5. Fearless

Though Taylor Swift’s debut album was already topping charts, it was her sophomore album, “Fearless,” that skyrocketed then 18-year-old Swift into superstar status. With hits “‘You Belong With Me” and “Love Story,” Fearless was 2009’s best selling album. She made international headlines winning awards, including the VMA award for Best Video by a Female Artist, where she was interrupted by Kanye West in a now-infamous moment. Most notably, Swift was the youngest recipient of the Album Of The Year Grammy in history. Swift embarked on her first solo headlining tour during this era, where she was known for her sparkly guitars, big blonde curls and sequin fringe dresses.

4. Midnights

Swift’s tenth and most recent album, “Midnights,” is a soulful, experimental blend of highlights from albums before. Mature and conceptual, “Midnights” is Swift’s most authentic album to date. Diving into themes such as relationship insecurity and battles with depression, “Midnights” is Swift at her most honest and vulnerable state. In this smoky, starry-night-filled, 70s-themed era, Swift has become not only the star, but the director of her story. This era, defined by themes of the night and melancholy glamour, confidently shows that Taylor is still at the top of her game, almost two decades after the release of her first album.

3. folklore/evermore

Swift surprised Swifties with the unexpected release of “folklore,” a secret album she’d been working on during quarantine. Straying from her typical sound, “folklore”’s indie, laid-back vibes and sophisticated lyrics and storytelling made for Swift’s most unique album yet. “folklore” strips Swift’s music to its bare essentials and is a reminder of her storytelling intelligence. With acoustic folk songs, minimalistic style and a narrative between characters throughout the album, “folklore” stands alone in Swift’s discography. Not to be forgotten is “evermore,” “folklore’’s sister album, released soon after. Another surprise album, “evermore” joined its sister album in becoming the sound of the pandemic, making quarantine feel less lonely. 

2. 1989

Nicknamed “the pop Bible” by Swifties, “1989” marked the first time Swift went full pop star, moving past her small-town country girl aesthetic. Full of synthetic beats and lighthearted tunes, “1989” was inspired by the music of the 1980s and the year Taylor was born. With earworm radio hits such as “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” and lesser-known tunes such as “How You Get The Girl” and “Wonderland,” “1989” is pop perfection. From being America’s sweetheart to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the “1989” era was full of positive change for Taylor’s career. Taylor also embarked on her “1989” world tour during this era.

1. reputation

After years of tabloid scrutiny, Swift flipped the narrative by owning the villain label and making it her brand. Angry, sassy and unapologetic, “reputation”-era Swift was met with controversy but rose above it. Swift made waves when she released “reputation’s” lead single “Look What You Made Me Do” and its music video, which featured the “old Taylor” dying, “reputation”-era Swift coming back as a zombie to fight previous versions of herself, and allusions to past controversies. Swifties remember exactly where they were when Swift wiped her Instagram account clean and posted three cryptic posts that revealed a snake, teasing the release of “reputation.”