Entertainment

The Biggest Celebrity Collaborations of Taylor Swift So Far

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6m ago

Apr 27, 2024 / 3515 Views

Evan Walker

Swifties, it’s time to rejoice! The pop queen Taylor Swift’s new masterpiece The Tortured Poets Department is finally here. And in honour of the great two collaborations we got in the new album, we’re looking at all the biggest collaborations Taylor Swift has graced us with thus far.

The Tortured Poets Department is primarily a breakup album consisting of several heartwrenching tunes that’ll make you cry, some pop beats that’ll make you want to dance, and even the occasional love song (Thanks to Taylor’s new beau Travis Kelce). Just a day after its release, TTPD made Spotify history by becoming the most-streamed album in a single day, while Taylor Swift became the most-streamed artist in a single day.

Kicking things off from the TTPD album is the sensational track Fortnight, featuring the genre-defying talent of Post Malone, which became Spotify’s most-streamed song in a single day on April 19. But that’s not all; she also joins forces with rock band Florence+The Machine for the track Florida!!! As a modern musical powerhouse, Taylor Swift has enough solo songs to prove her incredible eloquence and musical prowess. But, when the new-age Shakespeare Songwriter of the Decade decides to join forces with another artist, it’s a rare treat.

Other than her frequent collaborators like Jack Antonoff, Aaron Dessner, Liz Rose, and Max Martin, Swift has many songs that feature other artists. Her first official collaboration was with Colbie Caillat for the heartfelt song Breathe from her sophomore studio album Fearless. We can’t forget the sensational on-stage collabs Swift has done, like See You Again with Wiz Khalifa, Should’ve Said No with Jonas Brothers, and the recent Eras Tour White Horse performance with Sabrina Carpenter. In speaking of Taylor Swift’s best collaborations, it would be a crime to not mention Thug Story with T-Pain, where she showcased her rapping skills for the first time.

But, for the purpose of this list, we’ll focus on only her studio collabs that have resulted in masterpieces that highlight the hitmaker’s collaborative spirit.

Taylor Swift’s top collaborations so far

34. Karma (feat. Ice Spice)

Taylor Swift did a collaboration with up-and-coming rap artist Ice Spice on a remix of Karma from her 2022 album Midnights. Though the both of them are fantastic performers and good friends, and the original version of Karma is a pretty decent song, the remix feels a little forced. The occasional “grah” sounds are just unnecessary. The song delves into the concepts of personal growth and finding happiness in the concept of karma. However, the original version outperforms the remix.

33. Both of Us by B.o.B (feat. Taylor Swift)

Both of Us is a collaborative track by rapper B.o.B and Taylor Swift from his album Strange Clouds. Lyrically, Both of Us explores themes of resilience, unity, and overcoming adversity. The song emphasises the significance of sticking together and finding strength in numbers, especially in the face of adversity. But the coarse switch from Swift’s melody to B.o.B’s rap verses takes away from the song’s musical credibility.

32. Birch by Big Red Machine (feat Taylor Swift)

Big Red Machine is an indie music duet consisting of Aaron Dessner of The National and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Both artists have previously collaborated with Swift on separate projects. Big Red Machine collaborated with Taylor for Birch from their album How Long Do You Think It’ll Last? The lyrics express sentiments of despair, stagnation, and uncertainty about the future. There is a touch of hesitation as the narrator admits to feeling uneasy about continuing further. The title Birch represents new beginnings or development, implying a desire for return within the existing pessimism.

31. Two Is Better Than One by BOYS LIKE GIRLS (feat. Taylor Swift)

A romantic duet from the album Love Drunk, Two Is Better Than One features a collaboration between American rock band Boys Like Girls and Taylor Swift. With its passionate vocals and acoustic guitar-driven melody, the song explores the themes of love and connection. The song’s lyrics reflect the power and comfort gained in a supporting relationship, highlighting that tackling life’s hardships together is more rewarding than doing it alone. Swift’s voice merges seamlessly with that of Martin Johnson, the lead vocalist for the band, giving the song a touch of delicacy and honesty.

