Taylor Swift is a powerhouse artist and there is no denying that. She’s mastered her songwriting craft, which continues to grow on each album, and the way she somehow manages to relate to all of us on every single track is remarkable. She has the gift of making her now public diary entries scalable to the masses. Needless to say, Swift is a mastermind.
Every album has its own story and songs that we love listening to. Red is quite possibly one of our favorite Swift albums because it really is just that good and should have won a Grammy. The album isn’t even a country album or a pop album, it’s an album that screams the new genre of Taylor Swift with every bit of influence you can think of. Since we have this album on loop lately, we’ve decided to give each track a definitive ranking from worst to best (this includes the bonus tracks on the deluxe edition).
Continue to read our ranking below and let us know what your favorite tracks are and whether or not we got it right.
I Almost Do
It’s not that we don’t enjoy this song because we do. The lyrics are beautiful but it’s honestly the one song on the album that we forget is even there…
The Moment I Knew
This song is sad and tragic but we understand why it’s just a bonus track. She’s had better. This one just doesn’t do it for us.
The Last Time (Feat. Gary Lightbody)
While this duet is a good one, and a dream for Taylor it just wasn’t our favorite. When we know that it’s there, we love it but just like “I Almost Do,” we forget about it.
Begin Again
We listen to this song when we’re in love, and while it isn’t a track that stands out on the album, it’s definitely a great one. When you’re smitten with your lover, this is the one track you should listen to. Love does begin again when we least expect it.
Everything Has Changed (Feat. Ed Sheeran)
Our dream duet happened on this album. We love Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift together, and they made this collaboration a good one. We love how they compliment each other but we really wish Ed had a bigger vocal part. Either way, we are Sweeran forever.
The Lucky One
Did Taylor Swift predict her future? Seriously though, she’s been in hiding forever now and we can’t help but wonder if she took her own advice on this one, at least for awhile. This song is fantastic and underrated, to say the least. She even says ‘lucky’ 13 times throughout the song. It’s all in the details.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
It’s her lead single off the album and it’s perfect for radio. We can’t help but relate to every word, and can we mention how catchy this song is? It was a hit and still is but it lacks the artistry that we all know Swift is capable of.
I Knew You Were Trouble
We’re seriously obsessed with this song. Every time it’s on the radio we can’t help but turn it up loud enough for everyone to hear. The bass drop is incredible, and the track showcases the power of Swift’s voice. It’s definitely one of the better radio friendly tracks on the album. And let’s admit it, we’ve all dealt with this situation before, haven’t we?
Stay Stay Stay
This song makes us want to sing it to the one we know we’re going to marry one day. It’s such a cute song, and one that signifies that true love can last even through the arguments and disagreements you may have. Oh, and can we talk about the “that’s so fun” at the end? We love you, Taylor!
Red (Original Demo Recording)
We love that Taylor wants to give us a glimpse of how the songs sounded before the finalized version. This recording is a good depiction of that. It’s raw and showcases just how much Swift’s voice has grown over the years. We’re glad she decided to put this on the deluxe edition of the album.
Treacherous (Original Demo Recording)
This song is and will always be a favorite from this album. The original recording just shows how beautiful and risky this song has always been. She could’ve kept the original demo and it still would’ve slayed.
Girl At Home
This song is an anthem. We’ve all been there and we’re just thankful Swift is being honest about it. If you have a girl at home, don’t look at other girls. It’s that simple.
22
It always feels like a perfect night to listen to this song. It’s become an anthem for those who are 22 and it’s the perfect one. This track was by far the best single off the album. The lyrics showcase her talent and her voice is flawless. Who needs a night out with friends? There’s a Taylor Swift song for that.
Starlight
Let’s be honest, this song was the perfect lead up for 1989. It’s poppy and infectious. Not to mention, the lyrics pay perfect tribute to the Kennedy’s while showcasing Swift’s skill for telling a good story. It truly does feel like starlight when you listen to it.
Red
Leave it to Swift to use colors as metaphors for love. The song is actually super underrated and should be recognized for its brilliance in its lyrics and production. The sound of heartbreak and lost never sounded so good. Seriously.
Come Back… Be Here
Why didn’t this track make the actual album? We don’t understand because it’s seriously one of the best bonus tracks Swift has ever put out. It would’ve been a great single and we’re just so in love with it. We guess this really is falling in love in the cruelest way.
State of Grace
“State of Grace” is the perfect opening track for what else is to come on the album. The production is wild and brilliant, while the lyrics are some of the best on the album. We suppose you can consider this a prologuel to “Welcome To New York”. Now excuse us while we go listen to it on repeat.
Treacherous
There’s something so beautiful and risky about this track. Perhaps it’s the story Swift tells that makes us curious. We love the boldness she portrays and the lyrics are only lyrics that Swift would think of. It’s risky, yet so beautiful.
Sad Beautiful Tragic
This track is “Last Kiss” part two in our eyes. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, and Swift sings it in the most beautiful way. You can hear the raw emotion in her voice as she sings above her guitar. It’s melancholy and could never be a single but that’s why we love it. Just us Swiftie’s get a taste of this one, and we’re proud of it.
State of Grace (Acoustic)
We don’t have much to say here. Just listen to her voice and you’ll soon understand why this is number 2 on our list.
All Too Well
There is no question why this song is singlehandedly the best song on the entire album. It’s lyrically profound and tells a story of heartbreak in such a beautiful format. If you’re trying to convince anyone to be a fan, play them this song. We’re begging for the 10-minute version now. Do you think we’ll ever get it?