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. DonovanKoen25
    Aug 31, 2020
    8
    I have been a fan for a while and I have to say that is a bit of a different Taylor, although 2020 was apparently not depressing enough lets throw Folklore in it as well! There are some beautiful songs on this album that will twist every heart after a few glasses of wine! But it is very well written and an enjoyable album. Worth a listen and breaking new ground! Good work!!!
  2. avr50
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    I wait a long time for this review, but that was because I wanted to see how it aged in me. Of course, aged is in this case, almost a month after it´s released. Anyway, I think that in that time, the album has "aged" pretty well. When I first listened to this album I was a little confused, I knew that the lyrics were incredible, but the overall tone and the mood was very different fromI wait a long time for this review, but that was because I wanted to see how it aged in me. Of course, aged is in this case, almost a month after it´s released. Anyway, I think that in that time, the album has "aged" pretty well. When I first listened to this album I was a little confused, I knew that the lyrics were incredible, but the overall tone and the mood was very different from other projects that it was a little confusing, but after listening over and over, the songs have grown on me, much more than I hoped. What really shines is her lyrics, as almost every Taylor Swift song, but in this project, the soft music combined with the lyrics makes it all so much more emotional, honest and mature. Her voice is so mature as well that, even though we can recognize that is her singing, we have to compare her voice in latest projects and see that she has changed and is not the same person when she wrote "Love Story" or "Blank Space" or "Delicate". I believe that this is gonna be on the top of a lot of critics best albums of the year, because, besides the comparisons with her other albums, this is, on its own, a masterpiece. I personally think that is Taylor´s best album, but my favorites will still be "Speak Now" and "1989"… Expand
  3. utkarshbansal
    Nov 18, 2021
    9
    My favourite of her albums. The way this is me trying hits me in my soul ;-;
  4. gu4stavo
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Her best album. Hauntingly beautiful and melancholic. Period. Her lyrical skills are just beyond insane.
  5. destruitaylor
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    this album is pure art. she constantly sets the bar so high it’s unbelievable. she’s just on a whole other level. this album is so deep and vulnerable and meaningful and I’m so grateful to her for being so brave and honest and I literally love her so much.
  6. barthurbottino
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Um dos meus preferidos da carreira e do ano de 2020. Letra, produção, instrumental, estrutura, timing de lançamento, tudo muito bem feito. A qualidade dela como compositora é inegável. Perfeito, em muitas maneiras, perfeito.
  7. punchkano
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    Much more than expected, high-class songwriting skills, beautiful lyrics and excellent storytelling. incredible.
    my favs: Seven, Cardigan, The Lakes, The 1, Hoax, TLGAD, My Tears Ricochet, Exile ft.Bon Iver, Epiphany
  8. Eduardo19
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Um álbum coeso, com canções fortes e completamente memorável. Taylor mais uma vez se reinventou e surpreendeu a todos.
  9. FrankyRiver
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    The songs have deeply relatable and poignant poetry to them. There's barely a misstep in these songs; it may run a little long like her album "Lover" tracklist, but I appreciate the stories here. These are songs told in the point of view of others, like the album title suggests. I have always wanted Taylor to go in this direction since releasing 'Safe and Sound', a gentle approach andThe songs have deeply relatable and poignant poetry to them. There's barely a misstep in these songs; it may run a little long like her album "Lover" tracklist, but I appreciate the stories here. These are songs told in the point of view of others, like the album title suggests. I have always wanted Taylor to go in this direction since releasing 'Safe and Sound', a gentle approach and introspective and introverted approach to music, appropriate in timing due to COVID-19.

