The Ultimate Ranking Of Taylor Swift's 11 Albums

Kenji Nakamura

7 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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11. Lover (2019): A Pastel-Colored Dream

Lover, with its pastel aesthetic and undeniably summery vibes, marked a period of blissful romanticism for Swift. While commercially successful, its placement at the bottom of this Taylor Swift album review reflects a slightly less cohesive sound compared to some of her other works.

• Key Tracks: "You Need to Calm Down," "Lover," and "ME!" showcased a fun, pop-infused sound, but lacked the deeper emotional resonance of some of her other albums.
• Critical Reception: Generally positive, but praised more for its catchy tunes than its lyrical depth compared to other entries in this Taylor Swift discography.
• Commercial Success: A commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries. However, it didn't achieve the same critical acclaim as some of her more experimental albums.
• Ranking Rationale: Lover's consistent upbeat tone, while enjoyable, felt less impactful and memorable compared to the emotional depth found in many of her other albums.

10. Reputation (2017): A Dark Horse Triumph

Reputation was a bold departure. Trading in the sparkling guitars and whimsical lyrics for a darker, edgier sound, this album reflected a shift in Swift's public persona following a period of intense media scrutiny.

• Key Tracks: "Ready For It?", "Look What You Made Me Do," and "End Game" perfectly captured this new, assertive attitude.
• Controversial Themes: The album's exploration of revenge, betrayal, and the media's portrayal of celebrities generated considerable discussion.
• Impact on Public Image: Reputation successfully showcased Swift's ability to adapt and reinvent herself, while embracing a more mature and independent image.
• Ranking Rationale: While a critical and commercial success, the overall consistency and emotional depth weren't as strong as some of her other works in this Taylor Swift discography.

9. Fearless (Taylor's Version) (2021): A Nostalgic Reworking

The re-recording of Fearless holds a special place. This wasn't just a remaster; it was a statement. Taylor reclaimed her masters, giving fans a chance to revisit this classic with improved production and a matured vocal performance.

• Comparison to Original: While the original Fearless holds a nostalgic charm, the re-recording showcases a sonic upgrade and the growth of Swift's vocal abilities.
• Improved Production: The updated production values enhance the already strong songwriting, giving the tracks a richer, more powerful sound.
• Industry Significance: Taylor's move to re-record her early albums had a significant impact on the music industry, empowering other artists to reclaim their own work.
• Ranking Rationale: Though beautifully reimagined, the original Fearless retains a special place in fans' hearts due to its significance and impact on Taylor's early career.

8. 1989 (2014): The Pop Pivot

1989 marked a significant turning point. Swift's transition to pop music was seamless and incredibly successful, proving her adaptability and songwriting prowess across genres.

• Stylistic Shift: This album cemented Swift's status as a pop superstar, showcasing her command of catchy melodies and infectious rhythms.
• Iconic Tracks: "Shake It Off," "Blank Space," and "Bad Blood" became instant classics, dominating radio waves and music charts worldwide.
• Impact on Career: 1989 broadened her fanbase and propelled her to even greater heights of global stardom.
• Ranking Rationale: While undeniably successful and innovative for her career, some might find the lyrical depth slightly less pronounced compared to her later works.

7. Speak Now (Taylor's Version) (2023): A Coming-of-Age Classic Revisited

Similar to Fearless (Taylor's Version), this re-recording offers enhanced production and a more mature vocal performance on the original Speak Now album, highlighting the progression of Taylor's artistic abilities. The enhanced quality adds new layers to the already compelling coming-of-age narrative.

6. Red (Taylor's Version) (2021): Unpacking the Emotions

This re-recording of Red elevates an already emotionally charged album. The added tracks and enhanced sound provide a richer, deeper experience, showcasing the growth in Taylor's vocal range and musical production.

5. folklore (2020): An Indie-Folk Masterpiece

folklore was a surprise. A departure from her usual pop sound, this indie-folk album showcased a different side of Swift, filled with lyrical complexity and emotional depth.

• Unexpected Sound: The album's stripped-down instrumentation and introspective lyrics captivated listeners.
• Critically Acclaimed Tracks: "cardigan," "august," and "exile" are standouts, praised for their songwriting and emotional resonance.
• Lyrical Complexity: folklore's lyrics delve into complex emotions, relationships, and storytelling.
• Ranking Rationale: Its placement reflects its artistic merit and impact, despite its deviation from her previously established sound.

4. evermore (2020): A Sister Album

evermore is the sister album to folklore. It continued the exploration of indie-folk sounds and storytelling, enriching the themes introduced in its predecessor.

• Connection to folklore: Thematic and sonic consistency strengthens the impact of both albums.
• Continued Exploration: evermore delves even deeper into the introspective themes of folklore, providing a rich narrative tapestry.
• Key Tracks: Each track complements the overall narrative of both folklore and evermore, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
• Ranking Rationale: While incredibly well-crafted, it slightly trails behind folklore due to the latter's more immediate impact and surprise element.

3. Midnights (2022): A Journey Through the Night

Midnights is a deep dive into the complexities of sleeplessness, regret, and self-reflection. Its intricate songwriting and diverse musical landscapes create a captivating listening experience.

• Thematic Depth: The album explores the emotional landscape of the night, reflecting on past relationships and self-discovery.
• Standout Tracks: Tracks such as "Lavender Haze," "Anti-Hero," and "Mastermind" demonstrate the diverse range of sounds and emotions.
• Commercial Success & Cultural Impact: Midnights achieved immediate commercial success, further cementing Taylor's status as a global superstar.
• Ranking Rationale: The album's mature exploration of emotional complexity and its overall strong artistic merit places it high in this ranking.

2. Fearless (2008): A Country Classic

Fearless is a cornerstone of Swift's career. This country-infused album launched her to stardom, showcasing her exceptional songwriting talent at a young age.

• Country Sound: The album's distinct country sound established Swift's unique musical identity.
• Iconic Tracks: "Love Story," "You Belong With Me," and "Teardrops on My Guitar" are timeless classics, representing the quintessential Taylor Swift sound of her early career.
• Lasting Impact: This album not only catapulted Swift to superstardom but also defined a generation.
• Ranking Rationale: Its cultural impact and influence on her career is undeniable, pushing it close to the top.

1. Red (2012): A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Red takes the crown. This album is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, showcasing a wide range of feelings and experiences with unmatched authenticity.

• Emotional Range: From heartbreak to exhilaration, Red explores the full spectrum of emotions with exceptional depth.
• Key Tracks: "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "All Too Well," and "I Knew You Were Trouble" are iconic tracks that defined a generation.
• Critical and Commercial Success: A critical and commercial triumph, Red solidified Swift's status as a powerful storyteller.
• Ranking Rationale: The album's emotional depth, lyrical brilliance, and lasting impact make it the definitive choice for the top spot in this Taylor Swift Albums Ranking.

Conclusion:

This Taylor Swift Albums Ranking provides a comprehensive overview of her discography, acknowledging that the order is subjective and open to debate. From the pastel dreams of Lover to the emotional rollercoaster of Red, Swift's journey demonstrates remarkable artistic growth and a consistent ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. What are your thoughts? Share your own Taylor Swift Albums Ranking in the comments below! Which album resonates most with you, and why? Let the discussion begin! [Link to related article/merchandise].