Entertainment

Taylor Swift's Latest '1989' Guest Was Perfect

by Tracy Dye

She may be one of the most sought after pop stars of today, but Taylor Swift hasn't forgotten her country music roots. On Friday, Oct. 2, the "Wildest Dreams" singer channeled her inner twang by inviting Keith Urban onstage during a performance in Toronto. "This is someone who has sold 20 million records," Swift told the audience, before unveiling her surprise guest. "This is someone who is — more importantly — an amazing human being. I actually opened up for his tour years ago. He has been so wonderful to me."

The American Idol judge joined Swift for a rendition of his latest single, "John Cougar, John Deere and John 3:16," as well as his 2002 smash hit, "Somebody Like You." Urban is the latest in a long line of special guests Swift has featured thus far on her 1989 tour. Stars ranging from Nick Jonas to Ellen DeGeneres have hopped onstage to further cement Swift's place as the reigning queen of #SquadGoals, while also bestowing us with an insurmountable case of FOMO. It seems like an impossible feat (for me, anyway) to choose a favorite among the guests who have stood alongside the pop star during her tour. Judging by Urban's appearance during Friday's showstopper, one thing can definitely be concluded: Swift still knows her way around a country song.

Don't get me wrong — I have love, love, loved Swift's transition from country music sensation to full-blown pop star. The singer's tracks often toggled between the two genres, and to say her decision to fully enter the world of pop has been successful would be an understatement. Still, just as I binge-listen to "Bad Blood" and "Shake It Off" on a routine basis, I also make a habit of blasting "Tim McGraw" and "Sparks Fly" in my car, windows rolled down. In celebration of nostalgia and all things Swift-related, let's take a look at seven of the singer's country hits that are worth revisiting.

1. "Teardrops On My Guitar"

As awful as being relegated to the friend zone is, at least we have this ballad to listen to on a continuous loop whilst binging on pizza and Netflix. I know that feel, guys.

2. "Love Story"

I explode with the best feels imaginable every time this song comes on the radio.

3. "Tim McGraw"

Along with these Swift tracks, I think revisiting some Tim McGraw songs is also in order.

4. "You Belong With Me"

Before Swift was dating the dreamiest of dreamboats, she was dispensing hits like this on the woes of unrequited love.

5. "Mine"

So good!

6. "Mean"

Not only did Swift get the last laugh when it comes to the bully she croons about in this inspiring track (she is, in fact, "living in a big ole city"), but the song conveys a positive — and truly worthwhile — message about self-love and overcoming obstacles.

7. "Sparks Fly"

Sublime! And now I officially think that a banjo needs to accompany every moment of infatuation.

Clearly, Swift has displayed acumen in several different facets of the music industry. Regardless of what direction she takes moving forward, I can bet that each upcoming track will be worth listening to on a continuous loop. Speaking of which, excuse me while I listen to the Red album in full for the umpteenth time this week.