Top 5 Taylor Swift albums of all time

When it comes to classic albums, Taylor Swift is no stranger to acclaim, though choosing five can be a sisyphean task.

By Sami Moesch, Senior Reporter

April 5, 2024

Taylor Swift is a cultural phenomenon and driving force behind over a dozen albums. (Photo illustration created by Wildcat Chronicle Staff using images by Brandon Heath, and Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons)

Top 5 Taylor Swift albums of all time

(By Taylor Swift/Spotify)

#5 Speak Now (Taylor's Version)

“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” is one of the most powerful albums of all time. Some of the album’s more popular songs, such as “Enchanted”, describe a feeling of joy after meeting someone who has impacted one’s life for the greater good. Swift captures the feeling of love during adolescence, and the innocence of young infatuations, all of which are relatable ideas for many teenage girls. Her emotion on “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” was so raw and real that many people could not help but be moved by Swift’s stunning vocals.

A few other songs to highlight are “Back to December”, “Mine”, and “Innocent. “Back to December” describes the grief and feelings of regret after letting go of someone and wanting them back. “Mine” discusses what it is like to fall in love with someone and finally be treated right after a previous heartbreak. “Innocent” was written to remind listeners that it is never too late to become a better person, and no matter the age, everyone is still learning. All these tracks depict learning experiences from relationships and communication, and make “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” one of her top albums.

(By Taylor Swift/Spotify)

#4 Reputation

In a moment of vulnerability, Swift decided to disappear for a year after her “1989 Tour”, and in doing so, created the album “Reputation”. The reason this album was such a significant part of her career is because she crafted songs with so much emotion and depth. Her song “Look What You Made Me Do” perfectly shows how all the hate she received following the VMAs only made her stronger; she came back better than before despite some music fans turning against her.

“Delicate” talks about the relationship she was in during this time, which was fragile but also keeping her going. “Don’t Blame Me” also mentions the determination she had because she loved music; according to the song, her artistry kept her going and drove her to return to the industry. This album was brilliant and inspired fans to not give up when tragedy strikes.

(By Taylor Swift/Spotify)

#3 1989

“1989” was another one of Swift's truly powerful and iconic albums. The impactful song “Bad Blood” became popular almost overnight due to its strong message encouraging listeners not to let people walk all over them, and fight back when others do them wrong.

Her other hit track, “Style”, also became a success for its catchy beat and lyrics. Many of her followers continue to adore this song, which features references to the 1950s, ironic for an album titled “1989.” “Blank Space'' was another huge hit for Swift because of its energetic melody and fun tune.

“1989” is one of Swift's more pop-oriented eras, and the music style was very compelling to her audience. The album captures the exciting moments of life and puts them into a cohesive and thematically hopeful album.

(By Taylor Swift/Spotify)

#2 evermore

While “evermore” may not be one of Swift's most popular albums, the album is the “sister album” to “folklore”, the number one piece on this list, a hard feat to achieve.

While “folklore” describes the feelings of depression and vulnerability during youth, “evermore” captures the healing process and growth that results from these experiences. The song “it's time to go” reflects Swift’s newfound maturity. Instead of reminiscing about her past, she moves forward from her past troubles.

Swift’s track “long story short” describes how, even while at rock bottom, she still gets through her challenges, and finds her way back on track. Swift’s songs help listeners find a sense of closure through difficult times and allow them to connect to similar situation-ships, which makes “evermore” it a touching and heartfelt album for anyone seeking healing.

(By Taylor Swift/Spotify)

#1 folklore

“folklore” boomed in popularity due to the uniqueness and lyrical complexity. The album came out during quarantine, which was a rough time for many people. Swift is honest about the isolation and depression she felt in “this is me trying.”

Swift also relates the idea that best efforts are sometimes not enough, as mentioned in “mirrorball.” During this difficult time, “folklore" was very much relatable, but more importantly, the album marked a distinct change in Swift’s music style, unlike any other project she had recorded before.

The love triangle between “Betty”, “Cardigan”, and “August” make the songs have much more depth. and the thoughtfulness behind tracks like these separate them from any of Swift’s other tracks.

Donate to Wildcat Chronicle

$500

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of West Chicago Community High School. Your contribution will help us cover our annual website hosting costs. We appreciate your support!

About the Contributor

Sami Moesch, Senior Reporter

Sami is a sophomore; this is her first year as a reporter for the Chronicle, and she joined because she wanted to try something new. When she is not busy reporting, Sami plays Varsity soccer in the spring at WEGO, and throughout the year with a local club team. When Sami is relaxing, she usually listens to Taylor Swift, but also tunes into other artists such as The Neighborhood, Gracie Abraham, Clairo, and Lana. She passes the time by watching two of her favorite shows “Gilmore Girls” and “Pretty Little Liars”. Her future is uncertain: Sami does not yet know what she wants to do as a career, but keeps her doors open for possibilities.

Comments (1)

Any comment made will go through the Wildcat Chronicle to be approved. Obscene, suggestive, vulgar, profane, threatening, disrespectful, defamatory language will not be published. Attacks made towards race, gender, sexual orientation, or creed will not be tolerated. Comments should be relevant to the article or the writer; please respect the author and the other commenters. Comments must be 300 words or less. All comments are the property of the Wildcat Chronicle after being submitted. In order to submit a comment, a valid e-mail address must be used, and the email must be verified. Impersonating another person’s name is prohibited.

Share your thoughts...

All Wildcat Chronicle Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Mr. Aiello • Apr 9, 2024 at 9:25 am

Overall well done. I agree with much of this reporting. I would put 1989 at 1, as I believe that is her best album top to bottom. My only gripe is with “Reputation.” While there are many good tunes on that album, “Look What You Made Me Do” is so bad that it ruins the whole rest of the album. I cannot overstate how bad that song is. Listening to that song is like forcing someone to rub sand paper aggressively over their ears for five minutes, and then punching them in the face. So bad. In place of “Reputation,” I contend that “Fearless” would round out this list nicely. In closing, “Look What You Made Me Do” is the W.O.A.T.

https://wildcatchronicle.org/20750/44/top-5-taylor-swift-albums-of-all-time/#comment-328