how many songs does taylor swift have?
Taylor Swift, one of the most influential and celebrated artists of the 21st century, has built an impressive and extensive discography that spans a variety of musical styles and narratives. From her country roots to her forays into pop and alternative genres, Swift’s ability to craft hits is unmatched. But how many songs does Taylor Swift have? In this article from Melorafy, we look at the number of songs she has released on her albums, including studio albums, re-recordings, EPs and soundtracks.
Overview of Taylor Swift’s Discography
Taylor Swift’s music career began with her debut album, “Taylor Swift,” released in 2006. Since then, she has released several studio albums, including fan favorites like “Fearless,” “1989,” “Reputation,” and more recently, “Folklore” and “Evermore.” Each album marks a distinct phase in her evolution as an artist, both stylistically and lyrically.
Studio Albums and Song Counts
Here’s a breakdown of Taylor Swift’s main studio albums and the number of songs on each:
- Taylor Swift (2006) – The debut album features 15 tracks, including three bonus tracks in its deluxe edition.
- Fearless (2008) – Her sophomore album includes 13 tracks, with the platinum edition expanding to 19 songs.
- Speak Now (2010) – Entirely written by Swift, this album consists of 14 songs, with the deluxe edition containing 20 tracks.
- Red (2012) – This album features 16 songs, with the deluxe edition having 22 tracks.
- 1989 (2014) – A significant shift to pop, this album includes 13 tracks, expanded to 19 in the deluxe edition.
- Reputation (2017) – Consists of 15 tracks, marking a darker, more electronic-based sound.
- Lover (2019) – Features 18 tracks, celebrating themes of love and acceptance.
- Folklore (2020) – This indie-folk album has 16 tracks in its standard form, with the deluxe edition adding one more song.
- Evermore (2020) – Often considered the sister album to “Folklore,” it includes 15 tracks, plus two additional tracks in the deluxe edition.
In addition to these studio albums, Taylor Swift has embarked on re-recording her earlier albums due to a dispute over the ownership of her masters. These re-recorded albums, dubbed “Taylor’s Version,” often include previously unreleased tracks known as “From the Vault” songs.
Re-recordings and Additional Tracks
Swift’s re-recordings started with “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” in 2021, which features 26 songs, including six “From the Vault” tracks. She followed this with “Red (Taylor’s Version)” containing 30 tracks, featuring nine unreleased songs. These additions provide fans with new content and offer a richer understanding of her creative process during those album eras.
Non-Album Singles and Collaborations
Beyond her albums, Taylor Swift has released several standalone singles, collaborations, and contributions to movie soundtracks. Notable singles include “Only The Young,” featured in her documentary “Miss Americana,” and “Christmas Tree Farm,” a seasonal release. Her collaborations span various genres and artists, from Kendrick Lamar in “Bad Blood” to Bon Iver in “Exile.”
Live Albums and EPs
Swift has also released live albums and EPs that feature live renditions and acoustic versions of her popular tracks. These releases often include unique performances not available on her studio albums.
Unreleased and Leaked Tracks
Throughout her career, several of Swift’s unreleased songs have leaked online or been performed live, adding to her song count. These tracks, although not officially released, are cherished by fans and considered part of her broader musical output.
Taylor Swift’s Influence on Music and Culture
Taylor Swift’s extensive body of work does more than just entertain; it has a profound impact on both the music industry and popular culture. Each phase of her career offers insights into her growth as a songwriter and her ability to adapt to—and sometimes anticipate—changes in musical trends.
Shaping Musical Trends
Swift’s transition from country to pop with the release of “1989” was a pivotal moment in music. This album not only solidified her status as a pop superstar but also influenced the pop genre as a whole, encouraging other artists to embrace synth-pop and electro-pop elements. Her later albums, “Folklore” and “Evermore,” played a significant role in popularizing the indie folk genre, demonstrating her ability to lead and reshape music trends once again.
Personal and Emotional Connection
One of Taylor Swift’s most notable contributions to music is her songwriting style, which often includes autobiographical elements. This personal approach has endeared her to millions of fans who find her music relatable. Swift’s ability to articulate complex emotions and experiences in her lyrics helps listeners connect deeply with her songs, fostering a strong fan base that spans across generations.
Advocacy for Artists’ Rights
Beyond her musical contributions, Swift has used her platform to advocate for artists’ rights, particularly regarding music ownership and fair compensation. Her public disputes with her former record label over the ownership of her masters highlighted the importance of copyright and ownership in the music industry. This advocacy has encouraged discussions about artists’ rights and changed how young artists negotiate their contracts.
Broader Implications of Taylor Swift’s Catalog
The sheer volume of Taylor Swift’s song catalog not only reflects her prolific nature but also her influence on the music industry’s economics. Her strategic release of re-recorded albums, for instance, not only asserts her control over her music but also sets a precedent for other artists in similar situations.
Impact on Streaming and Sales
Taylor Swift’s music has consistently dominated streaming platforms and sales charts. Each album release is an event that drives significant traffic to streaming services and boosts physical album sales. Her decision to temporarily withdraw her catalog from streaming services like Spotify in 2014, and her subsequent return, demonstrated her influence over the streaming economy and her advocacy for fair artist compensation.
Cultural Impact
Swift’s songs have become cultural touchstones. Tracks like “Love Story,” “Shake It Off,” and “You Need to Calm Down” have influenced pop culture, inspiring countless covers, parodies, and references in other media. Furthermore, her music is often used as anthems for various social and personal movements, underscoring her role as a voice of her generation.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s contribution to music extends far beyond the 200+ songs she has written and recorded. Her influence permeates the music industry, shaping it in ways that go beyond just melodies and lyrics. Swift is a force of nature in music, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries, and her catalog is a testament to her impact. As she continues to grow and adapt, her music will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in defining the soundtrack of contemporary life.
Taylor Swift’s total number of songs is difficult to quantify precisely due to the ongoing nature of her career and her prolific output. However, including all studio albums, re-recordings, EPs, live tracks, singles, and known unreleased tracks, her total is well over 200 songs. This extensive catalog not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also underscores her deep connection with her audience, providing a song for nearly every emotion and experience.
As Swift continues to evolve and produce new music, the exact number of songs will change, but her impact on music and her ability to connect with fans through her songwriting remains constant. Taylor Swift is not just a prolific songwriter; she is a cultural icon whose music will be celebrated for generations to come.