• Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2020
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 17537 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “folklore” is by far the best album Taylor Swift has ever released. This album is something Swift had never done before. With its’ similarities to Lana Del Ray and Lorde, true fans will love this album. Back in 2017, Swift released “reputation” with a grayscale/black and white theme and “folklore” is very resemblant to that. Lyrically, it is very vulnerable and critics have compared it to “coming of age” films and I agree. Surprisingly, Bon Iver’s voice and Taylor’s go very well together on track “exile”. I love her storytelling on Rebekah Harness, the previous owner and heir to Swift’s Rhode Island mansion on “the last great american dynasty”. Overall a 13/10, “folklore” is Taylor Swift’s best album to date. Expand
  2. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This is her best album. Mature soothing and beautiful. Taylor once again proving her pen game is unmatched
  3. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This is her best album so far! It's so unbelieveble she did this on quarentine!! I'm so Happy for her!
  4. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    2020 best album............................................................
  5. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Su mejor álbum desde RED. La lírica, sus vocals, la producción es simplemente perfecto.
  6. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    in love, I love it, her best album!!!!I love her storytelling omg!!!!! buy cardigan on iTunes!!!!! and buy folklore then!!!
  7. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Pre-Folklore I wasn't the hugest of Swifties, but my best friend is a giant Swiftie and so over the years, I've become more and more of a Swiftie myself. This album has made me a giant Swiftie. This album is **** faultless. Taylor really said to the world - **** you world, I'm gonna make music that makes me happy" - and it has paid off tremendously. She deserves every single piece ofPre-Folklore I wasn't the hugest of Swifties, but my best friend is a giant Swiftie and so over the years, I've become more and more of a Swiftie myself. This album has made me a giant Swiftie. This album is **** faultless. Taylor really said to the world - **** you world, I'm gonna make music that makes me happy" - and it has paid off tremendously. She deserves every single piece of accolade she will undoubtedly get for Folklore. A indie folk album by one of the world's biggest pop stars, and a very **** good one at that? This is the perfect summer roadtrip album and a perfect album for sunny afternoons of easy contemplation. She absolutely served here. She did the damn thing. And by showing her authenticity through her songwriting, she has never shone brighter. This would be the album I'd show to anyone doubting Taylor Swift's artistry as a musician - because make no mistake, she's not just a musician - this is artist **** This is art. I don't have enough words to tell you how much I love this album. If you haven't heard it, go listen to it. Worth your time. Review over - stream Folklore today! Expand
  8. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift reinvented herself again,bringing an amazing album with tracks that have an orquestra of different instruments and sounds that come together with some really nice vocals and incredible lyrics. This album is an awesome experience, a storytelling
  9. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Never in my wildest dream I would think that Taylor Swift would collab with Bon Iver. The track of most of these songs are so wistful and sounds dreamy, like you are walking around in the middle of jungle at dawn. It has certain atmosphere that make you think about all things you have been through. Love it Expand
  10. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her BEST ALBUM wtfff and it's an alternative
  11. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    i just wanna be in a cabin in the woods crying over someone i loved, is that too much to ask?
  12. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    It's an amazing album.This album is full of hope and beautiful fantasy, but also mixed with sad and perfect tragic color
  13. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Describing ‘folklore’ as a great album doesn’t do any justice. It is whimsical, magical and cohesive masterpiece. It portrays stories that transport you to that particular and specific moment in time. It is indeed poetry beautifully sang. Well done Taylor! So much love and proudness, you are truly a one of the most remarkable artist and songwriter.
  14. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Do I even need to explain? Do I even need to explain? Again, do I even need to explain? Expand
  15. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Really does her song writing justice, simple yet effective, best vocals of her career, timeless, track list is perfect, her first explicit album which is amazing, you can tell each of these songs belong on this album
  16. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    she really does reinvent herself for every album. i just have no words for this, A TRUE MASTERPIECE !!!
  17. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Lyrical masterpiece as always. Her voice is amazing, she’s gained so much control over it through the years and this new sound is pure and perfect.
  18. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album lyrically. She literally proved herself as a mastermind in country, pop and now alternative/indie pop too. Every song is nostalgic and brings tears to my eyes. She has probably topped 1989 and RED finally.
  19. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    As I grew older, I’ve always trying to explore new style or genre of music and knowing Taylor’s releasing an Alt Pop music just blew my mind. The cohesiveness and purity of the overall album is a breath of fresh air that no one is expecting.
  20. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    It's perfect!! A piece of art!! I'm extremely in love with this album... The sonority is always the same, no oscillations, you can appreciate the album with your soul...
  21. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    beautiful, poetic and overall a perfect body of work, one of the best albums released this year
  22. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Amazing album, lyrics incredible, production on point. This woman has never disappointed me. Love her so much!!