    She's made three pop records in a row, and I think the timing couldn't have been any better to release something less in line with these. It's a good career change and growth. She has a talent for making songs feel urgent at different points, describing normal events and stories in a way that feels grand and reflective.    … Expand
  10. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    UPDATED REVIEW (deluxe edition)

    folklore is ethereal, beautiful, complex yet laying on a musical simplicity that’s warming and reassuring everything will be alright again. this album caught us all so off guard and as a big taylor stan since her red days i can say i was very excited but also scared of the outcome it might have had. taylor broke with all my expectations for this    UPDATED REVIEW (deluxe edition)

    folklore is ethereal, beautiful, complex yet laying on a musical simplicity that’s warming and reassuring everything will be alright again.

    this album caught us all so off guard and as a big taylor stan since her red days i can say i was very excited but also scared of the outcome it might have had.

    taylor broke with all my expectations for this album presenting an aoty-worthy album (in a year with fiona’s and rina’s completion) and creating literal magic in a way only she cans.

    as her 3rd major genre change, after growing up country and reaching her mainstream climax as pop, the soft-alt / indie plays so greatly with the times we are living right now and the way we all feel. i'm so glad she decided to experiment new stuff and coming up with her most experimental album so far.

    it took me 2 days of repeated and (literally) never-stopping listening of the album to fully understand how i feel about it... yet i still cannot put it into words how magical and meaningful this album is...

    fav songs: cardigan, august, betty & the lakes
    least fav: exile    … Expand
  11. LeoMusicCritic
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    'folklore' is definitely Taylor's best album in the recent years and a completely different sound that works very well for her. The cohesive sound of the album and interesting lyricism also help build this album to be one of her best works.
  12. JoCat99
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album is the clear example of what Taylor Swift is made of: lyrics full of stories, clean production and this unique Taylor’s voices that fits perfectly with the concept.
  13. brunolemon04
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Amazing album, nice lyrics and it’s probably her best album. Seven is the best song on the album and everyone should check it out.
  14. Youngmetro
    Jul 26, 2020
    8
    I am not a Taylor swift fan but i really enjoyed this album. The stripped-back production on this body of work complements and highlights Taylor's voice and songwriting better than any of her previous albums.I do feel like it gets a little too samey towards to end and obviously I feel like the album is being overrated and overly positive review bombed by her fans however I do believe itsI am not a Taylor swift fan but i really enjoyed this album. The stripped-back production on this body of work complements and highlights Taylor's voice and songwriting better than any of her previous albums.I do feel like it gets a little too samey towards to end and obviously I feel like the album is being overrated and overly positive review bombed by her fans however I do believe its one of the best of the year and it is for sure worth a listen even if you haven't liked other swift albums… Expand
  15. lUcOzAdExx
    Dec 7, 2020
    10
    in my opinion, this is one of the best albums in taylor's career... the sounds, the lyrics, the production, everything in this albums feels right, it gives me a lot of nice vibes, such as the forest, fire, leaves, mystery, calm, love, and so much more. but, i feel like there are some songs that are not as strong as "cardigan" or "exile", besides that, the cohesion and the coherence of thein my opinion, this is one of the best albums in taylor's career... the sounds, the lyrics, the production, everything in this albums feels right, it gives me a lot of nice vibes, such as the forest, fire, leaves, mystery, calm, love, and so much more. but, i feel like there are some songs that are not as strong as "cardigan" or "exile", besides that, the cohesion and the coherence of the album is undeniable, an excelent piece of work.… Expand
  16. SamuelPedro
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Great storytelling. Folklore just proves again what I know from Taylor by years, she is the greatest songwriter of our generation. Plus, I like her 'calm' songs.
  17. lehi
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    This is the best album I've ever heard, from begging to end just MAGICAL, love the lyrics, the production and the atmosphere each of the songs bring me.
  18. MiguelAngelHuds
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album came out suddenly releasing as a single cardigan honestly Taylor has improved as an artist this could be one of his best albums
  19. Oswa_Neria
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    Las letras son una joya, personales y bien cuidadas, pero los ritmos son iguales, no se distingue qué canción es cual, la voz de Taylor nada impresionante
  20. ccmckendry
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This is the Taylor we all know and love, and have loved. Beyond proud of her.
  21. gonzilo
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    En el delicado bosque acústico en el que se desenvuelven los dieciséis temas de “folklore”, las hermosas melodías y la brillante lírica de Taylor Swift conforman la mejor simbiosis de toda su carrera.
  22. AlexMcLoughlin
    Aug 6, 2020
    7
    Swift proves yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with.

    Stand out tracks, include; "the 1", " "exile (feat. Bon Iver)", "mirrorball", "august", and "betty". The opening track was surprising, as it didn't seem to match with what I had in mind of this being a soft, acoustic-driven album, but ultimately I found it enjoyable. "exile" which features artist Bon Iver was also a    Swift proves yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with.

    Stand out tracks, include; "the 1", " "exile (feat. Bon Iver)", "mirrorball", "august", and "betty". The opening track was surprising, as it didn't seem to match with what I had in mind of this being a soft, acoustic-driven album, but ultimately I found it enjoyable. "exile" which features artist Bon Iver was also a fantastic track. Iver adds another layer of depth and the harmonies work very well. I would be confident to say that without Bon Iver this song would be baseless. "betty" is a great track and taken from the perspective of a character woven into the album. It is a real blast from the past with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, giving a true folklorist vibe.

    However, even though a majority of the songs are exceptional, others are forgettable. If I were to critique this album, I would say that Swift tries to be deeply profound and poetic about situations that aren't in dire need of it (see; "cardigan", "illicit affairs"). Going off the album title, folklore tells stories passed down through history. However, when these stories are so deep and layered with mystery, the messages and meanings behind each story are lost.

    Honing into specific songs, include; "the last great american dynasty", which tells the story of the woman who previously owned Swift's Rhode Island home, Rebekah. The lyrics and melody are nothing to fuss about and then in the bridge, we find out who Rebekah actually is and the song makes sense. The issue is, once I found out who Rebekah was I was done with the song and it didn't pique my interest to tell the story, nor hear it again.

    "seven" seems to be enjoyed by a majority of people. I agree that the nostalgia of being young hits close to home, it is the breathiness and odd projection of Swift's vocals that irritate me. The vocals seem strained and forced, making it hard to listen through and through. "peace" and "hoax" the final two respective tracks on the album are... I don't know. I really don't know. This is alarming as most of Swift's closing tracks have been some of the standouts of each of her albums.

