I’m sure for many girls, including myself, Taylor Swift is their favorite artist. As October approaches, the anticipation for the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is growing stronger by the day. With only a little more than a month left until 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is officially released, here is my ranking of every song off the original 2014 album.
13. This Love
While it was the first song to be re-released, I am not a big fan of the song. I think the lyrics are beautiful but the pacing of the song is quite slow. For an album that’s characterized by colorful sequins and the bright lights of NYC, “This Love” doesn’t quite fit into the general aesthetic of the album.
12. How You Get The Girl
Admittedly, I do not play this song often. While I think it is a good song, I don’t gravitate towards it. An upbeat romantic song, it lays out exactly how one should go about getting the girl they want. It’s a very cute song, just not my cup of tea.
11. Welcome To New York
As the first track on the album, in my opinion, “Welcome To New York” is the perfect opening for 1989. An album about being young and free, this song embodies young adulthood. However, while it is the perfect opener to the album, the other tracks reign supreme both sonically and lyrically.
10. Shake it Off
The lead single of the album, this song was playing on the radio and in my head constantly. Even though it’s criticized for its lack of lyrical strength, to me ,honestly, it’s great. When I’m in the mood to just have fun singing along to a song in the car, this song is the one I am playing.
9. All You Had To Do Was Stay
I think this song is incredibly underrated. It’s the perfect response to someone who’s begging to come back into your life but there are no more chances. Another great pop song, and those angelic choir-like vocals during the chorus can’t be beat.
8. Clean
Clean is one of those songs that I love acoustically, but the standard version is not my favorite. A true fan-favorite of the album, the lyrics in the song are astounding. Reflecting those feelings of freedom, this song is beautiful and heartfelt. In my opinion, the studio production is good, but the acoustic version of the song truly emphasizes the raw emotions within its lyrics.
7. I Know Places
Another song I believe is very underrated, “I Know Places,” takes you on a journey through Taylor’s complicated experience of balancing being in the public eye and a new relationship. I think this song is just another example of great storytelling.
6. Bad Blood
It might be controversial to put this song above “Clean,” but let me explain. When this song and its music video were released, the internet went wild. From the rumors of a feud with Katy Perry to the iconic music video featuring Taylor’s girl squad, “Bad Blood” is truly that girl. It hypes you up in the car but angrily, and it’s just what I play when something needs to get off my chest.
5. I Wish You Would
To me, this is THE most underrated song on this album. There is just not enough chatter about this song. It’s an expression of all the things someone wishes could’ve happened, but now it’s too late. The bridge, like most songs by Taylor, is my favorite, which puts the song within my top 5.
4. Out Of The Woods
Another fan favorite of the album, this song is just too good. A repetitive chorus is typically annoying and boring, but in this song, it works overtime. The bridge alone guarantees a sing-a-long from everyone in my car.
3. Blank Space
I honestly just love this song. Everything about it is just so well crafted, and there’s a reason everyone knows it beyond it being another single. For me, it’s the perfect balance between lyrical genius and catchiness that I couldn’t help but put it in my top 3.
2. Style
This might be too high of an honor to say, but this is the perfect pop song. There isn’t a single thing about this song that I don’t like. The intro is so iconic and makes me want to strut down a runway, so what’s not to love?
- Wildest Dreams
In all honesty, this might be one of my favorite songs of all time. I don’t know how someone thinks of inserting their heartbeat in a song, but I am sure not complaining. I adore this song in every way, both in its standard version and even more acoustically, which is why it’s my top song from 1989.