'Out Of The Woods' is utter pop perfection - that chorus is truly glorious :wub: it's still painful that it didn't even re-chart in the top 200 here when released as a single :( I'm so glad that it was released nevertheless because the video was worth it. 'All You Had To Do Was Stay' is my favourite album track on '1989' for sure :wub: I agree with you that it's definitely a 'should have been a single' moment, even though we got so many singles anyway :lol:

Should've basically been singles tbh, Thriller is shaking

25 The Story Of Us

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #41

 

"Why are we pretending this is nothing?

I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how

I've never heard silence quite this loud"

 

This was one of the earliest indications that Taylor may ditch country completely, of course she had country pop on the first two albums but this barely had a hint of country and was more verging into pop-rock, even pop-punk. This really fits Taylor and it stands out even among all the huge highlights on Speak Now, with its lyrics that depict bad feelings and awkwardness following a break-up. This is just so catchy and a bit different to much of Speak Now which is great.

 

 

24 I Did Something Bad

 

 

2017

Reputation

UK peak: N/A

US peal: #114

 

"They're burning all the witches, even if you aren't one

They got their pitchforks and proof

Their receipts and reasons"

 

Despite the criticism it got due to the lyrics that symbolise the victim and revenge narrative on Reputation that many weren't a fan of, this is easily one of my absolute highlights of the album. Max Martin's production is FIRE, the harsh and heavy booming production really fits the unapologetic and careless nature of the lyrics as Taylor sings about owning all the things she does that people pick holes in and tear her down for.

 

23 Better Than Revenge

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #56

 

Another Speak Now track, and another very influenced by pop-rock. This petty anthem is a MOOD, allegedly/definitely about Camilla Belle who dated Joe Jonas after Taylor and apparently wooed him and "stole" him where they were dating. One of the earlier songs that showed that side of Taylor that saw her become a bit of a divisive figure, noentheless this is impressively written in its capturing of that feeling of bitterness you get when you see an ex happy with someone else, even if you're over them you can get that little feeling and feel like this song, you all know what I mean x

 

22 Sparks Fly

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #17

 

This was Taylor's first country #1 in a couple of years, and is easily one of the more classic Taylor songs on Speak Now, with its sweet and insanely happy country sound about falling in love, a pure shot of joy :wub: This was a fan fave for years before being put on Speak Now, and it's among my faves on a really strong album mostly because it's so happy and singalong.

 

21 Look What You Made Me Do

 

 

2017

Reputation

UK peak: #1

US peak: #1

 

Just missing the top 20 is another controversial Reputation song, and the lead single.The electroclash production and Right Said Fred sample were divisive, and the antagonistic lyrics towards an enemy were hated by many. I think it was sonically quite daring for a lead, it was one of those where with each listen in the first few days, I was picking out new bits and pieces to fall in love with, and that made it grow despite being very instant, and it had longevity. The lyrics read as satirical to me, referencing the way the media look at her, and it's genius to use that in the way she did. The AMAZING video which is easily her best helped too, this was just a great pop song and it was especially great to see her finally get her UK #1 with it.

Better Than Revenge and Sparks Fly :wub: Hoping you've saved plenty of Speak Now songs for the top 20!!

'The Story Of Us' was the first Taylor song I ever charted <3 I totally get the pop-punk vibes, the instrumental is not that dissimilar to something Paramore would've released about 10 years ago! I also agree that the 'Look What You Made Me Do' video is her best! Quite a few people on here said they went off the song quickly but that has held up well for me too, would rank it second behind '...Ready For It?' in terms of 'reputation.' singles.

20 Red

 

 

Red

2012

UK peak: #26

US peak: #6

 

"Losing him was blue like I'd never known

Missing him was dark grey all alone

Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met"

 

Kicking off the top 20 is a song that is Taylor's last country hit for 5 years until New Year's Day was sent to radio, and the title track to her pop metamorphosis 4th album. This is a perfect melding of her sweet in love teenage country and her new pop sensibility, with genius colour imagery that feels just right, I feel like this can easily appeal to both. It did respectably well in the UK for a country song, and of course smashed in the US, and it's become a firm fave of mine.

 

19 You're Not Sorry

 

 

Fearless

2008

UK peak: #N/A

US peak: #11

 

"Looking so innocent

I might believe you if I didn't know

Could've loved you all my life

If you hadn't left me waiting in the cold"

 

This powerful country-rock ballad has always been a fave of mine, but I never see enough love for it :wub: The emotion really stabs you when listening to this one, it's got power ballad tendencies, and details a guy who isn't who you thought he was so he ends up hurting you, it's one of those songs where Taylor's writing makes you feel like you're right there experiencing that situation and those feelings.

 

18 You Belong With Me

 

 

Fearless

2008

UK peak: #30

US peak: #2

 

"But she wears short skirts

I wear T-shirts

She's cheer captain

And I'm on the bleachers"

 

This was I believe Taylor's biggest crossover hit from her country years and the biggest country crossover hit of the 00s behind Faith Hill's Breathe *.* Few country songs reach the top 5 or even 10 and she got a second #2 hit with this after Love Story! This is quintessential classic Taylor, an underdog love story where she's pining for the hot guy with a hot girlfriend, trying to win her over with her girl next door charm, and in the end he realises she's who he needs to be with. The video is iconic too, with Taylor playing the underdog and the mean girl, and of course won a VMA which led to THAT Kanye West moment.

 

17 Mine

 

 

Speak Now

2010

UK peak: #30

US peak: #3

 

"Do you remember, we were sittin', there by the water?

You put your arm around me for the first time

You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine"

 

This was a strong start to the Speak Now era, debuting at #3. This power-pop influenced track recalled much of her previous work such as Love Story, with a slightly more grown-up look at love, but it still had that cute teenage feel to its blind love. I always find this in my head after I've listened to it, especially the chorus which is punchy and cute in equal measure.

 

16 Should've Said No

 

 

Taylor Swift

2006

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #33

 

"You can see that I've been crying

And baby you know all the right things: to say

But do you honestly expect me to believe

We could ever be the same"

 

I'm probably the only one who'd put this so high, but it used to be one of my absolute faves of Taylor and was one of the songs that made me fall in love with her alongside Love Story. I remember getting Fearless at the time and this really standing out, I always love a country anger track and this is a way only Taylor could do it. It's not Carrie Underwood vandalising her ex's car and it's not Miranda Lambert and her gun, but it's that "I'm better than you anyway it's your loss" pettiness that teenage Taylor pulls off with aplomb.

Should've Said No was my original fave of hers too! And You're Not Sorry is in my top 3 from Fearless, one of her best sad songs :wub:

 

Just heard Mine on the radio today actually and I'd forgotten how great the lyrics are! A shame it wasn't a bigger hit but it was the perfect lead for Speak Now nonetheless.

Should've Said No was my original fave of hers too! And You're Not Sorry is in my top 3 from Fearless, one of her best sad songs :wub:

 

Just heard Mine on the radio today actually and I'd forgotten how great the lyrics are! A shame it wasn't a bigger hit but it was the perfect lead for Speak Now nonetheless.

Omg this taste *.*

15 ...Ready For It?

 

2017

Reputation

UK peak: #7

US peak: #4

 

"And he can be my jailer, Burton to this Taylor

Every lover known in comparison is a failure"

 

Reputation started off quite divisive with Look, and so ....Ready For It was a second chance to hit people with a great pop song - and this was even better! The verses similarly have a dark kind of sound like Look, but it's got towering pop production from Max Martin & Shellback, and an anthemic chorus that isn't a million miles from anything on 1989. Whilst I loved Look, this is the best track on Reputation and should have been bigger, it probably would have been as the lead but then we had the Look video which helped launch the era so hmm.

 

14 Wildest Dreams

 

 

2014

1989

UK peak: #40

US peak: #5

 

"I said no one has to know what we do

His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room

And his voice is a familiar sound, nothing lasts forever

But this is getting good now"

 

From a loud and thumping banger to a wistful dream-pop ballad, this is one of the highlights of 1989 for sure :wub: The lyrics portray the guy as the victim, which is different from her heartbreak songs, as he'll have to be forever haunted by remembering what he lost, by picturing her in her best light again and again. The Lana-isms in this fit her so well, it gives the song a mysterious and sultry vibe that isn't typical of Taylor at all, yet it has that same relatable-even-if-you-haven't-experienced-it magic to it as her more typical love songs.

 

13 Haunted

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #63

 

"You and I walk a fragile line

I have known it all this time

But I never thought I'd live to see it break"

 

This dramatic orchestral is one of the many highlights on Speak Now, this rock influenced track details a break-up that was teetering for a while, but the end was still surprising and hurtful. The drama of the production perfectly matches the song, this is one of the more epic tracks on Speak Now and has always stood out for me. The lyric I picked is one of my absolute fave Taylor lyrics I think :wub:

 

12 I Knew You Were Trouble

 

 

2012

Red

UK peak: #2

US peak: #2

 

"And he's long gone

When he's next to me

And I realize the blame is on me"

 

One of Taylor's biggest hits isn't far off top 10 here! It's certainly one of her most unique and memorable tracks, I remember at the time being shook at the fact Taylor Swift of all people had dropped a song with dubstep in, but it worked SO well and it's become one of her signature songs that so many people love <3 It's so singalong, and was also helped into notoriety by *that* screaming goat meme *_*

 

11 Welcome To New York

 

 

2014

1989

UK peak: #39

US peak: #48

 

"Everybody here was someone else before

And you can want who you want

Boys and boys and girls and girls"

 

 

Just missing the top 10 is what I find to be possibly Taylor's most underrated song, I just adore it :wub: It's pure soaring joy, as the opening to the synth-pop masterpiece that is 1989 it sets the scene perfectly. I can't help but sing along and feel happy when I hear this, it's so sunny and feels like it would be playing in a joyful feel-good film when the protaginist moves to New York. I remember it getting random criticism for not "honouring" New York in the same way as say Empire State Of Mind or New York New York, who cares when it sounds like this *.* Queen of LGBT rep too x

Ooh this is your best section yet :wub: 'I Knew You Were Trouble' is my absolute favourite Taylor song, who knew the girl who was still making an all-out country album just one era prior would come out with a dubstep banger?! But it totally worked. Still not sure that I've recovered from the goat memes tbh :lol: I love '...Ready For It?' to pieces as well and it deserved so much more than the video it got :( also... 'Wildest Dreams', so lush and Lana-like <3 I love how that video ties up right at the end, now that was a good'un!

