Hi all! 

Welcome to a new segment on my blog! Each month, I will rank Taylor Swift’s track #1’s, #2,’s, #3’s etc – finishing with track #12’s in December. However, once TS13 is released, I will do a dedicated post ranking her track #13’s and so on. A quick disclaimer, I am going to be including The Anthology, as it is a full album. I will not be including vault tracks. If you wish to see my vault rankings for Fearless, Speak Now, Red & 1989 TV, click here.

Today I will be tackling Taylor’s track #7’s. These are never easy! It’s okay if you disagree. It’s just my opinion. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Seven

In first place, I have Seven from Folklore. It’s a perfect song. She elevated it even further on The Era’s Tour by turning it into a spoken word poem. Magical! It means a lot to me and my sister, having grown up in a similar household to the child Taylor sings about. I remember finding a safe haven in my own best friend’s home during that dark time. Despite the sombre lyrics, the production makes me think of sweet tea in the summer. It really captures the innocence of childhood. I never not want to listen to it. 

Favourite lyric: “I think your house is haunted. Your dad is always mad and that must be why.” 

2.) Fresh Out The Slammer

In second place, I have Fresh Out The Slammer from The Tortured Poet’s Department. I cannot believe how low I ranked it early days. It’s everything to me now! The verses are so fun to sing. They are structured in a way that scratches an itch. This song symbolises Taylor breaking free from the prison she viewed her six-year relationship. The moment she emerged; she threw herself into Matty Healy. Let’s be real – it was a rebound. I’m still not a massive fan of the production shift toward the end but that opening twang sends me to heaven every single time!

Favourite lyric: “For just one glimpse of his smile.” 

3.) The Story Of Us 

In third place, I have The Story of Us from Speak Now. If you ever wanted a pop rock song from Taylor, you have it right here. It’s such a banger. In this track, she addresses an awkward moment between herself and ex, John Mayer. They both attended the same painfully uncomfortable public event. One moment you’re in love, the next you’re avoiding each other like the plague. Relatable! The serotonin I feel every single time she says “next chapter” and “the end.” For those that cannot understand the library setting in the music video – it’s a story! Books? Get it! 

Favourite lyric: “But I liked it better when you were on my side.” 

4.) So It Goes…

In fourth place, I have So It Goes from Reputation. This song is the epitome of underrated. It’s so sexy, sensual and intimate. “Scratches down your back now?” Are you kidding me Taylor? I could see her performing it in a dive bar (as is the setting of the track), with a single spotlight on her slender frame. During this time, she was sneaking around with Joe – meeting him in a dark location where nobody could expose their love affair. It may not be lyrically dense but do not underestimate its power. 

Favourite lyric: “All eyes on me, your illusionist.” 

5.) Question…?

Question from Midnights was always going to make my top five. It’s such a vibe! It’s about wanting answers, long after a relationship has ended. At first, I thought it was about Harry Styles. However, since The Tortured Poet’s Department, I have been looking more at Matty Healy. Let’s not forget what she said at The Era’s Tour before playing it as a surprise song. I love the production and melody. It’s never a skip. 

Favourite lyric: “Did you leave her house in the middle of the night? Did you wish you’d put up more of a fight?” 

6.) I Wish You Would 

In sixth place, I have I Wish You Would from 1989. When the record first came out, I barely listened to it. There were too many other pop bangers that overshadowed it. Nowadays, it holds its own amongst the greats. Is It Over Now is probably my favourite Taylor Swift song of all time. I love that I can hear Out Out Of The Woods meets I Wish You Would in it. I would love to say this one is about Harry but you just never know these days. The rat had a big hold on her! 

Favourite lyric: “You gave me everything and nothing.” 

 

7.) I Almost Do 

I Almost Do from Red is such an underrated heartbreak song. I rarely see anyone talking about it. Who hasn’t felt the same way after a breakup before? It takes all your willpower not to call your ex again. It has the most beautiful lyrics, melodies and a powerful bridge. I have no critiques. I simply prefer the six tracks above it. Go listen and fathom if you haven’t already! 

Favourite lyric: “It takes everything in me not to call you.” 

8.) Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

When Lover first came out, Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince didn’t stand out to me. However, since The Era’s Tour, it has taken on much more significance and meaning. She literally sang to us: “it’s you and me, that’s my whole world.” Swifties will never not be able to think of the best concert on Earth when this track comes on. I know it’s meant to be political but I am not American, so I don’t view it that way. For me, it’s the moment Tay appeared on the stage; kicking off the show!

Favourite lyric: “You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.” 

9.) Happiness 

Happiness has climbed since I last ranked Evermore. I love it more with each listen. Having said that, it’s an extremely difficult song for me to revisit. The pain I feel from its raw relatibility hurts. Keeping in theme with the album, it’s a song about moving forward; knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it’s hard to believe there will be happiness after tragedy, but it will come in time.

Favourite lyric: “I can’t make it go away by making you a villain.” 

10.) I Hate It Here 

Lower on my list, I have I Hate It Here from The Anthology. To be perfectly honest, I struggle to connect with it. It’s a little all over the place with its structure and lyricism. I believe Taylor is reflecting on her past relationship with Joe. It’s giving the Folklore/Evermore era; when she tried to escape to the secret gardens in her mind. She was very uninspired and trapped.

Favourite lyric: “I’ll save all my romanticism for my inner life.” 

11.) Actually Romantic 

Coming in third last, I have Actually Romantic from The Life of a Showgirl. It has absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter. I couldn’t care less about a particular ‘brat.’ For me, it’s the way it sounds. I don’t vibe with it sonically. My favourite part is the bridge, but we have to get through two verses and two choruses to get there. What I will say is, I like the concept. When someone can’t keep your name out of their mouth, it’s pretty romantic. You could apply that message to anyone who spews hate your way. Take it as a compliment. 

Favourite lyric: “You think I’m tacky, baby. Stop talking dirty to me.” 

12.) Tied Together With A Smile 

Second last, I have Tied Together With A Smile from Taylor’s Debut album. I’m sure I’ll warm to it once the re-recorded version is released, but for now, it has never been a favourite. The concept and lyrics are beautiful – it’s the melody that’s a bit jarring. Young Tay also sounds a tad whiny, hence my faith in her mature vocals. Having said that, I like the idea of someone being so broken inside, the only thing keeping them together is their forced smile. How she managed to come up with that at such a young age is amazing. 

Favourite lyric: “Seems the only one who doesn’t see your beauty is the face in the mirror looking back at you.” 

13.) Breathe 

In last place, I have Breathe from Fearless. I have never fathomed this song. Trust me, I’ve tried. I definitely prefer Taylor’s version but not by much. From my understanding, it is centred on her fallout with former friend and fiddle player, Emily Poe. I have no attachment to it, nor can I relate to it. It’s beautiful but I figure if the spark hasn’t caught me by now, it probably never will. 

Favourite lyric: “People are people, and sometimes it doesn’t work out.” 

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank Taylor’s Track #7’s?

Peace & Love xoxo