The Essential Taylor Swift Vinyl Record Collection

Swifties, you’re in the right place. Today, we're exploring the essential Taylor Swift records that every fan needs for a truly impressive collection. Whether you've been a Swiftie since the beginning or discovered her music recently, these vinyl essentials will bring a whole new appreciation to the superstar that is Taylor Swift.

From her debut album Taylor Swift to the most recent 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and everything in between, Taylor Swift has enchanted millions with her heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. Taylor Swift sounds even better on vinyl though, as each record tells a story about that specific moment in Taylor's career, allowing you to relive each chapter through high-fidelity wax.

Get ready to embark on a journey of musical nostalgia as we delve into the world of Taylor Swift and help you curate the ultimate vinyl collection that any Swiftie would envy. Let's dig in!

Why Taylor Swift's discography is a must-have for vinyl enthusiasts

Taylor Swift's discography is a treasure trove for vinyl enthusiasts. The distinct warmth and depth of sound that vinyl records offer complement Taylor's music perfectly. From the rich instrumentals to the raw emotion in her vocals, every note is given extra depth through the vinyl format.

Like so many artists, owning Taylor Swift’s albums on vinyl provides a completely new experience. Exploring the packaging, liner notes, and extra materials in each record gives a new understanding and perspective to the album. The sound of the needle hitting the groove, the anticipation as the music begins to play, and the immersive experience of experiencing an entire album from start to finish is a ritual that connects you to the music on a deeper level. It’s the magic of vinyl! Plus, with Taylor’s recent range of re-recordings, there’s more vinyl exploration than ever.

The essential Taylor Swift vinyl albums

To build your ultimate Taylor Swift vinyl collection, there are several essential albums you should consider adding to your collection. These albums not only showcase Taylor's artistic growth but also feature some of her biggest hits and fan-favourite songs. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

Taylor Swift (2006)

Taylor's self-titled debut album introduced the world to her country-pop sound and established her as a rising star. Featuring hits like ‘Tim McGraw,’ ‘Teardrops on My Guitar,’ and ‘Our Song,’ this album is a must-have for any Swiftie.

Fearless (Platinum Edition) (2008)

With its chart-topping singles like ‘Love Story’ and ‘You Belong with Me,’ Fearless marked a turning point in Taylor's career. The album showcased her songwriting prowess and earned her numerous accolades, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

The platinum edition of Fearless features six additional songs, which are placed before the original album, including Taylor Swift classics such as ‘Jump Then Fall’ and ‘Forever & Always’.

Lover (2019)

Lover marked a big change in Taylor's career, as it was her first LP since her highly publicised departure from Big Machine Records while also acting as a catalyst for the ‘Taylor’s Version’ series of re-recordings.

With tracks like ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘You Need To Calm Down’ becoming instant fan favourites, Lover is a vibrant album with heartfelt lyrics that audiences all over the world instantly fell in love with.

If you’re missing this from your collection, act fast as we have some jaw-dropping baby pink and light blue coloured vinyl; they’re not to be missed! 

Red (Taylor’s Version) (2021)

That ‘highly publicised departure’ that we mentioned? Well, this album was the first re-recording of the fallout. Aiming to sidestep Scooter Braun’s ownership of Swift’s masters pre-Lover, Taylor Swift decided to re-record her entire album to win back ownership.

As far as the Taylor Swift timeline goes, this is a major milestone. The album's lead single, ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,’ became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album featured collaborations with renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody.

It’s a titan of an album and we’ve got it on a seriously impressive four-disc vinyl which includes nine songs from ‘The Vault’.

Midnights (2022)

Midnights is a vinyl lover’s paradise. Even from the word ‘go’, Midnights was a collector’s item. Why? Because every vinyl edition came in its own gorgeous with collectible album jacket and sleeve. Available on beautiful vinyl colours such as moonstone blue, mahogany, blood moon and more, this is an absolute essential. There’s also a surprise for Swifties as the back covers join together to make a Taylor Swift clock.

