Album: Folklore
Artist: Taylor Swift
Year: 2020
Genre: Alternative, indie pop
Number of songs: 16
I have always been a casual listener of Taylor Swift. But when the pandemic hit and I was stuck in my room doing assignment after assignment, I found myself listening to her new album—Folklore. Very soon, its beautiful melody and even more beautifully-written lyrics became my go-to focus music.
the 1
I found this to be a really smart choice: the first song being the 1. Its bouncy rhythm, coupled with hopeful lyrics, really hooked me in to listen to the rest of the album. In this song, she talks about the one that got away, thinking of him in a positive way.
cardigan
This was the first song I heard from this album (and everyone else’s too, I think) because it was the lead single. It was meh to me. As much as I love ballads, this was not powerful enough for me. Regardless, I didn’t hate this song. I especially love the lyrics “When you are young, they assume you know nothing”.
the last great american dynasty
Okay, at first, this was my least favourite song. But over time, I grew to like it. This song is about Rebekah Harkness, who was the previous owner of Taylor’s home. According to the song, she married into the upper-class and was a non-conformist (which I love for her).
exile
This had a little bit more of her country roots, thanks to the twang from Bon Iver’s vocals. In its essence, it’s a breakup song from the perspective of both parties. I like the bridge before the chorus: “I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending” and how the melody and lyrics are married together in a way that listeners can tell that both of them are tired of holding on.
my tears ricochet
The haunting melody of this track, detailing a scorned lover’s ghost seeing her ex at the funeral, is really memorable. Through listening to the lyrics, I can picture the whole thing. I somehow put myself in the dead’s shoes and feel the angst she would have felt at that moment, singing gently about the situation they’re both in.
mirrorball
I feel like this song is a metaphor for people-pleasing. As a recovering people-pleaser myself, I totally understand and relate to this song (more than the other songs here even). I particularly like the little jingles during the pre-chorus: “Standing on my tallest tiptoes, spinning in my highest heels”.
seven
As someone who also hit her peak at 7, this was one of my favourites. It tells the story of an abused childhood friend and the lyrics really did this song justice. I would even argue that the lyrics in this song are the best she ever wrote. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, I think your house is haunted; your dad is always mad and that must be why” in reference to spirits (alcohol) is GENIUS.
august
This was my favourite track at first listen. Though it’s not still my number 1 track, I’d still rank it pretty high. This song tells the Betty-James-August love triangle story from Betty’s POV. The song is a bop with an infectious tune and immaculate lyrics. Using the words “never mine/nevermind”, “behind the mall/them all“, and “wanting/one thing was enough” was so clever and I was OBSESSED.
this is me trying
Another song I relate strongly to. As an overachiever since young who’s also the oldest child, there are certain expectations on me, placed there by others or sometimes imposed by myself. “I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere; fell behind all my classmates and I ended up here” really spoke to me, especially since I wasn’t exactly thriving in law school the same way I did in primary and secondary school.
illicit affairs
Let me preface this by saying I don’t condone cheating. Somehow, this song is one of the top-played among the rest in this album. Listening to it, the nitty gritty of how secretive and sneaky both parties need to be, I get a glimpse of what the other side of cheating feels like and the adrenaline rush that comes with almost getting caught.
invisible string
I’m a HUGE hopeless romantic. So it wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that this is my all-time favourite song from this album. I could have it on repeat and not get bored. Knowing the invisible string theory is a bonus, because I find it really sweet when the universe destines two souls to be together despite the odds. Like Taylor says, “Isn’t it just so pretty to think, all along there was an invisible string tying you to me”.
mad woman
This song makes me kinda angry every time I hear it, so it’s one of my least favourites. It reminds me of the awful truth that women are subject to a different world experience than men. If we try to explain our points assertively, we come off as rude and angry, unlike men who won’t have this issue. So women have to walk on eggshells to put across their point while seeming pleasant. Hate that for us.
epiphany
This song puts me in the position of someone serving in the military, probably in a war. Maybe someone who’s seriously and even fatally injured. It oddly calms me down though, because it’s like something I’d hear right before everything becomes peaceful. It’s what I think would play at the end of a traumatic life.
betty
Now that we’ve heard Betty’s POV, it’s time for James’. Man knows he fumbled Betty bad and this song lets you feel his guilt and regret. I love the harmonica, it adds a nice touch to the song. This is also in my top 3 list from this album. I love the chorus and the F-bomb she casually uses. So to everyone, do NOT fumble your Betty for a short-term August. Love that Betty doesn’t take him back.
peace
As a self-aware agent of chaos, I think this song is really beautiful. “Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” is something so deeply personal to me because I find myself constantly thinking if I’m too much for my family and friends. If someone could make me feel how I do when I put myself in this story, I’d be locked in for life.
hoax
Not sure why she decided to end this masterpiece with this song because this is giving hopelessness and despair. I guess it’s to make us listen to the album from the start again to feel something again. It’s a beautifully dark song about a breakup where she’s having trouble letting go of a relationship that’s clearly turned toxic.
Though the genre is something I’d usually skip in favour of more powerful, angsty music, I was drawn to it because of the ethereal lyricism and the vibes that suited my pandemic era. The whole album taught me a thing or two about captivating storytelling.
Overall, here’s my rating: