Top 10 Taylor Swift albums (Frances’ version)

Swifties far and wide, I’ve pushed this article off for some time now, partly due to business and the bullying I’ve been subjected to by the former Arts and Entertainment Editor, Matthew Keller, for my proposed response to the age-old question, “How would you rank Taylor Swift’s discography?”

I am not, and do not claim to be, a “Hardcore Swiftie” of any kind. I have always listened to Swift’s music since the early days of getting each album on CD and listening to them on repeat on my pink boombox as a child, and I truly enjoy the many soundscapes she’s created throughout her career; however, the adoration and hardcore loyalty I have witnessed from Swifties around me in years past has shown me that I am a much more casual listener than the true devotees. You have been warned. Let’s get started!

Ten: reputation (2017)

I KNOW—this is considered disgraceful by Swifties far and wide. I think that this album might be at the bottom of my list simply because I have listened to it the least; I loved all of the albums leading up to this one so fervently when they first came out and was initially disillusioned by the strides that Swift took into heavier pop in songs like “...Ready For It?” and “Look What You Made Me Do” after the simpler, lighter melodies of 1989. Truly, I apologize—I recognize the quality of this album now, but it still lands itself at the bottom of my ranking.

Nine: evermore (2021)

I KNOW part two! I told you all this would be a disappointing ranking. There are a bunch of songs on this album that I truly enjoy—“right where you left me” truly did get me through the toughest breakup of my life, and “gold rush” is a total banger; however, the quality of this album did not hit as hard for me as her other albums. “happiness” and “it’s time to go” both leave something to be desired with the blatant nature of their lyricism where Swift is often so artful, and many of the other tracks are less sonically exciting than her other music. Again, I apologize.

Eight: Taylor Swift (2006)

This album defined my childhood; however, it earns its lower placement due to the lyrical evolution we see in Swift’s later career. That being said, I will never not be moved by the genius of songs like “A Place in this World,” nor will I never not scream in my car to “Picture To Burn.”

Seven: Fearless (2008 / 2021)

This album will always be iconic for its feature of many Swift staples—who doesn’t know and love every word to “You Belong With Me”? Therefore, I have to make the same claim about this album that I did with Swift’s debut album, however, it receives a lower ranking simply because of the incredible accomplishments we see in Swift’s later music. Sorry, Fearless.

Six: Red (2012 / 2021)

This album is just banger after banger—“I Knew You Were Trouble” and “22” were unmeasurably fun songs for me growing up, and tracks like “I Almost Do” and “Holy Ground” continue to hit hard today. The Taylor’s Version rendition of Red, too, launched songs from the vault-like “Better Man” and the unforgettable “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” right when I needed them most; however, this album earns a lower ranking once again for the incredible lyricism that Swift truly perfects in later albums.

Five: Speak Now (2010)

Before we further this explanation, it must be known that “Dear John” and “Back To December” are potentially two of my favorite Swift songs of all time. That being said, the rest of these songs just didn’t hit as hard for me when the album first came out (probably because I was nine years old), and I haven’t had much reason or compulsion to go back and listen to the album since. Each time I have, however, gone back, I have peeled back yet another layer of this album’s sonic and lyrical magic.

Four: folklore (2020)

Listen—I’ve already been chastised that this album is not in my top three, but hear me out. While the lyrics in “august,” “this is me trying,” and “illicit affairs” strike me harder each time I listen, I truly adore Swift’s more pop-sounding eras, and this album simply does not showcase that. Make no mistake, however—I love and recognize the absolute genius it took to write this album.

Three: Midnights (2022)

Yet another controversial take (or at least one that I’ve been deeply criticized for)! This album, however, contains some of Swift’s writing that I most resonate with. While I recognize that the lyrics of “Anti-Hero” and “Karma” are more than a little cringeworthy, “Question…?” and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” had an enormous impact on me that I cannot simply look past. Sonically, too, I think that Midnights demonstrates a distinct culmination of the incredible skills Swift has refined and mastered over decades of writing and performing.

Two: Lover (2019)

I know, I know… but this album is just so fun! “I Forgot That You Existed” and “The Man” always get me dancin’, and there is a real part of me that thinks “Cruel Summer” and “Death By A Thousand Cuts” showcase Swift’s best lyricism. Famously, I once broke up with someone because they didn’t like this album. Oops!

One: 1989 (2014)

“Blank Space.” “How You Get The Girl.” “Out Of The Woods.” Need I say more? This album has it all—the perfect pop sound, the wonderful and wise writing, and, best of all, it came out in 2014 (and who didn’t need to hear “Style” when they were 13?). For this album, I have no notes—pure genius.

Again, my apologies if this ranking alarms or offends; then again, if it does, you should be the one writing the article! Come to Lamron meetings next semester every Thursday at 5 p.m. in The Lamron office.