  23. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift is back with her best album ever!!!
    Songs about her childhood, love and heartbreaks are the masterpiecer of this piece of heaven
  24. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    folklore is written like poetry, it nearly feels like an old storybook in that sense. it’s definitely a grower though, give it a few listens.
  25. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Ethereal, divine, timeless album that tackles love in its many forms, through the lenses of the different characters that Taylor Swift has conjured throughout her time spent in isolation, with a hauntingly beautiful and vivid songwriting that Swift has been known for and has prodigiously displayed in this body of work. A lyrical and sonical masterpiece, an entire experience, a revelation —Ethereal, divine, timeless album that tackles love in its many forms, through the lenses of the different characters that Taylor Swift has conjured throughout her time spent in isolation, with a hauntingly beautiful and vivid songwriting that Swift has been known for and has prodigiously displayed in this body of work. A lyrical and sonical masterpiece, an entire experience, a revelation — “folklore” is Swift’s magnum opus. Expand
  26. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Love it! It looks like a improved Red with Speak Now lyrics. But 1989 is still my favorite.
  27. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece! Taylor Swift really save our quarantine. This album deserves a grammy.
  28. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    10//10 masterpiece i have no words to explain this its too good. This is probably the most beautiful album i’ve ever heard. WOW
  29. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    An unexpected but at the same time expected twist from pop superstar Taylor Swift.
  30. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Wow !! I didn't know what to expect but I'm not surprised!! This is really different from what I'm used to listen but I like it so much ! You can really truc Taylor with any genre haha ! I'm glad I listened to it :) I really have to take the time one day to read all the lyrics and grasp the meaning because it's so good !
    My favourite track my tears ricochet.
    I recommend it.
  31. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    So lyrical and haunting in the way she pours herself into the music. This album isn't about sales, this is her genuinely enjoying what she's writing and wanting to share it with us all.
  32. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The album feels like a warm hug on a cold night, but from yourself. It feels like feeling content in your company. Its definitely the sound of country Taylor, lyrically, the album feels like a story, the lyrics are beautiful and the music is so mellow, although the music isn't significantly different in each song, they still stand out individually. Definitely going to be listening to thisThe album feels like a warm hug on a cold night, but from yourself. It feels like feeling content in your company. Its definitely the sound of country Taylor, lyrically, the album feels like a story, the lyrics are beautiful and the music is so mellow, although the music isn't significantly different in each song, they still stand out individually. Definitely going to be listening to this one for a long time. Expand
  33. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    taylor once again proving that she can seamlessly move between genres with this album, and folklore is her most mature and absolute best album
  34. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Putting 0 score in someone's work of art without hearing it has never been a solution... if you want your favorite artist to have more ratings on her/his album then go and rate them 10 if you want
    I dont care ifyou dont like her but before rating at least go and listen to the music and rate it for what it is
  35. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    once again, she suprased herself with this good album. im manifesting folklore for AOTY. congrats Queen. ily
  36. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    If you're feeling empty, this album will fill your heart with love, pain, anger, fear, and nostalgia. The combination of the lyrics, the soft, beautiful vocals, and the production made me want to either cry and punch the wall beside me or close my eyes and let it transport me to a place I don't know, or to a life I've never lived. Like the story of Peter and Wendy, it's just pure magic.
  37. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. Her best album yet. Taylor Swift's most mature album, sonically cohesive. Paints a picture with the stories. A complete shift of genres.
  38. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    this album just bring me into another whole fantasy world ! LOVE IT ! Thanks for making this masterpiece
  39. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Emotional and necessary. Soul in a pure state, sincerity and novelty. Hope in difficult times. The only catch is to listen to this album in summer, as it would be perfect in autumn, next to a fireplace with a glass of wine.
  40. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Second best thing that I ever had in this pandemic. I really didn't think I will get this kind of music from her cos my favorite genre is country. But she is fitted in every genre and she's still the one. Bon Iver is the best choice to collaborate for this folk album. My most favorite picks for this album are august, exile, seven, invisible string, illicit affairs, my tears ricochet andSecond best thing that I ever had in this pandemic. I really didn't think I will get this kind of music from her cos my favorite genre is country. But she is fitted in every genre and she's still the one. Bon Iver is the best choice to collaborate for this folk album. My most favorite picks for this album are august, exile, seven, invisible string, illicit affairs, my tears ricochet and the last great american dynasty. Cheers!!! Expand
  41. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    immaculate, skip less, lyrical masterpiece, vocals are heavenly, breathtaking, show stopping
  42. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is pure poetry, intimate and wild. a new genre for Taylor, each track is a dip in intimacy. Expand
  43. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Such a brilliant soothing album
    Perfect for rainy days!!
    Once again Taylor showed why she is the best songwriter out there..
