Top 20 Most Underrated Taylor Swift Songs
#20: “peace”
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“folklore” (2020) After the upbeat summer pop of the “Lover” era, Swift dialed things back with 2020’s “folklore.” The surprise album delivered a genre shift into chilled-out Indie-folk. “Peace” - as its name suggests - is one of its most mellow tracks. Aaron Dessner’s stripped back instrumental features a low, melodic baseline and a constant rhythmic pulse underlying the electric guitars. Swift loved the “sense of serenity” created by this melody, but her confessional lyrics are more turbulent. She worries that peace is the one thing she can’t offer her partner due to her celebrity status. Though the track was never released as a single, it’s among the album’s most vulnerable offerings, and a really beautiful love song.
#19: “The Moment I Knew (Taylor’s Version)”
Top 10 Underrated Taylor Swift Songs
“Red (Taylor’s Version)” (2021) When Taylor Swift re-recorded her “Red” album, we were treated to an extended ten-minute version of fan-favorite “All Too Well.” One new and devastating lyric involves a no-show at the star’s 21st birthday party. “The Moment I Knew” delves deeper into that story. Initially hidden away as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of “Red”, the song is reminiscent of the singer’s earlier country output. It’s a vulnerable, brutally honest bit of storytelling that captures a specific moment of humiliation and heartbreak in her life. Swift once described her 21st celebration as “the worst experience ever” and when you listen to these lyrics, you definitely feel the pain.
#18: “right where you left me”
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“evermore (deluxe edition)” (2021) One of “Evermore”’s bonus tracks, “Right Where You Left Me” needs to get far more love than it’s received since its release. Like “Peace,” it’s a song of contrasts. The cheerful melody tempers the sadness of the lyrics, which tell a sorrowful story about holding on to lost love. Swift paints a picture of a modern day Miss Havisham, still rooted to the spot where she experienced a life-altering heartbreak. It relies on simple enough language to convey this message, yet the imagery couldn’t be more striking. It’s hard to believe the song was a last-minute addition to the album, because it’s a true masterpiece.
#17: “The Story of Us”
Taylor Swift - The Story & the Songs
“Speak Now” (2010) Country music loves a song that tells a story, and Swift is nothing if not, well, a storyteller. She weaves many good tales on “Speak Now,” including on the opening track, “Mine”, following a young couple through their life together. “The Story Of Us” is another one of our underappreciated favorites. Although inspired by the ending of a real relationship, it plays with storybook imagery to liken the song to a fictional narrative. The use of “next chapter” is a fun bit of wordplay, and the tune itself is catchy and upbeat. It’s a great one to sing along to, with the lyrics also being introspective, delving into the loneliness and frustration of a romance gone wrong.
#16: “Afterglow”
“Lover” (2019) Swift has never shied away from penning heartbreak songs to or about those who treated her badly. But in this overlooked track from “Lover,” she’s the one begging for forgiveness. It’s a song about getting in your own way in a partnership, focusing on an argument that went too far. The singer admits that she overreacted and caused her significant other unnecessary hurt. She regrets what transpired, and is now hoping for a reconciliation and a new future together, which is represented by the metaphor of an afterglow. There’s a dream-like, magical quality that runs through the track, making it sound — and feel — ultra meaningful.
#15: “The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)”
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“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” (2021) This country-pop love song was recently featured in the teen drama “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Hearing one of Swift’s more obscure tracks out of context is just another reminder of how many great songs she has in the back catalog. Indeed, “Fearless” is full of neglected classics, from the laid-back “Hey Stephen” to the angsty “Tell Me Why.” In “The Way I Loved You” we get a combination of the two, as the narrator compares her practically perfect new relationship to the passion and drama she shared with her ex. The gentle verses praise the new beau, but build to a wonderfully shouty chorus dedicated to the old flame. Needless to say, the cleverly constructed song is owed some majorly overdue recognition.
#14: “State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)”
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“Red (Taylor’s Version)” (2021) There are thirty tracks on “Red (Taylor’s Version)”, so a few of them are bound to be overlooked. But how are people still sleeping on the very first song of the album? The critics were complimentary and the tune hit the charts, but “State of Grace” is still not considered one of Swift’s big hits. “Red” was a departure from the artist’s previous albums, with certain songs carrying little to no trace of her trademark country sound. “State of Grace” makes this shift clear from the first note. It’s an epic anthem practically designed for big arenas and stadiums. The uptempo rhythm of the drums and the reverb of the guitars create a feeling of building excitement with Swift’s clean, powerful vocals layered on top.