Ooh this is your best section yet :wub: 'I Knew You Were Trouble' is my absolute favourite Taylor song, who knew the girl who was still making an all-out country album just one era prior would come out with a dubstep banger?! But it totally worked. Still not sure that I've recovered from the goat memes tbh :lol: I love '...Ready For It?' to pieces as well and it deserved so much more than the video it got :( also... 'Wildest Dreams', so lush and Lana-like <3 I love how that video ties up right at the end, now that was a good'un!

Omg me staying up for the RFI video and it being that, tragic

10 Mean

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #11

 

You with your switching sides and your wildfire lies and your humiliation,

You have pointed out my flaws again, as if I don't already see them"

 

Kicking off the top 10 is one of Taylor's purest country moments, verging on classic bluegrass with its banjo instrumentation. The lyrics of this take aim at Taylor's many critics and they were somewhat of a prophecy if you look at how high she's flying now despite the naysayers! I just love the wholly country vibe of this song, as much as she rocks toeing the line between pop and country, it was nice to see her really dig into her roots here.

 

09 We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

 

2012

Red

UK peak: #4

US peak: #1

 

So he calls me up and he's like, I still love you

And I'm like I just I mean this is exhausting, you know, like

We are never getting back together like, ever

 

Taylor's first pure pop moneyshot also signalled her taking her worldwide fame to the next level, as this became a huge hit for her both sides of the Atlantic. The bubblegum-pop juvenile sound might not be for everyone, but to this day I find this so fun and it felt like the perfect progression for her as she was always inevitably going to go full pop before long.

 

08 Safe & Sound

 

 

2011

The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond

UK peak: #67

US peak: #30

 

Don't you dare look out your window, darling everything's on fire

The war outside our door keeps raging on

 

The highest song here that doesn't appear on a studio album of Taylor's is the hauntingly beautiful Safe and Sound, written for the first Hunger Games film. This is one of the most underrated Taylor songs for me, because it's not a "proper" single or anything it doesn't get the love it fully deserves. Taylor's vocal is chillignly haunting, it perfect fits the theme of the song and the film, you really get a sense that this represents how the citizens of Panem would feel as the events of the Hunger Games take place and they're in precarious positions.

 

07 Back To December

 

 

2010

Speak Now

UK peak: N/A

US peak: #6

 

And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind

You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye

 

This orchestral pop masterpiece earns its place as among her best <3 This was one of a few big US hits from Speak Now, with its apologetic tone that shows Taylor taking responsibility for a heart she broke - apparently Taylor Lautner's! This is one of those songs where you can feel every word, you believe every word and feel as if it's you experiencing it first hand because of the masterful lyricism and unaffected vocal.

 

06 State Of Grace

 

 

2012

Red

UK peak: #36

US peak: #13

 

So you were never a saint

And I’ve loved in shades of wrong

We learn to live with the pain

Mosaic broken hearts

 

Just missing the top 5 is a stadium sized rock tinged anthem, the opening track of Taylor's pop money shot Red. This hit me instantly and I still think a rock album would be incredible from Taylor because of this. The production, lyrics, vocals, everything is just huge and this perfectly sets the scene for Red.

Back To December is probably still my fave as crazy as that seems :wub: Ugh the feels.

 

State Of Grace is absolutely epic, great to see this high!

'Safe & Sound' is an absolute stunner :wub: I'm pleased that you regard it so highly as well.

05 Shake It Off

 

 

2014

1989

UK peak: #2

US peak: #1

 

And to the fella over there with the hella good hair

Won't you come on over, baby, we can shake, shake, shake

 

This isn't everyone's favourite ik, but it's such a fun, brilliant pop song that I loved instantly and still adore! I go back to this loads and it always puts a smile on my face and makes me want to sing along. It's not necessarily everything we want from Taylor, and it doesn't show her best sides lyrically or musically but who cares when it's such a great pop song.

 

04 Blank Space

 

 

2014

1989

UK peak: #4

US peak: #1

 

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cause you know I love the players

And you love the game

 

The best song on 1989, and coming close to being her best song full stop! I used to prefer Shake It Off but this has crept up and just overtaken. It's so sleek and stylish, while being effortless, so biting and sarcastic while being accessible, so as not to offput her haters. This is one of those songs I feel like everyone loves and there's a reason for that, perhaps the best example of what a bloody good pop writer Taylor is :wub: