Lover
by Taylor Swift
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Aug 23, 2019
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 9316 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7,836 out of 9316
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 9316
  3. Negative: 1,239 out of 9316
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  1. firedivergent
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    She is the mother i’ve never had...
    she is the sister everybody would want, she is the friend that everybody deserves. i don’t know a better person, I DON'T KNOW A BETTER PERSON
  2. julhana13
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it's so overproduced it's exhausting and oftentimes distressing to hear. my favorites are the more stripped down ones (the archer, lover, it's nice to have a friend) and i dream about an acoustic version of cornelia street and daylight 'cause i LOVE those lyrics but the production makes them it so uncomfortable to listen to.… Expand
  3. NolanLundgaard
    Mar 24, 2020
    6
    Lover by Taylor Swift: 5.84

    I Forgot That You Existed: 0.5 Cruel Summer: 0.75 Lover: 1 :) The Man: 1 :) The Archer: 0.5 I Think He Knows: 1 :) Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince: 0.75 Paper Rings: 1 :) Cornelia Street: 1 :) Death by a Thousand Cuts: 1 :) London Boy: 0.5 Soon You’ll Get Better: 1! False God: 0.25 You Need to Calm Down: 0.5 Afterglow: 1 :) ME!: 1 :)    Lover by Taylor Swift: 5.84

    I Forgot That You Existed: 0.5
    Cruel Summer: 0.75
    Lover: 1 :)
    The Man: 1 :)
    The Archer: 0.5
    I Think He Knows: 1 :)
    Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince: 0.75
    Paper Rings: 1 :)
    Cornelia Street: 1 :)
    Death by a Thousand Cuts: 1 :)
    London Boy: 0.5
    Soon You’ll Get Better: 1!
    False God: 0.25
    You Need to Calm Down: 0.5
    Afterglow: 1 :)
    ME!: 1 :)
    It’s Nice to Have a Friend: 0.25
    Daylight: 0.75

    13.75/18 ~ .764 -> 5.84

    Lover is a huge improvement from reputation (though not nearly as good as her older albums, like Fearless and Speak Now) but unfortunately it suffers from a lot of the songs sounding very similar. There were no absolute stinkers on the album, though some of the songs did not reach musical climaxes, something that could have made these songs better, such as The Archer and I Forgot That You Existed. Many of these songs have amazing lyrics, like You Need to Calm Down, but in these songs, the actual music wasn’t my favorite. That being said, while I am usually not a fan of electronic music, Swift uses synths and drum machines very uniquely and creatively, redeeming this music for me. Some of the tracks felt a little too reliant on this technology, though I greatly enjoyed a lot of the songs on the album. At first I felt a little overwhelmed by the electronic drums in The Man, but as I listened to it more and more, I became more fine with it (I listened to songs like Old Town Road in comparison and I still hate those drums, but I’m fine with the ones in The Man). Highlights: Lover, The Man, I Think He Knows, Paper Rings, Cornelia Street, Death by a Thousand Cuts, Soon You’ll Get Better, Afterglow, and ME!.    … Expand
  4. Takanofdc
    Sep 9, 2019
    6
    Esperava bem mais, o álbum em si é bom mas não é algo que deveria vir após p reputation
  5. louis_
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    A very cute and Taylor-branded album however adds nothing to Taylor's career artistically
  6. Marianmichelleo
    Aug 24, 2019
    6
    Letras destacables , buenas pero la experiencia sonora se repite en algunas canciones !! Es demasiado largo el álbum y no es entretenido salvo en algunas ocasiones, lo que escucho es repetir una misma canción en todo el album!