    Ultimately, I conclude that the album is good, but could have been better executed.    … Expand
  23. giugiubee12
    Mar 9, 2021
    10
    This is a gorgeously crafted album, with deep songcraft and thoughtful writing. I LOVED her album Lover, I think Cruel Summer should have been a summer single but then...it ended up a very cruel summer for other reasons. I only bring up that album as they are pretty non-comparable as they are from different genres. While the songwriting on both is terrific (though I think TS knows when aThis is a gorgeously crafted album, with deep songcraft and thoughtful writing. I LOVED her album Lover, I think Cruel Summer should have been a summer single but then...it ended up a very cruel summer for other reasons. I only bring up that album as they are pretty non-comparable as they are from different genres. While the songwriting on both is terrific (though I think TS knows when a line isn’t award worthy....), it’s more nuanced and connected here. It’s not a pop album, though no doubt it has many pop elements and lovely choruses. I did not like TS circa 2008, and that was based on me just finding a young precocious teen annoying, which was my loss. But I’ll get to rediscover more earlier work as she re-records it. Anyway, this album just highlights for those who discard her just because she is attractive (maybe I did...ugh) that her writing chops are at the top of the top.… Expand
  24. Melissa_xii
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Her best album since RED. She's proved it once again that she's one of the greatest song writer of this generation. This album was written in span of 3 months.… Expand
  25. Adjamirarruda
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    perfeita, amei dms, album coesao, e cheio de aclamacao, obg taylor por tudo
  26. iamnattg
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    IM A KATYCAT Her best album!!! Beautiful lyrics and pretty good done bops! Exile it’s just screaming to be a single
  27. sameknovaes
    Nov 26, 2021
    8
    imagina ter uma august na carreira... melhor álbum da loirinha desde o 1989.
  28. lucasandres
    Aug 28, 2020
    7
    It is not my favorite album by Taylor in comparison with her other releases. The first time that I listened its make me feel a little tired with the same beat in all the songs.
  29. JesusBravo
    Aug 28, 2020
    9
    Soy katyCat y ame este disco, sin duda alguna uno de los mejores trabajos de taylor, es tan armonioso y lleno de paz.
  30. MiguelAngel
    Aug 28, 2020
    9
    This is a beautiful album, an album to listen to lying down and just enjoy the stories that Miss Swift sings to us with her beautiful voice.
  31. SinnerInSecret
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Amazing album & Incredible upgrade from “Lover” Taylor once again proving she’s one of the best songwriters of this generation, this album is an amazing story you can vividly visualize.
  32. 29092000d
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Taylor prueba ser una mujer poderosa en la industria musical su versatilidad es más que obvia me encanta este albums es uno de sus mejores trabajos
  33. knjljljlj
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    Best album of 2020! The whole album gives the same feeling from beginning to end and the individual songs are also great.
  34. victcxx
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    hino e acabou, lançamento no dia do meu aniversário e considero isso como um belo e perfeito presente
  35. franciscorios33
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Es un buen albúm para hacer la tarea tranquilamente, o pa estar acostado agusto.
  36. Juanups
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    I felt in love with this album, its a wonderful music and deep lyrics, i would really love to keep hearing more of this sentimental and mature Swift
  37. filipebernardo_
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    The vocals, the instruments, the lyrics... this album sounds like heaven and it's really great to see Taylor extending her discography to new sounds
  38. 0ndresousa
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Folklore chegou no momento certo, em plena pandemia, ele trouxe calmaria num ano que tem sido um caos.
  39. jono13
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The lyricism and story-telling are incredible. Each song is like its own little novella. Absolutely flawless. Swift is at her most mature with this album.
  40. Santiork
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Magical, nostalgic, unique and unexpected. folklore is an album that left the world shocked for various reasons. The first reason is for its release on the day of its launch, something that Taylor Swift had never done. The second reason is for the content. Taylor focused on writing what she likes, stories with meaning and connected by a thread for an hour that leads you to have variousMagical, nostalgic, unique and unexpected. folklore is an album that left the world shocked for various reasons. The first reason is for its release on the day of its launch, something that Taylor Swift had never done. The second reason is for the content. Taylor focused on writing what she likes, stories with meaning and connected by a thread for an hour that leads you to have various mixed feelings like anguish, sadness, intrigue and happiness. In conclusion, folklore is a work of art for its content, writing, photos, engineering and producers.… Expand