It doesn’t stop there either, as this album isn’t just an aesthetic hit. It includes Swiftie bangers such as ‘Anti-Hero’, ‘Karma’, and ‘Lavender Haze’. If you haven’t got this on wax yet, pick it up! If you’ve already got it on wax, complete your set!

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (2023)

Known for its confessional and introspective lyrics, Speak Now showcased Taylor's growth as an artist. Originally released in 2010, hits like ‘Mine,’ ‘Back to December,’ and ‘Mean’ resonated with fans and further solidified Taylor's place as a pop superstar.

But, with a 2023 re-recording for the ‘Taylor’s Version’ series, Speak Now sounds better than ever - especially when you can get it on the stunning lilac, violet, or orchid marbled vinyl. 

1989 (Taylor’s Version) (2023)

Taylor did not hold back on 1989. Fully embracing the pop genre with infectious hits like ‘Shake It Off,’ ‘Blank Space,’ and ‘Bad Blood’, 1989 won multiple Grammy Awards and cemented Taylor's status as modern pop royalty.

But, how about the ‘Taylor’s Version’ of 1989? True to form, Taylor has released the record on a range of undeniably great colours (tangerine, crystal skies blue, aquamarine green, and rose garden pink), each with their own unique cover art. 

Speaking about the album, Taylor said “To be perfectly honest, this is my most FAVORITE re-record I've ever done because the 5 From The Vault tracks are so insane. I can't believe they were ever left behind.”

How to look after your Taylor Swift vinyl

To ensure the longevity and optimum sound quality of your Taylor Swift vinyl collection, it's essential to practise proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your records in pristine condition:

Handle with care

Always handle vinyl records by their edges and avoid touching the playing surface. Fingerprints, dirt, and oils are best kept away from vinyl discs.

Clean before playing

Use a microfiber cloth to remove any dust, dirt and static from the record before playing. This helps prevent unnecessary wear on the stylus and ensures a clean sound.

Store upright

It’s best to keep vinyl records stored upright (completely upright - not diagonally), as this puts the least pressure on the discs. Stacking them either diagonally or flat on top of each other could warp the discs and impact the playability and sound quality when on the turntable. 

By following these care and maintenance practices, your Taylor Swift vinyl collection will not only look great but also sound as good as the day you bought it.

Connect with other Taylor Swift vinyl collectors

Building a Taylor Swift vinyl collection is not just about the records themselves; it's also about connecting with fellow collectors who share your passion for Taylor's music. Here are a few ways to connect with other Taylor Swift vinyl enthusiasts:

Online forums and communities

Join online forums or communities dedicated to vinyl collecting or Taylor Swift fandom. Engage in discussions, share your collection, and exchange tips and recommendations with other collectors.

Social media groups

Look for Taylor Swift vinyl collector groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Reddit. These groups often organise virtual meetups, share collection updates, and provide a platform for conversation and discussion.

Keep your Taylor Swift vinyl collection up to date

Building a comprehensive Taylor Swift vinyl collection is an ongoing journey. Stay updated with Taylor's new releases and reissues, as she continues to surprise fans with special vinyl editions and collectible releases through our truly outstanding mailer. If you’re thinking of picking up some Taylor Swift vinyl, then it’s worth joining.

Remember, building a collection is a personal endeavour, and your vinyl collection should reflect your unique taste and love for Taylor Swift's music. So whether you're aiming for a complete discography or focusing on collecting rare editions, enjoy the process and let your passion guide you.

Conclusion and final thoughts

Hopefully, you're now armed with the knowledge and inspiration to build your ultimate Taylor Swift vinyl collection. From her debut album to her latest releases, Taylor Swift's discography offers a musical journey filled with nostalgia, emotion, and growth.

Collecting vinyl records is a labour of love, and each addition to your collection tells a story. Cherish the experience as you curate your Taylor Swift vinyl collection, and don't forget to share your love for Taylor's music with fellow collectors along the way.

Now go forth, Swiftie, and embark on your vinyl-collecting adventure!