Taylor Swift surprised fans with a new album last week. With the surprise release dates, fans were also pleasantly surprised by the different styles this album has. She is among several artists who have used the COVID19 quarantines to be productive, writing and producing new music. “In isolation, my imagination has run wild, and this album is a result, a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness.” Folklore is a soothing album, with calming melodies and soft vocals throughout.
“Cardigan” just released the music video, which you can view here. It has a soft piano, and soothing vocals and the metaphorical lyrics are heartwarming as she describes that she “feels like an old cardigan under someone’s bed,” then ends with “you tell me you’re my favorite,” that perfectly describes a deep connection. The music video has great imagery and fantastical themes that tie the rest of the album together.
“Exile” is my favorite track on this album, featuring Bon Iver. His deep voice harmonizes so beautifully with Taylor’s voice, and the accompanying piano lulls the listener into the song.
“This is me Trying” has a very ethereal vibe throughout the song. It starts off almost like a yoga song. I love the lyrics more so than the music. In a time full of uncertainty where a majority of people are just getting through life, it’s very relevant to the time.
I have to admit, I’m the occasional T. Swift fan, enjoying what I hear on the radio, and appreciating her twitter feed. But this album has been very different from anything I’ve ever heard of hers, and I absolutely love it! With her release, she wrote about her process, that it came from imagery in her mind, and the story in the lyrics finished those off. She really did something cool with this process, and I love the soothing album.
Folklore is streaming and available on all platforms to purchase and check out her website so cool new merch to go with the album.
Tracklist:
- The 1
- Cardigan
- The Last Great American Dynasty
- Exile (featuring 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
