Lexi Riley 
The Swiftie effect is real and pervasive. Taylor Swift is more than just a pop icon; she’s a cultural phenomenon. From her chart-topping hits to her personal life splashed across headlines, Swift captivates audiences worldwide with her ever evolving sound. Her lyrics touch the hearts of listeners, tapping into universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and her masterful storytelling through music videos and social media keeps fans engaged and invested.
While we wouldn’t call ourselves Swifties, we’re longtime fans who have been here since Teardrops On My Guitar. Here are our top 10 standout Taylor Swift songs that hold a special place in our hearts:
August
This ethereal and nostalgic track from Swift’s Folklore album (2020) beautifully captures a fleeting, unrequited summer love.
Author’s Note: The first snippet I heard of this song stopped the world around me and swept me back to a simple time. Awarding this song first place was a no-brainer.
Karma
With its magical, shimmering pixie-dust chimes and daring lyrics, this enchanting song from Midnights (2022) is a playful middle finger to anyone who ever dared question Swift’s big dreams.
Wildest Dreams
Our favorite music video from the 1989 (2014) era, “Wildest Dreams,” is a nostalgic, cinematic anthem capturing the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime romantic fling.
Style
Another hit and another dynamic music video from 1989 (2014), “Style” takes us through the ups and downs of a toxic yet timeless romance.
Fearless
The title track from Swift’s second studio album, released in 2008, is an anthem of youthful optimism that makes us want to get up and dance in a storm in our best dress.
Author’s Note: “Fearless” is a special track; it’s a flashback to entering the dating world as a young woman, for me, as a young teen, before we were jaded, when boys and flowers were still exciting.
Change
An anthem of bravery and perseverance, “Change” from Fearless (2008) celebrates the power of resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring listeners to stay positive, push forward, and overcome obstacles.
Author’s Note: This was likely the first song to hold so much significance for me. As a little girl facing impossible challenges, this was my anthem to be brave and keep faith that everything I was praying for would eventually come to pass.
Ours
From Speak Now (2010), “Ours” is a sweet and calming ballad exploring the unique experience of protecting and nurturing a rare and delicate bond born out of true love.
Cruel Summer
This infectious pop masterpiece from Lover (2019) follows a fragile summer romance and is lyrically an emotional whirlwind. The bop is electric and fresh, like an ocean wave washing over you.
Hey Stephen
From Fearless (2008), “Hey Stephen” is a song for first crushes everywhere. A peppy and charming ode to infatuation, this tune is especially catchy.
Gorgeous
The only song from Taylor’s Reputation (2017) that made our list, “Gorgeous” captures the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling of a crush just out of reach.
Taylor Swift’s enduring relevance in our culture is a testament to her talent for reinvention. With each new album comes a new era, a new Taylor who persists in captivating audiences with her authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering creativity. As the world’s obsession with Taylor Swift persists, one thing remains clear: she’s not just an artist; she’s a cultural force to be reckoned with.
