Listen, T Swiz has been one of my top five favorite artists since I can remember. Trying to put these great works of art in order from most to least favorite took a partner: my mother. She’s been on the Swiftie train with me my entire life. So, in some ways, we’re probably biased to certain albums. Here are our selections based off of years of listening:
1. Fearless/Speak Now
Yes, I know it’s really not a definitive ranking if there’s a tie. But hear us out! Fearless and Speak Now both have equally compelling stats. Both have classics that would never have given Taylor her spotlight today, such as “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” AND “Mine” and “Mean.” Both bring equal amounts of nostalgia, though I would say Fearless is more nostalgic than Speak Now. BUT Speak Now has special brownie points because we went to the concert for this album in 2011.
Ultimately, these two are my most favorite because they remind me of simpler times, and the friendship I have with my mom.
2. 1989
Come on. This was really the start of bad girl, grown up Taylor. Remember the music video for “Bad Blood?” Or, all of the music videos, really. “Blank Space,” “Welcome to New York,” and “Wildest Dreams” were the pinnacle of my coming-of-age phase in early high school. Plus, Taylor really decided to change her perspective on love and past relationships, which is an overarching theme in her career. Instead of feeling antagonistic or worn down, she began to reminisce on these experiences with a lighter heart. This was the first album on Taylor’s journey to self-discovery as a young twenty-something!
3. Lover
Remember that journey of self-discovery and looking at love differently? Lover is the album that makes 1989 come full-circle. Taylor overcame all of the heartbreak, the self-doubt, the tortures of young adulthood, and so much more. Plus, it’s just so dreamy to listen to.
4. Reputation
Stacy (my mom) and I disagree on this one, as this is her overall least favorite album. But,I chose to keep this as #4 for several reasons. Like Taylor, at this point in my life, I was dealing with some demons and was really receptive to Taylor’s motif of revenge: taking control and controlling the narrative of our lives. The songs are entirely different from Taylor’s usual pop and glam, and give us vengeful vibes, which we all have sometimes.
5. Red
My mom would trade Red for Reputation for spot number 4. Honestly, this album does have some of Taylor’s most popular songs, such as “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “22,” and “We Are Never Getting Back Together.” But, I could care less for any of these songs. They were fun, but are far from my top favorites.
6. Folklore
The only songs Stacy and I like on this album are “Cardigan” (ofc) and “the 1.” Both songs are very cute and gentle, but are far from our top favs. No hate against Folklore, but it just really isn’t something we liked very much.
7. Taylor Swift
We could’ve tied this one with Folklore, but we like 2 songs from there and 1 from Taylor Swift, her first ever album. Stacy is a country fan, but I am not, and even she didn’t really enjoy this album. “Teardrops On My Guitar” is an unquestionable bop, and honestly still is one of my more favorite songs. But this album is just so far from comparable to any of her more recent albums.
A special thanks to Taylor Swift for bringing my mom and I closer together. :)