Taylor Swift's discography is one of the most expansive and celebrated in modern music history. Known for her genre-defying transitions and unparalleled storytelling, Swift has a catalog filled with chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed masterpieces. Yet, amidst the acclaim, certain songs remain underappreciated or misunderstood. Some of these songs are relatively unknown by more casual fans, whereas others are well-known yet deserve to be one of her top five hits.

Whether overshadowed by bigger singles or narrowly categorized, these tracks reveal a different dimension of Swift's artistry. The following list highlights the Taylor Swift songs that deserve more recognition than they typically get compared to her other releases, ranging from early career staples to experimental triumphs. These songs not only showcase her unparalleled songwriting skills but also provide an in-depth look into the complexities of her musical evolution.

10 Love Story

Album: Fearless (2008)

"Love Story" was a song that helped transform Taylor Swift into a global superstar and remains one of her most recognizable tracks, sitting as her fifteenth-most popular track. Because of that popularity, it ranks at tenth on this list. However, its impact on music, culture, and storytelling honestly leaves the track underappreciated, as it deserves to be in her top three most popular tracks because of how poignant it is.

It reimagines Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, turning the tragedy into an optimistic anthem of love prevailing against the odds. The narrative structure showcases Swift's early aptitude for crafting cinematic lyrics that transport listeners into a world of romance and triumph. Lines like "I got tired of waiting, wondering if you were ever coming around" add layers of vulnerability, while the climactic resolution in the final chorus provides a cathartic release.

Musically, the song's blend of country and pop elements set the stage for Swift's future genre crossovers. The use of a mandolin, swelling strings, and a climactic key change creates a soundscape that evokes both nostalgia and exhilaration. Despite its chart-topping success, "Love Story" deserves more recognition as a top-five Taylor song that shaped the trajectory of Swift's career and the broader music industry.

9 22

Album: Red (2012)

"22" captures the essence of young adulthood with precision and nuance, yet its depth is often overshadowed by its infectious, party-anthem exterior. The track combines carefree exuberance with an underlying awareness of life’s uncertainties, reflecting the emotional complexity of being in one’s early twenties. Lyrics like "we're happy, free, confused and lonely in the best way" encapsulate the paradoxical mix of freedom and confusion that defines early adulthood.

The song’s production mirrors its themes, with buoyant rhythms and a celebratory melody that contrasts the introspective undertones of its lyrics. While the track is widely recognized as an anthem for Swift’s younger fans, its universal appeal and emotional resonance extend far beyond its surface-level interpretation.

As a piece of pop music, "22" perfectly balances joy and melancholy, making it a standout example of Swift’s ability to combine commercial appeal with lyrical depth. However, since it is generally liked and still stands as her 60th most popular song, it cannot place higher on this list.

8 Karma

Album: "Midnights" (2022)

"Karma," a standout track from Midnights, showcases Taylor Swift’s ability to turn introspection into empowerment. While it has gained a dedicated fan base, it remains one of the album’s more disliked tracks. The song juxtaposes playful, tongue-in-cheek metaphors with a deeper message of resilience and poetic justice. Lines like "karma's on your scent like a bounty hunter, karma's gonna track you down" deliver a pointed commentary on how making mistakes is haunting.

The production combines upbeat instrumentation with a sharp lyrical edge, creating a unique blend of humor and defiance. This dynamic approach reflects Swift’s evolution as a songwriter, particularly her ability to balance lightheartedness with emotional weight.

The production combines upbeat instrumentation with a sharp lyrical edge, creating a unique blend of humor and defiance. This dynamic approach reflects Swift’s evolution as a songwriter, particularly her ability to balance lightheartedness with emotional weight. Though less commercially dominant than Midnights tracks like "Anti-Hero," "Karma" serves as a testament to Swift’s wit and creative versatility. Its playful confidence reaffirms her strength as a storyteller who can inject humor into profound themes.

7 You Belong With Me

Album: Fearless (2008)

"You Belong With Me" is one of Swift’s most enduring hits from her early career, yet its narrative complexity and emotional authenticity are often overlooked, with it only ranking as her 35th most-listened to song. "You Belong With Me" tells the story of unrequited love and longing through a vivid lens of high school melodrama. Lyrics such as "She wears high heels, I wear sneakers, she's Cheer Captain, and I'm on the bleachers" convey a profound sense of yearning for love that resonates universally.

The track’s instrumentation blends pop and country elements, creating an anthemic sound that underscores the raw vulnerability of its lyrics. The juxtaposition of its conversational tone with its soaring chorus adds to its emotional impact. While "You Belong With Me" achieved commercial success, it often fails to receive the recognition it deserves as one of Swift's most emotionally resonant and relatable works. Beyond its teenage charm, the song captures timeless feelings of love and frustration, making it a cornerstone of her early catalog.

6 Coney Island

Album: Evermore (2020)

"Coney Island," a collaboration with The National from Evermore, is a hauntingly introspective ballad that delves into themes of regret, nostalgia, and relational failure. Despite its lyrical depth and emotional weight, it remains one of Swift’s more underrated songs, sitting at an incredibly low 151st place in her musical catalog. The interplay between Swift’s ethereal vocals and Matt Berninger’s baritone creates a poignant dynamic that enhances the song’s narrative complexity.