#13: “The Great War”
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“Midnights (3am Edition)” (2022) When an album dominates the entire top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, you can’t exactly consider it underrated. However, “Midnights’” bonus 3am tracks are less talked about, and we think the songwriting in “The Great War” is owed more attention. Swift constructs a story of a warring couple from imagery based around World War One. Like “Afterglow,” the song is assumed to be about a rocky patch in her relationship. In both, it’s suggested that she and her partner weathered the tough times together, and that things can only get better from here. The melody is gorgeously understated, allowing the words to speak for themselves, while the constant rattle of the marching drums ties in perfectly with the theme of war.
#12: “Getaway Car”
“reputation” (2017) “Reputation” signaled another shift in style and tone for the artist, but “Getaway Car” proves that she’ll never lose her talent for storytelling. Hidden among the club anthems, revenge tracks, and love letters, this cautionary tale slowly emerged as one of the most memorable songs on the album. It’s an eighties-style synth-pop tune, with a strong hook and a likable, whimsical quality. It explores a rebound relationship used as an escape, with the central couple being depicted as doomed partners in crime. Despite carrying some painful truths, the song is good-natured and upbeat. It may not have been a mainstream commercial success, but it’s one of our favorites all the same.
#11: “epiphany”
“folklore” (2020) To produce two beautiful albums during a pandemic is a great feat of productivity, but it doesn’t compare to risking your life on the front lines. Swift acknowledged this with “epiphany,” a moving tribute to the healthcare workers navigating the COVID-19 crisis. It was also inspired by her grandfather’s experiences in World War Two. The lyrics explore the emotional struggles of veteran soldiers, as well as those of exhausted doctors and nurses working through the pandemic. Co-writer and producer Aaron Dessner discussed the song’s message with Vulture, saying: “med school doesn't fully prepare you for seeing someone pass away […].” He further explained that, “In the past, heroes were just soldiers. Now they're also medical professionals.” Here’s to them, and this hauntingly beautiful homage.
#10: “Haunted”
“Speak Now” (2010) Whether you prefer the original or the acoustic version, “Haunted” is definitely one of “Speak Now”’s most criminally underrated gems. The lyrics dwell on the feeling of watching a partner fall out of love, knowing that you can’t do anything to stop it. Swift uses soaring string instruments to capture that intensity of emotion, while her dramatic vocals amp up the theatrics in the best possible way. The pop-rock song somehow feels both typically 2010 and totally timeless at the same time. As one of the last tracks on the album, “Haunted” flew under the radar for a long time, but it remains a firm favorite with many fans.
#9: “I Know Places”
Another Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs
“1989” (2014) “1989” is one of Taylor Swift’s most successful albums, and every track is a certified banger. “I Know Places” might not be the best one to dance to, but the chorus alone is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. Although it doesn’t appear to reference anyone in an ultra-specific way, it does tackle one of the most difficult sides of celebrity dating - avoiding the paparazzi. Swift uses vivid metaphors to compare herself and a prospective partner to cornered foxes, dogged by relentless story hunters. The pace and mood of the music creates a sense of paranoia and urgency that lends itself perfectly to the narrative.
#8: “Begin Again (Taylor’s Version)”
“Red (Taylor’s Version)” (2021) Swift has repeatedly proved she’s a versatile artist, producing contemporary classics in a range of genres, from country-rock, to dance, to alternative. No matter the style, though, she typically shines brightest with songs that are stripped back and straight from the heart. “Begin Again” is the perfect example of this. It offers a glimpse of hope and happiness on an album that’s characterized by heartbreak. It describes the early days of a new relationship, the first stirrings of romance and the positivity that comes with a fresh start. The gentle country instrumental - which notably features mandolin, banjo and steel guitar - works to transport us back to a different era. Meanwhile, the lyrics are straightforward, honest, and sweet. The result is, simply put, a heartwarming tune.
#7: “I Did Something Bad”
Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs
“reputation” (2017) This “reputation” track is so full of drama you might not think of it as underappreciated - but for some reason it was never released as a single. It’s a defiant, marvelously remorseless bit of songwriting, with an arrangement that flawlessly mixes dubstep, grunge and electro-pop. Everything from the anger to the profanity on display feels so right that you can’t help but get into it. Interestingly, Swift once cited the “Game of Thrones” season seven finale - where Sansa and Arya join forces to defeat a common enemy - as her inspiration for the song. What she created is as satisfying to listen to as that episode was to watch. Plus, it’s beyond convincing, as we always find ourselves enthralled in the story it tells!
