only thing you needed to say was, No! Guys: You were given just one task.
I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift
In essence, this piece serves as a spiritual successor to “Blank Space,” where she was once merely dabbling in the role of a villain, using satire as her guise. By the era of “Reputation,” however, her approach shifted; it was no longer about comedic effect—this was a declaration of “I could seriously mess you up.” It’s no surprise that this became a standout during her 2018 tour; the track has the power to dominate a stadium just as easily as it could intimidate an individual.
The Man by Taylor Swift
Swift’s boldest proclamation of feminism might seem argumentative, and perhaps it does qualify. Yet, propaganda has seldom been this enjoyable or so undeniably accurate. “What’s it like to have everyone believe you?” inquires the woman, whose credibility was instantly questioned, unlike a man who later turned out to be the most unreliable storyteller in the realm of entertainment.
However, let’s not get sidetracked. This anthem is more of a declaration of solidarity with all women than a personal narrative, and through her undeniable truths, she commendably represents her sex. Few of her lines demonstrate as ingenious a play on words as one of her most straightforward statements: “If I were a man, then I’d be the man.”
Cowboy Like Me by Taylor Swift
Initially, Swift was recognized as a country musician; however, she seldom fully embraced the genre known as country rock. Yet, she ventured slightly into this realm through bits and pieces within her “Folklore” and “Evermore” best Taylor Swift albums. In these works, a handful of Aaron Dessner’s compositions possessed a laid-back vibe, reminiscing of the early 1970s.
One notably imaginative story, “Cowboy Like Me,” casts her as a pragmatic swindler located in an unspecified vacation spot—which brings to mind Montana—who finds and unexpectedly falls in love with another character engaged in a similar dubious profession. Fortunately, Taylor doesn’t hold the belief that “forever is the sweetest con,” and it’s beneficial that she has expanded her songwriting to include narratives wherein characters can voice such sentiments.
Back to December by Taylor Swift
Following her release of “Fearless,” her second album, Swift not only secured a Grammy for Album of the Year but also garnered a reputation for crafting songs that appeared to exclusively castigate former lovers. (To this day, there’s a faction that clings steadfastly to this belief—a group you’d do well to steer clear of in terms of friendship.) Thus, with the unveiling of “Speak Now,” her third studio effort, she embarked on what could be seen as a mission to reshape the public’s perception.
In a standout track dedicated to a past partner, Swift assumed responsibility for the fallout, offering apologies and expressing remorse—behaviors that are, by all accounts, typical for anyone not ensnared in the throes of egotistical adolescence, contrary to the image some media outlets attempted to foist upon her. Despite any undertones of image rehabilitation… it’s undeniable that the song remains utterly enchanting, isn’t it?
Marjorie by Taylor Swift
Should you possess the capability to endure this intense onslaught from a tune dedicated to Swift’s departed grandmother, you are forged from a tougher demeanor than many among us. (Perhaps this resilience qualifies you as a perfect fit to mingle with the deceivers present in another track from “Evermore,” titled “Cowboy Like Me.”)
Personally, it was the detailed accounts that finally overwhelmed me—specifically, the segment where she vocalizes, “I should’ve inquired about your wisdom on life and begged you to jot it down for my sake / I ought to have saved every receipt from our grocery trips/ For every little piece of you would be snatched away from me.”
Any youngster who has ever overlooked the perpetual presence of a beloved elder has encountered this emotion, yet the raw desire for even the slightest memento of them is truly poignant. The prospect of anything thawing your already softened heart is slim, yet Swift manages this by integrating a haunting piece of her grandmother’s operatic voice towards the song’s conclusion. This serves as your update (akin to a tiny puddle formed on the ground) on the matter.
Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
This one doesn’t dive too deep – it’s purely sugary fluff, with a hint of emotional substance lightly dusted around its periphery. Fans almost unanimously believed it was destined to be a single, perfectly fitting for her anticipated “LoverFest” tour in 2019. However, that summer proved to be harsher than imagined, relegating its hit status to a parallel universe.
The song’s call-and-response verses, marked by a distinctive Vocoder touch, point back to its roots in the ELO era. It inevitably parallels Bananarama, who also endured their share of hardships back in the day.
Fearless by Taylor Swift
This is one of the best of Taylor Swift’s songs. A significant portion of the “Fearless” album is defined by its exceptionally open-hearted breakup anthems, along with the embracing of fantasy in “Love Story” and its rejection in both “White Horse” and “Fifteen.”. This was ample material to secure Swift’s inaugural Album of the Year Grammy victory while she was still in her teens.
However, amidst all the elevated tales of love and even greater theatrics, the straightforward goals of the titular track stand out for their lasting appeal, essentially conveying—through a notably superior melody—the value of fearlessness. Following this, a career that has, almost always, remained true to the song’s ethos.
Blank Space by Taylor Swift
While this may not be the tune you’ll repeatedly seek out for enjoyment today, its debut in 2016 was an absolute delight, marking a monumental moment in contemporary pop thanks to Swift’s strategic shattering of her image. Her objective, as she articulated, was to embrace and repurpose every negative stereotype being circulated about her (recall the rumors of her being a perpetual date-hopper?) into a defiant anthem of bitterness.
She executed this with superb finesse, manipulating her public perception as effortlessly as one would play the violin. This included those who largely understood her and even those left scratching their heads at her pop spin on the timeless country theme of “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.” Although the parody was overt, it hit the mark. Regrettably, considering the wave of influencers that have emerged since, it seems that a few might have misinterpreted this satire as a guide for their conduct.
Style by Taylor Swift
One of the finest songs by Taylor.” ‘Style’ emerged in 2015 as the album’s third single, offering a medium-paced ballad exploring a dysfunctional relationship. The lyrics delve into a former romance filled with intensity but ultimately conclude in failure.
Swift’s vocals convey the strong physical pull towards her partner, amidst the chaos and uncertainty their connection brought. The song “Style,” which has a catchy chorus and addictive rhythm, makes extensive use of synthesisers and vocal echoes to enhance its pop-rock vibe. Widely regarded as the standout track of Swift’s ‘1989’, ‘Style’ quickly soared to success, securing the sixth spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieving 3x platinum certification.”
Mirrorball by Taylor Swift
“Let Me Be Your Reflection,” echoed by the Velvet Underground, finds its echo in Swift’s “Let me enumerate the ways.” The track from “Folklore,” co-written with Antonoff, indeed shines brightly—to use a term that might seem on the nose. Yet, this brilliance comes with a bit of trickery; it’s clear that Swift doesn’t advocate being merely a passive mirror to the globe’s vast desires and demands. Despite this, within the enchanting melody, she appears surprisingly compliant with such an idea.
The song has drawn comparisons to the Sundays and similar indie-pop bands known for their delicate guitar work, featuring gentle electric guitar strains and the absence of a drumline that one might anticipate to propel the track forward, only to find it doesn’t. In its beauty lies an irony: by creating a song about the desire to please others, Swift has ironically delivered one of her tunes that is most pleasing to the ears. One of Taylor Swift’s finest songs.
