It’s almost been two weeks since Taylor Swift released her sixth album, reputation. Having now listened to the entire thing on repeat since its debut, I began thinking about the album in relation to the ones before it, trying to figure out which was my favourite. Ultimately, I couldn’t decide which one I like the most because they all include some of my favourite songs and have a special place in my heart. Not including reputation, she has collectively sold $33,110,000 dollars worth of albums. Out of the top six best selling albums in their first week, Taylor Swift holds four spots for Red, 1980, reputation, and Speak Now (this solely refers to traditional album sales). All of these facts prove why the struggle to decide which is the “best” Taylor album is nearly impossible. So, instead of tormenting myself with the question, I decide to make a fictitious Taylor Swift album with all of my favourite songs:
1. “Should’ve Said No” – Taylor Swift
There’s no doubt that this song is a jam, one that I definitely sing – no, scream – along to whenever it plays. It’s also the song Taylor sang in what remains one of my favourite live performances by her.
2. “Our Song” – Taylor Swift
This is one of the first Taylor songs I ever heard, and obviously fell immediately in love with. Can anyone listen to this without dramatically singing along to “when we’re on the phone and you talk reaaaaal slow, ’cause it’s late and your mama don’t know”? Doubt it.
3. “Tim McGraw” – Taylor Swift
I add this song because it’s beautiful, but also because I remember it as being one of the first times I was exposed to Taylor’s powerful way of telling an entire story through song lyrics.
4. “Fifteen” – Fearless
I loved this song when I first heard it, but because I was twelve when it was released, it didn’t mean that much to me. At fourteen, my mom told me to listen to it because it’s so true and I just remember thinking “yeah whatever Mom” in typical teenage fashion. Well, her and Taylor were both right: “In your life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.”
5. “SuperStar” – Fearless
The ultimate fan girl song: when this came out, my friends and I would sing it with images of bang-era Justin Bieber in our minds. I still love it today because of its sweet simplicity.
6. “The Best Day” – Fearless
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this song without crying. The older I get, the more it means to me. Honestly, I may need to take a break from writing to call my mom.
7. “Enchanted” – Speak Now
All I want to do when I hear this is put on an aggressively puffy princess gown and throw handfuls of glitter (wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what Taylor did when she recorded it).
8. “Last Kiss” – Speak Now
To this day, I have not found a song that describes the ending of a relationship so accurately. Not going to lie, have definitely played this on repeat while bawling my eyes out.
9. “Ours” – Speak Now
I can’t play this and not be super happy afterwards. It’s fun chorus and upbeat melody just gets me every time.
10. “All Too Well” – Red
Yes, this is the song that Taylor sang during her famous piano performance that also questionably mirrored an exorcism. Hey, it’s a passionate song.
11. “Starlight” – Red
Another super upbeat tune to blast on Summer road trips.
12. “Begin Again” – Red
I really love the story this song tells: that there’s someone for everyone. While one person may think your quirks are weird, someone else will love you because of them.
13. “Style” – 1989
This song will never go out of style.
14. “Clean” – 1989
Another perfect description of losing someone you love. I adore the poetic lyrics and calm melody of this song.
15. “Wildest Dreams” – 1989
This may be my favourite Swift song of all time. From the catchy chorus and beat to the brunette Taylor in the music video, it’s perfection.
16. “Don’t Blame Me” – reputation
Like the majority of reputation, this song does not sound like anything she’s done before. I just can’t help but to feel badass whenever I listen to it.
17. “Delicate” – reputation
What I also love about reputation is that in the midst of all the powerful revenge songs, there are gems like these.
18. “New Year’s Day” – reputation
I’ll end my dream album with this song, which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs she has recorded. I’m already excited to play it an obnoxious amount of times over the holidays – thank you, Taylor.
From country princess to pop superstar, Taylor has always managed to remain authentic. Her incredible talent shines throughout each album, and I’m sure one could make a case for why every song is special and amazing. Now I’m going to go listen to this “album” and cry about the fact that I still have never seen her live.
All gifs taken from https://giphy.com/