Taylor Swift’s best albums
After the surprise announcement of her 10th studio album, members of CommRadio’s Arts & Entertainment Department wrote about some of the best Taylor Swift albums so far.
“folklore” (2020)
Taylor Swift actually invented the cottage core aesthetic with "folklore.”
Swift surprised fans by announcing on July 23, 2020 that her eigth studio album, “folklore,” would come out the next day. She shared that this album was not about her own life, like most of her previous work, but instead about a collection of stories that came to her during quarantine.
Not unlike many of her previous albums, this one was also the work of the writing-producing dream team that is Swift and Jack Antonoff, someone I love very dearly. Another addition to the “folklore” team was Aaron Dessner, the founding member of the rock band, The National.
This album is truly a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling. Swift spins so many webs on this album, most notably a story told in three songs, each from a different point of view.
In a very exciting turn of events, this album went on to win the Grammy for Album of the Year, making Swift the only woman solo artist to win that particular Grammy three times in her career.
– Izzy Charboneau
“1989” (2014)
With all the drama surrounding Taylor Swift from 2014 to 2016, most people forget why “1989” is regarded as pop perfection.
Named after the year Swift was born, this album represents the singer-songwriter's rebirth from a country artist to a fully-fledged pop star.
“1989” won Album of the Year at the Grammy’s while breaking many records. Inspired by 80s-synth pop, Swift changed the pop landscape completely since the artist drew no influence from the current pop scene.
Pop music isn’t known for impressive lyricism, but Swift's music is. Her ability to completely abandon her typical genre but not her own strengths is beyond impressive.
Swift is never handicapped by the pop genre, but instead uses it to her storytelling advantage.
The repetitive chorus in “Out of the Woods” is used to illuminate the anxiousness in that relationship. In “Blank Space,” the lyrics are a satirical take on her media portrayal.
There isn’t a skip or a mistake on “1989,” as it is cohesive and witty. The album's commercial and critical domination helped forge Swift into the industry titan she is today.
“1989” is Swift at her sharpest, cleverest, most concise, cleanest (pun intended) and best.
- Sophia D’Ovidio
“Red (Taylor's Version)” (2021)
Red (Taylor’s Version) is by far the best album created by Taylor Swift.
Released in November 2021, Swift’s ‘Red’ album featured extended tracks and bonus content of an album she had released years prior. This time however, she had all the rights to the music and could do whatever she pleased.
This re-release was a strong statement made by Swift as it showed her true potential and her strong ability to continue creating beautiful pieces of music, while maintainng her case to be called the Queen of Pop.
The newest version of one of the most popular songs on the album, "All Too Well," sparked excitement from Swift fans as she released a 10-minute version filled with a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings that touches fans' hearts on a deep level.
This album, without a doubt, is her best work, and her versatility in the music industry is, and always has been, unmatched compared to many other artists.
With over two dozen songs featured on the album, and the songs we know and love made even better and longer this time, this album is sure to please those who appreciate Swift’s music.
- Brendan Conroy
“Speak Now” (2010)
Many would say Taylor Swift is the music industry itself because of her nine albums and two re-records which cover multiple genres and styles.
However, many met and grew to love her for her first three albums which lean more towards the country genre, the best of which being “Speak Now”.
“Speak Now” reminds all Swifties of the beginning of Swift’s music career, which ends up giving it a very nostalgic feel because of the way fans have grown up with her over the years.
This album specifically holds a place in many hearts because of anthems like “Sparks Fly," “Mine," “Haunted” and the ever controversial “Better than Revenge."
However, “Speak Now” also features songs that hurl you into your feels like “Dear John," “Never Grow Up” and “Long Live”.
“Speak Now” is the perfect teen album. It makes you feel like the main character and as if you are going through the most brutal heart break, even when you're single.
- Savannah Swartz
Izzy Charboneau is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu.
Sophia D’Ovidio is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.
Brendan Conroy is a third-year majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him email brc5392@psu.edu.
Savannah Swartz is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email
sms9072@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Sophia D'Ovidio
First-Year /
Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year from Allentown, New Jersey. She is now a communications (undecided) major at Penn State University. Sophia intends on pursuing a career in journalism. Sophia writes for the CommRadio Arts department.
Savannah Swartz
Second-year / Advertising and Public Relations
Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major, focusing on advertising and public relations. She is a member of the arts department.
Brendan Conroy
Third-Year / Broadcast Journalism
Brendan is a third-year student from Clifton Park, New York, and is majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Outside of CommRadio, Brendan is a member of Penn State Sports Night, and is a News/Sports anchor for Penn State Network News. Following this year Brendan looks to hold an internship with a local sports team, and expand in his knowledge of broadcasting. To contact Brendan, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You can also follow him on instagram @bconroytv.
