My 1989 rankings after a month tbh
1. Out of the Woods (it’s lyrically vivid, incredibly emotive, catchy as hell, incredible production. it’s one of the best pop songs in the past couple of years tbh)
2. Style (another pop gem. the only reason it’s not #1 is bc it’s a bit fluffy, but it’s still a masterpiece)
3. Clean (it’s not the most thrilling song, but everything just works so well together. the mild electronic production, the restrained vocals, the poetic lyrics all mesh together in the most beautiful way)
4. Blank Space (the lyrics are really clever, and even though i wasn’t too keen of its minimalist production upon the first few listens, hearing the song over and over again during its single run has really made me appreciate it more)
5. Shake It Off (the horns. the chill “lol who cares”-type lyrics that are desperately lacking in self empowerment songs. the super catchy chorus that drills itself into your head after just one listen. they don’t necessarily make up a musical masterpiece, but you’re damn wrong if you say they can’t be used to make an absolutely classic pop single, as this song proves. and it worked: the song spent 3 consecutive months in the top 2 on the billboard hot 100, and is still top 5 even as it’s successor “blank space” reigns)
6. I Know Places (even though the song doesn’t carry much replay value, it’s very well crafted. it being probably the darkest song on an album of generally happy thoughts makes it stand out in a good way too)
7. All You Had To Do Was Stay (in what is arguably the most musically modern song on the album, taylor channels lyrics about a confusing love filed with mixed messages over a shimmering nelly-esque acoustic dance pop beat. the result might make you move, but isn’t very moving)
8. Bad Blood (when taylor announced this katy diss song, i was ready for her to go hord (even though i love katy). what we ended up with (a confused wounded-heart call for peace that ironically ended up being a katy demo) may rub off a bit immature, but the hard hitting beat and cheerleader-esque chorus eventually grows on you)
9. Wildest Dreams (here, she actually does rip off someone. taking from lana del rey’s 2012 trip-pop sound (more specifically the song “without you”) taylor gets slightly steamy about a lover who she’ll have to leave soon. the song has a nice sing a long chorus, and the bridge is nice too, but it lacks a punch to make you remember it. it’s nice to listen to while running through the whole album, but it’s hardly a highlight)
10. How You Get The Girl (over a sugary guitar pop beat, taylor teaches an ex how to rebuild a relationship after a long break (although rumors point to the song actually being about selena and justin). it’s a finely baked pop confection, but its too safe (i feel the song could’ve benefited from some cheesy 80s sax in the chorus). still, it’s bound to end up on replay, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she releases it as a future single)
11. I Wish You Would (imo the most 80s sounding moment on the album.and that’s exactly what it is - a moment. the song has an epic chorus, but it’s just too fast paced for one to even remember it afterwards. definitely one of the very few filler tracks)
12. Welcome to New York (omg even tho i love this song a lot, i have to admit it’s kinda bad. but it’s so cheery and bright and catchy that honestly it’s still good, even if it’s in a “so bad it’s good” way)
13. This Love (honestly this song is so damn boring i haven’t listened to it since the album came out. i don’t even remember how it sounds apart from the chorus)
