I have been a die-hard Taylor Swift fan since I found her on Myspace back in 2006 when her self titled album was released. That was 10 years ago, and I was 8 at the time, so it's crazy to not only see how much I have grown since then, but also how Taylor Swift has grown as an artist. For many of us, a favorite singer is someone we can relate to, and Taylor Swift has built her empire by being completely relatable, but also very original. Even when she would post vlogs of her tours, host listening parties at her house, and comment on fans social media, it made it seem like she cared, and she was much more down to earth. Every one of her songs has a storyline that includes specific, raw, and real details. I believe that is why her music has had such a large, faithful, following after 10 years. Whether it's country or pop, it's the lyrics she writes that has such an impact on her fans. Personally, I can relate each song to either my own experiences or I can pinpoint the exact day I heard each song for the first time. I remember exactly where I was at that point in my life, so it's almost like a timeline. Many people think all of Swift's songs sound the same, but to those people I would challenge them to really listen and invest time in some of the "not as popular," songs. Swift has 5 albums, so I've picked my absolute favorite songs off of each album.
1. "Cold As You"
This song is off her first studio album, titled Taylor Swift, and it was never a number one single, but I think the lyrics are beautifully written."Our Song," will forever remind me of summer and "Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" has a cute girl-next-door storyline. "Stay Beautiful," and "Invisible," are also great Swift throwbacks to the country days.
2. "Hey Stephen"
Swift released 5 singles off of her second album, Fearless. "Hey Stephen" is a track that never made in to the charts, but it's one of my favorites. It's fun, upbeat, and a great song to jam out to with your friends. Fearless: Platinum Edition also featured a song titled "The Other Side of The Door," which is hands down a favorite. Also note worthy on the Platinum Edition, are tracks "Superstar," and "Jump Then Fall." "Fifteen," is also off of Fearless and perfectly captures what it's like to enter your Freshmen year of high school.
3. "Sparks Fly"
Swift's third studio album is titled Speak Now and entered a pop-country theme. This is a great album with dedication songs like "Never Grow Up," and "Long Live." It also features breakup songs like "Last Kiss," and "Dear John." There's a live performance track of the original "Sparks Fly" back in 2007 that I absolutely loved, and in 2010 Taylor Swift came out with the finished track on Speak Now. "Sparks Fly," is definitely the favorite off this album.
4. "All Too Well"
In my opinion, Red was hands down the best lyrically written album we've seen from Taylor Swift. "All Too Well" is a heartbreaking track that never made it to the radio, but she did perform a stripped down piano version at the 56th Grammy Awards. Other tracks that relayed the "red emotions" Swift felt throughout her toxic relationships that inspired this album are, "I Almost Do" and "Holy Ground." Also the collabs with Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody are amazing.
5. "1989"
1989 is a complete departure from her country roots. This album was inspired by 80's pop, and I think the album showed major growth lyrically and in her instrumental compositions. Many of these songs seem to be inspired by her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles from One Direction. It's difficult to pick a favorite off this album, but it would have to be "Clean." It's absolutely beautiful with deep and vulnerable lyrics. Other songs that I love off this album are "Wildest Dreams," "This Love," "All You Had To Do Was Stay," and "How You Get The Girl."
Now the question is, when will Taylor Swift's next album be released? Every 2 years, since 2006 Taylor Swift has released an album in the fall. Taylor Swift was released October 24th, 2006. Fearless released November 11th, 2008. Speak Now, October 25th, 2010. Red was October 22nd, 2012, and last but not least 1989 was released October 27th, 2014. All Taylor Swift fans have high hopes that she will release an album this fall and grace us all with incredible new music. Who knows, maybe her next album will touch subjects like her recent relationships with Tom Hiddleston and Calvin Harris. Perhaps we'll get her full story about the Kanye feud, or just some really good pop dance tracks. Whatever she releases, fans are sure to love.