Taylor Swift’s journey from country prodigy to pop icon has been shaped not only by her own incredible songwriting talent but also by the music she’s listened to over the years. As a prolific artist with a diverse catalog of albums spanning multiple genres, Taylor has been open about the musicians who have influenced her, inspired her, and whose music she still enjoys today. Whether it’s country legends, pop superstars, or indie darlings, Taylor’s music taste is as wide-ranging as her own artistic evolution. Let’s dive into some of the musicians Taylor Swift has mentioned in interviews, shared on her playlists, or shown admiration for over the years.
1. Shania Twain
One of Taylor’s earliest musical influences, especially in her country phase, was Shania Twain. Taylor has spoken often about how Shania’s album Come On Over was a huge inspiration for her, and she credits the country icon for showing her that it’s okay to blend genres and embrace a pop sensibility within country music. Taylor’s admiration for Shania is mutual—Shania has praised Taylor for her songwriting, and the two have been spotted hanging out together. Taylor even paid tribute to Shania at the 2011 American Music Awards when she won the “Artist of the Year” award, acknowledging how much Shania’s influence meant to her career.
2. The Dixie Chicks
Another country legend that has had a significant impact on Taylor’s early music is The Dixie Chicks. Taylor has frequently mentioned that their bold, confident attitude in both their music and personal lives was something she admired. As a young songwriter, Taylor gravitated towards their fearless approach to music-making and their ability to tackle difficult topics in their songs. The Dixie Chicks’ combination of strong vocals and a mix of country, bluegrass, and folk elements likely shaped Taylor’s own willingness to experiment with different genres in her career.
3. Bruce Springsteen
When it comes to storytelling and lyrical depth, one of Taylor Swift’s major influences is Bruce Springsteen. Known for his rich, narrative-driven songs that explore themes of love, loss, and working-class life, Springsteen’s influence on Taylor is clear, particularly in her ability to write songs with cinematic quality. Taylor has often cited Springsteen as an inspiration when it comes to crafting songs with emotional weight and complex storytelling, something she perfected in albums like Red and Folklore. She’s also performed his songs live, showcasing just how much his music has resonated with her.
4. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a name that comes up frequently in Taylor’s conversations about songwriting. Mitchell, one of the most revered songwriters of all time, is known for her poetic lyrics and innovative melodies, and Taylor has praised her for breaking musical boundaries. Taylor has often cited Mitchell as a major inspiration, especially when it comes to writing songs that delve deep into personal emotions and relationships. Joni’s ability to blend folk, jazz, and pop influences into her music is something Taylor admires, and it’s evident in the more introspective and folky elements of albums like Folklore and Evermore.
5. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is another legendary artist whose music Taylor has been vocal about loving. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks’ mystical style and poetic lyrics have left a lasting impact on generations of musicians, including Taylor. In fact, Taylor has said that Nicks’ song Landslide is one of her all-time favorites. She’s also cited Nicks as a major influence on her transition into a more indie-folk style with albums like Folklore and Evermore. Taylor and Stevie Nicks have become close friends, with Nicks even joining Taylor on stage during her 1989 World Tour for a performance of “Wildest Dreams.”
6. The Beatles
It’s no surprise that The Beatles are among the artists Taylor Swift listens to and admires. The legendary British band’s influence on music is undeniable, and Taylor has often expressed her love for their songwriting and melodies. Her own ability to craft memorable, hook-laden songs with emotional depth is undoubtedly inspired by the Beatles’ work. Taylor even referenced them in her song “I Forgot That You Existed” from Lover, singing, “I forgot that you existed / And I thought that it would kill me, but it didn’t / And I thought that you would hate me, but you didn’t.” Taylor’s love for their albums is a reflection of her respect for timeless, genre-defying music.
7. Lord Huron
In recent years, Lord Huron, an indie folk band, has emerged as one of Taylor’s favorite groups. Their ethereal, cinematic sound can be heard in Taylor’s more recent albums, particularly Folklore and Evermore. Taylor has spoken about her admiration for the band’s ability to create vivid, atmospheric soundscapes, which aligns perfectly with the mood of her more introspective work. Lord Huron’s ability to evoke emotion through lyrics and melodies has definitely influenced Taylor’s more indie-folk approach to music in her later career.
8. Harry Styles
While Taylor Swift and Harry Styles’s personal relationship was widely covered in the press, their musical connection is just as significant. After their breakup, Taylor has spoken positively about Styles and his music, even saying in interviews that she likes his work. Harry’s ability to blend classic rock influences with modern pop sensibilities has also been a point of connection between the two. While it’s unlikely that their music sounds exactly the same, both artists have a knack for writing catchy, emotionally charged songs that connect with listeners. Their musical overlap is especially apparent in songs like “Style” (from 1989) and “Sweet Creature” (from Harry Styles).
9. Lorde
Lorde is a name that Taylor Swift has mentioned in several interviews, particularly when discussing the evolution of pop music. The New Zealand singer’s dark, atmospheric, and introspective style has been a strong influence on Taylor’s transition from mainstream country-pop to more experimental pop sounds. Their friendship and mutual respect for each other’s work are evident, and they’ve both spoken about how they inspire each other. Lorde’s ability to write raw, relatable lyrics with a minimalistic musical backdrop is something that has resonated with Taylor, especially on her more reflective albums like Folklore.
10. Bon Iver
If Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore albums had a musical spirit animal, it would likely be Bon Iver. Taylor has spoken about her admiration for Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, and his ability to create hauntingly beautiful, introspective music. Vernon’s use of atmospheric production and deeply emotional lyrics has influenced Taylor’s more experimental forays into indie folk. His collaboration with Taylor on the song “Exile” from Folklore is a clear reflection of their musical synergy. The song’s melancholy tone and layered harmonies perfectly capture the vibe of both artists’ work.
Conclusion: A Playlist of Influence and Inspiration
Taylor Swift’s musical taste is as diverse as her own catalog, ranging from country legends like Shania Twain to indie icons like Lorde and Bon Iver. Her ability to blend influences from folk, pop, rock, and country into her own sound is what makes her one of the most successful and versatile artists of her generation. From the storytelling prowess of Bruce Springsteen to the experimental artistry of Joni Mitchell, Taylor’s influences are as varied as the songs she creates. As she continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that her love for other musicians will keep shaping her journey—and the music she creates.