You found it. Here’s the definitive ranking of vault tracks from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). Well, according to me, anyway.

How I determined the rankings:

To rank the the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks, I did three things:

1. Scoured the internet to get popular music and media sites’ takes. For Speak Now (TV), I looked at Billboard, Rolling Stone, and fan chatter on the r/TaylorSwift Reddit thread.
2. Made my own list. Rankings (Krista’s Version), if you will.
3. Combined 1 and 2 to create a semi-objective list of Speak Now (TV)‘s vault tracks.

Here’s how things shook out.

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) vault tracks, ranked:

1. “I Can See You”

Among the unearthed gems in Taylor Swift’s “From The Vault” collection, “I Can See You” stands out as a particularly exhilarating track. This song brilliantly bridges the gap between the nostalgic essence of its parent album, Speak Now, and the modern production flair Swift has honed over the years.

In “I Can See You,” Swift revisits the themes of fleeting encounters and playful flirtation, but she injects a heightened sense of sensuality and a contemporary instrumental backdrop that adds a new layer of intensity.

The song showcases a series of bold choices, from the catchy surf-rock guitar licks to Swift’s cleverly veiled lyrical suggestions (“You won’t believe half the things I see inside my head,” she remarks with a wry tone). The build-up to the chorus takes the listener on an exhilarating lift, showcasing Swift’s and Jack Antonoff’s deep understanding of the song’s emotional and tonal landscape.

While “I Can See You” would have been a strong fit on the original Speak Now album, it’s evident that Swift’s evolved artistry has only enhanced the track in this reimagined Taylor’s Version.

Not to mention, fans lost their minds when Swiftie fave Taylor Lautner made a surprise appearance in the music video.

Watch the “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” music video:

2. “Electric Touch” (featuring Fall Out Boy)“

“Electric Touch” is another chapter in Taylor Swift’s anthology of tracks that delve into the complexities of love and vulnerability. This song captures Swift at a crossroads in a new relationship, teetering between the apprehension of past heartbreaks and the exhilarating possibility of love’s revival. She encapsulates this tension in the line, “This could either break my heart, or bring it back to life,” highlighting her cautious hopefulness.

Joining Swift in this emotional exploration is Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, whose voice complements Swift’s narrative perfectly. Their vocal interplay paints a vivid picture of two individuals tentatively weaving their lives together.

Stump’s edgy, animated style creates a striking contrast to Swift’s more measured approach, adding depth and dynamism to the song.

Watch the “Electric Touch (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:

3. “Timeless”

“Timeless” emerges as a majestic ode to love, transcending the ordinary to become a testament to destiny and eternal connections.

Taylor Swift weaves a narrative that not only reminisces about the romance of her grandparents but also boldly proclaims the inevitable union of soulmates, regardless of life’s hurdles. This track is poised to become an instant classic among her fans, who will undoubtedly be enchanted by its whimsical, fate-infused ambiance.

In this song, her lyrical craft shines as she elevates seemingly small moments and objects to the level of profound declarations, epitomized in lines like, “I believe that we were supposed to find this.” Each element in Swift’s lyrical antique shop holds as much significance as her grand statements, painting a rich, emotionally layered picture of timeless love.

Watch the “Timeless (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:

4. “Foolish One”

“Foolish One” finds Taylor Swift delving into the depths of heartache with a self-reflective lens, as she embodies the role of someone who’s gambled on love and lost.

This track reminisces the evolution of her sound from the Fearless era to Speak Now, blending her country-pop roots with a more mature, expansive musical narrative that unfolds over five minutes of introspective lyrics and emotional revelations.

In the song, Swift set the stage for a journey through the complexities of unrequited love and regret. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster, from feigning indifference to confronting the harsh truth in lines like, “I’ll get your longing glances, but she’ll get your ring.”

These poignant details invite listeners to immerse themselves in the narrative. Swift’s vocal performance masterfully balances a sense of reprimand with an undertone of vulnerability, capturing the essence of a heart both scolding and scarred.

Watch the “Foolish One (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) lyric video:

5. “Castles Crumbling” (featuring Hayley Williams)”

“Castles Crumbling” emerges at a poignant intersection in the careers of Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams of Paramore.

During the late 2000s, as Swift was making her mark in the country genre, Williams and Paramore were simultaneously dominating the pop-punk and emo realms with chart-toppers like “Misery Business” and “That’s What You Get.” Both artists, having been in the spotlight for over a decade, have navigated the ups and downs that accompany immense fame, including the inevitable backlash that follows.

This track serves as a contemplative piece on the theme of deteriorating relationships and unreasoned actions. While it maintains a certain level of ambiguity, its emotional resonance is unmistakable.

Both Swift and Williams deliver their parts with a sense of melancholy, reflecting deeply on the ruins of their personal experiences. This collaboration not only showcases their musical evolution but also offers a candid glimpse into the complexities of life under the relentless gaze of public scrutiny.

Watch the “Castles Crumbling (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” lyric video:

6. “When Emma Falls in Love”

In her song “When Emma Falls in Love,” Taylor Swift revisits the narrative-driven style that defined folklore and evermore. This time, she paints an intricate portrait of a character named Emma, who navigates the realm of relationships with a thoughtful, discerning approach. Each verse adds depth to Emma’s character, distinguishing her cautious love from Swift’s own past experiences.

Swift’s voice carries a subtle note of wistfulness as she sings, “She won’t lose herself in love the way that I did,” suggesting a mix of admiration and introspection. The track, co-produced with Aaron Dessner, gracefully moves between the elegance of piano balladry and the rhythmic sway of country-pop, creating a rich musical tapestry.

“When Emma Falls in Love” is a testament to Swift’s evolving songwriting prowess, combining complex lyrics and meticulous sound design to add another gem to her impressive collection. This song not only tells a story but also reflects Swift’s ability to weave her recent advancements in songcraft into her broader musical narrative.

Watch the “When Emma Falls in Love (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault) lyric video: