You Can’t Call Yourself a Taylor Swift Fan Unless You’ve Listened to at Least Half of These Songs

When I think about Taylor Swift, I think of a songwriter who has evolved remarkably over the years—from her country roots to her pop megastar status, and now to her experimental indie and alternative ventures. Her discography isn't just vast; it's a tapestry of storytelling, heartfelt emotion, and musical innovation that has defined a generation. But for those who truly consider themselves Swifties, there’s more than just familiarity — it’s about deep listening and appreciation for her extensive catalog. So, here’s a challenge: unless you’ve listened to at least half of these essential Taylor Swift songs, you might want to reconsider calling yourself a genuine fan.

Taylor Swift kicked off her career in 2006 with her self-titled debut album, an impressive collection for a young artist. Tracks like Tim McGraw and Teardrops on My Guitar showcased her country charm and storytelling prowess. From there, she transitioned into mainstream pop with Fearless (2008) and Speak Now (2010), each album adding hits like Love Story and Back to December.

However, her dedication to artistic reinvention truly shined with Red (2012), which blended pop and country elements — featuring songs like All Too Well and 22. Her 2014 album 1989 marked a full-fledged shift to synth-pop, with chart-toppers such as Shake It Off, Blank Space, and Style. In her subsequent albums, she explored indie, alternative, and even folk sounds, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to evolve.

To be considered a genuine fan, one must dig into her diverse discography. Here’s a list of vital Taylor Swift songs spanning her career—listening through at least half of these might be a good benchmark:

• Tim McGraw (2006)
• Teardrops on My Guitar (2006)
• Our Song (2007)
• Picture to Burn (2008)
• Fearless (2008)
• White Horse (2008)

• You Belong With Me (2008)
• Forever & Always (2008)
• Back to December (2010)
• Mine (2010)

• Mean (2010)
• We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (2012)
• I Knew You Were Trouble (2012)
• 22 (2013)
• Style (2014)
• Blank Space (2014)
• Shake It Off (2014)

• All Too Well (2012, 10-Minute Version available on re-releases)
• Wildest Dreams (2014)
• Out of the Woods (2014)
• Delicate (2017)
• Lover (2019)
• The Archer (2019)

• Cardigan (2020)
• Willow (2020)
• No Body, No Crime ft. Haim (2020)
• Evermore (2020)
• Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2021)
• Red (Taylor’s Version) (2021)
• Midnights (2022)
• Anti-Hero (2022)

• Enchanted
• All Too Well (various versions)
• The Last Great American Dynasty
• Clean
• Innocent

Listening to at least half of her songs isn’t just about accumulating a playlist; it’s about understanding her growth as an artist, the recurring themes, and her lyrical genius. Taylor’s songwriting often reflects her personal experiences, societal observations, and her emotional depth. By exploring her discography, fans can appreciate her storytelling mastery and find new favorites in her lesser-known tracks.

Each album offers a different flavor and perspective. For instance, her Fearless era presents youthful innocence, while Reputation explores themes of fame and media scrutiny. Her Folklore and Evermore projects offer intimate, poetic storytelling with a more subdued and mature tone. Recognizing these shifts enriches your appreciation for her artistry.

If you’re starting out, approach her discography chronologically. This allows you to witness her musical evolution and lyrical maturity. However, don’t shy away from exploring her top hits first — they often serve as gateways into her broader discography. For instance, listening to Love Story, You Belong With Me, and Blank Space can help you get familiar with her melodic style and storytelling approach. Once you're comfortable with the hits, delve into her deeper cuts, demos, and live versions to truly appreciate her craft.

Being a true Taylor Swift fan isn’t just about knowing a handful of popular singles; it’s about embracing her entire body of work, understanding her themes, and recognizing her influence on the music industry. Listening to her songs critically and attentively allows you to pick up on lyrical nuances, instrumentation, and emotional subtleties that sets her apart as a songwriter and performer.

A good way to deepen your connection is to learn about the stories behind her songs. Many of her tracks are inspired by real-life experiences, relationships, or societal issues. For example, All Too Well is renowned for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, making it a fan favorite for those who appreciate lyrical artistry.

Engaging with other fans can also enhance your appreciation. Forums, social media groups, and fan events often discuss song meanings, unreleased tracks, and concert experiences. Participating in these communities can motivate you to explore songs you might have overlooked and expand your understanding of her discography.

At the end of the day, calling yourself a true Taylor Swift fan is a matter of genuine appreciation and effort. Listening to at least half of her songs—especially those that aren’t as mainstream—demonstrates a commitment to understanding her artistry beyond surface-level hits. It’s about recognizing her evolution, understanding her storytelling, and discovering your personal favorites among her extensive catalog.

So, next time someone calls themselves a Swiftie, ask them: Have you really listened to her entire discography? Because, if you haven’t, you might be missing out on something truly extraordinary. Grab your headphones, start with her early hits, and embark on the musical journey that makes Taylor Swift one of the most influential artists of our time.