My List of Taylor Swift’s 10 Best Songs of All Time
Taylor Swift has been releasing bangers since she was 16-years-old.
That's like, a lot of truly relatable music. But while every song offers something different, there are definitely some tunes that stand above the rest.
Keep scrolling for my list of Taylor Swift's 10 best songs of all time, in no particular order.
'Teardrops on My Guitar' – Taylor Swift
Best lyric: "He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar / the only one who's got enough of me to break my heart."
Of course, I have to start with the first big T-Swift hit. "Teardrops on My Guitar" really cemented Taylor's place as an up-and-coming country singer. In my opinion, that's mostly due to how relatable the lyrics are. Who hasn't dealt with the pain of an unrequited high school love? Taylor hit a chord that singers before her hadn't touched quite so poignantly. I didn't even have a boy to obsess over when this tune was released, and I would still gladly belt out these sad lyrics and pretend that my love life was even half as interesting as Taylor's.
'You Belong With Me' – Fearless
Best lyric: "I know your favorite songs and you tell me 'bout your dreams / think I know where you belong, think I know it's with me."
Have I mentioned yet that Taylor is a relatable artist? If you didn't get the picture before, "You Belong With Me" definitely brought home the idea that the singer dealt with many of the same struggles as teenage girls across the country. While the song is fun and dance-worthy, the music video was the real deciding factor in making this tune a hit. It depicts various Taylors as they swoon over the cute boy next door. Speaking of, why didn't I have a cute neighbor to write love notes to? Not bitter or anything.
'Last Kiss' – Speak Now
Best lyric: "So I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep / and I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe."
While some Taylor Swift songs are fun and upbeat, she's also known for heartbreaking love ballads that nearly bring her fans to tears. "Last Kiss" is one of the latter. In this song, Taylor laments the end of a significant relationship, reminiscing about the good times and wondering where it all went wrong. Despite its slow pace, it's more honest and open than the previous tunes on this list, making it one of my all-time favorites. It was the tune I played on repeat during my first breakup—how could I not have it on this list?
'Love Story' – Fearless
Best lyric: "This love is difficult, but it's real."
Fearless is arguably the best T-Swift album, right along with Red. It gave fans some of our favorite tunes, including the endlessly romantic "Love Story." In this song, Taylor imagines herself in a Romeo/Juliet kind of scenario, singing about the boy who she's absolutely meant to be with, no matter what. This song is a perfect combination of the fun Taylor and the sincere Taylor, which is why it's one my faves. Plus, it's just a catchy tune that has everyone who listens to it singing along.
'White Horse' – Fearless
Best lyric: "I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale / I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well."
To be totally honest, "White Horse" is a little difficult to hear. It's an incredibly raw tune about the end of a romantic relationship that just wasn't right. In the lyrics, Taylor beautifully captures the internal struggle of leaving a partner who doesn't treat you well while you're still in love with them. Not only is it my go-to breakup melody, it's also one of my favorite Taylor Swift ballads. It's a reminder that no one has to settle for less than they deserve, least of all Taylor herself.
'Blank Space' – 1989
Best lyric: "Got a long list of ex-lovers / they'll tell you I'm insane / but I got a blank space, baby / and I'll write your name."
After the heartbreak of "White Horse," I have to kick things up again with "Blank Space." Now, to be totally honest, 1989 wasn't really my favorite album. It was a different sound that I wasn't really expecting, and it took me a while to get onboard with Taylor's new vibe. However, I did love this upbeat tune. In this album, Taylor transitions to a more synthy sound, instead of her typical country/pop sound. I don't always love it, but I can definitely dance along to the pulsating tune of "Blank Space." It's a new sound that works really well for her in this song, which probably explains why "Blank Space" was so popular.
'Don't Blame Me' – Reputation
Best lyric: "Don't blame me, love made me crazy / if it doesn't you ain't doing it right."
Taylor Swift came in hot with Reputation. Not only did it take her fresh sound to a whole new level, it also shed the "nice girl" persona she previously captured in her music. In this album, Taylor stood up for herself. While all the songs got her point across loud and clear, "Don't Blame Me" was definitely my favorite. It's ridiculously catchy, but it's also sends a cool message. Instead of explaining away her romantic behavior, she leans into her persona. It's a nice reminder that you don't really need anyone else's approval, as long as you're happy with your own decisions.
'Red' – Red
Best lyric: "Regretting him was like / wishing you never found out that love could be that strong."
As I said above, Red is my other favorite T-Swift album. How could I not include the album's namesake on this list? I adore "Red" primarily for the symbolism in the song. Taylor uses a variety of similes and metaphors to describe what it feels like to truly love someone, as well as the various emotions that go along with losing them. It's upbeat and happy, but it has serious undertones that always make me a little feelsy.
'Sparks Fly' – Speak Now
Best lyric: "Just keep on keepin' your eyes on me / it's just wrong enough to make it feel right."
"Sparks Fly" is peak Taylor Swift. Seriously, this is everything I could ever want out of a T-Swift song. It's fun and upbeat, but it also includes sincere lyrics that I feel in my very soul. "Sparks Fly" will forever be one of my favorite tunes, no matter how many albums Taylor might release.
'All Too Well' – Red
Best lyric: "'Cause here we are again and I loved you so / back before you lost the one real thing you've ever known."
"All Too Well" is by far my favorite song ever. Interestingly enough, it isn't classically considered a top T-Swift hit. However, true fans know that this sweet ballad off the Red album is undeniably one of Taylor's most heartfelt works. If you need to have a soul-cleansing cry, "All Too Well" is sure to bring a few tears to your eyes.
It's a beautiful tune, but it's the sincere lyrics that really made me fall in love with this song. She captures what it's like to face the end of a relationship that felt so right, but wasn't. I first listened to it during a hard breakup with someone I truly cared about, and I was blown away by Taylor's ability to capture every single one of my feelings so eloquently. "All Too Well" will forever be a top T-Swift jam, and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
Looking for more Taylor content? Click HERE for our top five picks off the Reputation album.