30. Highway Don’t Care — by Tim McGraw ft. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Taylor’s music career took off with the song Tim McGraw and a few years later, she collaborated with him and Keith Urban for the song Highway Don’t Care for the album Two Lanes of Freedom. The song features McGraw and Swift’s heartfelt vocals, while Keith Urban’s guitar solos elevate the emotional intensity of the track. The country song is an emotional breakup track about two people who are still in love. The song revolves around the theme of heartache and the struggle to cope with the pain of a lost love. Set against the backdrop of a highway ride, the lyrics convey a sense of desire and despair as the leads attempt to flee their past but find peace only in the loneliness of the road.

29. The Last Time (feat. Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol)

The Last Time is a heartfelt duet from Taylor Swift’s album Red with Gary Lightbody, the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Snow Patrol. With its haunting tune and moving lyrics, The Last Time delves into the complexity of a difficult relationship on the verge of breakdown. Swift and Lightbody trade verses, their vocals merging seamlessly to express the raw emotion and vulnerability of two individuals fighting to keep love alive despite its inevitable demise. It’s one of Taylor Swift’s underappreciated collaborations, lost in the shuffle of megahits. However, the emotive ballad is full of raw emotions and strikes a deep chord with its listeners.

28. Babe by Sugarland (feat. Taylor Swift)

Taylor first penned this song for the country music duo Sugarland’s 2018 album Bigger. She even appeared in a music video with Sugarland wearing red hair. The lyrics of Babe tell the story of a tumultuous relationship tainted by betrayal and heartache. Swift’s vocals take on the perspective of the “other woman,” expressing remorse and longing for a love that she can’t have. Meanwhile, Sugarland’s lead vocalist, Jennifer Nettles, delivers emotive verses that capture the pain and uncertainty of being deceived by someone she trusted.

In 2021, Taylor re-released the song as a part of her most recent country album Red (Taylor Version) as a solo song.

27. Half of My Heart by John Mayer (feat. Taylor Swift)

Before Taylor wrote Dear John and sparks were still flying in their dating era, John Mayer and Taylor Swift performed a duet love song together for Mayers’ 2009 album Battle Studies. Even though Taylor only has the slightest feature in the track, the song’s pleasing sound and heartfelt lyrics envelop you in a warm blanket of feelings.

26. That’s When (feat. Keith Urban) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

That’s When is another ‘From The Vault’ track to emerge from Fearless that didn’t make the final cut the first time around in 2010. But with the re-released 2021 Taylor’s Version, the song finally saw the light of day, featuring country music singer Keith Urban. Urban’s voice adds a layer of depth, providing a duet aspect to the song. The lyrics reflect regret and a desire to fix flaws that contributed to a breakup.

25. Soon You’ll Get Better (feat. The Chicks)

Soon You’ll Get Better is a heartfelt ballad featuring the girl band The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) from Swift’s seventh studio album Lover. Swift composed the song about her mother‘s battle with cancer. The touching lyrics delve deeply into the fear of loss, the agony of watching a loved one suffer, and the sense of being helpless. Swift’s passionate vocals, along with The Chicks’ harmony, make the song a homage to the family bond. But, in the end, the song offers a beacon of hope and perseverance, telling listeners that better days may be coming.

24. Run (feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

This is the very first song Taylor and Ed Sheeran wrote together. It came as a part of the re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version) under the ‘From The Vault’ category. Their melodious vocals combine beautifully, creating a dynamic soundscape for the ears. The duet is a plea to their lover to run away with them, leaving all the troubles and negative people behind. The yearning for freedom and escape from known society with a lover for a fresh start easily resonates with listeners.

23. ME! (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco)

ME! is an upbeat pop anthem featuring Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie, the lead vocalist of Panic! At The Disco. While some fans appear to enjoy the upbeat beats, others consider it one of her worst tracks. With its infectious melody and vibrant production, ME! exudes positivity and self-confidence, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and celebrate their uniqueness. The song’s lyrics promote self-love and empowerment, encouraging listeners to accept their shortcomings and embrace their true selves. Additionally, this banging, joyful song definitely adds more versatility to Swift’s music catalogue.

Brendon Urie’s charming vocals lend a burst of energy and persona to the song, complementing Swift’s energetic performance. Their lighthearted banter and unmistakable chemistry are evident in the song’s music video, featuring colourful visuals, whimsical images, and all three of Taylor’s adorable cats.

22. Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

Electric Touch is another ‘From The Vault’ track Swift’s album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), featuring American pop-rock band Fall Out Boy. Electric Touch explores the anxieties, excitement, and self-doubt that come with budding love. The words express the hope and excitement for newfound love while acknowledging the fear of failed relationships. The combination of Fall Out Boy’s lead singer Patrick Stump’s vocals alongside Taylor Swift takes the song to new heights.

21. Coney Island (feat. The National)

Taylor Swift and the indie rock band The National, which includes her frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner, teamed up for the gloomy song Coney Island. With its pensive lyrics and sad tune, the song explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and lost love. The plot revolves around two former lovers who reflect on their past romance and the moments they shared at Coney Island, a popular amusement park in New York City. Taylor Swift’s expressive vocals are matched by the unmistakable baritone of The National’s lead vocalist, Matt Berninger, resulting in a mesmerising blend of voices that evokes melancholy and longing.

20. Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran)

A part of Swift’s fourth studio album, Red, Everything Has Changed is a sweet duet featuring Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, two of the most prominent singer-songwriters of this generation. With its adorable melody and honest lyrics, the song dives into the life-changing effects of love and the immense impact that it can have on our lives. Swift and Sheeran’s voices merge seamlessly as they sing together, resulting in a lovely duet that touches every listener’s heart. The song represents the innocence and adrenaline rush of being in love, as Swift and Sheeran, who are good friends, reflect on how finding that special someone can alter their perspective of life. The verses paint a vivid picture of two people seeking sanctuary and comfort in one other’s company, their bond becoming deeper with each passing moment.

19. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

Red (Taylor’s Version) is Swift’s album with the most collaborations so far, and for the vault track I Bet You Think About Me, she joined forces with country singer Chris Stapleton. Layered on Swift’s voice, his deep baritone vocals add an extra depth to the song. Through the words of the track, Swift highlighted her down-to-earth upbringing, contrasting it against her ex’s luxurious raising and calling out his pretentious Lifestyle. The sarcastic song was also released alongside a music video directed by Taylor’s close friend Blake Lively.

18. End Game (feat. Ed Sheeran and Future)

End Game is a collaboration between Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and rapper Future that appears on Swift’s sixth studio album, Reputation. The song is a high-energy anthem about love, achievement, and enjoying life to the fullest. With its engaging groove and catchy rhythm, End Game drips confidence and swagger, mirroring the themes of empowerment and self-assurance that dominate the whole Reputation album. The song’s lyrics are about overcoming barriers and embracing the path to personal growth and happiness. All three performers rap verses on the track, with Ed and Taylor delivering exquisite vocals.

17. Evermore (feat. Bon Ivor)

Following the popularity of Exile, Swift and Bon Ivor collaborated on yet another sentimental ballad, the album’s title track, Evermore. The dreamy melody and introspective lyrics of Evermore address themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time. Swift and Bon Iver’s poignant vocals blend flawlessly, forming a mesmerising soundscape that tranSports listeners to a world of melancholy reverie. Swift and Ivor interchange verses, painting a vivid picture of their perspectives on love, which triumphs over all of life’s obstacles and uncertainties.

16. Renegade by Big Red Machine (feat Taylor Swift)

Renegade is another collab between Swift and the Big Red Machine. Taylor is the song’s featured lead vocalist, with Vernon singing supporting vocals. The song delves into the complexities of a relationship in which one partner is dealing with emotional distress or mental Health issues. The vocalist tries to reach out to the person she loves, encouraging them to seek counselling for the sake of their relationship with lyrics like, “Is it insensitive for me to say get your shit together so I can love you.”

15. Breathe (feat. Colbie Caillat) (Taylor’s Version)

Breathe is essentially a heartbreak song from Taylor’s sophomore country album Fearless, filled with innocence and teenage sentiments. The song essentially delves into the aftermath of a breakup, incorporating the sense of loss and the pain of letting go. The introspective lyrics are beautifully complemented by the angelic voices of both Taylor and Colbie Caillat, making it a successful collaboration.