  41. MauricioAugusto
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is Taylor’s most mature and sophisticated album. There’s a lot of folk, rock and even country references that make us drown into the sound. The lyrics? Well, Taylor couldn’t get better. She’s an amazing storyteller and the album won my heart as soon as I listened to “the last great american dynasty”. It’s perfect! 10/10.… Expand
  42. PedroReyes
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Folklore is a completely reinvention in the Taylor's career, is too beauty and enjoyable in every moment that you hear it
  43. MadaraAbey
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    In my opinion, this is Taylor Swift's best album. A lyrical masterpiece with perfect production. Deserves AOTY.
  44. GabrielDA
    Oct 26, 2021
    10
    'Folklore' brings back one of Taylor Swift's most special characteristics: reinvention. Swift was able to capture the gloominess of the first months of the pandemic and turn it into incredible songs. The album is a masterpiece and is an icon of changing in the music industry.
    Highlights include 'Invisible String', 'Seven', 'The 1' and 'Exile'.
  45. LancerReviews
    Aug 15, 2020
    9
    Taylor Swift has created a sound of an artist unbothered and comfortable enough to try hard and prove more. This time it’s just Swift and her imagination, on a strip-down production, far from the glitz and flashy, oftentimes scandalous, surefire tabloid-worthy records. Folklore is clearly a masterclass in songwriting, but who would’ve thought her greatest writing would be tracks whichTaylor Swift has created a sound of an artist unbothered and comfortable enough to try hard and prove more. This time it’s just Swift and her imagination, on a strip-down production, far from the glitz and flashy, oftentimes scandalous, surefire tabloid-worthy records. Folklore is clearly a masterclass in songwriting, but who would’ve thought her greatest writing would be tracks which narratives are not about her?… Expand
  46. fabinhu
    Jul 26, 2020
    8
    It's a really good and different album, but I think that 10 it's a lot. I give 8
  47. leonardozaum
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    this is a masterpierce. speechless to this incredible art made by an angel. also deserves a rate 100.
  48. mickeybin2211
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    masterpiece , mature album. Beautiful stories included . amazing production
  49. msousa13
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    I connected to this album at first listen... i don't have words to describe how talented Taylor is.. everything about folklore is just so cozy and warm. It gives us back her storytelling.. thank you taylor i love you so much
  50. RickBRZ
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Perfeita em tudo que se propõe a fazer. Orgulho em ser fã desde a era Speak Now.
  51. Shadesofslaylor
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    My favourite album this year and one of my favourites by her. Absolutely fantastic and displays her artistic versatility.
  52. BieberxGrande13
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Taylor vocal ability has improved so much, her emotions, her low notes, and of course her song writing just keeps evolving! Kudos to her. She is THE music industry.
  53. azayswift
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Pure poetry. Taylor Alison Swift never ceases to amaze all of us with her unmatched talent. Literally every song on this album is quite deep and it takes some time to fully get the message. Love this album!
  54. AndySwift
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    um album coeso e surpreendente. diferente de tudo que a Taylor já fez e se provando mais uma vez uma artista versátil e talentosa
  55. matheusigoodbye
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift returns on one of the best albums of her career. She gives hypnotic lyrics, stories told from different perspectives and productions that flirt with folk.
  56. Cornacchione
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Álbum do ano! Cada vez que escuto consigo me aprofundar ainda mais nas melodias e letras, sentindo o álbum. É mais que um álbum, é um estado de espírito. Obrigada Taylor por essa obra de arte!
  57. BigRepuTAYtion
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    album of the year obra prima dona da indústria musical matriarca da tristeza
  58. ryanmk98
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Truly the best lyricism of Taylor’s career (and that’s no easy feat!) As well as gorgeous lyrics, the production is also impeccable. The way it hugs her soft, fluttering vocals is excellent. The whole listening experience is like a dream. Bravo to Taylor, her collaborators and producers, old and new.
  59. jeromecortez
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I THINK WE DONT HAVE TO ARGUE THAT THIS IS SUCH A BRILLIANT PIECE OF WORK THAT WAS JUST MADE IN A SPAN OF 3-4 MONTHS!!! TAYLOR'S POWER IS JUST TOO MUCH… Expand
  60. luizhenrique212
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    She’s amazing I love her this album so perfect Taylor my queen of pop o love
  61. Laryssaav
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Her songwriting has never been better. This is probably the best album of her career so far.
  62. vitwiria
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Just perfect! This alternative Taylor was all that i wanted. So emotional, so pure.
  63. marcelogouveia
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece. Masterpiece
  64. Claudia13
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really liked this album, it's my favourite of hers and probably one of my favourites of all time. I think its her most cohesive work so far. All the songs feel different, album of the year. amazing lyrics, amazing production, amazing sounds. taylor swift is the best songwriter of this generation. .… Expand
  65. AlanSwift
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    This album is one of the best albums i ever heard so beautifull, full of art and feelings expressed by the one and only Taylor Swift.
  66. tsdonadomundo
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Artista impecável! Taylor Swift obrigada pela obra de arte um dos melhores álbuns do ano. Sempre trazendo novidades, letras lindas e inteligentes. Uma lenda da indústria musical.
  67. SouthMaidey
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Literally a fuc***g Masterpiece, this is a work of art and that's a PERIODT.
  68. Matheus13
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This album makes me feel like I'm in another dimension, it brings me a mix of feelings that I can't even describe it well. Folklore is a journey and the storytelling is so powerful that I can say Taylor Swift is one of the greatest composer of all time, and this album is one of the best in years.
  69. berlad26
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album takes you into a world Taylor created and hooks you in with her lyrics and story telling way. An amazing album.
  70. teddyeatspeanut
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    this album is so magical i have nothing to say rather than it’s definitely one of my favorite albums ever
  71. Montoy____19
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift sorprendió al mundo con un álbum compuesto durante la cuarentena. Si bien no es mi favorito, es un gran álbum que demuestra cómo ha madurado líricamente. Mis preferidas son "The 1", "The Last American Dynasty", "Mirrorball", "Seven", "My Tears Ricochet", "Betty" y "Peace".
    PD. Un putazo duele menos que algunos versos de este álbum, te pasas Tay.
  72. vini96
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums released this year, Taylor songwriting talent is beyond comprehension!
  73. manningn15
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    After Lover I didn't know how she was going to top herself but she did it with Folklore, Folklore is just a gorgeous masterpiece and I love how effortless she moves from genre to genre. Folklore is her best work to date and my favorite album of hers, my favorite album of 2020, and one of my favorite albums of all time. The writing is just astounding, her storytelling is just beautiful andAfter Lover I didn't know how she was going to top herself but she did it with Folklore, Folklore is just a gorgeous masterpiece and I love how effortless she moves from genre to genre. Folklore is her best work to date and my favorite album of hers, my favorite album of 2020, and one of my favorite albums of all time. The writing is just astounding, her storytelling is just beautiful and she is at her best. Her vocals sound very pretty. The production is simple but we'll done and outstanding. The artwork is gorgeous. The video for cardigan is one of the best music videos I have ever seen it is so beautiful. I loved every song so I ranked them and my ranking is exile, cardigan, this is me trying, seven, betty, the last great american dynasty, mad woman, the 1, my tears ricochet, mirrorball, invisible string, august, epiphany, hoax, illicit affairs, the lakes, and peace. I can't express how much I love this album, she deserves a Grammy for album of the year for Folklore. I just ordered the "in the weeds" edition CD and can not wait for it to get here.… Expand
  74. OudayYehya
    Jul 25, 2020
    10
    This album is making feel emotions I didn't know that I needed to (or could) feel and that's why it is officially my favorite Taylor Swift album.
  75. HeyLeeeo
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    "Folklore, which was defined by Swift on the internet as “Wistful and full of escapism. Sad, beautiful, tragic,” broke not only the barriers of Taylor’s release habits, which Taylor had been working on since her first album—releasing a single and announcing the album that would arrive months later—but also of her sound. Instead of announcing a pop album similar to the singer’s last three"Folklore, which was defined by Swift on the internet as “Wistful and full of escapism. Sad, beautiful, tragic,” broke not only the barriers of Taylor’s release habits, which Taylor had been working on since her first album—releasing a single and announcing the album that would arrive months later—but also of her sound. Instead of announcing a pop album similar to the singer’s last three releases for 4 months from now, Swift announced a totally different album: a clever and inspiring mix of subtle and atmospheric pop, folk lyrics and alternative touch that gave a special tone in all tracks. In the end, Folklore will not only be known as Swift’s alternative/indie album, but also, as the curve point that made her move towards her best artistic phase.

