Taylor Swift, celebrating her 34th birthday today, has arguably been the most defining pop star of the last decade. Her music, with its heartfelt lyrics, has been a constant companion since 2006, marked by the release of her debut self-titled album. Over the years, she has become one of the most followed artists, and her musical style has evolved from country pop (as seen in “Fearless”) to folk (“folklore” and “Evermore”).
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In her illustrious career, Swift has conquered numerous charts and sold over 100 million album units worldwide. Her boundless talent and artistry extend well beyond the realm of music, with her not only directing thirteen music videos but also helming five documentaries. Notably, she embarked on her directorial journey at the young age of 20, creating her first self-directed music video for “Mine,” the lead single from “Speak Now.”
As we celebrate Taylor Swift’s 34th birthday, we’ve curated a list of her top 10 music videos.
…Ready For It?
Directed by Joseph Kahn, the video for “…Ready For It?” showcases Taylor Swift in a black cloak, strolling through an alley. Encountering a cyborg clone within a cell, viewers witness a mesmerizing transformation.
Blank Space
Joseph Kahn directed several music videos for Taylor Swift, including “Blank Space.” The video, shot in a castle in Long Island, unfolds with Swift and her love interest becoming a couple. Their relationship takes a tumultuous turn, featuring Swift’s erratic behaviors like throwing vases, slashing a painted portrait, and burning her boyfriend’s clothes. The video cleverly references Tiger Woods’ cheating scandal, with Swift using a golf club to vent her frustrations.
Delicate
Released in 2017, “Delicate” unfolds as Swift, portrayed as a star, seeks solace from the spotlight. Becoming invisible, she joyously dances barefoot through a hotel, embracing newfound freedom.
Lover
Co-directed by Swift, the video for “Lover” draws inspiration from the song’s lyric, creating a snow globe fantasy. It features the iconic Lover house, contributing to the whimsical charm.
Wildest Dreams
After directing the music videos for “Blank Space” and “Bad Blood,” Joseph Kahn returned for “Wildest Dreams.” The video, inspired by classic Hollywood romances, unfolds in Africa during the 1950s. It narrates the tale of Marjorie Finn (played by Swift), a brunette actress involved in the filming of a romantic adventure movie titled “Wildest Dreams.” In the video, she shares the screen with co-star Robert Kingsley, portrayed by Eastwood.
Shake It Off
Released as the lead single from “1989,” “Shake It Off” is a timeless classic in Taylor Swift’s discography, with a music video to match. The clip features Swift attempting dance moves with professionals. With over 3 billion views, “Shake It Off” stands as Swift’s most-viewed music video.
Me!
Co-directed by Taylor Swift, “Me!” marked a transition from her “Reputation” era. The vibrant video, featuring a snake transforming into butterflies, garnered immense popularity and won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Visual Effects.
Cardigan
Crafted entirely by Swift, the “Cardigan” video is a visual masterpiece. It begins with Swift playing the piano in a cottage in the woods. As golden sparkles emanate from the soundboard, she ascends into it, finding herself transported to a moss-covered forest. There, she skillfully plays the song on a grand piano set against the backdrop of a cascading waterfall. The piano bench begins to glow once more, and Swift, climbing into it, is whisked away to a dark, stormy sea, signifying the tumultuous times in a relationship. Braving the turbulent waters, she clings to a floating piano. Subsequently, the piano soundboard illuminates again as she climbs back in, bringing her back to the cottage, where she adorns herself in a cardigan.
Bad Blood
Securing the second spot is “Bad Blood.” Swift, adopting the persona Catastrophe, engages in futuristic battles against her former ally, played by Selena Gomez. The video features impressive stunts, sleek choreography, and futuristic settings that amplify the intensity of the theme. As the plot thickens, alliances are forged, and various characters, portrayed by a lineup of Swift’s celebrity friends, join the fray. Each character possesses unique skills and a distinct persona, creating a league of formidable warriors.
Look What You Made Do
Taking the top spot is the lead single from “Reputation,” a music video hailed as an authentic piece of art. Parade magazine even ranks it as the 20th best music video in history. The captivating narrative begins with Taylor Swift’s resurrection, transformed into a zombie. Subsequent scenes showcase her in a bathtub full of diamonds before assuming a throne surrounded by snakes. Following a dramatic car crash, she finds herself trapped in a cage. The video unfolds in various environments, including a bank’s vault and a room filled with cyborgs. The true masterpiece, however, unfolds at the 2:20 mark when a black-dressed Taylor Swift stands over a ‘mountain’ composed of representations from her previous eras. The music video for “Look What You Made Do” is a rich tapestry of hidden meanings and references, earning its place as our favorite among Taylor Swift’s music videos.
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