folklore / Taylor Swift / July 24, 2020
- Joshua Yoo
- Aug 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2020
The rollout of Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album “folklore” was unlike any others of hers: no hidden clues, no teaser clips of music videos, no lead singles; just a surprise Instagram announcement a mere day before its release. And if it isn’t clear enough by the cover art, Taylor Swift has come across a new phase in her musicianship, one marked by intimate instrumentation, introspective writing, and some of her most creative and encapsulating musical stories ever.
With only the help of frequent contributor Jack Antonoff and The National’s Aaron Dessner, it’s clear that Taylor had significant control of the musical direction of the album, and the results only further indicate how impressive of a songwriter she is/has always been. Throughout the album, Taylor spins these amazingly detailed and imaginative narratives around her inner musings, such as admitting fault for relationship issues and attempting to mend them (“this is me trying”), or trying to maintain a sense of self-peace amidst violent and disorderly times (“epiphany”).
As the title indicates, Taylor leans on her alternative, acoustic, and folk styles throughout the entire production on the album, implementing beautifully minimal acoustic arrangements (“invisible string”) or glimmering piano melodies (“mad woman”) that create this magical sense of fantasy and mysticism when listening. Her vocals also seem to take on distinctive lives of their own on each track, distant and aloof when detailing the bitterness of being cheated on (“august”), yet tender and fragile when sharing the pain of subjecting herself to a toxic relationship (“hoax”).
More than ever before, her psyche is revealed to listeners in such an elegantly crafted yet down-to-earth manner. It’s vulnerable, but also confident, coming straight from her heart.
Best Track(s): the last great american dynasty, invisible string, this is me trying, august, exile, illicit affairs
Lowlight(s): mirrorball
SCORE: 8/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s5xdY6MCeI
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