Taylor Swift: Lover track list and album review

Savannah Johnson

On August 22, 2019, pop princess Taylor Swift graced our ears with her seventh studio album entitled “Lover”. In its first week, it made up 27 percent of all album sales, according to Keith Caulfield in the article “ Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ Accounted for 27% of All U.S. Album Sales in Its First Week” on Billboard.

This album, arguably Swift’s best yet, has songs for every listener. Check out the summaries below to find the perfect additions to your latest playlist.

1. I Forgot That You Existed

A fun, upbeat opener for the album, this song tells a familiar story for anyone that has been through a rough breakup. Swift, in her trademark cheerful voice, details what it’s like to finally forget that person you never thought you’d get over.

Memorable lyric: It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference

2. Cruel Summer

This song is the embodiment of Taylor Swift’s pop style. It is guaranteed to make listeners nostalgic for the days of sneaking out to see the person you really shouldn’t be seeing but can’t seem to tear yourself away from (Sorry Mom!) Whether you relate or not, you have to admit the song is catchy.

Memorable lyric: Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes; what doesn’t kill me makes me want you more

3. Lover

This title track encompasses the feelings of every sweet love song to date. Highlighting Swift’s impressive vocals detail what it’s like to be in a long-term stable relationship with someone you see a future with. Can’t relate? Don’t worry, even Taylor herself has a standby list of break-up songs for when forever doesn’t last.

Memorable lyric: Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close forever and ever?

4. The Man

Here is the feminist jam we didn’t know we needed. This song gets real about the struggles women face at work, at home, and in the world in general. And hey, if a 10 time Grammy award winner like Swift is using her platform to shed light on these issues, we can feel a little less alone.

Memorable lyric: What I was wearing, if I was rude; could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves

5. The Archer

This song deviates from Swift’s normal style in many ways, but is still a great listen. Full of raw emotion, the vocals pair well with the subtle instrumental beat. Whether you’re the archer or the prey, you’ll love this unique fifth track 

Memorable lyric: All the king’s horses, all the king’s men; couldn’t put me together again; ’cause all of my enemies started out friends

6. I Think He Knows

In great contrast to track 5, track 6 brings back the upbeat and fun style that she is known for. It’s so upbeat and catchy that you won’t really care that she’s singing about a seemingly perfect boy (again).

Memorable lyric: We can follow the sparks, I’ll drive

7. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

This song has something for everyone. Is it a commentary on the current state of America’s political scene? Is it just a fun song about kids in high school growing up? That’s for you to decide. Either way,  it’s fun to sing along to

Memorable lyric: My team is losing; battered and bruising; I see the high fives; between the bad guys

8. Paper Rings

This album definitely does not disappoint when it comes to cute love songs and track 8 is no exception. It’s upbeat music and flirty lyrics are the perfect addition to any playlist.  And you have to admit it’s nice to have something fun to listen to. 

Memorable lyric: I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this

9. Cornelia Street

This song can feel a little sad, but more in a “what-if” way than in a “breakup” way. The lyrics tell the story of a couple that stays on Cornelia Street together. The singer references the fact that if anything were to happen to the relationship, she would never be able to visit the street again. Sad, yes, but also hypothetical. This song leaves you hoping that the happy couple makes forever.

Memorable lyric:  I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends; I’d never walk Cornelia Street again

10. Death By A Thousand Cuts

If you’re going through a breakup, this is the song for you. I know that this can be said for many of Taylor’s pieces over the years, but this one especially stands out. One of the best things about break up songs is that they’re relatable to the listeners. This song talks about all the things that we do to distract ourselves from a broken heart.

Memorable lyric: I dress to kill my time; I take the long way home; I ask the traffic lights if it’ll be alright

11. London Boy

For this song, Taylor referenced many real places in the city. The track itself is super fun with many references to both American and British cultures. Give this one a listen next time you’re experiencing some wanderlust. 

Memorable lyric: They say home is where the heart is; but that’s not where mine lives

12. Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. Dixie Chicks)

This collaboration with the Dixie Chicks takes Taylor back to her country roots. Swift wrote this song about her experiences with her mother’s ongoing breast cancer battle. One of the more serious tracks on the album, this song is worth the listen for its beautiful melody alone.

Memorable lyric: What am I supposed to do if there’s no you

13. False God

This song, like the one before it, is a bit more low key. While there is plenty of speculation about the identity of this “false god” the song packs a punch regardless of where (or from whom) the inspiration for its lyrics came.

Memorable lyric: They all warned us about times like this; they say the road gets hard and you get lost

14. You Need to Calm Down

This hit took home MTV’s Video of the Year award. Though relentlessly fun and upbeat, Swift sent listeners everywhere a message about the importance of love and acceptance for members of the LGBT+ community.

Memorable lyric: You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace and control your urges to scream about all the people you hate…’Cause shade never made anybody less gay

15. Afterglow

This song will hit close to home to anyone that’s been in a relationship with a lot of chemistry, but also a lot of dysfunction. The lyrics talk about fights and overreactions and all the things that make up not-so-great relationships. While Swift’s voice is as pure and angelic as ever, the lyrics share that familiar feeling of blaming yourself. But don’t feel too bad, the next track inspires some serious self-love!

Memorable lyric: Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves; chemistry ’til it blows up, ’til there’s no us

16. ME! (feat. Brendan Urie)

A collab between Taylor Swift and Panic! At the Disco’s Brendan Urie is any pop-punk fan’s dream and this song did not disappoint. This love song is refreshing as it outlines the unique qualities of each individual. This is the perfect bop for when you’re really feeling yourself.

Memorable lyric: Girl, there ain’t no I in “team”;but you know there is a “me”; I’m the only one of ME

17. It’s Nice To Have a Friend

Okay, so this song is a little bit different than Taylor’s usual style. The music is a little ominous and the lyrics come a little slow but in all the song tells a cute story. While this is not the traditional Swiftie style, it’s a refreshing change for the end of the album

Memorable lyric: Call my bluff, call you “Babe”; have my back, yeah, every day

18. Daylight

This is the perfect end track to an album about love and finding yourself. In this song, Swift tells the story of coming out of darkness and into “daylight” after seeing someone (or something)  that made her want to love and experience things again.

Memorable lyric: I wanna be defined by the things that I love; not the things I hate; not the things I’m afraid of