14. Gasoline by HAIM (feat. Taylor Swift)

After No Body, No Crime, The HAIM sisters once again collaborated with Taylor Swift for the song Gasoline from their album Women in Music Pt. III. The song is essentially a dreamy, mellow groove that marries pop-rock with sensual elements. Contrarily, the lyrics to the song shed light on a toxic relationship and the need to break free from the destructive cycle. Taylor’s voice merges effortlessly with the sisters, adding an element of hope and enthusiasm to the song.

13. Florida!!! (feat. Florence+The Machine)

Taylor Swift’s collaboration with the rock band Florence+The Machine on Florida!!! from her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, explores the concept of dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns, as well as the desire to escape the consequences of past mistakes. The song tackles the sensation of being stuck in situations that do not match one’s expectations when judgement and harsh reality weigh heavily. Interestingly, Taylor’s longtime friend Emma Stone also earned an oddities credit for the writing of the song.

12. No Body, No Crime (feat. HAIM)

Taylor collaborated with some of her oldest friends, the sister trio HAIM, for the song No Body, No Crime from the album Evermore. Presented in an infectious groove, the song tells a story of a gripping murder mystery that unfolds itself throughout the song. The song follows the style of classic country murder ballads, and the HAIM sisters’ voices coalesce beautifully with Swift’s, creating a dynamic and dark, but compelling atmosphere that keeps listeners glued to their seats.

11. The Joker and The Queen by Ed Sheeran (feat. Taylor Swift)

It’s astonishing how Ed and Taylor have so many beautiful tracks together, yet none of them have achieved the popularity they deserve. Ed asked his old friend Taylor to remix his dramatic ballad The Joker and The Queen off his album = (Equals). The verses of the duet describe an atypical relationship, and the basic concept of the song is finding peace in one another and abandoning material possessions in order to pursue the purest form of love. The emotive vocals of the artists sound like heaven to the ears.

10. You All Over Me (feat. Maren Morris) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

With the re-release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), the songstress released multiple hidden gems that she had kept locked in her vault, biding her time to drop them. For the song You All Over Me, Taylor Swift formed a collaboration with country music star Maren Morris. The song describes the reminiscent and lingering effects of a past relationship and the struggle of moving on. Swift’s evocative lyrics, coupled with Morris’s soulful vocals, create a mesmerising blend of storytelling and emotion. Like a perfectly crafted cappuccino, their voices intertwine seamlessly, infusing the song with depth and resonance.

9. Lover (Remix) feat. Shawn Mendes

Swift collaborated with Shawn Mendes on a remix of the album’s title track, Lover. The duet rendition of the exquisite love ballad is just as charming as the original song. Mendes’ vocals and fresh words bring extra emotion to the already popular song. While many people prefer the original version over the duet, the remix nonetheless has its own appeal.

8. Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

Castles Crumbling is a vault song by Taylor Swift featuring Hayley Williams, the lead singer of the rock band Paramore from her 2023 re-recorded album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). The lyrics of the song talk about the loss of power, isolation, and regret. It discusses a once-successful person who has fallen from grace, as well as how quickly people can shift from friend to foe as fame fades away. The assorted vocals of Taylor and Hayley create a powerful concoction of melody for this powerful and emotional duet.

7. Safe & Sound (feat. Joy Williams and John Paul White aka The Civil Wars)

Safe & Sound is a hauntingly beautiful folk-pop song by Taylor Swift, featuring The Civil Wars. It was originally released in 2012 as part of the The Hunger Games soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. To say that both the song, as well as Taylor Swift’s collaboration with The Civil Wars are criminally underrated is an understatement. The song’s delicate melody, combined with its emotional lyrics, encapsulates vulnerability and strength in the face of misfortune. Swift’s delicate vocals, combined with the harmonies of Joy Williams and John Paul White, create a weeping mood that perfectly suits the film’s dystopian themes.

Through the lyrics of Safe & Sound, the songstress conveys concepts of confinement and survival, describing a lonely environment where hope flickers like a blinking spark. The song addresses issues such as dread, loss, and the desire for protection and comfort in an uncertain world. Despite its melancholy undertones, the song offers a sense of quiet strength and willpower, touching listeners on a deep emotional level. Taylor re-released the song in 2021 as part of Red (Taylor’s Version).

