Honestly, trying to keep track of Taylor Swift’s discography lately feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while riding a rollercoaster. You’ve got the original albums. You’ve got the "Taylor’s Versions." You’ve got surprise double albums that drop at 2:00 AM when everyone is trying to sleep.
It’s a lot.
Whether you’re a new fan trying to figure out where to start or a casual listener who’s confused why there are two versions of Red on Spotify, here is the breakdown of what are Taylor Swift's albums and why the list keeps growing.
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The Era of Ownership: Why Two Versions Exist
Before we list the titles, we have to talk about the "stolen" masters. This is the big "why" behind her recent release schedule. Basically, Taylor didn't own the original recordings of her first six albums. After a very public dispute with her old label and Scooter Braun, she decided to just... re-record them.
By releasing "Taylor’s Version" (TV) of her old work, she effectively takes back the licensing rights and encourages fans to stream the versions she actually owns. It’s a massive business move that has completely changed how the industry views artist contracts.
The Core Studio Albums (The Originals)
Taylor’s career is usually split into "Eras." Each album has a distinct aesthetic, color, and sound. If you're looking for the chronological order of the brand-new material she's released, here is how it happened:
1. Taylor Swift (2006)
The debut. It’s pure country. Think teardrops, guitars, and Tim McGraw. She was only 16 when this dropped, and it’s the only album that hasn't officially seen a "Taylor's Version" release as of early 2026, though rumors are always flying.
2. Fearless (2008)
This is where she became a superstar. "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me" were everywhere. It won her first Album of the Year Grammy.
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3. Speak Now (2010)
Fun fact: she wrote this entire album completely alone. No co-writers. She wanted to prove she could do it, and she did. It's theatrical and very "fairytale rock."
4. Red (2012)
The "heartbreak" album. It’s a mix of country, rock, and her first real dip into pop with "I Knew You Were Trouble."
5. 1989 (2014)
The full pivot. She moved to New York, cut her hair, and made a 1980s-inspired synth-pop record that dominated the charts for years.
6. Reputation (2017)
After a year of disappearing from the public eye, she came back with snakes and heavy bass. It’s darker, louder, and defensive.
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7. Lover (2019)
This was her first album under her new deal with Republic Records, meaning she owns this one outright. It’s pink, bright, and romantic.
8. Folklore (2020)
The pandemic surprise. She ditched the pop production for indie-folk and storytelling. It was a massive critical shift.
9. Evermore (2020)
The "sister" album to Folklore. Released just months later, it continued the moody, forest-dwelling vibes.
10. Midnights (2022)
A return to pop, but a more mature, sleepless version of it. It’s a concept album about 13 sleepless nights throughout her life.
11. The Tortured Poets Department (2024)
A massive 31-track double album (if you count The Anthology). It’s wordy, chaotic, and very raw. It broke almost every streaming record in existence within 24 hours.
12. The Life of a Showgirl (2025)
Her most recent original work. This album leaned back into a more cinematic, orchestral sound, featuring the hit "Nashville" and a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.
The Re-Recordings: Taylor’s Versions
If you are looking for what are Taylor Swift's albums that she has re-recorded to reclaim her masters, here are the ones currently out. These usually include "From the Vault" tracks—songs that were written for the original album but never made the final cut.
- Fearless (Taylor’s Version) - Released April 2021
- Red (Taylor’s Version) - Released November 2021 (Included the 10-minute version of "All Too Well")
- Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) - Released July 2023
- 1989 (Taylor’s Version) - Released October 2023
- Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) - Released October 2025 (The most recent re-recording)
At this point, only Reputation is left to be re-recorded. Fans have been "clowning" for Reputation (Taylor's Version) for a long time, looking for Easter eggs in her outfits and social media posts.
Why the Order Matters
If you're a new listener, don't feel like you have to go in order. Most people suggest starting with 1989 if you like pop, or Folklore if you prefer something more acoustic and lyrical.
The interesting thing about Taylor’s discography is how it mirrors her life. You’re literally listening to someone grow up, from 16-year-old country heartbreak to 30-something industry titan.
Actionable Tips for New Fans
- Look for the "TV" tag: When searching on Spotify or Apple Music, look for "Taylor's Version" in the title. These are the ones she owns.
- Check out the Vault Tracks: Some of her best songs, like "I Can See You" or "Is It Over Now?", were never heard until the re-recordings.
- Watch the documentaries: If the album list is overwhelming, watch Miss Americana (Netflix) or Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (Disney+). They give a lot of context to the music.
To stay current, keep an eye on her official website or social media around significant dates—she loves a surprise announcement. You can also track her current "Eras Tour" setlist, as it usually highlights the most essential tracks from each of these albums.