Taylor Swift’s “Folklore”: An unexpected treasure

“Folklore” by Taylor Swift is the 2020 gift we didn’t know we needed.

Swift surprised the music world Thursday morning with the announcement of a new album, “Folklore,” which she wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. The album comes less than a year after her previous record, “Lover,” was released.

Surprise 🤗 Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my 8th studio album, folklore; an entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. Pre-order at https://t.co/zSHpnhUlLb pic.twitter.com/4ZVGy4l23b

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 23, 2020

Included in the announcement was that Aaron Dessner of rock band The National would be producing 11 of the 16 tracks. She also announced that a song on the album was co-written by and features Bon Iver, a popular indie rock band known for atmospheric rock and powerful vocals. These announcements created speculation on a possible genre shift from Swift’s recent pop-centered sound.

The album was released this morning to fans and critics around the world and it is unlike any of her previous albums. While there are reminders of Swift’s roots in country music, this album explores the indie rock, alternative and folk genres. Not only is the tone of this album notably darker than “Lover,” it also has Swift’s best songwriting in her career.

The lyrics on “Folklore” are examples of modern poetry and are proof of why Swift has been praised by many as a master songwriter. Her work with Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff and Bon Iver perfectly complement and strengthen the sung poetry.

The album opens up with “The 1,” a laid back track, imagining what would have been if a potential lover had been “the one.” With this track, Swift begins a film motif: “I hit the Sunday matinee, You know the greatest films of all time were never made.” This motif shows up throughout the album and is used to represent the status of a strained relationship.

This film motif appears again in the powerful “Exile,” featuring Bon Iver. In the chorus, Justin Vernon, Bon Iver’s frontman, and Swift sing in tight harmonies, “I think I’ve seen this film before and I didn’t like the ending.” The final vocal harmony between the singers leaves the listener waiting for the broken lovers’ story to continue.

The motif arises again in “This is Me Trying”: “You’re a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town.” The last track, “Hoax” also features this motif, with Swift singing about shattered love again: “You knew the hero died so what’s the movie for?” This recurrence of film imagery ties the themes of anguished love together and helps the album become cohesive.

Swift’s storylines are masterfully woven into each song. In a YouTube comment, Swift noted there are three songs on the album that tell the story of a love triangle from the point of view of each person in the triangle. Fans are convinced that the “Cardigan,” “Betty” and either “Illicit Affairs” or “August” are these songs. “Betty” describes a relationship between Betty, James, and the “other girl.”

povs:
cardigan – betty
august – the other girl
betty – james

fyi james & inez are the names of blake lively & ryan reynolds’ DAUGHTERS…

TO CONCLUDE THE TEENAGE LOVE TRIANGLE IS A SAPPHIC LOVESTORY EXACTLY😌😌😌 #folklore pic.twitter.com/ct1vwH5dw2

— jada🧚‍♀️ | TSWIFT LOCKDOWN (@skamselite) July 24, 2020

In addition to lyrical content, what makes this album work is the instrumentation and production. As noted earlier, Swift turned to Aaron Dessner of The National for the majority of the production on this album. Much of this album’s success can be attributed to Dessner and his musical style. The sonic difference is evident, especially when compared to “Lover.” While Jack Antonoff, one of Swift’s longtime collaborator and main producer of “Lover,” is present on this album, his songs seamlessly fit into the darker, more intimate feeling of the new album.

Rather than centering on synth-heavy dream pop, “Folklore” features a diverse set of instrumentation including piano, guitar, organ, saxophone, harmonica, accordion and a string trio. From the Bob Dylan-inspired harmonica on “Betty” to the sweeping saxophone on “Illicit Affairs,” these instruments are used to give Swift’s lyrics an extra emotional punch.

During her career, the world has seen Taylor Swift successfully pivot from country to pop. What doesn’t often happen is an accomplished pop star completely changing sound again and putting out a record as intensive and serious as “Folklore.” This album is a testament to Swift’s versatility and excellent songwriting and will be looked back as an integral part of her dynasty.

—alek.nelson@aggiemail.usu.edu

@nelsonalek