List by Luke Werckman

Logo design by Carley Hinton

Taylor Swift’s Albums Ranked

The *folklore* enthusiasts are not going to like this one!

Taylor Swift has been writing and performing music for over 18 years, but I only started listening to her work a little more than a year ago. Sure, I had heard her singles on the radio throughout my life, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to give her full discography a chance. I listened through all of her albums multiple times, and now, with the Eras Tour nearing its end — and after attending my first-ever concert at her show a few weeks ago — it feels like the perfect time to rank all 11 of her albums.

11. folklore, 2020 : [5/10]

I know this is a controversial opinion, but I believe folklore is Taylor Swift’s worst album. Although I can appreciate creating a narrative around fictional characters rather than reflecting a chapter of Swift’s life, the concept ultimately doesn’t resonate with me.

Indie and folk music aren’t genres I typically gravitate toward, so this album already had an uphill battle to win me over. My biggest issue is the lack of variety — the songs largely sound the same. After listening to the album multiple times, I still struggle to distinguish one track from another, which is a problem.

That said, the lyrics are well-written, but the shifting perspectives between characters make the overarching narrative hard to follow. That’s why folklore lands at the bottom of my list

Favorite songs: cardigan, seven, august

Least favorite songs: epiphany, exile, mirrorball

10. Taylor Swift, 2006: [6/10]

Hearing Taylor Swift for the first time was a bit jarring for me, mainly because I had only been familiar with Swift’s pop songs. Since I’m also not usually a fan of country music, I expected to not love this album. That premonition, however, didn’t fully hold up. By the end of my second listen, I found myself appreciating the album more than I expected.

Although the majority of Swift’s later albums surpass her debut in terms of quality, I can still appreciate this one for what it is. I find it to be okay overall — there are a fair number of songs I dislike or feel indifferent about, but there are also a few delightful surprises when I shuffle through the album.

Some of the breakup songs here feel straightforward compared to Swift’s later, more nuanced work. However, they’re still enjoyable and undeniably catchy. It’s fascinating to see the early stages of her songwriting, with tracks like “Mary’s Song” showcasing her storytelling ability, which has been a staple of her music from the start.

Even though this isn’t an album I love, it’s enjoyable in its own way.

Favorite songs: Teardrops On My Guitar (radio single remix), Tied Together With a Smile, Picture to Burn

Least favorite songs: A Perfectly Good Heart, Outside, Cold As You

9. Fearless, 2008: [7/10]

Fearless marked a turning point in my opinion of Taylor Swift. Although I enjoyed her debut, this album showcased the quality of her songwriting in a way that truly stood out. Of course, some songs, like “Love Story,” were already familiar to me from countless listens, but others, like “Mr. Perfectly Fine,” were completely new and just as enjoyable.

What interests me most about Fearless is its blending of genres. It is still rooted in country, but I can hear pop elements that hint at Swift’s eventual transition to traditional pop music. This mix is fascinating but can sometimes feel inconsistent, as the album doesn’t fully commit to one genre.

Overall, the majority of the songs are decent, and some are genuinely amazing, making Fearless a solid, enjoyable album.

Favorite songs: Love Story, You Belong With Me, Forever and Always (Piano Version)

Least favorite songs: Jump Then Fall, Today Was A Fairytale, Don’t You

8. Lover, 2019: [7.5/10]

I was conflicted about scoring this album. On one hand, there are tracks that don’t work for me — “ME!” being a prime example — but there are also songs that frequently play through my AirPods. My excitement at hearing “Death by a Thousand Cuts” and”Cornelia Street” as surprise songs during my night at the Eras Tour highlighted just how much I enjoy some of this album.

There are truly great songs here, both well-known and underrated. However, what holds the album back in my ranking is the number of weaker tracks that weigh it down.

Additionally, a few storytelling-focused songs, such as “It’s Nice to Have a Friend”, fall flat due to their slow pacing. Despite these shortcomings, the standout tracks are strong enough to keep me coming back, making this a solid album overall.

Favorite songs: Cruel Summer, Lover, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

Least favorite songs: It’s Nice To Have A Friend, The Archer, I Forgot That You Existed

7. evermore, 2020: [7.5/10]

Evermore proves I can enjoy indie and folk music, even if it takes some work. After listening to folklore first, I was surprised by how evermore addressed many of my complaints about its sister album. The songs on evermore feel more distinct and recognizable, and their narratives are easier to piece together.

That’s not to say the album is flawless. Some tracks drag on too long or simply don’t work for me. Still, about half the songs are ones I’d revisit when I’m in the mood for this style of music.

Favorite songs: happiness, willow, tolerate it

Least favorite songs: no body, no crime, coney island, cowboy like me

6. Speak Now, 2010: [8/10]

Speak Now doesn’t get enough credit, in my opinion. Although it doesn’t break into my top five, the album still deserves more respect. After attending the Eras Tour and realizing “Enchanted” was the sole representative for this era, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. There are so many other great songs from this album that I wish I could have heard live, which says a lot about its quality.

One of the album’s biggest strengths is its breakup songs, which might be the best in Swift’s discography. Tracks like “Last Kiss” and “Back to December” are standout examples of her ability to channel raw emotion.

Like other albums in the ranking, Speak Now isn’t without its flaws. Weaker tracks hold it back, and the vault songs don’t help much in this regard. That said, some, like “When Emma Falls in Love,” “Foolish One,” and “Timeless,” are solid additions to the album.