    In fact, both those who did not like Folklore, for saying that this is a very calm and boring album (what did they expect from a quarantine folk album after all?), and those who understand that this is one of the most important movements in Swift’s career, know that Folklore brings back what Taylor hadn’t shown in a while: her extremely detailed and well-written narrative lyrics. Folklore lyrics are inspiring, they are captivating, they make you feel every tear, every sadness and every loneliness. However, the album is not just a collection of the best compositions that Swift has released to date since the songs here only reach a level that Taylor has not reached for so long thanks to the production of Aaron Dessner, guitarist of The National, and, Taylor’s long date friend, Jack Antonoff. Together—not physically since the album was produced with each member in their own home—they made not only a beautiful and deep album, but also an exciting and atmospheric experience."

    Read the full review and support me: https://thesoundx.home.blog/2020/07/31/taylor-swift-folklore/    … Expand
  76. CoffeeorKatea
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    folklore embodies the deepest depths of Swift’s songwriting and story telling abilities, accompanied by pure vocals and supporting instrumentals. The piano is almost a character itself in the music. An album easy to listen to on repeat that doesn’t overwhelm or bore the listener and instead finds them wondering- hours later -just how many times the record has actually been playing.
  77. hieubqt1711
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    Her best album ever. Love the cohesion of the songs in the album. Also, the storyline and her ways of telling it are beyond my imagination.
  78. laralarissima
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Álbum perfeito, cantora perfeita. É isto. Bem diferentão, letras maravilhosas e sonoridade impecável.
  79. alexanderking
    May 18, 2022
    10
    Not sure what I could add to the constellation of reviews on this album... To me, it's a masterpiece and I'll love it forever.
  80. mattpozay
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    Taylor at her best, free from the constraints of making stadium anthems and radio friendly songs as she described it herself. Hopefully this will be the way of the future for Swift as the album is a step above her previous work which was already quite extensive.
  81. leostarboy
    Sep 7, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift proves to us once again that she is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The way this alternative, folk genre fits into her personal style is impeccable. While it is true that the album spans 17 songs with excellent lyrics, production and cohesion, it is not an impediment for this to be a 5-star album or even Album of the Year.
    Songs like Exile, Mirrorball, August, My    Taylor Swift proves to us once again that she is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The way this alternative, folk genre fits into her personal style is impeccable. While it is true that the album spans 17 songs with excellent lyrics, production and cohesion, it is not an impediment for this to be a 5-star album or even Album of the Year.
    Songs like Exile, Mirrorball, August, My Tears Ricochet, Betty, Epiphany, The Lakes are perfectly written and executed.    … Expand
  82. itsnands
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Taylor queen
    haters gonna hate hate hate
    We’ll just gonna shake shake shake
    Shake them off
    Shake them off
  83. marrkus
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This album make me feel good, relax and incredible. I can't believe one day Taylor Swift sing a folk song, but now it come true. Best album for a cruel summer.
  84. YeYa
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    I loved every single second of it. It is so cohesive, moody and lyrically brilliant - I am astonished. It feels like a breath of fresh air in this hard times.
  85. Eduardo13ts
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    The Best Song From This Album: the 1, exile, the last great american dynasty, cardigan, This is me trying, august and hoxe.
  86. jpauloas
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This is Swift at her best! Her pen game is what makes us love her the most.
  87. giliardynery
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    um dos meus álbuns favoritos de 2020, estou completamente viciado em "this is me trying" e "seven".
  88. Tymunia
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    album of the year.
  89. subash66
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album to date. This is going to be her signature album for sure. The picture she paints with those songs!!!! so creative
  90. AntonieMorello
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    It’s lovely to see a women getting a new phase on her career career Taylor Swift proves that she is the entire music industry
  91. EGM18
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is everything I wanted in this moment. Taylor's lyricism is unmatchable and this record proves it. Thank you for this miss Swift… Expand
  92. kdai22
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Folklore really feels like the debut album of a whole new Swift — her narrative scope has opened up
  93. Nihal
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor swift's most mature album, sonically cohesive. Paints a picture with the stories. A complete shift of genres.
  94. edd2905
    Jul 25, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece ! Taylor Swift is a genius songwriter! My favourite songs are : Exile and Cardigan
  95. BladeLover2049
    Dec 11, 2020
    8
    Very good album that contains strong themes that few artists today. A classic and rich theme of styles is appreciated.
  96. D0137
    Jul 25, 2020
    9
    It’s a good Album, even tho I think Lover is her best work, folklore seems as an interesting chapter in the Taylor Swift discography.
  97. JustElf
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Этот альбом оказался настоящим сюрпризом не только для фанатов мисс Тейлор, но и для любителей альтернативной музыки. Его однозначно нужно послушать каждому, кто ценит как звучание, так и тексты песен. Особенно стоит отметить трек exile с Bon Iver, который, я думаю, в итоге станет любимым у фанатов.Этот альбом оказался настоящим сюрпризом не только для фанатов мисс Тейлор, но и для любителей альтернативной музыки. Его однозначно нужно послушать каждому, кто ценит как звучание, так и тексты песен. Особенно стоит отметить трек exile с Bon Iver, который, я думаю, в итоге станет любимым у фанатов.
  98. ivansg
    Nov 16, 2020
    10
    Muy diferente a los antiguos trabajos, Swift nos regaló un álbum bastante hermoso, con líricas y sonidos agradables.
  99. Nick01
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this album is beautiful. lyrically her best, i also appreciate the alternative sound, it’s the perfect way to talk about certain themes.… Expand
  100. angeeel1992
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album remarks how Taylor has grown on the music industry and how she can handle any genre we love a versatile queen...
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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.
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  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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