Standout Lyric: “I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness”

Widely critiqued for it’s lackluster melody and unnesseccary lyrics, Eldest Daughter has become quite infamous among listeners. The standout issue with this song is its sloppy songwriting. The track’s main theme seems to be Taylor’s ability to withstand adversity and stay strong, which she credits to being the eldest daughter. But by layering various unrelated ideas, Taylor only confuses listeners and lessens the song’s impact.

11. The Life of a Showgirl

Standout Lyric: “Do you wanna take a skate on the ice inside my veins?”

With its theatrical lyrics and production, the title track definitely encapsulates the “showgirl” theme. However, the melody feels very unoriginal and basic, and the lyrics don’t necessarily ‘make up for it’. It’s not the show stopping song Taylor thinks it is, and definitely doesn’t compare creatively to the rest of the album.

Standout Lyric: “Got me dreaming ’bout a driveway with a basketball hoop”

Wi$h Li$t, the album’s eighth track, explores Taylor’s future desires with her soon-to-be husband, Travis Kelce. She contrasts these with the material desires of others. The unique production on this song carries it exponentially, compromising for it’s elementary lyrics. But let’s not kid ourselves here, it is a pretty cute song.

9. Actually Romantic

Standout Lyric: “But you keep sending me funny valentines”

As we all know, Taylor is notorious for writing nasty songs about people who have wronged her, and her latest muse, Charli XCX is no exception. Actually Romantic explores Taylor’s ongoing “feud” with the synth-pop artist, where she paints herself as the victim of Charli’s shade. The track is very simple and repetitive melodically, but it would be a lie to say the drama isn’t at least a little interesting.

8. CANCELLED!

Standout Lyric: “But a shattered glass is a lot more sharp”

The Reputation-esque song has become a fan favorite for many. Production-wise, it’s a pretty solid track, but corny lyrical choices have become quite the trend throughout this album, and CANCELLED! is very much subject to this.

7. Ruin the Friendship

Standout Lyric: “And my advice is always answer the question, better that than to ask it all your life”

Ruin the Friendship is a sentimental track about Taylor’s late friend from high school. She uncovers her past feelings for this person, and how she should’ve confessed to them while she had the chance. Being relatively tame both lyrically and sonically, the track doesn’t really offer much to critique, but also doesn’t really offer much to critique…

6. Wood

Standout Lyric: “Fingers crossed until you put your hand on mine”

Wood is undeniably one of the catchiest songs on the album, its timeless tune is certainly an earworm if we’ve ever heard one. The theme of Taylor’s self-proclaimed bad luck is introduced from the beginning, but later begins to morph into something less innocent as it goes on. This record is really just Taylor having a little bit of fun.

5. Elizabeth Taylor

Standout Lyric: “All my white diamonds and lovers are forever, in the papers, on the screen and in their minds”

As the chorus of Elizabeth Taylor plays for the first time, it’s vast distinction from the rest of Taylor’s discography becomes clear. The track is creative and unique, making it a debatable highlight of the album. Themes like stardom and fame show Taylor beginning to delve deeper into ideas like legacy and success, as well as the struggles that stem from them.

4. Honey

Standout Lyric: “But you say it like you’re in awe of me”

Whilst not receiving much attention compared to other tracks, this lighthearted bop has definitely captivated my ears. With its playful tune and bubbly lyrics, the track has consistently lived in my mind rent-free.

3. Opalite

Standout Lyric: “A storm inside a teacup, but shelter here with me, my love”

If Taylor’s engagement didn’t prove her love for Travis, Opalite definitely did. The upbeat earworm leaves no loose ends untied, only smiles on the faces of whoever listens. Much like Wood, the track delivers that timeless-sounding melody which never hurts for a song.

2. Father Figure

Standout Lyrics: “Your thoughtless ambition sparked the ignition on foolish decisions which led to misguided visions”, “Mistake my kindness for weakness and find your card cancelled”

Considered to be the album’s best written track, Father Figure explores Taylor’s relationship with her former management and the general power dynamics of the music industry. With this track, Taylor has once again proven her capability to write captivating non-romance orientated songs.

1. The Fate of Ophelia

Standout Lyric: “But love was a cold bed full of scorpions
The venom stole her sanity”

As the album’s lead single, The Fate of Ophelia has certainly lived up to the hype. The track’s joyous message, catchy melody, and clever lyrics all come together to produce the bulletproof pop Taylor’s known for. And i’ll always love a pop hit with a Shakespeare reference!

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