Every Taylor Swift Album, Ranked Best To Worst

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

4.3

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1. Folklore - A Masterpiece of Indie-Folk

Groundbreaking Songwriting:

• Folklore showcases Swift's songwriting prowess at its peak. The intricate narratives, poetic language, and emotionally resonant lyrics set a new standard for her work.
• Standout tracks like "cardigan," "august," and "exile" are prime examples of her masterful storytelling, each creating a vivid and memorable scene.
• The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations, including Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.

Cultural Impact:

• Folklore's surprise release ignited a social media frenzy, instantly topping charts worldwide. It became a defining album of the pandemic, providing comfort and connection for millions.
• The album’s aesthetic, a blend of cozy sweaters and ethereal imagery, influenced fashion trends and inspired countless fan-made artworks and interpretations.
• Its critical success cemented Swift’s status as a versatile and constantly evolving artist, silencing any lingering doubts about her artistic depth.

Enduring Appeal:

• Folklore continues to resonate with listeners years after its release, its introspective lyrics and timeless melodies ensuring its place in the Taylor Swift discography as a classic.
• The album consistently maintains high streaming numbers, proving its lasting appeal across generations of fans.
• Its impact is still felt today, inspiring numerous artists and continuing to fuel conversations about songwriting and artistic vulnerability.

2. 1989 - A Bold Evolution

Genre-Bending Experimentation:

• 1989 marked a significant departure for Swift, transitioning seamlessly from country-pop to pure pop. This bold move showcased her adaptability and willingness to experiment.
• Tracks like "Shake It Off" and "Blank Space" demonstrate the album’s infectious energy and pop sensibility, proving she wasn’t just making a genre shift but actively leading it.
• Innovative production techniques and catchy hooks helped establish 1989 as a definitive pop album of its era.

Maturity in Lyrical Content:

• While still retaining a youthful energy, 1989 displayed a greater lyrical maturity compared to her earlier work. The themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and navigating fame were tackled with more nuanced emotion.
• The storytelling remains engaging, yet reflects a more sophisticated understanding of relationships and personal growth.
• Songs like "Clean" and "Wildest Dreams" perfectly encapsulate this evolved lyrical sophistication.

Critical Reception and Commercial Success:

• 1989 received widespread critical acclaim, earning several Grammy nominations and awards.
• The album achieved massive commercial success, breaking numerous sales records and topping global charts for extended periods.
• Its impact on the pop music landscape is undeniable, influencing countless artists and solidifying Swift's position as a pop superstar.

3 - 10: Ranking the Remaining Albums

This section provides a concise overview of the remaining Taylor Swift albums (3-10 in this ranking), acknowledging their contributions while recognizing their place within the broader context of her evolving career. For each album, key aspects are highlighted below:

• 3. Red: A masterful blend of country and pop, showcasing intense emotions and complex relationships. Noteworthy tracks include "All Too Well" and "22." A significant step in her musical journey.

• 4. Fearless: The album that launched Swift to stardom, filled with charming country-pop anthems. Songs like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me" are undeniable classics. Demonstrates her early lyrical talent.

• 5. Lover: A vibrant pop album embracing romance and optimism, with hits like "ME!" and "Cruel Summer." This is a musically diverse project, representing a particular period of her life.

• 6. Reputation: A darker, edgier album that challenged expectations, featuring bold tracks like "...Ready For It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do." Highlights her ability to evolve musically and address critical scrutiny.

• 7. Midnights: A nocturnal exploration of love, loss, and self-reflection. Highlights her continuous exploration and diversification of sound. Notable songs include "Lavender Haze" and "Anti-Hero."

• 8. Taylor Swift: Her debut album, displaying early promise and her talent as a country artist. Tracks like "Tim McGraw" and "Our Song" showcase her songwriting origins.

• 9. Speak Now: Full of fairytale-esque narratives and emotional depth. The album showcases personal experiences through compelling storytelling.

• 10. evermore: A sister album to Folklore, continuing the indie-folk exploration. The songs create an expansive and enchanting world.

Each album, regardless of its ranking, contributes significantly to Taylor Swift's extensive and influential discography, showcasing the evolution of her style, lyricism, and artistic vision within the larger landscape of the "Taylor Swift albums" collection.

The Ultimate Taylor Swift Album Ranking

This ranking considers songwriting quality, lyrical maturity, cultural impact, and artistic cohesion. It's essential to remember that this is a subjective assessment, and every Taylor Swift album holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. The "best Taylor Swift album" is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

What's your ranking of every Taylor Swift album? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss the best Taylor Swift album of all time!