I feel like it has become more and more common to stop liking Taylor Swift. Though these opinions have their merit—and you may all return to them after this article—allow me to go through some of my favorite gems, or rather jewels, from her extensive discography. With 286 songs across 12 albums, along with the four albums from earlier in her career that were re-recorded, the choice was hard. These are not all of the jewels I could possibly present, and unfortunately all “Eras” were not represented, but let these songs be the beginning of what could be a redemption story.

“Haunted” – Taylor Swift

There’s something very dramatic about this song, held from the start in the intensity of the drums and strings presented in the first few seconds. It’s a hook that continues to carry throughout the piece. The song itself speaks about the ghost of a past relationship, to the point where it leaves the storyteller “haunted” by the memories. However, the appreciation for this story comes after the acknowledgement of the bold instrumentals. A song that is so recognizable from the moment it plays, there are no skips to be found here.

“no body, no crime” – Taylor Swift (feat. HAIM)

This song always soothes the mystery-loving side of me. Here, it’s the story that captures you, and it’s almost sinister in its telling. The plot is complete with infidelity, secrets and even murder. Listening in, you almost wonder if you should be hearing this tale, phrased like a confession. It’s not an admission of fear or guilt, but one of confidence, pride and power. Nothing is told, everything is implied and the mystery within the song continues to pull those interested in deep. Once you learn the truth, the secret must remain with you for the rest of your life.

“evermore” – Taylor Swift (feat. Bon Iver)

Maybe I’m a little envious that I have not learned the accompaniment to this song on the piano yet, but there is something peaceful and serene about this song that makes me want to recreate it so much. Is the story peaceful? Not even close. This song is about pain, the lonely contemplative type that causes one to introspect and curl up within themselves, almost fixated on it. The theme of loneliness prevails throughout the song, and the sadness has settled so well that it brings a false sense of calm. It’s a quiet gem that speaks volumes.

“right where you left me” – Taylor Swift

This song is beautifully depressing, describing an inability to move on that freezes one in place. We watch as time stays heartless and unwavering, continuing to tick onwards without collecting anyone who happens to fall behind. It’s this frozen feeling that turns the narrator into a statue, looking around and wondering how everything could have dared to change. Listening to the song, it’s easy to tap into one’s own “restaurant” that they never left, recalling the helplessness that comes from staying in one place.

“mirrorball” – Taylor Swift

“mirrorball” has an almost ethereal vibe to it, to the point where if you close your eyes it’s as if it is you floating in the air, shining and glowing on the world around you. The sound of the bells joins with the echo of Swift’s voice, and the music itself is light and airy. The song itself emulates the “mirrorball,” and I love it for the sparkles. Yet, the shards of glass that sparkle were once broken, and there lie the sad undertones to an otherwise shiny song.

“New Year’s Day” – Taylor Swift

Just like with “evermore,” “New Year’s Day” has its own sad peace to it that forced me to learn it on the piano. It captures the calm after the chaos that comes with any function, along with the sweet serenity and thoughtfulness that comes with it. The piano and sense of calm makes the scene painted so intimate and quiet. More than a single moment, it captures a hope, the promise to stay and never leave—a New Year’s resolution, perhaps? It’s a peace that comes with knowing that there is all the time in the world.

Mined but not forgotten: exile (Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver), Everything Has Changed (Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran), Starlight (Taylor Swift), Daylight (Taylor Swift), Mr. Perfectly Fine (Taylor Swift) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault), happiness (Taylor Swift)