Taylor Swift Album Ranking

Any Taylor Swift fan (Swiftie) knows that ranking the ten studio albums of Swift’s art is an extremely difficult and emotional task. Most fans avoid doing this, in general, to remain sane in the head.

However, in honor of entering the psych ward in preparation for “The Tortured Poets Department,” I have decided to rank all ten albums.

10. “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”

This is where the ranking honestly becomes widely controversial. I understand “Fearless” was the biggest part of Swift's early career, but dang this album is difficult to listen to straight down.

Similar to “Red,” it is just simply too long. It takes 106 minutes, which is the length of some movies.

“Fearless” and “Jump Then Fall” are stellar on this album, and make me nostalgic towards my concert of “The Eras Tour.”

9. “Evermore”

I have a personal connection with “Evermore,” as it was my first ever Swift album I stayed up until midnight to listen to on release day. “Long Story Short” and “Willow” framed my senior year of high school and truly molded me into the Swiftie I am today.

That being said, the sister album “Folklore” sticks to me more than “Evermore,” and I tend to listen to the older sibling instead of the younger one.

However, the performance of “Tolerate It” in “The Eras Tour” altered me chemically and also lives rent free in my head.

8. “Red (Taylor’s Version)”

“Red” is a Swiftie staple and favorite album, really life-changing both in 2012 when it was originally released and in 2021 when it was re-released.

“All Too Well” is a fan favorite, however my favorite of “Red” would be “The Moment I Knew” or “Come Back…Be Here.”

The reason this is ranked so low is because this album is simply too long and Swift’s hilarious placement of the tracks makes it very difficult to listen to straight down.

I will admit, getting the “Taylor Swift drink” at Starbucks and listening to the re-released album outside in Swift's birth state (Pennsylvania) is something I am thankful I experienced.

7. “Reputation”

Is this album really far down and possibly misplaced in my ranking? Yes.

“Reputation” is truly the turning point in Swift’s career and the most difficult image-based time period of her career.

However, “Reputation” is a gold standard album, and is life-changing to watch during “The Eras Tour.” If anyone ever has a free moment, they need to watch that performance.

Personal favorites of “Reputation” would be “So It Goes…” and “Endgame.”

6. “Lover”

I’ll go ahead and admit this, I’m a huge “ME!” fan and wish that Swift sang it more. Spelling is fun.

Listening to “Lover” straight down is fun and exciting, and then you get to the end and sob during “Soon You’ll Get Better” and “Daylight.”

Obviously “Lover” was created around the height of Swift’s relationship with Joe Alwyn, and since their breakup, it's been difficult to listen to this album. However, the alluring and meaningful lyricism makes this album stand out.

5. “Midnights”

Released on October 21, 2022, this album changed the music scene forever.

Honestly, it was never expected for Swift to release a brand-new album before she finished her re-recordings. Thank God she created this 20+ song album that touches on so many aspects of life.

“Hits Different” is my favorite song from the album, and the “Bejeweled” dance lives rent free in my head. Also “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs/coming straight home to me” saved lives.

Listening to this album at midnight when it was released was surreal, nothing beats Swift saying “Meet me at midnight” at 12:00 a.m.

4. “Taylor Swift”

Known to fans as “Debut,” this album has climbed for me ever since Summer 2023. It seems crazy to have this album so high, but it is so fun to listen to.

As a girl from Texas, sometimes I need to put my boots down in some country. Since I only listen to Swift, this is the closest I can get to that genre. There is something so healing about listening to this album while sitting in the Texas heat eating local barbeque.

“Cold As You” and “Teardrops On My Guitar” are my personal favorites, and they managed to make my Spotify top ten songs of 2023. I think that shows my loyalty to this masterpiece.

3. “Folklore”

This album is full of raw emotion and imagery that no other artist has accomplished. It’s like stepping into a Monet or Van Gogh painting.

“The 1” and “Hoax” are personal favorites, however, over the years I have grown to appreciate “August” and “My Tears Ricochet.”

Technically this album is created in the Summer scene, however, I tend to listen to this in the Winter climate. Something about “Folklore” screams Pennsylvania snow and chill.

2. “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”

I’m going to be honest, when I first started to become a Swiftie in 2020 I had “1989” ranked last. Clearly I have grown up and matured from my 17 self and finally understood the fantastic mastery of this album.

“Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” will forever remain favorites of Swifties everywhere.

The turning point that brought “1989” high in the album ranking would be the re-release on October 27, 2023. While listening to “Slut!” and “Is It Over Now?” I felt myself transforming.

Truly this album has no skips, and personifies the raw emotions of a 24 year old woman and the joy summer can bring.

1. “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”

Sadly, throughout my childhood I was not a Swiftie, but rather a Directioner and Selenator. However, I did sporadically listen to “Speak Now” on the CD my neighbor burned for me.

“Mine” is my number one all-time favorite Swift song. “Speak Now” is genuinely a no-skip album and can be listened to straight down and provoke every emotion possible.

I would argue it is the best re-released album, including five new vault tracks that mesh with the album perfectly. “I Can See You” is an absolute masterpiece, along with “Dear John” and “Castles Crumbling.” I could speak about this album for hours, it's flawless.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu.