Taylor Swift at the iHeart Radio Music Awards in 2019 (Photo by Kathy Hutchins on Shutterstock)
Taylor Swift has been captivating fans for years with her relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. From country twangs to stadium pop anthems, her ever-evolving sound has chronicled the joys and heartbreaks of youth, love, and finding your place in the world. Now, with her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” recently being released, Swifties around the globe are in musical heaven. But before we get swept up in the excitement of the new, let's revisit some of the best songs that have solidified Taylor Swift's place as a musical icon.
Some may say Taylor is at the top of her game. Swift's recent Eras Tour shook the world — literally. A recent study reveals that fans dancing at one of her concerts actually caused unique seismic activity. Now that's a testament to the power of her fanbase. In honor of how powerful the world of Swifties are, EdNews set out to compile a list of the top five best Taylor Swift songs of all time based on recommendations from 10 experts. If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Taylor Swift Songs, According to Fans
1. “All Too Well” 10 Minute Version (2021)
Taylor Swift poetically sings of heartbreak in “All Too Well”. When the original song was released in 2012, all Swifties knew they needed more. Nine years later came Taylors Version - 10 minutes of gut-wrenching melodies and a short film to match.
Remember that feeling of heartbreak so intense it takes your breath away? Yeah, Taylor Swift bottled that feeling and turned it into a masterpiece called “All Too Well.” This fan favorite, originally written for her 2012 album “Red,” has become an anthem for anyone who's ever loved and lost. Gold Derby explains exactly how impactful this song was when it came out: it soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Swift's dominance in the music industry. But the true magic of “All Too Well” lies not in the charts, but in its raw emotional honesty.
Holler describes the song's journey: a song that initially resisted being written transformed complete with juicy details, scathing critiques of dinner parties, and a captivating short film starring Sadie Sink. Elle captures the essence of “All Too Well” perfectly: a vivid portrayal of domestic bliss shattered by a cruel breakup, raw and relatable in a way that only Taylor Swift can achieve. So, the next time you're feeling lost in the throes of heartbreak, put on “All Too Well” – you might just find yourself singing along, reliving your own memories, and feeling a little less alone.
2. “Love Story” (2008)
“Love Story” was featured on Taylor Swift’s second album: “Fearless” that was released in 2008 and re-recorded and released as Taylor's version in 2021. “Love Story” is a classic upbeat Taylor Swift song that will get anyone singing along.
Remember that song that seemed to be everywhere in 2008? Yeah, that was this one, and it's safe to say it's become a modern-day classic. Gold Derby reminds us that even the music video scooped up awards at both the CMT Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. But “Love Story” is more than just catchy tunes and award-winning visuals – it's a love song for the ages, destined to be played at weddings, karaoke nights, and maybe even your next TikTok video.
Country Living points to the song's clever twist: a fresh take on Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, with a happily-ever-after twist. Popsugar highlights the song's enduring message: love conquers all, a sentiment that resonates with fans young and old. “It's a love story,” Swift sings, and that simple declaration feels like the perfect tagline for her entire career.
3. “Anti-Hero” (2022)
“It’s me, hi, I'm the problem it's me,” Taylor Swift claims in her lead single off of “Midnights.” Even Taylor Swift, the queen of catchy anthems and relatable lyrics, feels like a flop sometimes. “Anti-Hero,” the lead single from her record-breaking album “Midnights,” throws open the curtains on her insecurities, proving that even the most successful people have moments of self-doubt. Gold Derby highlights the song's chart dominance, solidifying its place as her biggest single yet. But the true power of “Anti-Hero” lies in its honesty.
Xxtrawave dives into the song's deeper meaning: a self-deprecating look at Swift's perceived flaws and failures. It's a refreshing change from her usual, sparkly persona – here, she bares her soul, revealing the anxieties and struggles we all face. And guess what? It resonates. “Anti-Hero” smashed streaming records, proving that vulnerability connects.
Holler offers a glimpse into Swift's creative process. She describes “Anti-Hero” as a darkly funny exploration of self-loathing, a guided tour through the imperfections we all grapple with. It's a reminder that self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination, and that embracing our flaws is a crucial part of who we are. So, the next time you're feeling like a fraud, put on “Anti-Hero” – you might just find yourself singing along, realizing you're not alone in the struggle for self-love. After all, even Taylor Swift feels like an anti-hero sometimes.
4. “Blank Space” (2014)
In 2014, Taylor Swift released the song “Blank Space” from her album “1989.” It took the world by storm. Gold Derby reminds us that it wasn't just a hit – it was a chart-topping phenomenon, solidifying Swift's place in pop music history. But “Blank Space” is more than just awards and accolades; it's a clever and oh-so-relatable song about reclaiming your narrative.
Xxtrawave says the real magic lies in the way Swift addresses the media frenzy surrounding her dating life at the time. India Times points to the song's title: “Blank Space” – a space she invites the world to fill with their own assumptions and tabloid fodder.
Popsugar offers a deeper analysis: “Blank Space” is Swift's way of firing back, not at any one person, but at the machine that churns out gossip and speculation. She takes ownership of the “serial dater” label, turning it into a darkly funny and undeniably catchy anthem. The song's theatrical flair, perfectly showcased on the Eras Tour, adds another layer of brilliance – it's playful, dramatic, and undeniably entertaining.
5. “Lover” (2019)
At the end of Taylor Swift's “Reputation” era, a renewed era soared in 2019 that was light, airy and in love. Country Living declares it Grammy-worthy perfection, and with good reason. But “Lover” is more than award-worthy – it's a heartwarming celebration of love in all its beautiful simplicity.
Holler paints a picture of the song's enduring appeal: a dreamy waltz that's become a top choice for wedding first dances. Swift herself described the entire album, including the title track, as a collection of songs that could have been played at a '70s wedding reception – timeless melodies for timeless love. Imagine swaying in the arms of your soulmate, surrounded by fairy lights that refuse to be taken down even in January – that's the magic “Lover” captures.
It's not about grand gestures; it's about the tiny everyday moments that make a relationship special. Saving a seat for each other, sharing a quiet space – these are the building blocks of a love that endures. So next time you find yourself lost in the little joys of being with someone you love, put on “Lover” and let the music wash over you. It's a beautiful reminder that the greatest love stories are often the simplest ones (Holler).
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
I vote for Our Song.