Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was a surprise album, released through Republic Records in July 2020, eleven months after predecessor, Lover.
Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was a surprise album, released through Republic Records in July 2020, eleven months after predecessor, Lover.
6.8
Taylor Swift:
Folklore
Artist Origin: 🇺🇸
Release Date: 24 July 2020
Label: Republic Records
Genres: Pop/Rock, Indie Folk
Prosecutor: Dan
TS swaps sugary pop for a slice of dreamy folk introspection. The first six tracks set a high bar with collabs from Bon Iver & The National leaving their mark on two of Folklore’s highlights (Cardigan, Exile). Mirrorball & Peace, also real pop gems. Things dip mid-album (August, Illicit Affairs, Betty) leaving FL feeling a little bloated, but for the most part it’s a real step forward for Tay Tay. 8.5
Adam
To my ears an album lacking in variety, lots of the songs were barely discernible from the next. However it was a pleasant enough listen. Her swearing with a lack of conviction sounded a bit unnatural and at various times seemed a bit Lana del Rey lite! The song with Bon Iver and Cardigan were highlights. Betty seemed like a 90s romcom song (sixpence none the sh*tter). Although not the worst album I’ve listened to I wouldn’t rush to listen to it again! 5.0
Rich
Oh God, Tay Tay. You have been hurt, that much is clear. Ruddy hard to dismiss FL in terms of craft. Songwriting and production both generally sound; lots of texture, depth, melody. At it's best, it's impossibly catchy pop, with a mature, nostalgic edge. At its worst, it's overly sentimental and slightly cynical mood music for a coming-of-age generation. Torn between both camps, but largely enjoyed. Also, album could comfortably lose 4/5 songs. 7.2
Mike
Swift's return to her Country/Folk roots is a strange detour from her widely acclaimed pop career. The first four tracks lead to a solid start to the album Cardigan and Exile two of three stand out tracks for me. It tends to meander after this and sounds too samey. Definitely influenced by Lana Del Ray's sound in places. Not convinced by the swear tracks and the track the1 in places sounds like Alex Cameron has written the lyrics . Not terrible just not great. 6.2
Phil
Some lovely stuff (hints of Lana del Rey - my tears ricochet), some utter guff (mad woman) and a Bon Iver song. Hit its Apex at This is me trying, second half disappointing - probably 2 or 3 songs too long. As first exposure to swift other than the singles, pleasantly surprised. 7.0
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TS swaps sugary pop for a slice of dreamy folk introspection. The first six tracks set a high bar with collabs from Bon Iver & The National leaving their mark on two of Folklore’s highlights (Cardigan, Exile). Mirrorball & Peace, also real pop gems. Things dip mid-album (August, Illicit Affairs, Betty) leaving FL feeling a little bloated, but for the most part it’s a real step forward for Tay Tay. 8.5
Adam
To my ears an album lacking in variety, lots of the songs were barely discernible from the next. However it was a pleasant enough listen. Her swearing with a lack of conviction sounded a bit unnatural and at various times seemed a bit Lana del Rey lite! The song with Bon Iver and Cardigan were highlights. Betty seemed like a 90s romcom song (sixpence none the sh*tter). Although not the worst album I’ve listened to I wouldn’t rush to listen to it again! 5.0
Rich
Oh God, Tay Tay. You have been hurt, that much is clear. Ruddy hard to dismiss FL in terms of craft. Songwriting and production both generally sound; lots of texture, depth, melody. At it's best, it's impossibly catchy pop, with a mature, nostalgic edge. At its worst, it's overly sentimental and slightly cynical mood music for a coming-of-age generation. Torn between both camps, but largely enjoyed. Also, album could comfortably lose 4/5 songs. 7.2
Mike
Swift's return to her Country/Folk roots is a strange detour from her widely acclaimed pop career. The first four tracks lead to a solid start to the album Cardigan and Exile two of three stand out tracks for me. It tends to meander after this and sounds too samey. Definitely influenced by Lana Del Ray's sound in places. Not convinced by the swear tracks and the track the1 in places sounds like Alex Cameron has written the lyrics . Not terrible just not great. 6.2
Phil
Some lovely stuff (hints of Lana del Rey - my tears ricochet), some utter guff (mad woman) and a Bon Iver song. Hit its Apex at This is me trying, second half disappointing - probably 2 or 3 songs too long. As first exposure to swift other than the singles, pleasantly surprised. 7.0
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