folklore
by Taylor Swift
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2020
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 17537 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15,823 out of 17537
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 17537
  3. Negative: 1,473 out of 17537
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  1. Augustained
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    A beautiful album that almost takes you on a journey as you listen to the songs. This album is unlike anything Taylor has released before, yet it doesn't fall short of proving her prowess at the art of songwriting and the ability to make the listener visualize the stories behind the songs. This was also a perfect way to escape from the mundane times during which the album was released.A beautiful album that almost takes you on a journey as you listen to the songs. This album is unlike anything Taylor has released before, yet it doesn't fall short of proving her prowess at the art of songwriting and the ability to make the listener visualize the stories behind the songs. This was also a perfect way to escape from the mundane times during which the album was released. It's indeed a grammy-worthy album. Personal favorites from the album are august, illicit affairs, the lakes.… Expand
  2. ChrisMoorshead
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    This is one of the greatest pieces of work of all time, amazing lyrics and amazing sounds. Something that Taylor has never done before, and yet she’s so good at it
  3. nicsks
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    This album. Wow. folklore is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of storytelling through music. It's an album that showcases Taylor's evolution as an artist, and the lyrics are noticeably deep and profoundly meaningful to her.

    One of the most striking aspects is its lyrical richness. Taylor has always been a gifted songwriter, but this album takes her storytelling prowess to new    This album. Wow. folklore is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of storytelling through music. It's an album that showcases Taylor's evolution as an artist, and the lyrics are noticeably deep and profoundly meaningful to her.

    One of the most striking aspects is its lyrical richness. Taylor has always been a gifted songwriter, but this album takes her storytelling prowess to new heights. Each song feels like a chapter in a novel, filled with intricate characters, emotions, and narratives. Taylor's ability to craft vivid and thought-provoking stories through her lyrics is nothing short of extraordinary.

    What makes "folklore" even more remarkable is the introspection and vulnerability that Taylor brings to her songwriting. She explores themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and self-discovery with a level of maturity and depth that is both refreshing and poignant. It's evident that these lyrics are deeply personal to her, and this authenticity resonates strongly with listeners.

    The collaboration with Aaron Dessner of The National and Jack Antonoff adds a unique sonic texture to the album, enhancing the emotional impact of Taylor's words. The understated, folk-inflected sound complements the introspective nature of the lyrics perfectly, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere throughout the album.

    In tracks like "cardigan," "august," and "my tears ricochet," Taylor’s lyrical prowess shines brightly. These songs are not just catchy melodies but intricate storytelling experiences that invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. The emotional depth of these songs is palpable, and it's evident that she poured her heart and soul into this project.

    folklore is a testament to Taylor’s growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring new creative horizons. It's an album that transcends the boundaries of pop music, offering a rich tapestry of stories and emotions that leave a lasting impression. Taylor's lyrics are not just words; they are windows into her soul, inviting us to join her on this introspective journey.