"Coney Island" exemplifies Swift’s ability to create immersive atmospheres that linger long after the song ends.

The lyrics weave vivid imagery with reflective questions, such as "break my soul in two looking for you, but you’re right here; if I can’t relate to you anymore, then who am I related to?" The understated production, featuring delicate piano and muted percussion, allows the emotions to take center stage. "Coney Island" exemplifies Swift’s ability to create immersive atmospheres that linger long after the song ends. Its subtle brilliance makes it a hidden gem within her discography, deserving greater attention for its raw emotional resonance and poetic intricacy.

5 Guilty As Sin

Album: The Tortured Poem's Department (2024)

“Guilty As Sin?” is a track that exemplifies Swift’s talent for exploring the moral ambiguities of love and self-reflection on feeling bad about lusting after someone else while in a relationship. The song examines the emotional complexities of guilt and desire, with lyrics that navigate the gray areas of human relationships. Its minimalist production allows Swift’s raw vulnerability to shine, creating an intimate listening experience.

"Guilty As Sin?" is from Taylor's latest album, so it is a little harder to measure its impact so far. As it stands, it ranks as her 80th most-listened to song, and the 9th most listened to song on the album. Regardless, it deserves more recognition in her repertoire.

Lines such as "these fatal fantasies, giving way to labored breath, takin' all of me" encapsulate the internal conflicts that define the track, making it relatable on a deeply personal level for those who have experienced similar experiences in life. The song’s introspective nature and nuanced storytelling distinguish it from more commercial works in Swift’s catalog.

While it remains more obscure for casual fans, “Guilty As Sin?” deserves recognition as one of Swift’s most emotionally profound compositions. It stands as a reminder of her ability to capture the messy, intricate emotions that define the human experience.

4 'Tis The Damn Season

Album: Evermore (2020)

"'tis the damn season" is a masterclass in lyrical storytelling, capturing the bittersweet tension of revisiting a hometown romance. The track’s narrative perspective provides a nuanced exploration of longing and self-awareness. The lyric "and the road not taken looks real good now, and it always leads to you and my hometown" is a heartbreaking representation of when some of life's best romances fall apart due to circumstance and simply cannot be regained.

The song’s restrained production mirrors its emotional ambiguity, creating an atmosphere of quiet introspection. Its ability to evoke vivid imagery and complex emotions makes it a standout track on Evermore.

The song’s restrained production mirrors its emotional ambiguity, creating an atmosphere of quiet introspection. Its ability to evoke vivid imagery and complex emotions makes it a standout track on Evermore. Despite being one of Swift’s most lyrically sophisticated songs, "'tis the damn season" is often overshadowed by more prominent tracks, underscoring the need for greater recognition of its brilliance. Barely breaking her top 100 tracks, the song deserves more, as it beautifully illustrates Swift’s ability to capture fleeting, emotionally charged moments that linger in the memory.

3 Teardrops On My Guitar

Album: Taylor Swift (2006)

"Teardrops on My Guitar" helped to launch Taylor Swift into the mainstream. Yet, it often fails to receive the acknowledgment it deserves as one of her most emotionally impactful songs, being only her 125th most popular track. The track explores the pain of unrequited love with poignant simplicity, capturing a sense of vulnerability that resonates universally.

The understated production highlights the rawness of Swift’s vocals, allowing the song’s emotional core to take center stage. Lines like "He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar, the only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star" encapsulate the heartbreak of wanting someone who remains oblivious. As one of Swift’s earliest works, it lays the foundation for the storytelling and emotional depth that define her later career, deserving far more credit than it receives.

2 No Body, No Crime

Album: Evermore (2020)

"no body, no crime," a murder ballad from Evermore, exemplifies Taylor Swift’s storytelling prowess. The track, featuring HAIM, weaves a dark narrative of betrayal and revenge, drawing on Swift’s country roots while incorporating modern production elements. However, despite its incredible storytelling and enigmatic nature, it barely places in her top 100 songs.

The attention to detail in the lyrics creates a vivid and suspenseful narrative. The song’s twangy guitars and haunting harmonies add to its cinematic quality, making it a standout track on the album. While it has gained a dedicated fan following, "no body, no crime" deserves greater mainstream recognition for its creativity and narrative depth. It highlights Swift’s ability to masterfully balance narrative complexity with musical innovation.

1 Haunted

Album: Speak Now (2010)

"Haunted," a dramatic orchestral track from Speak Now, is one of Taylor Swift’s most ambitious songs, and stands as her most underrated song, sitting at a measly ranking of 226th most-listened to. The song captures the anguish of heartbreak through soaring vocals and a gothic-inspired arrangement, creating an emotional intensity that is unmatched in Swift’s catalog. The background track is the best that Taylor has ever incorporated into one of her songs, being incredibly powerful and grand.

All details for the number of listens cited in this article can be found on the website Kworb.

The lyrics, such as "Come on, come on, don't leave me like this, I thought I had you figured out" convey a sense of desperation and loss that resonates deeply. The theatrical production, blending strings and rock elements, underscores the song’s emotional stakes. Despite its brilliance, "Haunted" is often overshadowed by other tracks on Speak Now and, frankly, every other Taylor Swift Album. "Haunted'"s bold composition and raw emotion make it one of Taylor Swift's most compelling works.