Taylor Swift has been a force in the music industry for over a decade, capturing the hearts of fans. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of Taylor Swift’s best-ranked songs, exploring the stories behind the lyrics and the impact they’ve had on fans around the world.
With eight studio albums under her belt, Swift has amassed an impressive catalogue of hits, ranging from country ballads to synth-pop anthems.
Read on to discover the best Taylor Swift songs of all time
Love Story (2008)
“Love Story” is a catchy and romantic country-pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2008, which tells a classic love tale of two young people from different social classes who fall in love despite their families’ disapproval.
Album: “Fearless”
Songwriter: Taylor Swift
Accolades: “Love Story” took Best Music Video at the CMT Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.
You Belong With Me (2009)
“You Belong With Me” is a popular and upbeat pop-country song by Taylor Swift, released in 2009, which tells the story of a girl next door who is in love with her male friend, but he is dating a popular cheerleader, and she believes she’s a better match for him.
Album: “Fearless”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Liz Rose
Accolades: Swift broke through at the Grammys when this song was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, the same ceremony where “Fearless” won Album of the Year.
I Knew You Were Trouble (2012)
“I Knew You Were Trouble” is an electrifying and also edgy pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2012, which narrates a cautionary tale of falling for the wrong person and dealing with the heartbreak and consequences that come with it.
Album: “Red”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback
Accolades: The music video won Best Female Video at the VMAs.
Cardigan (2020)
“Cardigan” is a haunting and introspective indie-folk song by Taylor Swift, released in 2020, which metaphorically compares a cardigan sweater to a safe haven from heartbreak, regret, and nostalgia, as the singer reflects on a past relationship and the bittersweet memories that linger.
Album: “Folklore“
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner
Accolades: It became Swift’s second song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and her sixth chart-topper overall. It earned her Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
Anti-Hero (2022)
“Anti-Hero” is the lead single from Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, Midnights (2022). It is both a pop rock and synth-pop song driven by looped drums and retro synthesizers. The lyrics discuss self-loathing, depression and anxiety.
Album: “Midnights”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff
Accolades: The lead single from her 10th studio album was released the same day as the album.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (2012)
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is altogether a sassy and upbeat pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2012, which tells the story of a girl who’s fed up with her on-and-off again relationship and decides to end it for good, with a catchy chorus that celebrates the newfound freedom and independence.
Album: “Red”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback
Accolades: The song became Swift’s first to hit no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and she earned numerous awards and nominations including Record of the Year at the Grammys.
You Need to Calm Down (2019)
“You Need to Calm Down” is a vibrant and empowering pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2019, which serves as an LGBTQ+ anthem and addresses the issue of homophobia and hate towards the community, with a catchy chorus that encourages love, acceptance, and peace.
Album: “Lover”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Joel Little
Accolades: The vibrant music video won the MTV VMA for Video of the Year while the song was nominated for a Grammy.
Mine (2010)
“Mine” is a sweet and romantic country-pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2010, which tells the story of a girl who falls in love unexpectedly and how she navigates the ups and downs of the relationship. Moreover, with a chorus that expresses her deep feelings and commitment to her partner.
Album: “Speak Now”
Songwriter: Taylor Swift
Accolades: The music video won Swift a third CMT Music Award for Video of the Year.
Begin Again (2012)
“Begin Again” is a hopeful and nostalgic country-pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2012, which narrates the story of a girl who’s ready to move on from past heartbreak and gives love another chance, with a catchy chorus that celebrates the simple and joyful moments of a new relationship.
Album: “Red”
Songwriter: Taylor Swift
Accolades: The song was nominated at the Grammys for Best Country Song.
Me (2019)
“ME!” is a colourful and upbeat pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2019, which celebrates self-love, individuality, and positivity, with a catchy chorus that basically invites the listener to embrace their unique personality and find their own happy place.
Album: “Lover”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Joel Little, Brendon Urie
Accolades: The music video won Best Visual Effects at the MTV Video Music Awards at Best Video at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Delicate (2018)
“Delicate” is a dreamy and vulnerable pop song by Taylor Swift, released in 2018, which altogether describes the delicate nature of a new relationship and the fear of revealing one’s true feelings, with a chorus that expresses the desire to be understood and accepted by the other person.
Album: “Reputation”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback
Accolades: Won Best Music Video at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and was certified double platinum by the RIAA
Midnight Rain (2022)
In “Midnight Rain” the narrator contemplates a lost love that she left back in her hometown and how she chose her career and fame over a domestic life; “He wanted comfortable/ I wanted that pain/ He wanted a bride/ I was making my own name.” Towards the conclusion, the narrator reflects on her indecision, “I guess sometimes we all get some kind of haunted/ And I never think of him except on midnights like this.”
Album: “Midnights”
Songwriters: Swift and Jack Antonoff
Accolades: The track was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and platinum by Music Canada (MC).
Lover (2019)
“Lover” is a romantic ballad by Taylor Swift, released as the third single from her seventh studio album of the same name in 2019. Altogether, the song features nostalgic lyrics and a dreamy melody, celebrating a deep and committed love.
Album: “Lover”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift
Accolades: “Lover” featured on many publications’ lists of the best songs of 2019. Cosmopolitan included it in the top 10.
Fearless (2010)
“Fearless” is the title track of Taylor Swift’s second studio album, released in 2010. The song is an upbeat country-pop tune that also captures the exhilarating feeling of falling in love, with lyrics that reflect Taylor’s signature storytelling style.
Album: “Fearless”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey
Accolades: Alice Fisher of The Guardian praised “Fearless” for its “perceptive lyrics about universal truths that can be enjoyed at any age.”
You’re On Your Own Kid (2022)
“You’re On Your Own Kid” is taken from her tenth studio album, Midnights (2022). Basically, the song features persistent electric guitar strums throughout.[9] It begins with soft, muted percussion beats,[10] plucked guitars, and subtle synthesizers, which gradually build up.
Album: “Midnights”
Songwriters: Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff
Accolades: “You’re on Your Own, Kid” was met with universal acclaim. Stephen Thompson of NPR praised the lyrics’ specificity and imagery, and the “gorgeous”.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift has had a remarkable career in music, with an impressive catalogue of songs that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From her early country-pop hits to her recent indie-folk-inspired albums, Swift has consistently delivered songs that are both catchy and meaningful.
With over a decade of music-making under her belt, Taylor Swift has amassed an incredible number of songs, leaving fans to wonder how many songs Taylor Swift has in total. From old songs to her latest release, evermore, each track has showcased Taylor’s evolution as an artist, a songwriter, and a performer.
We hope this list of Taylor Swift’s best songs has been enjoyable for fans, old and new.