#6: “You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version)”
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“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” (2021) It might not have been a favorite back in the day, but after listening to “Taylor’s Version”, we’ve decided that “You’re Not Sorry” needs reevaluating. The soaring strings get the song off to a great start and Swift’s deeper, adult voice lends the “Fearless” track a new mature sound. The delivery is less melancholy and the lyrics land more powerfully than before. It’s a song about final chances, and discovering that the one you love is not the perfect fairy tale character you thought they were. The sentiment was always brutal, but this version has a new strength behind the words. It’s as if the narrator really believes they have the will to end things on their own terms, and as a result, we do too.
#5: “no body, no crime” feat. HAIM
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“evermore” (2020) Like “folklore”, “evermore” was a genuine and welcome surprise. But coming so soon after its sister album, some of its best songs have failed to receive the proper recognition. “‘Tis the damn season”, “closure” , “dorothea” “cowboy like me” - we could go on. But the most striking overlooked track is “no body, no crime,” a thrilling collaboration with HAIM that sees Swift flexing her country music muscles. It’s an unashamed murder ballad – moody, cinematic, and reminiscent of true crime series, but also a whole lot of fun. From the wailing sirens in the opening bars, you know you’re in for an exciting ride. Yes, it’s melodramatic, but it embraces that and delivers something fresh. We’re here for it.
#4: “Death by a Thousand Cuts”
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“Lover” (2019) Swift is famous for drawing on her own experiences to fuel her songwriting. But sometimes, inspiration comes from other sources, such as books she’s read or shows she’s watched. In the case of “Death by a Thousand Cuts” , she was influenced by a Netflix romantic comedy. The song is based on a painful breakup at the heart of the movie “Someone Great.” Some people tend to focus on Swift’s more autobiographical work. Yet this song is not only one of the most melodic tracks on the “Lover” album, it’s also one of the most emotionally affecting. Swift showcases her lyrical prowess and demonstrates some heartbreaking insight, setting it all to a pretty tune with an upbeat tempo.
#3: “Would've, Could've, Should've”
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“Midnights (3am Edition)” (2022) “Midnights” has had such a stratospheric rise that it’s hard to know yet which tracks will emerge as the big ones in the long run. However, we predict that “Would've, Could've, Should've” is destined to be a firm favorite. It’s not just one of the darkest offerings on the album, but one of the most devastating songs Swift has ever released. The bonus 3am edition track infuses soft rock music with a slight country flavor, while using religious imagery to create a picture of lost innocence and bittersweet memories. Widely dubbed “Dear John”’s grown-up follow-up, “Would’ve, Could’ve Should’ve” sees the narrator reflect on – and regret – a prior romance with someone older. Featuring a bridge that hits hard, it’s nothing short of poignant.
#2: “invisible string”
“folklore” (2020) This isn’t necessarily Swift’s best known love song, yet it has to be one of the sweetest. The lyrics string together little personal details from the lives of two partners, creating an interlinked picture of soulmates leading separate lives, but tied together by fate. The song itself says it pretty perfectly; it really is a pretty idea. The gentle melody is led by finger-picking on a guitar, and the sentiment is as soft as the delicate instrumental. Lyrically, it paints a gorgeous picture, taking listeners on a gorgeous, joy-filled journey through time and space. There’s no drama or hurt, just a simple, heartfelt description of two people in love, happy to have found each other. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“This Love”, “1989” (2014)
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One of the Few Ballads on “1989” & a Very Soothing Listen
“Sad Beautiful Tragic (Taylor’s Version)”, “Red (Taylor’s Version)” (2021)
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One of the Album’s Many Lovely Yet Underrated Tracks
“marjorie”, “evermore” (2020)
A Moving Tribute to Swift’s Maternal Grandmother
“ivy”, “evermore” (2020)
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"Mary's Song (Oh My My My)", “Taylor Swift” (2006)
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#1: “Clean”
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“1989” (2014) In contrast with the big hits of 1989 - and even the beloved bonus tracks like “New Romantics” - “Clean” was slower to grow on us. Yet there’s definitely something extra special about it. The mood is set by the opening instrumental: a delicate, melodic clinking that suggests the falling of rain. Swift uses language referencing sobriety to describe the feeling of finally moving on from a breakup, creating a powerful image. Making the track even more meaningful is the fact that it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Indeed, it allows listeners to draw links to difficult experiences in their own lives. Plus, it’s just a really great song that leaves you feeling hopeful and refreshed.
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