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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Vivtoriaibarra
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This is a lyrical masterpiece This save 2020 with Taylor trying a new genres of music and she nailed it
  2. IngridFong
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    Taylor and her musical ingenuity come to surprise us right in the ideal moment where we all needed some comfort and good music to cry
  3. gabrielhsimoes
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    the album arrived at the right moment, it shows a totally different style from the previous ones. Taylor's vocals are amazing, I'm delighted!
  4. K-dotTs1989
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    Album of the year and probably one of the best of this decade. It's so gooooood
  5. IsmaelChC
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the album you didn't know you needed for you to spend your time at home during pandemic!… Expand
  6. b327
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    Probably one of the best album of all time. Incredible lyrics and storytelling, a complete immersion. All the songs are amazing. Great soft vocals and captured the vibe of quarantine perfectly. 10/10
  7. thatsmyswift
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    absolutely gorgeous lyricism with amazing metaphors, i loved it!! i definetely recommend!!
  8. Musiclover2125
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This is an out of this world album, the melody the sound were just so amazing, it touched my heart and gave me the feeling that really nostalgic, especially the 1 is my top favorite track
  9. BillboardPH
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    folklore isn't just an album, it's a cultural reset. its a lifestyle, the oxygen u breathe, ur voice when u can't speak. its a gift from a loved one, a pat in the head, a warm hug. it sees u, it listens, and it loves u back. its what u can call, a home.

    Literally my Album of the Year
  10. afanshabri
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    her best album, very suitable for the quarantine situastion. She filled 2020 with sad songs filled with amazing stories like the love triangle between James-Betty-Inez. Deserved all the awards she got for this album. HAIL AOTY!!
  11. brunka32
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    After Taylor won AOTY, I can say without any fear that I am not biased when I say that folklore was the best album of 2020 and a turning point for her. Not that Taylor needs any kind of validation from academy, but it still made my heart flutter when she won and after all this years she has finally received the recognition she deserves and that is thanks to folklomore.

    The melodies and    After Taylor won AOTY, I can say without any fear that I am not biased when I say that folklore was the best album of 2020 and a turning point for her. Not that Taylor needs any kind of validation from academy, but it still made my heart flutter when she won and after all this years she has finally received the recognition she deserves and that is thanks to folklomore.

    The melodies and the smoothing sounds plus some gut-wrenching bridges create the perfect atmosphere. To sum it up the production and storytelling is at 113 percent. It is probably the most cohesive album I've ever heard and there is no song that should/could be skipped. Not to mention that folklore came out when the world needed it most. Taylor showed us all that she is one of the best songwriters of our generation and stole the game once again.    … Expand
  12. vovojuju
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    The best album ever. i love every part of every song. it was her first album that accompanied the release and I don't regret it. it was really the best of the year.
  13. Helenamy
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lover isnt just an album, its a cultural reset, a masterpiece, the oxygen you breathe, a lifestyle, an escape from this cruel world, an art, the first gift you open on christmas, a hug from a loved one, it's everything you've ever wanted.… Expand
  14. JoelG
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    It's 2022, and folklore is still Taylor Swift's best album. The songwriting is incredible and authentic, we got some of her best-written songs in this album.
    The production is wise, brave and original.

    Best Tracks: exile (ft. Bon Iver), my tears ricochet , seven , august, illicit affairs , the lakes .
  15. Manueldavid29
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The quarantine album par excellence, demonstrates the great power of Swift to compose and connect with his public, despite what was experienced in the year this album was full of feelings and great melodramas, the inclusion of a love triangle shows that Swift She is one of the best songwriters in history, as well as her performance as a producer.

    The album is rich in lyric and its sounds make it a very particular album, this shows how easy it is for Swift to go from one genre to another.
    The best album of 2020 without a doubt and the best of his repertoire.    … Expand
  16. Taylord13
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    ATOY!! Congrats Taylor for being recognized by the Grammys for producing such an exquisite album. It is simply perfection.
  17. blankspacebaby
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    one of her best work. I never thought she will release an album full of sad songs. Aoty for a reason.

    — still bitter that exile and the 1 is not single
  18. Alexa2
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    TAYLOOOOOOOR HACES PURO ARTE VDD DE DIOS,TUS CANCIONES SON MÁS BONITAS Q UNA ORDEN DE TACOS
  19. harvey_tabaque
    Apr 12, 2021
    10
    Taylor Swift is indeed one of the best artists in the world, for sure her name will be written in the history of the music industry for the next centuries. She constantly making music that makes every people's love more sacred, sadness becomes less isolated, and happiness to be more celebrated.
  20. EVERLEDIS
    Apr 14, 2021
    10
    te amo queen taylor ame este album eres la mejor y lo sabes te amuuuuuuuuuuu
  21. Rangan77
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    Best album ever deep lyrics each songs are very deep omg Taylor Swift you proved Once again that you're the best song writer ever
  22. 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
  23. GigiGoode
    Apr 18, 2021
    10
    Taylor Swift’s transition to more alternative music looks like an extremely promising fate for the 31 year old pop star.

    “Folklore” (stylised in lowercase), brings out a rawer side to the star, who is often in the media for scandalous topics, such as “lying to the press” about the line written about her in Kanye West’s infamous song, “Famous”, which was later proved false. Swift addressed    Taylor Swift’s transition to more alternative music looks like an extremely promising fate for the 31 year old pop star.

    “Folklore” (stylised in lowercase), brings out a rawer side to the star, who is often in the media for scandalous topics, such as “lying to the press” about the line written about her in Kanye West’s infamous song, “Famous”, which was later proved false. Swift addressed these issues in her 2017 revenge album titled “reputation”. But in “folklore”, Swift doesn’t hold onto these angry themes and instead creates an angelic piece of artistry, reminiscent of artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and The National - which is no coincidence as Aaron Dessner, from the band, helped produce the album along with the mogul of a producer, Jack Antonoff. The lockdown album of course explores themes of love, but also self-growth. Folklore sees some of Swift’s greatest writing, especially on the songs bonus track, “the lakes”. It seems as if Swift has taken a completely different direction in terms of production for this album, and could possibly be reinventing the idea of “Pop Music” with the record.    … Expand
  24. Alisonkordei
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Segura o AOTY da mamãe,esse é um dos melhores álbuns da taylor em anos,a loirinha conseguiu se superar de novo.
    The 1: 10/10 (a melodia agradável,um ótimo começo)
    Cardigan: 10/10 (o primeiro e único single,é o majs animado de certa form)
  25. SlurpeeSundae
    May 12, 2021
    10
    The album we needed, it offers an escape to what our world is currently dealing with. An album that is cohesive, lyrical masterpiece, and sonically aesthetic.
  26. WheresTheGay
    May 18, 2021
    10
    A contemplation of mental health, trauma, childhood woes, romance, feminism and abuse worthy of the monumental commercial and critical acclaim, yet most decisively a deep dive into Swift's Psyche.
  27. xrepspk_
    May 21, 2021
    10
    best album of 2020, lyrically her best album. Very nostalgic, love it so much.
  28. dnzlol
    May 21, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lyrically beautiful, production is amazing. All the tracks have deeper meanings which Taylor delivers perfectly.… Expand
  29. Caioleao
    May 22, 2021
    10
    Taylor esse álbum é perfeito, entretanto eu quero meu dinheiro do show de volta aqui no Brasil
  30. topgenerator
    May 22, 2021
    10
    Taylor Swift is a timeless classic queen of all genre! This is one of her best album so far. She's lyrically genius, and I love how each of this songs on the album made me felt to love the moment while in a pandemic. Each track touched my soul, my personal favorites were "August" and "My Tears Richochet". I can say that, this is one of those albums that you'll never get over listening byTaylor Swift is a timeless classic queen of all genre! This is one of her best album so far. She's lyrically genius, and I love how each of this songs on the album made me felt to love the moment while in a pandemic. Each track touched my soul, my personal favorites were "August" and "My Tears Richochet". I can say that, this is one of those albums that you'll never get over listening by each time. It's full of emotions and the delivery of the lyrics are so good, like you are in a Swift kind of movie. This is really one of her best album, hands down!… Expand
  31. Gogo2k4
    May 23, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is is the best lyrically made masterpiece songs like cardigan (such a good story telling) I appreciate her work she outsold Shakespeare ❤… Expand
  32. Terry_0
    May 26, 2021
    10
    The holy queen of albums, it has a flow to it , it has a sound to it , songwriting is just out of the world , the songs are intricately put together. AOTY
  33. LoveSebastianS
    May 28, 2021
    10
    Beautifully written and her voice sounds incredibly peaceful and mature. The best album of her entire career
  34. giahuyyy
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    In my personal opinion, this album is the best sonically, and well also lyrically. Some would say it's boring, mostly haters, but I'd say they have no taste and can only listen to basic pop songs.
  35. mayaravago
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    An amazing album, with melancholic and deep lyrics, one of my favourite albums in 2020
  36. Adrian_Ceja31
    Jul 1, 2021
    10
    Lyrical masterpiece that capitalizes on emotion and relatability to create an experience so cinematic.
  37. rebecaalejos
    Jul 6, 2021
    10
    her best work so far. the lyrics are amazing, she is amazing, i can't believe she gave us this masterpiece to cry and scream. i love her
  38. beomie
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    This is undoubtedly one of Taylor's greatest albums, it amazes me how she managed to create this in less than a year, it really deserved AOTY grammy.

    Having a song such as 'the 1' in the first track of your album should be a sign that your album it's going to be amazing. This album it's a lifestyle, it doesn't get old. Taylor learned that she doesn't have to write about her personal life    This is undoubtedly one of Taylor's greatest albums, it amazes me how she managed to create this in less than a year, it really deserved AOTY grammy.

    Having a song such as 'the 1' in the first track of your album should be a sign that your album it's going to be amazing. This album it's a lifestyle, it doesn't get old. Taylor learned that she doesn't have to write about her personal life to make a masterpiece and I'm anxious to see where she takes us next.    … Expand
  39. misterfolktale
    Jul 18, 2021
    10
    Album had some of the best lyricism I've heard in a while, soft low laying production, and some of the best cohesiveness I've seen.
  40. 1The1
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Gorgeous album, with great writing skills and poetic melodies. For me, even better than evermore
  41. ZenithMalhotra
    Jul 27, 2021
    10
    Folklore is a masterpiece. It is the only album I can and do listen to all through, and enjoy every moment in it. It is amazingly well written, immaculately produced, and the sound is so cohesive and pleasant to hear. Easily, easily my favorite album of all time, only competing seriously with evermore really
  42. Davidpiquer21
    Jul 29, 2021
    9
    Simpely, one of the best Taylor Swift albums, the wah she put us in an imaginary world and leave us there, a world full of stories, characters, feelings. While listening to this album you feel that tou are alone.
  43. PrincePatrick15
    Jul 30, 2021
    10
    It's the album full of imagination, love and depression. This album is so phenomenal and beautiful, the lyricism are so genius and stunning at the same time, and especially the story telling for this one, you can truly understand the song because of story telling. "August", "Betty" and "My Tears Ricochet" are my favourites.
  44. i__am__mortyy
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
    best album
  45. noobwene
    Aug 12, 2021
    10
    i still can't believe this exists. so beautiful so well-written....so much talent in one album. thank you taylor swift
  46. AgeOfAquarius
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    A lyrical masterpiece, unlike any of her previous albums, which clearly shows Taylor's abilities as a songwriter and a storyteller. AOTY Grammy Awards 2021
  47. yawfi
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Taylor’s most cohesive album. Everything just clicks and the songwriting is incredible.
  48. claudiojr91
    Aug 19, 2021
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. This is probably one of the best albuns of the decade.
  49. HAYLOR09
    Aug 19, 2021
    10
    THIS IS THE BEST TAYLOR SWIFT ALBUM EVER
    And its is bettter than red yes yes yes
    Yu kniw that
  50. princefitr
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    magnificent album definitely the best project taylor ever made. This is a magical album
  51. venicehoax
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    just the best album of all time (imo it's second only to NFR), i will always remember the first time i listened to it, it was a cathartic experience
  52. rjerick1
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    A new sound and direction for Taylor in the midst of a global pandemic! It's refreshing, it's new, and it really works. Lyrics and storytelling have always been her strengths, but this aesthetic reply fits her voice, as well.
  53. kolbert
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    I so desire a CD version of this album. Probably one of Taylor Swift's best albums. Encompassed by an extraordinary story and moving.
  54. AnaG0711
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Melancolía y sentimientos rasgados a través de notas delicadas, sin duda una joya del 2020.… Expand
  55. aripositionz
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Taylor's swift masterpiece. The entire album is so cohesive and taylor has proved that she doesn't need to sing high notes like ariana just to sell out an album. The lyricism is top notch and production is amazing.… Expand
  56. tatemcrae
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Folklore album is a masterpiece !!! The lyrics and production of this album are amazing. The best album I've ever listened to
  57. KalyeWaste
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This is one of the finest self reinvention in the music scene. Folklore is sad, and sometimes twisted, but it gives out fresh air.
  58. mxxnsonnnn
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    beautiful album and very unique, best work of art in 2020. it made my quarantine much better so ily tay
  59. jamilly333
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    THE BEST ALBUM I EVER LISTENED TO IN MY LIFE! poetic, with beautiful melodies, mature and adorable lyrics... taylor swift is the music industry and reached its peak on this album!
  60. Robertho13
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Es el mejor álbum de taylor es espectacular este álbum lo mejor de la historia en la música
  61. ColemanJ
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    One of Taylor’s best albums of all time. Definitely love how she took her music to a different level and stepped out of the country and pop genres. Fantastic songwriting, great vocals, and phenomenal imagery. 10/10
  62. filipelindo
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    melhor álbum do mundo aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabbababababbabababbababababb
  63. dianafs_2005
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    The album of the year, her best, many artist dream of having an album on their discography like folklore, amazing as always, queen
  64. maddog139
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    truly one of the best albums of our time. this will define the sound of this time in a lot of people’s lives.
  65. hemerasart
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've been having a hard time adjusting
    I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting
    I didn't know if you'd care if I came back
    I have a lot of regrets about that
    Pulled the car off the road to the lookout
    Could've followed my fears all the way down
    And maybe I don't quite know what to say
    But I'm here in your doorway