  44. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The best album of 2020 so far. So mature and so pure. I absolutely love it. This is pure art.
  45. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Indie record of the year and I don't care if she's a popstar. This whole album is a so consistent and well thought. Writing three different perspectives on one relationship is something unheard of and really hard to execute (not making it chaotic while doing so) and Taylor managed to do that in one album. This is magical, calming, but bittersweet album about reminiscing about her oldIndie record of the year and I don't care if she's a popstar. This whole album is a so consistent and well thought. Writing three different perspectives on one relationship is something unheard of and really hard to execute (not making it chaotic while doing so) and Taylor managed to do that in one album. This is magical, calming, but bittersweet album about reminiscing about her old relationships, the good times and the worse times. Collab with Bon Iver? Superior indie track. Expand
  46. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This album is everything!! The aesthetic of album is best thing Taylor made. I really enjoy it
  47. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Folklore, this is the best album of Taylor Swift and this year so far. Folklore is an indie album with soft sounds. Swift make this album masterpiece with Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff and Bon Iver. I think you should listen to this album first before you criticize.
  48. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    I love it! Such a bop, show us other side of Swift's and its stunning. Good lyrics and melodys! Congrats Miss Americana
  49. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    It's the best album in this summer. As far as I'm concerned, Folklore has achieved a success.
  50. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. what can i say..... she is TAYLOR SWIFT.
    everytime she changes her music styles
    with high risk. but all we have to do is believe. piano based sound bgm was beautiful with her special voice. CARDIGAN the title was mindblowing and EXILE was the best song i had heard last 5 years.
    Expand
  51. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    It is a comfortable,cozy album that you can listen while in quarantine especially when it's raining and exile, my tears in ricochet, august and cardigan are my faves right now and the cardigan MV is such a beautiful cinematic experience and I can't wait for the other videos to come out, all we wanted was more selfies and Taylor dropped a whole album, what a queen!
  52. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album periodt. The lyrics are Perfect like always. Perfection perfection
  53. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    O álbum é simplesmente impecável e coeso, flui perfeitamente bem, instrumentais magníficos e as letras... meu Deus! São uma obra prima.
  54. XBR
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Folklore, to begin with, is two words: maturity and perfection. Taylor did an astonishing job clearing the way for a second genre switch, a switch that definitely captured our hearts!
  55. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    A breathe of fresh air from all the things that happening in the world right now. I think this is Taylor’s best album lyrically.
  56. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    her best album, the lyrics are phenomenal, the production is amazing as-well, she has outdone herself, and should be very proud
  57. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    There’s only one word to describe the eight album by the titan of pop, “folklore”: ART
  58. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Folklore is amazing! It’s a dreamy work of art. I love how she could literally do any genre and still kill it. I love her!
  59. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The best album to listen this Quarantine. Chill and relaxing. Love the story telling. Songwriting is at its peak. 100/100
  60. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album. Taylor’s best album.
  61. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    what can i say. this album such a masterpiece. i cannot describe how beautiful it is. taylor's best album. period.
  62. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    album of the year album of the year album of the year album of the year album of the year album of the year album of the year album of the year
  63. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The most stunning album yet. Every song is beautiful and the lyrics astounding. Emotionally raw and lyricism is stunning
  64. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Isolation and quarantine brings out the best of Taylor Swift as "folklore" seamlessly transcends her indie folk and alternative side to the mass audience. folklore is the best of her discography.
  65. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    MAGNIFIQUE! son meilleur album jusqu'a présent.
    Les lyrics sont super et intense, on voit qu'elle a écris ça avec tout son coeur.
    BRAVO!
  66. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor did it again. Each song on the album is equally as beautiful as the next, both in tune and lyrics. I loved hearing her return to her roots, but adding something more special and beautiful to it. Love the album!
  67. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    It’s such a great album everyone should listen it. Taylor you did it again!
  68. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Probably her best work ever - Incredible lyrics and vocal delivery connected with storytelling.

    Best songs are the last great american dinasty and exile
  69. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    this hit home. could be my favorite taylor swift album
  70. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The lyrics are legendary, they include such different metaphors and words we may have never seen in her pop albums, really brings me back to the creativity she had when she was country. So happy to experience my favorite artist switch to different genres all the time
  71. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift não mede esforços em entregar trabalhos tão diferentes de forma sútil e perspicaz.
  72. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Album of the year !!! I love it so much she Always Come up with something New love u Taylor keep doing Ur best ❤️
  73. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album yet. Can’t stop listening.
    Folk heroes from The National and Bon Iver made a perfect match with Taylor’s voice and writing. It’s really interesting to listen to a indie record made by the biggest pop star in the world.
  74. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    did not expect this from miss Swift. this album is amazing. sounds so much like old Taylor but more mature. congratulations Taylor Swift!
