Yo, Swifties and music lovers! Let’s dive deep into the 2010s, a decade where Taylor Swift reigned supreme. While legends like Madonna owned the ’80s and Britney Spears was the princess of the ’90s, T-Swift took the 2010s by storm. Her transition from country darling to pop icon? Flawless.
Talk lyrics, and Swift’s pen game is unmatched. She’s the queen of storytelling, making us feel every emotion from “Blank Space” to “Delicate.” Her words resonate, whether you’re 15 or 50. It’s that universal appeal.
Commercially? She killed it. Albums like “1989” and “Reputation” weren’t just chart-toppers; they were cultural moments. And let’s not forget the awards. With 10 Grammys by 2021 and countless other accolades, she’s got the recognition to back up the hype.
But here’s the tea: Swift isn’t just a singer. She’s a songwriter extraordinaire. Tracks like “All Too Well” showcase her genius, blending personal tales with relatable themes. And her collabs? Fire. From Ed Sheeran to Brendon Urie, she knows how to pick ’em.
Of course, the 2010s weren’t all rainbows for Taylor. Media feuds, public breakups, and label disputes tested her. But like a phoenix, she rose, turning trials into tracks and haters into motivation.
Now, for the juicy bit: ranking her top ten singles from the 2010s. Starting from the bottom:
14. Look What You Made Me Do
Reputation (2017)
“Look What You Made Me Do” dropped in 2017, and boy, did it shake the pop world! Taylor Swift, once America’s sweetheart, flipped the script, serving us a dark, edgy anthem that screamed revenge and rebirth. Rumor mills went into overdrive: Was it a dig at Kanye? A clapback at Katy? The media frenzy was real. With lyrics like “I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time,” she made it clear she’s not the girl to mess with. Chart-topping? You bet! It smashed records, hitting No.1 on Billboard Hot 100. Critics? They were divided. Some called it a masterpiece, others, not so much. But love it or hate it, you couldn’t ignore it.
13. ME!
Lover (2019)
“ME!” by Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco dropped in 2019, and Swifties and Sinners alike lost their minds. A pastel-colored, fantasy-filled MV and a catchy chorus? We were all in! The track, a departure from her darker Reputation era, was all about embracing individuality and self-love. “I promise that you’ll never find another like me,” she sings, and we believe her. The collab with Brendon was the cherry on top, their voices blending like they’ve been doing duets for years. The song’s message? Be unapologetically you. And with that, Swift set the tone for her Lover album, leaving us all eager for what was next.
12. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack (2016)
When Taylor Swift and Zayn Malik dropped “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack in 2016, the internet lost its collective mind. A collab between pop royalty and a former One Direction heartthrob? Yes, please! The sultry track, dripping with longing and angst, perfectly captured the tension of the movie. The lyrics, co-written by Swift, Sam Dew, and Jack Antonoff, dive deep into the pain of love and separation, making it an instant anthem for the heartbroken. With Zayn hitting those high notes and Taylor bringing her signature passion, it wasn’t just a song; it was a moment. On to the next bop!
11. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Red (2012)
Alright, Swifties, let’s dive deep into the bop that had us all singing at the top of our lungs in 2012: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” This track, off Tay’s Red album, was a game-changer. Rumor has it, the song was inspired by one of Swift’s exes (no surprise there, right?). Word on the street is that an ex’s friend visited her in the studio, and after he left, she spilled the tea to her co-writers, Max Martin and Shellback. The trio then whipped up this catchy anthem in just 25 minutes. Wild, right? With lines like “with some indie record that’s much cooler than mine,” Taylor threw shade and sass like no other. The track skyrocketed, becoming her first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and going multi-platinum in several countries.
10. End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future)
Reputation (2017)
“End Game,” a banger from Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” album, was the collab we didn’t know we needed. Featuring Ed Sheeran and Future, this track was all about big reputations and even bigger beats. Swift, known for her storytelling, gave us a glimpse into her world of fame, love, and the desire to be someone’s “A-Team.” The lyrics? A mix of Swift’s signature introspection with Sheeran’s smooth verses and Future’s rap flow. It was a genre-blending masterpiece. And let’s be real: with its catchy chorus and that infectious beat, “End Game” was a win in Swift’s playbook. Ready for the next track? Hold onto your headphones; the hits just keep coming!
Youtube | Apple Music | Spotify
9. Welcome to New York
1989 (2014)
“Welcome to New York” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem. Released in 2014 as the opening track of Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking “1989” album, this bop captures the electrifying allure of the Big Apple. Swift penned this track after her own move to NYC, and it’s dripping with the excitement, optimism, and wonder of a fresh start in a city that never sleeps. The lyrics? A love letter to New York’s diversity and endless possibilities: “Everybody here was someone else before.” It’s a vibe, and Swifties felt it. And as the song fades out, you can’t help but feel ready for whatever’s next on that playlist. Bring it on!
Youtube | Apple Music | Spotify
8. …Ready For It?
Lover (2019)
Dropping in 2017 as part of her “Reputation” album, “…Ready For It?” saw Taylor Swift taking a bold leap into the world of electro-pop. This banger wasn’t just a departure from her country roots; it was a full-blown evolution. With its pulsating beats and catchy chorus, Swift posed the question, and fans screamed back, “Yes, we’re ready!”. Diving into the lyrics, it’s classic Taylor with a twist. She weaves a tale of a romance that’s intense, maybe even a little dangerous. The song’s edgy vibe was a far cry from her “Love Story” days, showing a more mature, self-assured artist. One thing’s clear: Taylor’s always got more tricks up her sleeve. Stay tuned, Swifties!
