Taylor Swift is widely recognized for her exceptional songwriting skills, often creating compelling songs without the involvement of co-writers. Over the last decade, she has collaborated with various musicians, including notable partnerships with Jack Antonoff on many of her acclaimed pop tracks. Nevertheless, Swift has remained dedicated to crafting music independently, a skill she honed during her early years. In her teenage bedroom, it was just Swift and her guitar, long before she began collaborating with well-known co-writers like Liz Rose. This commitment to solo songwriting resurfaced with her third studio album, where she demonstrated her ability to create music on her own.
In response to criticisms regarding her songwriting contributions, Swift released *Speak Now* in 2010, featuring a tracklist composed entirely of self-written songs. This move not only silenced her critics but also showcased her undeniable talent. Post-*Speak Now*, while she returned to collaborations, she has ensured that each of her albums includes at least one solo-written song, with the exception of *Reputation*. Swift collaborates with others not out of necessity, but to push her creative boundaries and foster her growth as an artist. However, her extensive catalog of solo-written songs underscores her formidable talent.
Below, we delve into ten of the best songs penned solely by Taylor Swift, ranked carefully based on the quality of the writing, including factors such as storytelling, wit, and lyrical craftsmanship.
10. Love Story
*Fearless* (2008)
Upon its release, “Love Story”made history by becoming the first song to reach number one on both the country and pop radio charts, hinting at Swift’s aspirations beyond traditional country music. Unlike her numerous collaborations with esteemed co-writers like Max Martin and Antonoff, “Love Story”is a testament to Swift’s solo capabilities, emerging as an enduring favorite performed consistently throughout her tours. Critics have frequently highlighted the literary quality of her lyrics, with “Love Story”often compared to Shakespearean themes, particularly in its references to *Romeo & Juliet*.
9. Our Song
*Taylor Swift* (2006)
“Our Song”stands as the third single from Swift’s debut album and showcases her knack for clever, relatable storytelling. Initially crafted for a high school talent show after gaining popularity among her classmates, the song narrates a relationship without an official song, where the boyfriend creatively generates one instead. Featuring vivid imagery—like slamming screen doors and late-night phone calls—the song marks Swift as the first female artist to achieve a solo-written number one on the country charts, a highlight early in her career.
8. Long Live
*Speak Now* (2010)
Among the completely self-written tracks on *Speak Now*, “Long Live”stands out as remarkably personal. Swift created this song to reflect on realizing her dreams, making it a deeply introspective piece linked to her journey with her band as they rose to fame. During the *Speak Now* Tour, she shared with fans that the melody came to her just before a stage performance, reinforcing the connection. More than a tribute to her team, “Long Live”serves as an homage to her fans, encapsulated by its hidden message that the song is also for them.
7. Lover
*Lover* (2019)
With *Reputation* shifting toward a heavier sound, Swift returned to her singer-songwriter roots with the track “Lover.”This title track marked a return to the acoustic-driven crafting of love songs, reflecting authenticity. The lyrics depict a matured perspective on love, a stark contrast from her earlier idealizations. The bridge features a clever twist on wedding vows, demonstrating her growth while encapsulating her journey through heartbreak and ultimate companionship with her partner.
Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand
With every guitar string scar on my hand
I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover
My heart’s been borrowed and yours has
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