Taylor Swift has come a long way since her 2006 debut single Tim McGraw. Over 30 million records sold and seven Grammy Awards to be precise. On the eve of the much anticipated release of fifth album 1989 , Swift has established herself as music royalty. From cute country singer to all conquering pop princess.
At the tender age of 23 , Taylor Swift has already delivered an impressive back catalogue of signature hits and torch songs. So here I count down what her 10 Greatest Hits really are from the past 8 years of chart dominance.
As this is based on singles only , unfortunately there is no room for personal and fan favourites such as Enchanted , All Too Well , Ronan , Last Kiss , State Of Grace , or Breathe.
So from 10 to 1 , The Playlist presents Taylor Swift's 10 Greatest Hits from 2006 right up to 2014
10. White Horse ( 2008 )
This gem nabbed Swift a Grammy for Best Country Song in 2009. A stereotypical yet beautiful portrait of heartbreak as Swift discovers there is no white knight upon a white horse to rescue her. It is quintessential Swift looking as always for that elusive fairytale ending. One of her most beautiful ballads , it is a highlight of the Fearless album.
9. Safe And Sound featuring The Civil Wars ( 2012 )
Written with the legendary T-Bone Burnett and country folk duo The Civil Wars , Safe And Sound was written for blockbuster movie The Hunger Games. It was a perfect fit , a brooding country ballad that closed out the film itself. Swift's vocals are breathy and eerie adding to the tracks gorgeous melancholic feel. Critically acclaimed as it was , Safe And Sound may be amongst Swift's most underrated tracks.
8. Ours ( 2011 )
The final single that was lifted from Speak Now , Ours is another delicately gorgeous Swift ballad. Sure there were stronger songs on that album that could have made perfect singles such as the mighty Enchanted.
But over time , it remains one of Swift's best ballads
7. Red (2013 )
The title track from her fourth album , Red sees Swift compare the intense emotions of love to the colour red. The result is a delicious country pop /rock hybrid that saw Swift delve further towards pop leanings whist retaining her country roots.
6. Back To December (2010 )
One of Swift's finest moments , this stunning ballad from Speak Now is a heartfelt apology to an ex lover. believed to be Twilight actor Taylor Lautner.
Vulnerable vocals from Swift sync beautifully with the songs themes of reconciliation and regret. Perhaps her best lyrical execution in a ballad.
5. We are Never Ever Getting Back Together (2012 )
Her first all out pop belter resulted in Swift's first US Billboard Hot 100 Number 1. Produced by pop titans Max Martin and Shellback , this was Swift finally becoming the pop force she was always destined to be. It was a worldwide smash that placed Swift as a new force in pop and mix it up with Katy , Gaga and Pink. It gave her the mainstream success in territories where she was on the cusp of greatness but this elevated her star to new , globe conquering heights.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was a glorious turning point for Swift as an artist.
4. Mean (2011 )
Mean was penned by Swift as a response to those who criticize all she does. It's defiant chorus of ' someday I'll be living in a big ol city , and all you're ever gonna be is mean '.
It scooped another two Grammys for Swift. And how right she was as she now resides in the ultimate big ole city of New York.
The song is undeniably country with its banjo and guitar twangs and handclaps. A genuine highlight of Speak Now , Swift served up a two fingers to her critics in effortlessly melodic style.
3. I Knew You Were Trouble (2012 )
If We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together was but a mere dipped toe in the pool of pop , then follow up I Knew You Were Trouble was a full blown somersault. Again helmed by Max Martin and Shellback , the nod to dubstep was irresistible. A career defining song that would ultimately bring us to 1989.
2. Love Story (2009 )
Love Story was Swift's first major international hit. And remains her ultimate fairytale love song as she memorably delivers 'You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess '
Country met Shakespeare with commercial and critical success. It was her first UK Top 10 and her biggest US hit at the time.
1. You Belong With Me (2009)
The accompanying video saw Swift become the first country artist to ever scoop an MTV Video Music Award. Kanye West stormed the stage and the rest is popculture history. This is ranked as Swift's greatest hit , simply because seven years later , it remains a damn good pop song.
It has all the ingredients of a classic Taylor Swift song. Unrequited love , the female nemesis , the boy next door , twangy guitars , and a chorus as contagious as Ebola.
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