    I just wanted you to know that this is me trying
    I just wanted you to know that this is me trying


    They told me all of my cages were mental
    So I got wasted like all my potential
    And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad
    I have a lot of regrets about that
    I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere
    Fell behind all my classmates and I ended up here
    Pouring out my heart to a stranger
    But I didn't pour the whiskey    … Expand
  66. Madisonlswift
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    This is my definition of a perfect album, this album matches a mood for me that no other album has, the lyrics are genius as well
  67. Gabriel009
    Sep 2, 2021
    10
    Mágico, genuíno, encantador e inesquecível, Taylor Swift sabe como ninguém como ser especial na vida das pessoas. Taylor é PERFEITA! Sabe compor, entender o sentimento. Diria que alguém jamais fará um álbum como esse. Parabéns Taylor
  68. Mariecedile
    Sep 2, 2021
    10
    Taylor lo hizo de nuevo. Cada track es perfecto. No cabe ninguna duda de su talento como compositora y cantante. Merece su grammy.
  69. Homey
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. We have sent a confirmation email to the email address you provided for your account. Please click on the link in the email to confirm your registration.… Expand
  70. txnyr
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    good album but not AOTY
    Nah I just hate Swifties, I just don’t wanna see them happy
  71. alessandiane
    Sep 30, 2021
    10
    a very mature album focused on a fictional universe and its immature and problematic ensemble, with their frustrations and pain perfectly encapsulated to represent the most humanistic extremes of feelings.
  72. rashersmith
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With me, i think Taylor had put all of her own story, especially is fiction type. All songs bring a lot of situation in her life but she just want to cover it with a lot of characters. The music instruments are absolutely beautiful and graceful, this album deserve to win album of the year grammy.… Expand
  73. cinnamongirl97
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    This is a kind of album I have always wanted from her. An album full of on-point lyrics, an album without worrying about making a hit. Taylor Swift surprised me on a summer morning, I knew that Folklore would change my life, and it did. This was the soundtrack of my life for an entire summer. I listened to it all the time. Brilliant songwriting and creativity! On July 24, 2020; TaylorThis is a kind of album I have always wanted from her. An album full of on-point lyrics, an album without worrying about making a hit. Taylor Swift surprised me on a summer morning, I knew that Folklore would change my life, and it did. This was the soundtrack of my life for an entire summer. I listened to it all the time. Brilliant songwriting and creativity! On July 24, 2020; Taylor Swift officially became a legend.… Expand
  74. spiegelman
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    this is masterpiece! nada nunca chegou tão perto da perfeição na carreira de Taylor Swift como esse álbum, e olha que os outros são bons concorrentes
  75. saturdaydude
    Apr 25, 2023
    10
    Everything about this album is 10/10. Every song from start to end hits every single time
  76. aftergiowhore
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Love the album. Truly her magnum opus and it'll be very hard for her to ever top this. Taylor truly is one of the best artists living right now.
  77. ivysmantics
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Perfect album that showcases Taylor's strongest aspect: storytelling. "folklore" has some of her best work with songs like mirrorball and august.
  78. paltareina
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    taylor swift's best album by far. the emotions, the vulnerability, the sounds. truly a masterpiece.
  79. raguel_germs
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Solo puedo decir que gracias a este álbum me comencé a interesar en la muisca alternativa, indie, folk, gracias a eso ahora amo este tipo de música, en especial a Lana del Rey que es otra de mis artistas favoritas
  80. Sk19
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    10/10 album outsold and ended entire careers and lyrics y’all couldn’t even dream of writing
  81. 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.
  82. ngxpsn
    Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Folklore is a great album, very good, very emotional. I'm so proud of taylor swift
  83. vutang_2
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    This is a masterpiece, and I'm sweating profusely. Amazing, spectacular, exceptionally excellent, entirely one-of-a-kind, amazing, extraordinary, particularly perfect,...
  84. floatinglights
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    It's so new for her, so laid back. I love it. And it helped me through a breakup when it first came out, thanks blondie.
  85. MIGOYmigoyMigoy
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    Amazing, Amazing. No skip album. Best album of 2020. Most cohesive album she ever made.
  86. Xeoffannah
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    Definitely my favourite album of all time. Even though the instrumentals were simple, the melodies and the lyrics were excellent. I honestly think that the main focus of the album was the meaning behind these songs and fact that it was really subjective, letting everyone get their own perspective of what they mean.
  87. tcmusic
    Nov 19, 2021
    10
    An absolute lyrical masterpiece. Taylor has shown incredible depth in this album. I am was thoroughly impressed.
  88. earlgreyrelief
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    For me, Folklore is the best album by her. Definitely one of the best albums in 2020, and it's deserved Grammy's Album of The Year. The lyric is so mature, and the production is good.
  89. jhnhnryslvdr
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Definition of lyrical masterpiece album. Swift has never disappointed us with her lyricism. Definitely one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
  90. Sidneilopez
    Nov 26, 2021
    10
    Taylor no folklore provou mais uma vez ser uma das maiores compositoras da história,e tbm uma das artistas mais versáteis da indústria atual
  91. asd8
    Nov 27, 2021
    10
    taylor’s best album. amazing lyrics, amazing production, amazing sounds. AOTY
  92. chromate
    Dec 29, 2021
    10
    I find humor in that the year prior to folklore's release, Swift made every possible attempt to aesthetically "cancel out" the dark and moody tone of her sixth studio album, reputation, by reimagining herself as the peppy, indifferent pop star with a summer themed album. But-- even with the aid of pastels, butterflies, and upbeat pop songs-- folklore was able to overtake the title in aI find humor in that the year prior to folklore's release, Swift made every possible attempt to aesthetically "cancel out" the dark and moody tone of her sixth studio album, reputation, by reimagining herself as the peppy, indifferent pop star with a summer themed album. But-- even with the aid of pastels, butterflies, and upbeat pop songs-- folklore was able to overtake the title in a quick eleven months. Even more, with the grey, misty, and woody theme, it's now the most refreshing and freeing album she has ever made. This is because while Lover showed us the surface level of summer aesthetics, folklore transported us to new dimensions where when the feeling of golden sunshine hits our backs, warmth pumps through our headphones, coursing through our veins, fusing our bodies with the melodies, and making us one glowing body of art.

