Taylor Swift is one of the most iconic and successful artists of her generation. Since her debut in 2006, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of country, pop, and indie music, amassing a loyal fan base that spans the globe. With 10 studio albums and numerous chart-topping singles, fans and critics often debate which song of hers can be crowned as the “most popular.” Given her vast catalog, determining her most popular song depends on several factors, such as chart performance, cultural impact, sales, and streaming numbers. Here’s a closer look at some of her most popular songs, and a detailed breakdown of what might be considered her ultimate hit.
1. “Love Story” (2008)
“Love Story” is one of the most recognizable songs in Taylor Swift’s discography. Released in 2008 as the lead single from her second studio album, Fearless, the song became a cultural phenomenon. Drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “Love Story” was a crossover hit that introduced Swift to a wider audience.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
“Love Story” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its real success came in its longevity. The song topped the charts in Australia and Canada, and it was certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States. It sold over 8 million copies worldwide and was especially significant in transitioning Swift from country music to mainstream pop.
Cultural Impact:
The song’s iconic music video, featuring Swift in a flowing gown at a romantic medieval ball, became a staple on MTV and YouTube. “Love Story” remains a fan favorite, particularly for those who fell in love with Swift’s earlier work. Its timeless love theme and catchy chorus ensure that it still resonates with listeners today.
Streaming:
With over 600 million streams on Spotify and its 2021 Taylor’s Version re-recording adding to its total, “Love Story” continues to thrive in the streaming era.
2. “You Belong with Me” (2009)
Another smash hit from Fearless, “You Belong with Me” is often regarded as one of Taylor Swift’s defining songs. The catchy, country-pop anthem narrates the story of unrequited love from the perspective of the “girl next door.”
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
“You Belong with Me” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Swift’s highest-charting songs at the time. It was a global hit, charting in the top 10 in several countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The song earned Swift her first VMA win, though the moment is forever overshadowed by Kanye West’s infamous interruption.
Cultural Impact:
The music video, which tells the classic tale of a girl pining after her best friend who is dating someone else, struck a chord with young audiences. The song became an anthem for high schoolers and remains one of Swift’s most relatable songs. Its narrative storytelling and accessible lyrics helped cement Swift’s reputation as a songwriting prodigy.
Streaming:
With more than 700 million Spotify streams and billions of views on YouTube for its music video, “You Belong with Me” is still one of Swift’s most enduring hits.
3. “Shake It Off” (2014)
When Taylor Swift released “Shake It Off,” the lead single from her fifth studio album, 1989, it marked a turning point in her career. The song is a departure from her country roots, diving headfirst into a full-fledged pop sound. The upbeat, feel-good anthem encourages listeners to shake off negativity and criticism.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
“Shake It Off” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained in the top spot for four non-consecutive weeks. It was a commercial juggernaut, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time with over 9 million copies sold worldwide. It was also certified Diamond by the RIAA, marking 10 million units sold in the U.S. alone.
Cultural Impact:
“Shake It Off” quickly became an anthem for empowerment and resilience, resonating with fans and new listeners alike. Its dance-filled music video, where Swift comically tries to mimic different styles of dance, only added to its appeal. The song’s release marked Swift’s complete transition into pop music, and it became one of her most iconic tracks, played in stadiums, at parties, and even in children’s talent shows.
Streaming:
With over 1.3 billion streams on Spotify and its music video racking up more than 3 billion views on YouTube, “Shake It Off” is undeniably one of Swift’s most popular and widely recognized songs.
4. “Blank Space” (2014)
Following the success of “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift released “Blank Space,” the second single from 1989. The song was praised for its clever lyrics and satirical portrayal of the media’s perception of Swift’s romantic life. Its catchy melody and cutting lyrics make it one of her most lauded tracks.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
“Blank Space” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Swift the first woman to succeed herself at the top of the charts, as it dethroned “Shake It Off.” The song spent seven weeks at No. 1 and was one of the best-selling singles of 2015. It has since been certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA.
Cultural Impact:
The song’s music video, which depicts Swift as a “crazy ex-girlfriend” in a lavish mansion, became an instant viral hit. Its self-awareness and humor helped to solidify Swift’s status as a savvy and sharp lyricist. “Blank Space” is often seen as one of Swift’s most iconic songs, largely because of how it flipped the narrative about her public persona.
Streaming:
With over 1.1 billion streams on Spotify and its music video surpassing 3 billion views on YouTube, “Blank Space” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Swift’s live performances.
5. “Bad Blood” (2015)
“Bad Blood” was another standout hit from 1989, particularly known for its star-studded music video, which featured an ensemble of famous women, including Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss. The song was widely speculated to be about Swift’s feud with another pop star, which only fueled its popularity.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
“Bad Blood” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the release of its remixed version featuring rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was one of the biggest songs of 2015 and earned Swift multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Music Video.
Cultural Impact:
The high-budget, action-packed music video became an event in itself, drawing millions of viewers within hours of its release. The song and its video sparked widespread discussion about celebrity feuds, friendships, and girl power. “Bad Blood” helped solidify Swift’s reputation as not only a musical force but also a cultural influencer.
Streaming:
With over 900 million Spotify streams and billions of views for the music video on YouTube, “Bad Blood” continues to be one of Swift’s most streamed tracks.
6. “All Too Well” (2012 / 2021)
Although “All Too Well” wasn’t initially released as a single, it has since become one of Taylor Swift’s most beloved songs. Originally featured on her 2012 album Red, the song gained cult status for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. When Swift re-recorded Red in 2021, she released a 10-minute version of “All Too Well,” which reignited interest in the song and led to its viral resurgence.
Chart Performance and Commercial Success:
The 10-minute version of “All Too Well” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, breaking records for the longest song to ever top the chart. Though the original 2012 version never achieved commercial success, the re-recording became a massive hit, praised by critics and fans alike.
Cultural Impact:
The release of the “All Too Well: The Short Film,” starring Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink, further elevated the song’s status as a masterpiece in storytelling. “All Too Well” is often regarded as one of Swift’s best songs, particularly for its detailed lyrics and emotional weight. Fans and critics alike hail it as a testament to her songwriting prowess.
Streaming:
The original and 10-minute versions of “All Too Well” have garnered over 500 million streams on Spotify, and its impact only continues to grow.
Conclusion
Defining Taylor Swift’s most popular song is no easy task. Songs like “Love Story,” “Shake It Off,” and “Blank Space” have achieved massive commercial success and cultural impact. However, in terms of longevity, influence, and fan devotion, “All Too Well” might take the crown. With its unique blend of emotional depth, critical acclaim, and a passionate fan base, it stands out as one of her most enduring works.
That said, popularity can be measured in many ways, and Swift’s ability to dominate charts and captivate audiences worldwide means that multiple songs could easily claim the title. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching ballad or a pop anthem, Taylor Swift’s most popular song may very well depend on who you ask.
