Speak Now is where Taylor Swift’s music really takes off. After the reveal that Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) was going to be released July 7, I sat in my bed, grabbed my computer, and eagerly waited for it to pop up on Spotify. With the original songs, the rerecording brought six new vault tracks. As her third re-recorded album, this one hits even more than Fearless (Taylor’s Version), in my opinion. 

     The album mainly explores past relationships and heartbreaks that Swift endured. Some tracks are also about her rising fame in the public eye. While the album is mainly pop, a few of Swift’s country roots are apparent in some of the songs. 

     The album singles quickly won awards. “Back To December” and “Mine” made it on the US Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 singles, while “Sparks Fly” and “Ours” made it on the US Hot Country Songs. Music critics praised the album, noting its emotional depth. Rolling Stone even ranked the album on their 2012 list of “50 Best Female Albums Of All Time.” 

     Dear John – This should come as no surprise. This song is killer. The song reveals the anguish that Swift feels after her messy breakup with John Meyer (yuck). I love how Swift has the audacity to name-drop her ex. The emotion in her voice gets me every time. Also, the bridge is perfect and so stinkin ‘catchy. I think it is genius how the song follows the style of one of Meyers’ songs. He should’ve known. 

     Back To December – I love this song because of how unique the concept is. Maybe it is just me, but I never hear songs where the singer apologizes for breaking someone else’s heart (besides Adele… love you.)  And yes, Taylor Lautner did deserve this song. It is heartbreaking to listen to because you, as the audience, know it isn’t going to work. They aren’t going to get back together. But that is ok. There is something about this song that scratches an itch in my brain. It is so good and severely underrated. 

     Haunted – This is an OG song that I remember blasting in the car when I was little. And even with the rerecording I can still hear the desperation in Swift’s voice. The music at the very beginning and all throughout the song, but especially at the beginning, is so good that it gives me chills just thinking about it. And, not to make you jealous, but hearing this live (YES LIVE) solidified its place in my top five. This is such a banger. 

     Sparks Fly – This is probably the most nostalgic song on this album for me. It is my dad’s favorite song on the album, so I remember this one the most from when I was little. It is a classic love song. Name a love song better than this.That’s right, you can’t. The song lyrics are so vivid that  I can see the scene Swift is singing in my head. That’s when you know a song is good. Stop everything you are doing and listen to this song.

     The Story of Us – First of all, the angry rock music at the very beginning is awesome. I also love how fast and upbeat this song is. Other than that, it is hard for me to pinpoint what it is that I love about this song. There is just something about it that is so catchy. Next chapter. 

     While it isn’t my favorite album, some of the songs on this album are some of my favorite of all time. Also, as a fellow small-town roots girl, I love that Swift incorporated some country spin on some of her songs (I’m talking about you, Dear John). Long live Taylor Swift, the Queen of the Music Industry. 

Official Ranking 

1. Dear John
2. Back To December 
3. Haunted 
4. Sparks Fly 
5. The Story of Us 
6. Long Live 
7. Timeless
8. Foolish One
9. Better Than Revenge 
10. Last Kiss 
11. Enchanted 
12. Mean 
13. I Can See You
14. Never Grow Up 
15. Mine 
16. Castles Crumbling 
17. When Emma Falls In Love 
18. Electric Touch 
19. Speak Now 
20. Superman
21. Ours
22. Innocent