    This is an aspect so fascinating about this album. It doesn't transport us to a singular new world, with a singular feeling and a singular input of hurt. With every song, it's a new place and new story. It's a new feeling and interpretation of hurt because hurt is coming from all sides. There is hurt from young love and old love, the pain inflicted on yourself from expectations you thought were necessary. And there is hurt from fear: affairs, future family, past family, and passed family. Essentially, this album is incredibly diverse. Which is something that Swift does rarely, but executes with quality. Besides folklore, an example of this is from her fourth studio album, Red (2012). It includes raw hurt and hopeless dancing, but here, in 2020, it's been different. The feelings have matured and interlocked, like there's an invisible thread that connects each dimension so the audience doesn't get whiplash when you listen to the track list. Part of that is because of the delicate nature of each song. With the production that's far from over the top, Swift's roots are able to shine through: a mix of her country origins and pop evolution to create a soft album that draws the audience into a trance of "how does she do it all?"

    For a personal statement, I would say that with sixteen tracks, it's near impossible for someone to relate to every to the core. But even when I don't share experience in the emotion Swift conveys, this album's sensation that feels like a comfortable hug has dug itself into my heart a form of attachment to each word she pens. -- I would end this by encouraging Swift to keep up the good work, but she already did with her wintery sister album, evermore, ...but that's for another day.    … Expand
  93. paulib
    Dec 1, 2021
    10
    An incredible album. A the songs tell an amazing story. Everything about this album is perfect.
  94. tulipdahiya
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    this is just a beautiful album in all heights. and the lyricism , the storytelling - as the name says FOLKLORE. , its top notch
  95. LuizNelli
    Aug 30, 2022
    10
    Perfect, the storys in this album is just amazing, the lyrics are beautiful
  96. sammie8_0916
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    My favorite album of hers thus far. my tears ricochet, cardigan, Betty, august, and the lakes are my faves.
  97. xqcTF
    Jan 16, 2022
    7
    Any reviews calling this album bad are objectively wrong. The production is absolutely amazing. Jack Antonoff produced 5 songs on this album, 3 of which are pretty much masterpieces.

    The direction this took after the high energy, slightly boring album Lover was great. The versatility of styles Swift can pull off is amazing. The direction this album takes is quite great. It starts off as    Any reviews calling this album bad are objectively wrong. The production is absolutely amazing. Jack Antonoff produced 5 songs on this album, 3 of which are pretty much masterpieces.

    The direction this took after the high energy, slightly boring album Lover was great. The versatility of styles Swift can pull off is amazing. The direction this album takes is quite great. It starts off as a piano ballad with a variety of songs with different stories of their own. The stories behind each of Swift's songs is always amusing. Cardigan is a great song that gives that feeling of nostalgia and being young. The Last Great American Dynasty tells the story of this rich woman who the town hated, and whos holiday house was bought by Swift. What a trivial idea that was pulled off well.

    The second section of the album, the middle, fades into a more aesthetic and ambient theme, and happens to be my favourite part. The song August sounds so beautiful, I wish the bridge section was a bit better.

    The end of the album definitely falls off quite a bit. The song "Mad Woman" just is boring. It adds nothing to the album and I wish it wasn't there. Invisible String just doesn't fit the theme the album was going for. Epiphany is quite boring. Betty stands out at the end as a fun song that fits the album's concept though.

    This album had great parts and boring parts, songs like Mirrorball, August, Cardigan, Seven, and Exile are amazing and make the album great, but songs like Mad Woman, Epiphany, Invisible Strings, and My Tears Ricochet are quite boring. Good album though.    … Expand
  98. 9906dimatulac
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    Folklore is a good album. This album is one of my favorite albums of Taylor. And the lyrics of this album are delicious. The beats of every song are nostalgic and perfect.
  99. Taylorswifties
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is album is the best, album of the years, taylor swift the music industry, this is so amazing album, Best music, song, the lyrics and also the voice is very soft… Expand
  100. 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.
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »