Which Taylor Swift album are you?

Take this quiz to find out which iconic Taylor Swift era you are

Olivia Hau and Julie Huang|May 25, 2023

4 MIN READ
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1989 – An album about the confusing yet wondrous rush of young adulthood, 1989 catapulted Swift to pop superstardom with hits such as“Blank Space,” “Shake It Off,” and  “New Romantics.” Cynical, polished, and effortlessly stylish, just like the 1989 era, you showcase the duality of learning to deal with (and shake off!) the criticism of others and learning how to accept your strengths and flaws as they are. 

Reputation – During her Reputation era, Swift took on a darker edge than ever before, a symbolic declaration that she would not tolerate ruthless scrutiny from the media. Reputation is known for iconic songs like “Getaway Car” and “Don’t Blame Me,” but beneath the era’s dramatic black-and-white veneer lies a softer, romantic side that reveals itself on tracks like “Call It What You Want” and “Delicate.”

Fearless – Launching Taylor Swift into a world of fame, Fearless features hits such as “Love Story” or “Forever & Always,” which the 2021 Taylor’s Version added to with tracks such as “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “That’s When.” Like its name implies, the starry-eyed Fearless era means you embody the courage necessary to live life and pursue what’s meaningful even when faced with failure and heartbreak. 

Debut – Swift’s eponymous first album, this record is innocent and sweet but feisty, befitting her country roots. Though tracks like “Picture To Burn” and “Should’ve Said No” show a fiercer side, Taylor Swift’s Debut era is defined by songs like “Teardrops On My Guitar” and “Our Song,” which encapsulates the hopefulness and kindness of someone who is just starting out and still falling in love with the world. 

Red – Swift’s only ‘true’ heartbreak album, Red is an era for those currently exploring and coming to terms with complex feelings. Songs like “Red” and “All Too Well” illustrate the messy, raw, intense, and heartfelt process of accepting love and loss, while Taylor’s Version vault tracks like “Nothing New” and “Forever Winter” add even more nuance to the iconic era. 

Midnights – Swift’s latest album, this pensive, dreamlike era is an all-encompassing journey through the significant nights of her past as she remembers them. Hits like “Karma” and “Bejeweled” boldly celebrate the triumph of success while tracks like “You’re On Your Own, Kid” and “Maroon” temper that success with contemplation and melancholy. Just like you, the Midnights era is full of introspection wrapped in a shimmering appearance. 

Lover – Described as a “love letter to love,” Lover details the many lenses through which the idea of ‘love’ can be looked at, from politics to personal life. Quirky and outspoken, the album is rife with emotional intimacy on tracks like “Cruel Summer,” “The Archer” and “Cornelia Street.” Simultaneously joyful and sorrowful, subtle and intense, the Lover era is a celebration of love in all its forms. 

Speak Now – Entirely self-written, Speak Now documents Swift’s blossoming independence and transition from childhood to adulthood. Complemented by a fairytale aesthetic and an upbeat pop-rock sound, the album carries a familiar, confessional vibe on songs like “Enchanted,” “The Story of Us,” and “Back To December.” Unapologetically honest and hauntingly dreamy, the Speak Now era is an elegant exercise in knowing when to hold your peace and when to speak (now). 

Folklore – Amidst the loneliness of the COVID-19 pandemic, Swift entered her whimsical folklore era. Billed as a collection of fictional tales in song form, this album is a contemplative reflection of the stories found in the world around us. Songs like “cardigan,” “august,” and “illicit affairs” feature themes of escapism, romanticism, and nostalgia, while the album’s emotional range and honest storytelling lends folklore era an essence of gleaming authenticity. 

Evermore – Though they share the same escapist concept, evermore is bolder than sister album folklore in its poetic portrayals of love, grief, and the conflicts and complexities of human connection, which are explored in songs like “champagne problems,” “willow,” and “ivy.” evermore era also heavily incorporates nature imagery, channeling the cottage-core aesthetic and enhancing the intimate, genuine feel of the album.