6. Bad Blood (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Taylor Swift’s first full-fledged genre shift was marked by the album 1989 where she went from country to pop. And the album also came with a stellar collaboration between Taylor Swift and rapper Kendrick Lamar, resulting in Bad Blood. The song dives into the themes of betrayal and broken friendships that have gone too far to retrieve. Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse adds an unexpected twist to Bad Blood, injecting the song with a burst of rap energy and providing a dynamic contrast to Swift’s melodic vocals.

Lamar’s rapid-fire delivery and clever wordplay complement Swift’s narrative, adding depth and complexity to the song. With the infectious hook, sleek production, and powerful performances from both Swift and Lamar, the song has rightfully earned its place as a smash hit from her discography. The song is accompanied by an all-star-cast music video featuring Taylor’s girl squad, proving her celebrity power.

5. Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

Nothing New is a ‘From The Vault’ track from Taylor Swift’s re-recorded album Red (Taylor’s Version) that features singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. The genre tends towards alternative rock or indie rock, possibly influenced by Phoebe Bridgers’ signature sound. Her melancholy voice complements Taylor’s, resulting in a more introspective and emotive soundtrack, making it a wonderful collaboration. The song’s brilliant lyrics address societal pressures on women, especially the urge to preserve youthful appearance and achieve specific levels of achievement.

4. Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)

When Taylor Swift originally announced her upcoming collaboration with Post Malone, the internet went into a frenzy. The AI rendition of the song Fortnight (which sounds nothing like the original, by the way) began taking over TikTok and Instagram feeds. And when the song was released, it quickly became the most streamed song in a single day on Spotify. The song appears to be about two neighbours in love who are married to different people. However, now that the romance has ended and they have returned to their prior lives, the singer’s mental struggle persists, and she has turned to alcohol to relieve the agony. “Now you’re in my backyard, turned into good neighbours / Your wife waters flowers. I wanna kill her,” she sings.

The accompanying video follows the theme of the entire The Tortured Poets Department album, starring Taylor and Post Malone. The video features actors from The Dead Poets Society, Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, playing scientists. In addition, there is a scene in which she adopts Post’s face tattoos as a tribute to her collaborator friend.

3. Snow On The Beach (feat. More Lana Del Rey)

In all honesty, this collaboration was a long time coming. Two of this generation’s top songwriters and close friends Taylor and Lana Del Rey teamed up for the song Snow On The Beach. The original version of the song is lovely, but this version from Midnights (The Till Dawn Edition), which has more of Lana’s vocals, simply hits different. The song discusses the desire for a connection and the sensation of being fascinated by someone new. The song’s beautiful sound and cinematic pop arrangement flawlessly complement Lana and Taylor’s voices.

2. I Don’t Wanna Live Forever by ZAYN and Taylor Swift

When Zayn, a former One Direction member, collaborated with Taylor Swift on the song I Don’t Wanna Live Forever, it was a watershed moment for millennials and Gen Z. The music, which appears on the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, has a sultry vibe and seductive lyrics that explore longing and desire. Both singers express the inner anguish of an unstable relationship in which they continue to be pulled towards one another. Zayn’s smooth vocals and Swift’s passionate delivery form a compelling contrast, accentuating their chemistry throughout the song. Furthermore, I Don’t Wanna Live Forever is one of the most streamed songs in both artists’ discographies.

1. Exile (feat. Bon Ivor)

Taylor Swift’s quarantine album, Folklore, carries an overarching melancholic tone, but certain tracks resonate more deeply than others. One such standout is the collaboration between Swift and Bon Iver, the indie folk band fronted by songwriter Justin Vernon. The particular song is an absolute tear-jerker with the lyrics describing the aftermath of a failed relationship. Taylor and Vernon take turns to reflect on the remnants of their past relationship. Interestingly, Taylor’s ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn contributed to the songwriting for this song under the pseudonym William Bowery. The haunting melody and minimal instrumentation create a cinematic atmosphere, allowing the listener to feel a flood of emotion. The song has been used as a soundtrack for many TV shows, including Netflix’s You.