Taylor Swift is no doubt one of the most influential artists of our generation. She has redefined the music industry with her re-recording project and sold out tour that sheds light on her entire music career. Swift became the most streamed artist on Spotify in the beginning of November 2023, and has over 106 million monthly listeners.
As a “swiftie” for over 13 years, and in Swift’s top one percent of Spotify listeners for the past three years, I think it’s safe to say that I’m an expert on her music. With 10 studio albums and four re-recordings that feature the much beloved “vault tracks,” it is easy to get lost in the multitude of songs she’s released. Thus, I bring to you three of her most underrated tracks.
“You Are In Love (Taylor’s Version)” This song is one of Swift’s best love songs. It has a sense of maturity that she had previously not expressed in her prior music. The second person point of view is a unique element that makes the track stand out from her other work. The opening gives me chills, and I’m waiting for the song to be used in the finale of a romance movie one day.
The final lines of the bridge — “And you understand now/Why they lost their minds and fought the wars/And why I’ve spent my whole life trying to put it into words” — invoke many emotions within me. The rawness of the pain and beauty love brings upon people. This song is a reminder that in life most people are just searching for love, even those in the spotlight.
“Maroon” While “Midnights” is not high on my album ranking,“Maroon” was quickly a standout after my first listen, and it remains my most played track. The biggest mistake Swift made with the “Midnights” set was not including this track — it was made for a stadium soundsystem.
A sustained note plays throughout the track, building the tension. Swift’s lower speak-singing in the final chorus juxtaposed with her higher, more delicate vocals, is perfectly produced. The listener waits for a drop that never comes, which encapsulates the lyricism of the songs.
“State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)” “Red” is my favorite album by Swift, and “State of Grace” is one of her best album openers. Her fourth album marks the beginning of Swift’s transition to pop, and “State of Grace” shows that she is not afraid to experiment with her sound.
If I had to recommend a song to someone who is not a fan of Swift, I would recommend “State of Grace.” The elements of rock make it easy to listen to; whether you are driving, studying, or cleaning, this song somehow fits the mood. The lyrics draw on religion, mythology, and war, showing that Swift is delving into deep concepts of love beyond the young love she experienced when she wrote the song.
Swift’s discography is so vast, that there is bound to be a track that you like. Maybe these three tracks aren’t for you but that shouldn’t stop you from further exploration of her music.
