Five albums, 92 songs, and a wildly successful career have been Taylor Swift's legacy so far. Here are her top ten songs, ranked.
10. Forever & Always (2008).
Part of the charm of “Forever & Always” is that the title itself is misleading. In its first moments, it sounds like you’re about to hear a sweet love song, but then suddenly there’s a drastic shift to bitter breakup song. The whole song is sort of a big paradox that parallels a sudden breakup, and it was the beginning of the breakup that led to Taylor Swift writing an entire album without any co-writers at 19 years old. “Forever & Always” is clever and charming, and that’s definitely something that I can express in 27 seconds.
9. The Story of Us (2010).
Next chapter: Taylor Swift quite literally tells the story of a relationship that she knows isn’t salvageable in an upbeat, energetic bop. The rush seems to create the sound of a mind racing a million miles per hour, jumping from thought to thought as you jump up and down in your own personal dance party in front of your mirror. Sometimes you just need a happy-sounding breakup song. The end.
8. The Last Time (2012).
Taylor Swift has released few duets in her days, but “The Last Time” was definitely a success. What better way to illustrate an on-again-off-again back-and-forth relationship than a back-and-forth duet? Back in the day, there was no “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” and a song where someone else sang just as much as Taylor on a track was unheard of. The song is slow and full of promises as Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol sing back and forth until they come together in one final plea during a crumbling relationship.
7. Enchanted (2010).
It’s been seven years, and I’m still not sure how Taylor Swift managed to create actual tangible magic in the form of a song. It might have something to do with the fact that during 2010, Taylor was the queen of sparkles, perfect ringlets, and pastel-colored fairy princess ballgowns. However, it might also have something to do with the fact that she transferred her butterflies to us while singing about something as simple as meeting gazes with a stranger across a room. The song features fanciful words that make you feel giddy, such as “enchanting,” “playful,” “sparkling,” “blushing,” “lingering,” “flawless,” and “wonderstruck.” All in all, “Enchanted” gives me images of dancing in a gazebo lit up with Christmas lights while sparkles rain down on me, and I’m still not sure how she did this to me.
6. Fearless (2008).
“Fearless” is one of those Taylor Swift classics that just makes you feel warm inside and makes your heart sing with happiness. It throws you right into that perfect, post-rain summer night and makes you feel like you’re falling in love all over again. The carefree lyrics and smooth country drawl make me feel like I’m listening to rays of sunshine while my hair blows in the breeze. “Fearless” is a timeless feel-good tune.
5. Out Of The Woods (2014).
In its entirety, “Out Of The Woods” is mesmerizing. It looks back on a chaotic, high-pressure relationship with an endearing fondness, and the story paints itself. Due to the use of assonance and slant rhyme, every lyric sounds pleasant and nostalgic. Its repetitive sequences and layered vocals create an embodiment of the echoing uncertainty, excited hopefulness, and strong emotions that mingle during a whirlwind relationship. Also, the bridge of “Out Of The Woods” strongly rivals every other Taylor Swift bridge (and they all tend to be good). I could listen to the bridge alone on repeat. (I’m not saying I have, but I’m also not saying that I haven’t). OH I REMEMBER!
4. Clean (2014).
“Clean” is a poetic song dedicated to overcoming hardships and finally feeling better again. It sounds as if you might be underwater as Taylor sings that “when I was drowning, that’s when I could finally breathe.” Sometimes, feeling devastated can feel freeing, because that means that things can only go up from there. Getting clean isn’t always easy or quick; it’s a complicated, challenging process, but relief does eventually come. Things always get better. Thank you for expressing this so eloquently, Taylor.
3. Our Song (2006).
“Our Song” is an OG 2006 Taylor Swift classic. It was almost everyone’s first Taylor Swift experience, and even now it’s impossible to ignore. So turn it up, don your best country accent (it’s okay; hers wasn’t real, either), and enjoy, because this song is just as much fun now as it was back then.
2. Blank Space (2014).
First and foremost, it’s necessary that everyone acknowledge that Taylor Swift’s satire is GREAT. In a well-produced song filled with whimsical and playful sounds and phrases, Taylor Swift takes on the role that she is often portrayed as-- that of the serial dating crazy girlfriend who seduces, tricks, and ditches guys for the benefit of new music. (I won’t mention the fact that she went two years without dating and still managed to write a wildly successful album without any new relationship drama, because “Blank Space” can do the talking for me). This song is witty, fun, and fierce.
1. All Too Well (2012).
“All Too Well” is, without a doubt, the most detailed, raw, and beautifully written heartbreak song in Taylor Swift’s discography. (It also happens to be on the poetic masterpiece and ultimate heartbreak record RED). This song showcases five and a half minutes of incredibly human yet romantic moments, an inability to move forward, and a beautiful alliterative bridge full of similes and metaphors that sounds like what a broken heart feels like. There is not a better Taylor Swift song than “All Too Well.”
