Everything to know about Taylor Swift’s Folklore album
Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Released in July 2020, it was a surprise album created during the COVID-19 pandemic. A departure from her previous pop sound, folklore leans towards alternative rock, indie folk, and folktronica. The album’s introspective lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and memory, often through fictional storytelling. Folklore received widespread critical acclaim and won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
The songs
Here is the song list from Taylor Swift’s album “Folklore”
1. “The 1”
2. “Cardigan”
3. “The Last Great American Dynasty”
4. “Exile”
5. “My Tears Ricochet”
6. “Mirrorball”
7. “Seven”
8. “August“
9. “This Is Me Trying”
10. “Illicit Affairs”
11. “Invisible String”
12. “Mad Woman”
13. “Epiphany”
14. “Betty”
15. “Peace”
16. “Hoax”
There is also a deluxe version of the album that includes two bonus tracks:
- The Long Pond Studio Sessions (from the Disney+ special)
- folklore (the Long Pond studio sessions)
Genre
While “folklore” by Taylor Swift draws inspiration from the folk genre, it doesn’t neatly fit into one single category. Critics and listeners often describe it using a combination of genres, including:
- Indie folk: This is the most commonly cited genre, and it reflects the album’s focus on acoustic instruments, introspective lyrics, and a stripped-down sound.
- Alternative rock: This genre comes into play with the album’s use of electric guitars and heavier instrumentation in some tracks.
- Electro-folk: Certain songs incorporate subtle electronic elements, giving them a modern twist on the traditional folk sound.
- Chamber pop: This subgenre is present in tracks with a focus on orchestral arrangements and a more intimate, nuanced sound.
So, while “folklore” has strong folk roots, it’s best described as a blend of various genres, offering a unique and diverse listening experience.
Producers And Collaborators
Here are the producers and collaborators on Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” album:
Producers:
- Taylor Swift
- Aaron Dessner (guitarist of the National)
- Jack Antonoff (longtime collaborator)
- Joe Alwyn (credited under the pseudonym William Bowery)
Collaborators:
- Justin Vernon (Bon Iver): co-wrote and sings on “Exile”
- Aaron Dessner’s brother Bryce Dessner and bandmate Bryan Devendorf: additional musicians on the album
- Other musicians and engineers: credited in the album liner notes
It’s worth noting that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the collaboration happened remotely, with Swift, Antonoff, and Dessner working in separate locations and exchanging files digitally.
Chapters
While Taylor Swift herself hasn’t officially divided the “Folklore” album into chapters, she has released several curated playlists that highlight different themes within the album. These playlists are not considered separate “albums” but rather creative ways to explore the multifaceted nature of “folklore.” Here are the titles of those playlists:
folklore: the escapism chapter (August 2020)
folklore: the sleepless night’s chapter (August 2020)
folklore: the saltbox house chapter (September 2020)
folklore: yeah I showed up at your party chapter (December 2020)
These titles provide some insight into the different moods and themes explored in the album, but it’s important to remember they are not official chapters and don’t represent a definitive way to categorize the songs.
Music Videos – Taylor Swift’s Folklore
Unlike several of her previous albums, Taylor Swift opted for a different creative approach with this album releasing no music videos in the traditional sense. Instead, she released several visual components that complemented the album’s narrative and themes. These included:
Lyric videos: Official lyric videos were created for most of the songs on the album. These videos presented the lyrics in a visually appealing way, often incorporating imagery and symbolism that resonated with the song’s themes.
The 1
Mirrorball
Taylor Swift – My Tears Ricochet (Official Lyric Video)
Taylor Swift – cardigan (Official Lyric Video)
It’s important to note that while there are no music videos with traditional narratives or performances, the visual elements mentioned above add depth and meaning to the “folklore” experience.
Folklore: A Glimpse Through Lyrics
“folklore” by Taylor Swift delves into various themes and emotions through its rich lyrical tapestry. Here’s an overview of some key lyrical elements:
Loss and Nostalgia: Many songs explore themes of lost love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet memories of the past. Tracks like “The 1,” “Cardigan,” and “August” capture the yearning for what could have been or what is no longer.
Storytelling and Narrative: The album features songs that weave intricate narratives, often exploring fictional characters and their experiences. “The Last Great American Dynasty” tells the story of Rebekah Harkness, a wealthy socialite, while “Betty” offers a glimpse into teenage love and its complexities.
Self-reflection and Growth: The lyrics often showcase introspection and vulnerability, as Swift explores personal experiences, growth, and self-discovery. Songs like “This Is Me Trying” and “Epiphany” delve into themes of resilience, learning from mistakes, and accepting oneself.
Mythology and Folklore: The album’s title itself alludes to stories and legends passed down through generations. Some songs, like “Invisible String” and “Mad Woman,” subtly weave in elements of folklore and mythology, adding a layer of depth and mystery to the lyrics.
Social Commentary: While not the album’s central focus, some tracks like “The Last Great American Dynasty” subtly touch on themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and wealth disparity.
Overall, the lyrics of “folklore” are poetic, nuanced, and emotionally resonant. They offer a glimpse into various perspectives, experiences, and emotions, leaving listeners to connect with the stories and themes in their unique way.
Listen to Folklore Online & Offline
Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” is available on most major streaming platforms, including:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fenSS68JI1h4Fo296JfGr
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B08DJ5V3W1
- YouTubeMusic:https://music.youtube.com/playlistlist=OLAK5uy_lAQWiZVWU7ImDOQV9WsKjMAlLXSfWROXU
You can also purchase the album physically or digitally from various retailers, such as:
- Taylor Swift’s official store: https://store.taylorswift.com/
