The Seasons of Swift

Taylor Swift is nothing less than a culturally defining icon of the 21st century. Winning Billboard’s Woman of the Decade and the American Music Award for Artist of the Decade last year only proves what many have been saying for years. But one of the most incredible things about Taylor Swift is the eight distinct albums she has written over the past 14 years.

Her debut album, Taylor Swift, is the most country sounding of the eight albums. It artistically uses Swift’s country roots to create hits like “Our Song” and “Should’ve Said No.” It also contains the first Taylor Swift song I heard: “Teardrops on my Guitar.” It is a nostalgic album for many of us.

Next is the album that brought Swift into the mass spotlight: Fearless. Another country album with elements of pop, Fearless is unabashedly full of life and the highs and lows of being young and in love. Hits liked “You Belong With Me” and “Love Story” are still locked in a box in my head and at a moment’s notice many like me are ready to bust it out and serenade everyone around them.

Her third album, Speak Now might just be the epitome of Taylor Swift. It contains similar pop elements as Fearless, but where Fearless celebrates the fairy tale-like wonder of first loves, Speak Now celebrates a more mature sense of wonder and love.

The next album, Red, is a beautiful mix of country, pop, and rock. While still celebrating love, Red is a reflective look back on past relationships, and has a more realistic view than many of her earlier albums. With hits like “All Too Well” and “Red” there can be no doubt of Swift’s prowess as a song writer.

Her fifth album, 1989 is her first true venture into the world of pop. Like many of her previous albums it won many awards, this time including the honor of Rolling Stones’ Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. While still effortlessly pop, this album offered an honesty and engagement that many other pop albums do not offer.

After taking a break from the spotlight, Taylor Swift came back with a vengeance with her sixth album, Reputation. Hesitant to listen to such a different vibe from one of my favorite artists, I was scared when I first pressed play, but after listening to the vibrancy and utter authenticity of Reputation, it is near impossible not to love it, especially with underrated hits like “Getaway Car” and “New Year’s Day.”

A stark contrast to the grit of Reputation, Swift released Lover in 2019, and it felt like a breath of clean, pastel air. It is hard not to smile and bounce along to songs like “Paper Rings,” or to groove to “False God.” It is another look into the genius of Swift’s writing and her ability to find new and entertaining melodies.

Her latest album, “Folklore,” released as a surprise earlier this year at a point when many were still under quarantines. Her first obviously fictional album takes a wonderful turn into understanding the past. Folklore was the lo-fi album that many needed to vibe to under their bedroom LED lights.

After eight very distinct albums, there has to be something for everyone. There is a Taylor Swift Song that you can find your groove to.