Swift performing at Soldier Field, 2023 Source: Tribune Content Agency
Now that global superstar Taylor Swift has announced her 11th studio album, fans are reminiscing on her expansive discography. Whether you’re happily single or in a committed relationship, anyone can celebrate Valentine’s Day by returning to some Taylor Swift classics.
Though the singer’s career spans multiple genres and includes a diverse range of subject matter, a key theme that remains constant is love: familial, platonic, or romantic. To pay homage to the record-breaking Grammy winner, here are the best songs from each Taylor Swift album (so far) to play for Valentine’s Day.
Inspired by the real story of Swift’s neighbors, “Mary’s Song” follows the relationship of two people growing up and falling in love. Spanning an entire lifetime, the song is a picturesque and touching tribute to a true love for the ages. From childhood fights to elderly nights, it shows love can be everchanging but delightful.
One of the most iconic songs in her repertoire, “Love Story” takes Swift’s personal life and translates it through the lens of “Romeo and Juliet.” The uplifting ending rewrites the tale and gives hope to any couple facing adversity. The song is frequently used during proposals, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
Though not explicitly a romantic song, “Long Live” is a love letter to Swift’s team and fanbase. The grateful tone transcends her story and can touch the hearts of many listeners, with fantastical lyrics like “I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you” painting a vivid picture.
Originally written for the supplemental soundtrack to “The Hunger Games,” “Safe & Sound” was a pleasant surprise when it was rereleased as a part of Red (TV). The ethereal vocals paired with the epic instrumentals make it one of the most emotionally impactful songs included on the rerelease.
Everyone knows “if you love something, set it free.” In this track, Swift shows the aftermath of the proverb with the rekindling of a relationship. Showing both the ups and downs of a partnership, “This Love” is a realistic yet refreshingly optimistic take on a love that never goes away.
Contrary to the general aesthetic of the album, “Reputation” houses many of Swift’s most upbeat love songs. “New Year’s Day” may be the most toned down of them all, but I believe it tells a genuine story of adoration. Anyone can be there for the midnight kiss, but only a real love is there to “be picking up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.” The outro is full of striking lyrics that bittersweetly tug on the heartstrings.
Perhaps controversially, I don’t think “Lover” is the most romantic song on the eponymous album. “Daylight” confronts the expectations we all have for love and how our views change over time. After being let down and disappointed by past relationships, the song depicts how true love helps you grow into someone new. A great love makes you see everything differently, shown by how the speaker used to think love was “black and white” or “burning red,” only to find out that it’s “golden like daylight” instead.
Whether it’s a significant other or a best friend, everyone eventually finds their person. “invisible string” dives into how deep these connections run, pondering how a bond so strong can even seem fated. The speaker thinks about her loved one and how, long before they ever met, there must have been an “invisible string” tying them together.
The lead single on Swift’s second album of 2020, “willow” is a whimsical anthem about desire, longing, and the confusing complexity of falling in love. The song speaks to how you may feel lost in love, but the speaker leans into it, vowing “wherever you stray, I’ll follow.” While many approach unpredictability with hesitation or fear, “willow” advocates that love can “take my hand, wreck my plans” and still be a magical experience.
“Sweet Nothing” may be one of the most underrated songs Swift has released thus far. The track has been criticized for its simplicity, some listeners going so far as to call it “boring.” The point that seems to fly over their heads, however, is that the best love is sometimes the least exciting. The love depicted in “Sweet Nothing” is cozy, comfortable, and easy. When the world is too much to handle, it’s comforting to know that you have someone waiting at home who asks nothing of you but your love. The album is filled with fast-paced and energetic hits, but I always find myself returning to this song for a pick-me-up.
Taylor Swift’s discography can be found on most major streaming platforms. Her new album “The Tortured Poets Department” is set to release on April 19.