It’s time for some real hard-hitting journalism, and by that, I mean me going album by album and ranking every Taylor Swift song. If it goes well, more people will come to the Tribune to see my takes, and if it goes bad, more people will come to the Tribune to hate my takes. It’s a win-win! Of course, before we get started, just a reminder that this is all objective, and if your favorite song was ranked low- just remember that you’re wrong and I’m objectively right.
With that all said, let's get into the rankings! - Noah
Number 15
Tim McGraw
It is genuinely kind of a letdown that Taylor’s first-ever song was this… boring. I mean, take this from someone who likes country music but I think people’s feelings about this album are soured immediately upon listening due to just how simple the lyrics and vocals are. This is sad because Debut is my favorite album and this song represents all the misconceptions I feel it gets sometimes. Also, the instrumental sounds like she is actively trying to tune her guitar while singing (Instrumental is very important to me, just wait till we eventually get to "Shake it off" and I get to gush about that song's horns).
Number 14
A Perfectly Good Heart
Why is this the official final song of the album, you know how hard it is to defend this album when THIS is the closer. The instrumental and lyrics and the performance are so meh that it makes me angry. This only gets to be one above last because I would rather be angry than be mind-numbingly bored like I am with Tim McGraw.
Number 13
Teardrops On My Guitar
Speaking of instrumental we have TOMG, which has such great vocals and perfectly captures the charm of young Taylor without being lyrically boring that is unfortunately bogged down by a boring instrumental. Taylor’s greatest innovation in her music was using more than just a guitar in her songs.
Number 12
A Place In This World
This is the point where we’ve gotten to songs I genuinely really like, don’t be fooled by its low placement. APITW is a country power ballad that finally starts utilizing the best part about the debut album… Country Rock. The soft rock adds so much to a song that would be boring with just an acoustic guitar. This song is a vibe and a half, and it only gets better from here.
Number 11
I’m Only Me When I’m With You
Looking back at these songs nowadays it’s hilarious hearing how she talks about how it’s her and this dude against the world knowing her future. Like sweetie, it only gets worse from here. More seriously, the instrumental for this song fills me with a feeling I can only describe as the entire desire to Square Dance. (Editors Note: No idea what this means- feel free to make your own conclusion).
Number 10
Cold as You
Every good Taylor Swift album always needs a couple of “Yeah, get his ass!” songs. While this is the worst of the album, it doesn’t remove the fact that this is a giant middle finger if it was a song.
Number 9
Tied Together with a Smile
Some of you may wonder why this song gets ranked higher than others even though it has boring instrumentals which I have made clear I despise. Because it makes SAD alright. Eating disorders just tend to hit me in the heart, and some really good lyrics just tie it all together… with a smile (see what I did there).
Number 8
Stay Beautiful
This one’s just really sweet. Apparently, really sad or sweet lyrics can help make me ignore the acoustic guitar which makes me extremely drowsy.
Number 7
Mary’s Song
This is for every childhood friend and lover fanatic out there. It is a great example of how Taylor was comfortable writing personal songs that aren’t about her at all. This is about a married couple she was a neighbor with when she was younger.
Number 6
Teardrops on my guitar (Pop Version)
NOW WE ARE TALKING. Remember how I said the one thing holding this song back was it's instrumental? Guess what got changed! A fun instrumental that’s easy to vibe to, makes this song shoot up on the list.
Number 55
Invisible
This song is sneaky good, I hardly ever hear about it but the emotion in Taylor’s voice is so good and the instrumental and lyrics are interesting. This is one of Taylor’s most inconsistent albums but when she gets it right, she gets it right.
Number 4
The Outside
OH YEAH BABY AN OPENING TO A DEBUT SONG THAT ISN'T JUST SAD ACOUSTIC GUITAR! The immediate change in BPM compared to her other songs helps establish this song compared to others, with a really good chorus with simple lyrics that still can get the job done.
Number 3
Picture To Burn
This is where we get to the three legendary songs the album is known for. This song grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go; this is the first taste that we get of Angry Taylor and what a strong start it was. I am aggressively do-si-doing while writing this just thinking about it.
Number 2
Our Song
All rise for the Debut stan’s national anthem. I will genuinely go feral when we get the Taylor’s Version of this song, I would break the Geneva Convention for this song, and I would trade my firstborn for this song. This song’s power over me scares and excites me.
Number 1
Should’ve Said No
I’m like 98% Taylor killed this person shortly afterward making this song. It draws you in with simple country cords before breaking into full country rock. Each word Taylor sings draws you closer until she completely floors you with the chorus that gets your blood boiling. I love this song and is a taste of the angry breakup songs that would define her career for a long time
Closing Statement:
This is my favorite Taylor album of all time, while it isn’t her best or most consistent. Seeing how each song starts a different page in the very long book of Taylor’s career is a very comforting feeling. I adore this album and will defend it to my grave.