I also appreciate the album’s overarching theme: the choice to express one’s feelings or risk waiting until it’s too late. It’s a relatable concept that resonates across all ages and adds to the album’s timeless appeal. Overall, Speak Now is great and deserves more recognition.

Favorite songs: Dear John, Back to December, Innocent

Least favorite songs: Mean, Haunted, Electric Touch

5. The Tortured Poets Department, 2024: [8.5/10]

Taylor Swift’s most recent release immediately ranks as one of my favorites. Although this was the first album I actively anticipated, its appeal goes far beyond that novelty. It successfully blends the mainstream pop elements of 1989 with the moody subtlety of folklore and evermore.

What stands out most is the consistent tone of the album. Whether the songs are slow or upbeat, they cohesively explore the aftermath of a breakup and the whirlwind of emotions that follow. This thematic focus makes the album feel unified and purposeful.

The surprise reveal that The Tortured Poets Department was secretly a double album was exciting, but I find myself wondering if the album might have been stronger as just the original 16 tracks. That’s not to say the second half is a letdown — songs like “So High School,” “thanK you aIMee,” and “Cassandra” are standouts and some of my favorites.

Overall, The Tortured Poets Department is a fantastic addition to Swift’s already impressive catalog, packed with new classics that were on repeat for me all summer.

Favorite songs: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart, Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?, So Long, London

Least favorite songs: Peter, I Look in People’s Windows, Robin

4. Midnights, 2022: [8.5/10]

I have a bit of history with Midnights, as I technically listened to it fully before starting my journey through Taylor Swift’s discography. At the time of its release, the online chatter about the album piqued my curiosity enough to dive in so I could join the conversation. However, I only listened to the standard version back then, so revisiting the album a year later — this time with The Til Dawn Edition — offered some new surprises.

In terms of the album itself, I enjoyed it upon release and have gained a deeper appreciation for it since. Although the overarching theme and storytelling behind the lyrics aren’t the strongest in Swift’s catalog, the music and lyrics shine in their catchiness and memorability. Slower tracks like “Snow on the Beach (feat. More Lana Del Rey)” stayed with me long after listening.

That said, a few weaker songs remain in my mind when I think of Midnights, but the album as a whole is undeniably fun and one I continue to enjoy.

Favorite songs: Anti-Hero, Lavender Haze, Karma

Least favorite songs: Bigger Than The Whole Sky, Midnight Rain, The Great War

3. Red, 2012: [9/10]

Red unlocked so many memories, as I hadn’t realized how many of Taylor Swift’s iconic singles from my childhood came from this album. Although nostalgia played a role in my high rating, it wasn’t the sole factor. Plenty of songs I hadn’t heard before also contributed to my love for this album.

I expected to enjoy the big hits, but tracks like “Forever Winter” and “The Moment I Knew” took me by surprise. The emotional storytelling on these songs showcases some of Swift’s best writing. As much as Swifties adore the 10 minute version of “All Too Well,” I initially doubted I’d enjoy such a long track. By my third listen, however, I fully appreciated its extended length and the depth it added to the story.

With over 30 tracks, the album inevitably has a few misses, but the sheer number of standout songs more than compensates.

Favorite songs: I Knew You Were Trouble, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Forever Winter

Least favorite songs: Stay Stay Stay, I Bet You Think About Me, State of Grace (Acoustic Version)

2. Reputation, 2017: [9.5/10]

There’s a reason I’m waiting with bated breath for Reputation (Taylor’s Version) to be announced, let alone released. My bias toward pop music certainly influences my love for this album, but Reputation remains a standout for many reasons.

The story behind the album’s creation is both inspiring and unique for Taylor Swift. At the time, she was primarily known for her bubbly public image, making this darker, more defiant response to online criticism and backlash feel empowering. The music transcends the context, delivering not just a statement but also a collection of incredible songs that stand strong on their own.

The storytelling on Reputation is particularly fun, showcasing a level of unapologetic confidence that stands out in Swift’s discography. The album captures raw emotions like betrayal and the thirst for revenge, adding a different kind of relatability compared to her other works. Musically, the heavy use of synthesizers sets it apart and gives the album a distinctive edge.

Even the weaker tracks don’t feel truly “bad” to me; they’re just not as memorable as the album’s many hits. Reputation comes so close to being a masterpiece, and with a re-release, it might just reach that status.

Favorite songs: I Did Something Bad, …Ready For It?, Getaway Car

Least favorite songs: King of My Heart, End Game, Dress

1. 1989, 2014: [10/10]

What more can I say? 1989 is incredible. Packed with an extensive list of iconic singles and upbeat tracks, the album strikes a perfect balance between individuality and cohesion, all while maintaining unbridled positivity and joy.

The vault tracks in 1989 (Taylor’s Version) are easily the strongest lineup of any of Swift’s re-releases so far. Although I fondly remember many of these songs from their initial release over a decade ago, discovering that the album’s deep cuts were just as impressive was a delightful surprise. Songs like "All You Had to Do Was Stay" and "Clean" are so strong that, without context, I would have assumed they were hit singles.

Even if not every track is flawless, the lows are negligible, and the highs are so exceptional that it’s impossible to view this album as anything less than a masterpiece. 1989 isn’t just Taylor Swift’s best album — it’s one of my favorite albums of all time.

Favorite songs: Style, Wildest Dreams, Blank Space

Least favorite songs: This Love, Say Don’t Go, How You Get The Girl