  7. Mauve
    Sep 2, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Here’s how much I enjoyed each song:
    1. I Think He Knows 9.5
    2. Lover 9
    3. Death By A Thousand Cuts 8.5
    4. Soon You’ll Get Better 8
    5. Cruel Summer 8
    6. Paper Rings 8
    7. I Forgot That You Existed 8
    8. The Man 7.5
    9. London Boy 6
    10. Cornelia Street 6
    11. Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince 6
    12. False God 6
    13. The Archer 5.5
    14. Afterglow 5.5
    15. Daylight 4.5
    16. YNTCD 4
    17. It’s Nice To Have A Friend 3
    18. ME! 0.5
    (Averaging out to 6-6.5)
    Like all Taylor’s albums I’ve listened to in full, Lover is a very mixed bag. However, I think the positives outweigh the negatives. While she isn’t the best vocalist, she manages to keep her singing interesting with emotive inflections of her voice, especially on I Forgot That You Existed. I Think He Knows delivers CRJ-esque pop surprisingly just about as good as Carly delivers. The title track is undeniably beautiful. Soon You’ll Get Better is beautifully written to her mom battling cancer. Paper Rings is another great track this album absolutely couldn’t do without. However, there’s plenty of tracks I found myself forgetting even after multiple listens: Afterglow, Daylight, and It’s Nice To Have A Friend. Furthermore, the first two singles deliver lyrical content that’ll make you regret checking out the song. From “hey kids, spelling is fun” to “there’s a lot of lame guys out there” to “you can’t spell awesome without me” ... ya uhm yikes. Then there’s YNTCD serving us “could you just not” to “shade never made anybody less gay” to “7 A.eaaM.” I feel bad ranking YNTCD too poorly though bc I like the instrumental n melody and ehh there was an attempt at showing her strong support to the LGBT community, which is sweet, I love the thought of that. I also appreciate the petition and music video associated with it, so I can’t hate it *that* much, I guess. I’d be lying if I said I always skipped it, only sometimes.
    Anyway, bottom line is that it’s a mixed bag just like 1989 and reputation.    … Expand
  8. Thediva04
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    The album has a great songs but some of them were boring. Miss Americana& The heartbeat Prince it’s the best song of the album
  9. jefvr
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    I like tay a lot. But this album is not her best work. The album miss some spice over all. it is to much of the same or things we heard before of her. Im a little disapointed to be honest. Its not a bad album. There are great lyrics on the songs written. but overall I give it an O! K!. Sorry guys. Maybe if I hear it more I going to like it a bit better.
  10. seniorx
    Aug 29, 2019
    6
    so far the most underwhelming album I've heard this year. too many filler/unnecessarily tracks with a weird transitions from track to track we get the most expected and over burnt opener with " I forgot that you existed " then to repuation-isque track " cruel summer " with overproduced vocals on chorus then we go to stripped title album track and one of the most solid effort on the wholeso far the most underwhelming album I've heard this year. too many filler/unnecessarily tracks with a weird transitions from track to track we get the most expected and over burnt opener with " I forgot that you existed " then to repuation-isque track " cruel summer " with overproduced vocals on chorus then we go to stripped title album track and one of the most solid effort on the whole album then the same cycle goes on and on through the whole album with 15 tracks with same pattern uptempo to stripped to some new wave vibe like " paper ring " or an over-washed 80s ballad like " the archer ' or disney-ish moments like the cringe worthy " ME!" or the endless of chaos like " it's nice to have a friend '. an ok-ay album with great lyrics and spontaneous production that didn't do the justice to the songs in majority of the album .lover is an anthem for liberation and self-love and kindness an attempt to standout and shine but never reached its goal.… Expand
  11. ziggytvs
    Aug 24, 2019
    6
    So, my verdict is...... Ehhhhhhh?
    While it doesn't have anything as shockingly, audaciously, staggeringly bad as reputation's "I Did Something Bad" and LWYMMD.... it also didn't - save for a few exceptions - have anything interesting enough to be called that? While it, of course, still had a few standouts ("Cruel Summer" and "Soon You'll Get Better" come to mind), they were so few and far    So, my verdict is...... Ehhhhhhh?
    While it doesn't have anything as shockingly, audaciously, staggeringly bad as reputation's "I Did Something Bad" and LWYMMD.... it also didn't - save for a few exceptions - have anything interesting enough to be called that? While it, of course, still had a few standouts ("Cruel Summer" and "Soon You'll Get Better" come to mind), they were so few and far between that even pre-release singles "ME!" and "You Need To Calm Down" - two lovecraftian beasts disguised as pop songs - sounded refreshing.
    Is it a coincidence that the first album that Taylor owns completely is also the first album that's all but entirely boring?    … Expand
  12. Burgs2019
    Aug 24, 2019
    6
    Better than Reputation, not as good as the other 5. Still, a small step in the right direction.
  13. JorgeCarlos
    Aug 25, 2019
    6
    Me pareció aburrido, en comparación a sus otros trabajos. Necesita reinventarse
  14. Dougls
    Aug 25, 2019
    6
    Lover parece mesclar a Taylor no country antigamente e hj no pop. O álbum parece ser tudo que ela queria fazer desde que pisou no mundo pop. Mas acho que não é tão grandioso quanto 1989. Mas é uma briga boa entre Lover e Rep pra ver quem tem a melhor Taylor.
  15. carlosxant
    Aug 26, 2019
    6
    The album is too extensive and has a lot of filler songs. It is exhausting to hear it from beginning to end.
  16. Kay890
    Aug 26, 2019
    6
    Disappointing album overall. Underwhelming and overlong. Some songs are her worst not on the same levelof 1989 and having dated production.She should have hired better producers..
  17. mooduck11
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    скучный и однообразный альбом, извините мне не понравилось
  18. xfkn
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    Best: Death by a Thousand Cuts, Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, Lover
    Worst: I Think He Knows, London Boy, SOON You’ll Get Better
  19. Jeikura
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esperaba más de la "nueva Taylor" que nos presentó en su era Reputation con letras y sonidos atrevidos, en este nuevo álbum cae en la monotonía de ritmos y sonidos, igual es inspirador escuchar sus letras más no saber en que canción estas, sabiendo que todo suena prácticamente igual… Expand
  20. vitofurio
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    Lover was preceded by the lead single, “ME!” which was a complete disaster. The quality in the work present in Swifts album Lover is not consistent, and while it has tracks such as “Cruel Summer” and “I Think He Knows” amongst others, songs such as the lead single and “Paper Rings” sound completely out of place and should have been excluded. This album feels all over the place, and itsLover was preceded by the lead single, “ME!” which was a complete disaster. The quality in the work present in Swifts album Lover is not consistent, and while it has tracks such as “Cruel Summer” and “I Think He Knows” amongst others, songs such as the lead single and “Paper Rings” sound completely out of place and should have been excluded. This album feels all over the place, and its mediocre quality combined with a staggering 18 tracks can put one to sleep.… Expand
  21. MUSICLOVERBOY
    Aug 30, 2019
    6
    Данный альбом Тейлор Свифт я начинал слушать с небольшим опасением, ввиду того, что ранее были выпущены весьма неоднозначные синглы в поддержку грядущего релиза. Нельзя сказать, что я оказался разочарован пластинкой. Но и откровенно положительных эмоций работа у меня не вызвала.
    За что можно точно похвалить мисс Свифт, так это за то, что так или иначе, она создала довольно цельное детище.    Данный альбом Тейлор Свифт я начинал слушать с небольшим опасением, ввиду того, что ранее были выпущены весьма неоднозначные синглы в поддержку грядущего релиза. Нельзя сказать, что я оказался разочарован пластинкой. Но и откровенно положительных эмоций работа у меня не вызвала.
    За что можно точно похвалить мисс Свифт, так это за то, что так или иначе, она создала довольно цельное детище. Альбом имеет хорошо проработанную структуру и слушается довольно легко. Только в рамках этой всей цельной картины, нет ярких красок. Нет, тех самых ярких хитов, которыми кишели её прошлые работы. Яркими пятнами на этом музыкальном полотне, команда Тейлор решила сделать не совсем удачные мазки, которые так не приглянулись более приближенной к творчеству исполнительницы публике. Конечно, мы можем наблюдать потенциал некоторых композиций. Только даже если он и пытается сиять на фоне всего остального содержимого, делает это он довольно блекло и подаёт малые признаки жизни.