7. Wildest Dreams
1989 (2014)
“Wildest Dreams” dropped in 2015, and boy, did it make waves. Part of Swift’s iconic “1989” album, this track was a sultry departure from her usual pop anthems. With a dreamy, Lana Del Rey-esque vibe, it’s said to be inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, capturing the essence of fleeting love. The lyrics? Pure poetry. Lines like “He’s so tall and handsome as hell” had fans speculating about the muse, with many pointing to her whirlwind romance with actor Tom Hiddleston. The song’s success was meteoric, hitting the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its cinematic music video, set in a vintage Hollywood landscape with wild animals and dramatic desert scenes, further solidified its legendary status.
6. Style
1989 (2014)
“Style,” one of Taylor Swift’s standout tracks from her “1989” album, is a synth-pop dream that screams timeless allure. Rumored to be about her fling with Harry Styles (I mean, the title says it all, right?), the song masterfully blends ’80s vibes with modern pop sensibilities. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of two lovers caught in an on-again, off-again whirlwind, with lines like “You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye” giving it that classic, vintage feel. Critics and fans alike were hooked, praising its catchy chorus and mature sound. Beyond the catchy beats, “Style” showcased Swift’s evolution as an artist, proving she could flawlessly transition from country to pop. Dive into its layers, and you’ll find a tale of timeless love and the complexities of modern relationships. A bop with depth? That’s pure Taylor magic.
5. Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
1989 (2014)
“Bad Blood,” Swifties! Remember when Taylor dropped this banger in 2014 and the world went wild? Part of her iconic “1989” album, this track wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a musical diary entry. Rumor has it, the song spills the tea on a feud between Taylor and another mega pop star (Katy, is that you?). The lyrics? A masterclass in shade-throwing. Lines like “Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes” had fans and haters alike dissecting every word. The song’s edgy vibe, combined with its juicy backstory, made it a standout. And while the “Bad Blood” may have cooled down, the track’s legacy is still red-hot. Ready for the next bop on our list?
4. I Knew You Were Trouble
Red (Taylor’s Version)
Boy did this track mix things up! It’s part of Swift’s iconic “Red” album, this track marked a bold departure from her country roots, diving headfirst into the world of pop with a hint of dubstep. The song’s infectious chorus and edgy sound had us all singing, “Oh! Trouble, trouble, trouble.” The lyrics? Pure Swift magic. Dishing on love gone wrong, Taylor gave us a raw look into a toxic relationship, making fans speculate on the real-life inspiration. “I Knew You Were Trouble” wasn’t just a song; it was a moment. A game-changer.
3. Shake It Off
1989 (2014)
“Shake It Off,” Swift’s 2014 banger, wasn’t just a song; it was a statement. Ditching her country roots, Taylor embraced pure pop, and boy, did it pay off. Produced by the legendary Max Martin and Shellback, this track was Taylor’s way of addressing the haters, the media, and anyone who ever doubted her. With its infectious beats and catchy chorus, it was clear T-Swift was onto something big. The lyrics are a masterclass in self-empowerment. “Players gonna play, haters gonna hate,” she sings, urging listeners to shake off negativity and dance out their worries. The song’s success was monumental, skyrocketing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning triple Platinum status. If this track taught us anything, it’s that Taylor Swift knows how to turn drama into a chart-topping anthem.
2. Blank Space
1989 (2014)
Released in 2014 as part of the iconic “1989” album, this bop was Taylor’s clapback to the media’s portrayal of her as a serial-dater. Instead of getting salty, our girl T-Swift served us a satirical anthem, flipping the script and owning the narrative. “Got a long list of ex-lovers, they’ll tell you I’m insane” – come on, who doesn’t scream-sing that line? From penning in her diary to smashing cars, “Blank Space” is a masterclass in turning shade into success. And as the song fades out, you’re left wanting more, ready to dive into the next track. So, keep those headphones on and let’s ride the Swift wave!
1. Love Story (Yes, it’s from 2008, but it’s timeless!)
Love Story (Taylor’s Version)
T-Swift’s most iconic bops: “Love Story.” Released in 2008, this track wasn’t just a song; it was a whole Romeo and Juliet moment with a happy ending. Taylor, being the lyrical genius she is, took inspo from a love interest who wasn’t exactly a fam fave. Instead of a tragic ending, she gave us that fairy tale finish we didn’t know we needed. “Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone.” Ugh, the feels!
Now, let’s talk numbers. “Love Story” didn’t just tug at our heartstrings; it smashed charts worldwide. Going multi-platinum in several countries, it was the lead single from her “Fearless” album and set the tone for her crossover from country to pop. Critics? They were living for it, praising its catchy melody and mature lyrics. And that bridge? Iconic. Fast forward, and it’s still a banger at parties, weddings, and, let’s be real, our shower concerts. As for its legacy, “Love Story” paved the way for Taylor’s dominance in the 2010s. It’s more than a song; it’s a mood, a vibe, a whole era. And if you’re not screaming “Romeo, save me!” at the top of your lungs, are you even doing it right? Next up on our list… but can anything really top this classic?
There you have it! Taylor Swift’s 2010s dominance was a masterclass in pop perfection. From chart-topping hits to personal anthems, she gave us everything. Here’s to the next chapter!
In the meantime, you can chill to the whole playlist that we put together for you to vibe to on Spotify or Youtube.
