The arrival of a new Taylor Swift album is never merely a musical event; it is a tectonic shift that restructures the landscape of her entire celebrated catalog. With the release of her 12th studio endeavor, The Life of a Showgirl, the vibrant pop bangers and the candid confessions of a happily-ever-after have immediately necessitated a re-evaluation of every era that preceded it.
The glitter-laced, self-assured tone of her latest work injects a compelling new context into the grand narrative of her fifteen-year artistic journey. Does the unapologetic joy and fresh sound of Showgirl push a beloved, but older, record down the list, or does its mixed critical reception prove that the undisputed masterpieces still reside on the top shelf?
The discussion is less about which albums are “good”, a meaningless metric in a discography defined by global success, and more about where the spectacle of the “showgirl” ultimately stands in the constellation of her deeply personal, decade-spanning musical memoirs.
1. Folklore
Released in July 2020, Folklore marked a significant departure from Taylor Swift’s previous work, embracing a more subdued, indie-folk aesthetic. Collaborating with Aaron Dessner of The National and longtime producer Jack Antonoff, Swift crafted an album that resonated deeply with listeners during the pandemic.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 846,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. alone. Critics lauded its introspective lyrics and minimalist production, with Pitchfork noting its “emotional weight and intricate lyricism”. Tracks like “Exile” and “Cardigan” showcased Swift’s ability to evoke deep emotions through storytelling.
2. The Tortured Poets Department
Released in April 2024, The Tortured Poets Department marked a significant departure from Taylor Swift’s previous works, delving into a more experimental and introspective realm. The album received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its raw vulnerability and others critiquing its indulgent nature.
Musically, the album blends elements of indie rock, folk, and electronic, creating a soundscape that complements its thematic depth. Lyrically, Swift explores themes of heartbreak, identity, and the complexities of fame, offering a candid look into her personal experiences. Tracks like “Siren Song” and “Echoes of You” stand out for their emotional intensity and poetic lyricism.
3. Evermore
Released just five months after Folklore, Evermore was dubbed its “sister album.” While Folklore was introspective, Evermore expanded on its themes with a broader range of narratives and musical styles.
The album received critical acclaim, with Pitchfork awarding it a 7.9 out of 10, praising its “fingerpicked ballads” and “colorful pop music”. Songs like “Willow” and “Champagne Problems” continued Swift’s exploration of complex emotions and relationships, solidifying her place in the indie-folk genre.
4. Lover
After the darker themes of Reputation, Lover marked a return to a more whimsical and romantic pop sound. Released in August 2019, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 3 million equivalent album units worldwide in its debut week.
Critics appreciated its emotional honesty, with Pitchfork describing it as “a bright, fun album with great emotional honesty”. Tracks like “Lover” and “You Need To Calm Down” showcased Swift’s ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics.
5. Midnights
Released in October 2022, Midnights was a contemplative exploration of the thoughts and emotions that surface during sleepless nights. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Swift’s 11th No. 1 album, and was praised for its cohesive production and introspective themes.
Pitchfork awarded it a 7.0 out of 10, noting that Swift was “more interested in setting atmosphere than chasing trends”. Songs like “Anti-Hero” and “Bejeweled” delved into themes of self-reflection and personal growth.
6. 1989
Released in October 2014, 1989 marked Taylor Swift’s official transition from country to pop. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1.287 million copies in its first week, the most for any album since 2002.
Critics lauded its synth-pop sound and ’80s influences, with Rolling Stone calling it “the album that made her a pop star”. Hits like “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” dominated the charts and showcased Swift’s versatility as an artist.
7. Red
Released in October 2012, Red was a pivotal album in Taylor Swift’s career, blending country, pop, and rock elements. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1.2 million copies in its first week.
It produced hits like “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble,” which showcased Swift’s ability to experiment with different genres. In 2021, Swift released Red (Taylor’s Version), a re-recording of the original album, which was praised for its enhanced production and emotional depth.
8. Fearless
Released in 2008, Fearless was Taylor Swift’s second studio album and the one that truly established her as a country-pop crossover star. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 10× Platinum by the RIAA.
It produced hit singles like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me,” which became anthems for a generation. In 2021, Swift released Fearless (Taylor’s Version), a re-recording of the original album, which was praised for its enhanced production and emotional depth.
9. Reputation
Released in November 2017, Reputation was Taylor Swift’s sixth studio album and marked a darker, more electronic direction in her music. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1.2 million copies in its first week.
Critics had mixed reactions, with Pitchfork awarding it a 6.5 out of 10, describing it as “an aggressive, lascivious display of craftsmanship” but noting that “her full embrace of modern pop feels sadly conventional”. Despite the mixed reviews, tracks like “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Delicate” became fan favorites and showcased Swift’s ability to reinvent herself.
10. Speak Now
Released in October 2010, Speak Now was Taylor Swift’s third studio album and the first where she wrote every song by herself. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1 million copies in its first week.
Critics praised Swift’s songwriting abilities, with Rolling Stone calling it “a showcase of her lyrical prowess”. Tracks like “Back to December” and “Dear John” showcased her ability to craft deeply personal and relatable songs.