    Среди сильных сторон, стоит также отметить авторские навыки Тейлор. Пусть они, конечно, иногда и содержат в себе то, что уже принято называть её поэтическим клише, встречаются и довольно тёплые строки.
    Стал ли этот альбом шагом вперёд в творчестве для Тейлор? Не думаю. Стал ли он чем-то определяющим в таком жанре как поп-музыка? Я так не считаю. Но тем не менее, от релиза веет теплом, пусть и не столь очевидным как может показаться при первом прослушивании.    … Expand
  22. mansmusicx
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    With this album it feels like Taylor is holding back, and that is detrimental to the overall theme of the record, Nonentheless there are great tracks, such as False God and Cruel Summer, that should have been singles instead of the atrocious and childish Me- exclamative point.
  23. matheusbrandao
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Taylor se mostra mais inovada a cada álbum e nesse não é diferente, o álbum “Lover” trás um pouco do country e do pop juntos, e soa como algo legal.… Expand
  24. our-last-dance
    Sep 3, 2019
    6
    Too many filler tracks. This could have been cut down into an incredible 10 song album. ME! and It's Nice To Have A Friend are probably two of the worst songs she has ever released. When there are high points such as Cruel Summer, Miss Americana..., and Cornelia Street, it's disappointing that the rest of the album isn't as good.
  25. alena74
    Dec 8, 2019
    6
    I didn't love this album but I liked some songs. I lost interest in it after a few minutes. Taylor has a beautiful voice though.
  26. wsmith1306
    Sep 1, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this album to death, but the amount of filler tracks really lets this album down. Personally, after several listens, Lover would’ve done better if it was a much smaller, more intimate album rather than a 18 track one. However, saying that, Lover has a lot of pretty good tracks, such as the title track Lover, and the several other Antonoff-produced tracks, Cruel Summer and False God, showcase a different side to Taylor. Overall, I can see this record winning many awards.… Expand
  27. Ereday07
    Sep 3, 2019
    6
    She came with an album full of love experiences and lyrics not much better than her previous albums. It´s an average pop album to spend time with some friends.
  28. wyrwicz97
    Sep 3, 2019
    6
    This album is nothing new if it comes to her. It contains some good songs, but overall it is too long. "Lover" isn't her best album although production and lyrics are on high level.
  29. soundmate
    Sep 15, 2019
    6
    Lover is definitely an album for the most loyal Taylor Swift fans but, as a mild swiftie, I haven't enjoyed the album that much. The sound of it is innovative in the singer's repertoire but I would have prefered if she had used that sound for a couple songs and not for the whole album. 'Lover' is the most political album of her where she talks about gender roles and the world's society inLover is definitely an album for the most loyal Taylor Swift fans but, as a mild swiftie, I haven't enjoyed the album that much. The sound of it is innovative in the singer's repertoire but I would have prefered if she had used that sound for a couple songs and not for the whole album. 'Lover' is the most political album of her where she talks about gender roles and the world's society in general. I am pleased that Taylor has found the love of her life and I enjoy her songs about her current situation and it's respective messages but the album for this medium Taylor Swift fan is too long and kind of repetitive.… Expand
  30. Kirbypperez1
    Dec 18, 2019
    6
    1989 was her best album. Lover is worse. I cannot finished the entire songs. This is so bland just like her. Only delusional swifties like this album though the marketing strategy of the album release is good.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. musicOMH.com
    Sep 9, 2019
    70
    It’s an album that screams out for an editor, but when it hits the right notes, it demonstrates just why Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 3, 2019
    70
    Ultimately, Lover is overstuffed and meandering, but serves as a positive reprieve from her past struggles in the public eye, and represents an artist at the peak of her creativity, power, and—one hopes—continued romantic bliss.
    Read full review
  3. The Quietus
    Sep 3, 2019
    80
    Lover is a fabulous record, full of super-fun standout pop hits that make your heart burst. It oozes with Swift’s much more palatable upbeat sass. She’s in love and also thinking about different kinds of love.
    Read full review
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