    In summary, THE folklore is a masterclass in songwriting, where Taylor Swift's lyrics stand out as a beacon of depth and meaning. This album cements her status as one of the most talented and versatile songwriters of our time, and it's a gift to music lovers who appreciate the power of storytelling through song. Definitely is a testament to the enduring magic of Taylor Swift's music, and it's an album that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.    … Expand
  4. xnicrv
    Aug 26, 2023
    10
    Folklore is perhaps one of the best written, interpreted, and cohesive records ever released in the last 20 years.
    It is hard to find such an amazing songwriter personality in the mainstream music industry. In Folklore, Swift's storytelling is in fact capable of transporting the listener and the reader into a different reality, which is perfectly and flawlessly envisioned thanks to an    Folklore is perhaps one of the best written, interpreted, and cohesive records ever released in the last 20 years.
    It is hard to find such an amazing songwriter personality in the mainstream music industry. In Folklore, Swift's storytelling is in fact capable of transporting the listener and the reader into a different reality, which is perfectly and flawlessly envisioned thanks to an attentive use of vocabulary, figures of speech, Easter eggs, fantasy, emotions, and feelings. The superb and delightful alternative/indie-pop sound and production, along with Taylor's catchy, beautiful, powerful, sentimental, and charming voice, have made Folklore the best album of 2020 undoubtedly. The record's lyrics and cultural concept embody the perfect representation of artistic originality, maturity, and creativity. Taylor Swift is in fact comparable to a poet.    … Expand
  5. fedefreaks
    Aug 19, 2023
    10
    Best album she's ever released in my opinion, and it's not even close. I listen to all the time
  6. Diogo13
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    Sem sombra de dúvidas o melhor da década até então e da carreira da Taylor. Cheio de referência literárias do século 19 o álbum cria uma narrativa fictícia sobre romance, medo e traição em 16 faixas que se fecham como um filme
  7. Omarmoustafa95
    Jul 13, 2023
    10
    When everyone is chasing the new trend of disco pop music and making TikTok-friendly tracks, Taylor decides to make a great shift in the music industry; a crafty chamber-pop album. “the greatest american dynasty” is the standout of this album as it deserve a film adaptation.
  8. tahitietie
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    It's a poetic masterpiece developed by one of the greatest artists of all time. This body of work will perpetuate through the end of times.
  9. Isq12
    Jun 17, 2023
    6
    I'm pretty sure it is awful, I mean, it has some really repetitive beats, same thing for the lyrics, it's a terrible overall album, like, probably top 3 taylor swift, but still really bad, I didn't like it at all.
  10. Estaneck
    Jun 15, 2023
    0
    Para mim um álbum chato mais que levou a taylor para um outro patamar para crítica e os seus fãs, mais o álbum não me pegou em nada ao contrário senti foi muito sono ouvindo.
  11. Lostletri
    May 24, 2023
    10
    A f*king masterpiece! A perfect album, from beggining to end. Taylor Swift it's probaly the best writer of our generation. Thank god i was born in the same century of her, i feel sorry for the kids who won't be able to see her art bc of climate changes
  12. Swiifitie
    May 21, 2023
    9
    Lançou do nada, arriscou e entregou. Não esperava que ela fizesse algo assim e muito mesmo que saísse algo bom disso, porém tá ai, aclamado por todos.
  13. cindersnap
    May 3, 2023
    10
    Swift continues to be a versatile and beautiful addition to pop music today, spanning 4 genres and perhaps more to come. She wows with her 'folklore' song writing abilities, with remarkable bridges and catchy hooks. Accompanied with whimsical production by new producer Dessner and her old time favourite Antonoff, Swift has created a wonderful world of folklore.
  14. MidasMan
    Apr 27, 2023
    10
    Y’all don’t understand this is literally one of the best albums of all time like not even joking. Every single song on here is master class of writing and storytelling and production.
  15. ishishah
    Apr 26, 2023
    10
    This album was beautiful sonically as well as lyrically. The best from all of her works so far. The lyrics on this album never fail to paint a magical world. I don't know how to explain this but the production matches so well with the lyrics. All in all, a perfect album in my opinion.
  16. saturdaydude
    Apr 25, 2023
    10
    Everything about this album is 10/10. Every song from start to end hits every single time
  17. brunoleonlo
    Apr 16, 2023
    10
    Taylor Swift proves once again that she's an incredible musician when she forgets that she's a popstar and gets lost in the woods. 10 out of 10.
  18. aaronneallucas
    Apr 11, 2023
    10
    Perhaps the most emotional album I've ever listened to, and one of my favorite albums of all time. Everything about this album is just a long walk through the woods on a night when you're alone and depressed, and I think that's the exact vibe this album wanted to give.
  19. Kaua4
    Apr 1, 2023
    10
    This album is filled with thoughtful and profound lyrics that make it Taylor Swift's best-written album yet.The album explores new modes of fearless music and has rhythms that stand out from the singer's other albums. It is a unique album that came out at a difficult time to comfort the lives of many of the singer's fans, the album fulfills its purpose very well and establishes itself as aThis album is filled with thoughtful and profound lyrics that make it Taylor Swift's best-written album yet.The album explores new modes of fearless music and has rhythms that stand out from the singer's other albums. It is a unique album that came out at a difficult time to comfort the lives of many of the singer's fans, the album fulfills its purpose very well and establishes itself as a modern and revolutionary masterpiece.… Expand
  20. janepatrick
    Mar 30, 2023
    10
    seven and the lakes are verified masterpieces, not even mentioning this is me trying and mirrorball.
  21. davifontenelle
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Folklore marks a new age for Taylor Swift’s career. With this record, the american singer not only achieved a huge comercial success, but a largely critically acclaimed album. Every track tells you a story with exceptional writing and atmospheric production. It’s my personal favorite from her catalog.
  22. angelarixo
    Mar 17, 2023
    0
    BORING, LAZY, AND TRASH. This album was the most generic yt album ever, no good songs on it and one of the most boring albums i have ever heard, should’ve kept it in the drafts, maybe if she worked with scooter it would have been better but it flopped like usual and freefell of the charts for a reason, the 20+ vinyls she made for it shows how desperate she is for this album to chart,BORING, LAZY, AND TRASH. This album was the most generic yt album ever, no good songs on it and one of the most boring albums i have ever heard, should’ve kept it in the drafts, maybe if she worked with scooter it would have been better but it flopped like usual and freefell of the charts for a reason, the 20+ vinyls she made for it shows how desperate she is for this album to chart, boring, boring, BORING!!… Expand
  23. naed_luc
    Mar 5, 2023
    1
    O álbum todo soa igual, canções de ninar e histórias chatas por trás. Ta mais para um ASMR mesmo, combina com a voz dela....
  24. KJ_20
    Mar 3, 2023
    10
    Phenomenal writing. Folklore is the best written album ever written. The songs are beautifully sung, written and produced. She is not only an iconic singer, but an iconic writer.
  25. crz4tay
    Feb 7, 2023
    10
    This album is so damn beautiful. Its so cohesive and the lyrics are insane. Truly deserved AOTY
  26. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    7
    Taylor took a completely different direction here. It wasn't a bad decision, but after at least 3 listens, you can fall asleep to this album.
  27. Ashring
    Jan 30, 2023
    10
    gurlll omggggggg I loveless this album a whole masterpiece,still haven't aged to this day I love itttt so muchhhhh
  28. Ginm_
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    I’m not a huge TS fan, but this album is so amazing to me, I love it and I love this Taylor era!
  29. SamuelTlake
    Jan 13, 2023
    0
  30. ducphu_1206
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. my fav album 4ever and fav songs are cardigan , my tears ricochet , mirrorball , this is me trying and illicit affairs… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2020
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Uncut
    Aug 13, 2020
    90
    It's a sharp turn to the left for Swift and a fine reminder that she is more than just a gleaming pop phenomenon, but a remarkable songwriter too. [Oct 2020, p.36]
  2. DIY Magazine
    Aug 7, 2020
    90
    A modern-folk masterpiece which finds her moving from her previous pop bangers into stunningly simple yet sharp melodies, ‘folklore’ will be going down in Swiftie history as one of her most unexpected, and undoubtedly one of her best.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    60
    These 16 tracks (17 on the deluxe version) play out quite pleasurably in their entirety, the joins between Swift, Dessner and Antonoff ultimately only of niche interest. But Swift’s powerful songs reach their climaxes with bittersweet orchestrations, rather than blows to the solar plexus or a ringing in the ears. Everything hovers; little truly lands.
    Read full review
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