  75. Jul 24, 2020
    9
    An amazing album! Definitely my favourite album of 2020, so far. It's outstanding compared to her previous work. This album gives me Lana Del Rey's 'Norman ******* Rockwell' vibes, which is a good thing.
  76. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    enchanting work of art. a lyrical masterpiece. great storytelling. i just sob all through out the album.
  77. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Keeping its essence but rising in quality, album of the year. So amazing!!!
  78. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    She did it again! A completely new Taylor Swift, with the same lyric perfection. TS definitely can do anything.
  79. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As always Swift shows how brilliant she is in what she does and is just another confirm of how she can switch between genres easily and successfully. She had a very short time to write the songs in quarantine and create the album, but I’m not disappointed at all. Expand
  80. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    art! her most beautiful work yet. i had set an extremely high standard for the seven album veteran and she did NOT disappoint. you can truly see the growth she has had as a person after fully listening to this album. every single second of every single song is a moment you should savour!! it was truly magnificent.
  81. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This is her lyrical magnum opus, her storytelling and lyrical skills are unmatched. She’s an icon.
  82. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The older sister of Red. Taylor Swift has outdone herself and has made an album meant to be listened to on every occasion, spanning multiple generations.
  83. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Beautifully crafted ballads filled with nostalgia, pain, freedom and acceptance. The album spans from themes like long lost love to sacrifices made in and for love. Extra ordinary stories of ordinary people with no filter on. Now it’s up to you and me to pass it on.
  84. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This time, she tried a different genre that still showed her being a lyrical genius.
  85. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece! The best Taylor's album, so magical the experience of listen to this music at this moment of history. Sad and beautiful.
  86. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    a perfect album with a light airy feel and hard hitting lyrics. proof that taylor swift is going nowhere
  87. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Such an amazing, comprehensive, complete, and amazingly put together album. It was a perfect suprise from Taylor. Can't wait to drive with my windows open and listen to folklore for millionth time.
  88. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album yet! She really outdid herself. Definitely her most cohesive body of work with such mature lyrics.
  89. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor is destined to create this album , she was born with this alternative roots that she executed well in the album tracks
  90. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a mature album. literally there are no skips. the way she covers all types of emotions from various perspectives is mind blowing. Expand
  91. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This album is literally a masterpiece!! Honestly it can be one of the best albums of her.
  92. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    What an amazing album! Gotta say this is her best work to date. Best track acc to me are exile, cardigan, August and peace. Also Betty is kinda....
  93. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    one of the best albums released this year and one of the best of her career
  94. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. her best and most mature album lyrically and sonically, this is literary all i've ever wanted from her, this acoustic pop and folk indie sound leaves me breathless Expand
  95. Jul 24, 2020
    2
    i appreciate the effort, i honestly do. I hope this album opens up the possibility of her listeners expanding their palate but in reality this resolves to nothing more than appropriation of greater talents. I will always support the talents of aaron and justin but i hope this does not overshadow the accomplishments of their own career. to those who enjoy this album i encourage you to reachi appreciate the effort, i honestly do. I hope this album opens up the possibility of her listeners expanding their palate but in reality this resolves to nothing more than appropriation of greater talents. I will always support the talents of aaron and justin but i hope this does not overshadow the accomplishments of their own career. to those who enjoy this album i encourage you to reach beyond your pop sensibilities to explore the sounds which inspired it, as those albums reach heights the shallow efforts on display here cannot even begin to lie within the shadow of. continue to enjoy what you do about this record, and when ready give yourself up to the artistry of its influences. see bon iver, bon iver, boxer/high violet, and their progenitors neil young, elliiott smith, joni mitchell, sufjan stevens etc. etc. i am hopeful that this new exploration by taylor can expand the sonic repertoire of her fanbase Expand
  96. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    this is super good, it shows the incredible and magical writing ability taylor processes and her unique storytelling!!!!yyyyhhh
  97. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    The entire tracks in the album is great Im already in love to exile, cardigan, seven, epiphany, peace and hoax! this is great! a masterpiece indeed.
  98. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    So freaking mature album. The whole theme is new fresh and different. I Love it so much. You bring the journey to old swifties
  99. Jul 24, 2020
    0
    This "alternative" sound is so incredibly tired. So uncharacteristic of Taylor too, and she does it no justice at all. Her squeaky voice really doesn't suit songs that sound like attempts on writing for Lana or Billie. Overall I'm left feeling bored and disappointed. Taylor should stick to pure pop.
  100. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    I love all of Taylor's albums, but after having listen through folklore it's a strong contender for her best album so far. It's hauntingly beautiful with so many amazing tracks and no skips at all. Both melodically on lyrically she proves again to be one of the best songwriters of our generation.
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. 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. 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.
  3. 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.