Surprise…surprise… Taylor Swift took to social media today to announce her 8th studio album releasing…tonight. The album is titled ‘Folkore’ and it has encapsulated Taylor Swift’s “whims, dreams, fears, and musings” in one package.
Coronavirus COVID-19 has dampened the year 2020 and all the plans of us, global citizens. The music industry, especially the live segment of it, was severely hindered. With the album announcement, Taylor Swift also released a statement for her surprise album release;
“Most of the things I had planned for this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise!,” Taylor wrote on Twitter.
The look and feel of the new album is a striking contrast from Taylor Swift’s last album ‘Lover,’ released in August 2019. Whilst the’ Lover’ era was full of colors and sparks, ‘Folklore’ tends to take a more dim and solemn stature.
Album Cover for ‘Folklore’
Taylor Swift ‘Folklore’ Album Tracklist
- The 1
- Cardigan
- The Last Great American Dynasty
- Exile Ft. Bon Iver
- My Tears Ricochet
- Mirrorball
- Seven
- August
- This is Me Trying
- Illicit Affairs
- Invisible String
- Mad Woman
- Epiphany
- Betty
- Peace
- Hoax
Bonus Track - The Lakes
Taylor Swift continued on her statement;
“I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine; Aaron Dessner (who has co-written or produced 11 of the 16 songs), Bon Iver (who co-wrote and was kind enough to sing on one with me), William Bowery (who co-wrote two with me) and Jack Antonoff (who is basically musical family at this point).”
‘Folklore’ Album Release Date
She continued; “Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much <3.”
So, the new album ‘Folklore,’ releases on July 24, 2020.
Buy ‘Folklore’ Album on Apple Music and Amazon
The music video for “Cardigan” track, written and directed by Taylor, will also premiere along with the album.
‘Folklore’ Album Review
It is undeniable that ‘Folklore’ album takes a step back from Taylor Swift’s Pop journey that we witnessed with her last few albums. This album, in contrast, seems to be more of a thought-driven album focusing on spitting out some of the compressed feelings she has had accumulated from a long time back.
This is not to say that Taylor Swift has deviated from her usual themes of love and heartbreak which were prominent in her previous albums. ‘Folklore’ still talks about them but from a different perspective or flavor. This could stem from the maturity that comes with her age, as she mentions that she has passed the “coming-of-age” on “peace.” Also, it could be from the fact that she is currently in a long-term relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn.
One of the key elements of the album is the three-song trilogy taking on a love triangle from school days. The songs “cardigan,” “august,” and “betty” talk about how Taylor crashed a relationship thinking she would find love there. But she was mistaken and was heartbroken from her naiveness and guilt of potentially destroying the relationship of her friend Betty.
One song, “illicit affairs,” talks about serious infidelity committed by Taylor Swift. Fact or fiction is not of any relevance, as the song goes on to perfectly explain the mindless actions and fruitless results of such actions. She refers to the thrill as “mercurian high.”
Few tracks deviate from the theme of the album slightly; such as “the last great american dynasty” which talks about the story of Rebekah Harkness, an American patron of the arts. Taylor Swift draws comparisons between their lives. Another such track is “epiphany” which pays tribute to her grandfather and all the soldiers out there, whilst also mentioning the healthcare workers who work tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The album has a classic Taylor Swift touch. But we are not talking about ‘1989,’ ‘Reputation,’ or even ‘Speak Now’ eras. It sounds something from way back. Something from the inner-most parts of Taylor Swift.
What are your favorite songs on the ‘Folklore’ album? Drop a comment below.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Folklore’ Album Smashes Through Records
According to Taylor Swift Updates, the album has the following achievements and records so far;
- Over 1.3 million units sold globally in 24 hours
- Most Spotify First Day Album Streams by a Female Artist – 80.6 million
- Most Streamed Album on Apple Music in 24 hours – 35.47 million
- Sets Global Amazon Music Indie/Alternative Streaming Record