Featured image credit: UltimateWarrior13 / CC BY-SA
With the surprising release of the country singer turned pop princess' new album Folklore, we've decided to take a look back of some of Taylor Swift's most iconic music videos over the years.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (2012)
Supposedly written for actor Jake Gyllenhaal, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together marked Taylor's move into pop music and was one of the most viewed videos at the time with a total of 616,096,602 as of writing this article. It's one of the most iconic post-breakup songs ever and the video being filmed in one continuous shot just adds a little extra.
Bad Blood (2015)
This was truly the beginning of the 'squad' era and Taylor's was easily the most talked about. With Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham, Karlie Kloss, Hailee Steinfield, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid, Ellie Goulding, Zendaya, Hayley Williams, Mariska Hargitay, Cindy Crawford, Martha Hunt, Serayah, Lily Aldridge, and Ellen Pompeo, this video was headed for iconic status before it was even filmed. The combat outfits, Tron-inspired visuals and especially Kendrick Lamar as Welvin da Great, Bad Blood takes a seat as one of not only Taylor's most iconic videos but one of the most iconic music videos of all time. The billion views it has doesn't hurt either.
You Belong With Me (2009)
The epitome of the 'I'm not like other girls' trope, You Belong With Me is a fantasy almost every girl has had and the story almost every bad rom-com (which we love) has told. The gorgeous quarterback best friend dating the mean girl cheerleader until he realises he's in love with your band-playing, edgy self (extra points if he realises he's in love with you at prom). Wait... I think I just described the plot of The Duff. Either way, Tay Tay did it first.
Mine (2010)
Have you ever sat in a cafe and caught a guy's eye for just a split second and imagined what your entire life together would look like? Maybe the hopeless romantics among us can relate. I have to say, this music video and song is one of my favourites of all time. The story, the lyrics, the guy! 'You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter' is an iconic line in itself. As one of the top comments says: this is Taylor's most underrated lead single ever.
Shake It Off (2014)
Unfortunately it seems this song is one of those people loved so much it became overplayed and now everyone's sick of it. (Happy by Pharrell anyone?) But still, this song and, more importantly its video, is super fun. Ballet, hip hop, the robot, modern dance, break-dancing, cheerleading. As a person who can dance just as well as Taylor Swift (that's not very well) I feel represented in this video.
I Knew You Were Trouble (2012)
Other than inspiring a ton of screaming goat memes, this video is iconic for being a little different than the rest in Taylor's arsenal. The beginning and end narration gives off a gritty drama vibe and tells the story of a girl falling in love with a bad boy and how far downhill it can truly go. Or maybe I just like the goat memes.
22 (2013)
If you turned 22 and didn't listen to this song, you're either a liar or this absolute bop wasn't out yet. While aesthetically the retro look is gorgeous, the dancing, laughing and getting ready with a girl group just reminds me of hanging out with my besties and celebrating all carefree. ...and now I really want some red heart-shaped sunglasses.
Love Story (2009)
We couldn't finish this list without one of the first Taylor Swift music videos (sorry Tim McGraw). It has to be THE MOST ICONIC of the lot as it was the one that first introduced her to many of us. Despite being filmed more than a decade ago, the visuals really hold up and the story is timeless, despite part of it being specifically set in the 1800s. The castle, the dresses, the hair, the dancing! If I ever dreamed of being the star of a music video, I think I'd like to be in this one.
I'm looking forward to seeing the other videos Taylor will be bringing out with this new album, but I don't think they'll manage to top the ones on this list.
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