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. Joanbread13
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    This is a New way we can see the humanity in Taylor's person, and the lyrics are everything.
  2. Tayrah
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    What i love about this album is that you can tell Taylor is making music for herself, from her heart and soul. What a lovely record filled with magical storytelling.
  3. Mkeevin
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    Greatest folk indie album of all time, how every track from the beginning til the end build emotions.
  4. HoustonTejas
    Aug 2, 2020
    0
    Its garbage. Lyrics are written to sound sophisticated though are more like high school prose. The melody is repetitive from track to track. It seems she was inspired by JT’s man from the woods, sadly instead of depth it is vanity depth in the mold of Justin Bieber music school of self awareness. Perhaps Swift finally discovered that she herself lacks substance and can no linger hide byIts garbage. Lyrics are written to sound sophisticated though are more like high school prose. The melody is repetitive from track to track. It seems she was inspired by JT’s man from the woods, sadly instead of depth it is vanity depth in the mold of Justin Bieber music school of self awareness. Perhaps Swift finally discovered that she herself lacks substance and can no linger hide by airing her dirty laundry though ironically wants to be taken serious. Having built a career bashing her ex’s, now she wants to be heard as an adult. Best advice, write lyrics that shows you have lived outside of a fame bubble.… Expand
  5. jonnydoeyo12345
    Aug 2, 2020
    6
    Folklore is somewhat a nothing-burger of a record. Swift gets personal by seemingly abandoning fun (and strong hooks along with it) and leaning hard into a more minimal singer/songwriter format that finds her creating pretty enough melodies to constitute "okay" songs founded on strong musicianship, but ultimately creates nothing deep or special enough to be considered memorable. The albumsFolklore is somewhat a nothing-burger of a record. Swift gets personal by seemingly abandoning fun (and strong hooks along with it) and leaning hard into a more minimal singer/songwriter format that finds her creating pretty enough melodies to constitute "okay" songs founded on strong musicianship, but ultimately creates nothing deep or special enough to be considered memorable. The albums tone is not diverse and the songs bleed together as a result of their similarities. The lyrics range anywhere from cringey to great, and most of the music/singing feels like thoroughly tread area for Swift. I think the idea of Swift creating a masterpiece is a novel/quirky idea to people and this well made record helps them buy in. The album itself just doesn't validate the hype.… Expand
  6. Salvatorxmundi
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La academia el próximo año tendrá el AOTY ya listo para entregárselo a la Titan del POP.… Expand
  7. Asustouch
    Aug 2, 2020
    0
    Nothing new! Same old. She needs to challenge herself more. Sick and tired of the same thing. Tay tay do better. Still love u
  8. Jonathas_v
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    I think the word that sums up this album well is perfection. Everything in it is very cohesive. The sonority. The instruments. The vocals. It's amazing how an album or song transports us to another universe. The memories, the images that are formed in our imagination are very special and unique. At the same time connected with those of other people.
  9. gabclary
    Jul 29, 2020
    5
    it’s not bad, but it’s not one of taylor’s best albums either. some songs are meh, most of them have a part that bothers me a bit, so it kinda makes me not like it so much. i’m very picky about everything, so don’t get my rating wrong, it’s just ‘cause i take a lot of things into consideration when rating anything, and a lot of things weren’t perfect for me so it lowered my rate. maybe ifit’s not bad, but it’s not one of taylor’s best albums either. some songs are meh, most of them have a part that bothers me a bit, so it kinda makes me not like it so much. i’m very picky about everything, so don’t get my rating wrong, it’s just ‘cause i take a lot of things into consideration when rating anything, and a lot of things weren’t perfect for me so it lowered my rate. maybe if you check my ratings on other albums of taylor’s you will get me and my reasons. but even if it’s not an album i’d listen to all the time, it’s still a good album. there are some great songs (august, the 1, betty, peace, my tears ricochet, exile) and most of them give me a sense of peace and calm that is comforting. yet, compared to other albums of taylor’s, i have to rate it lower than the others. i actually still don’t know how i feel about this album. i’m into indie and folk music, but i was expecting something else from “folklore”. it’s a sad and melancholic album, with very deep lyrics. some of them made me cry and feel the impact of such overwhelming emotions. i think a pop indie or rock indie album would be better, but what taylor does in folklore makes me confused. i like it, but i feel that there’s something missing, some songs about love in a good perspective and finding happiness in it, perhaps. some joy and some positive songs, with a happy melody, with a beat that cheers us up. i expected something like the album “badlands” by halsey or like the song “scarborough fair” by aurora. i haven’t given up on that thought tho, i wish and hope taylor will make something like this in the future, a pop indie album. i’d love to see that with a magical fairy aesthetic, an enchanted forest, a meadow covered with flowers, taylor wearing a sweet dress (like the ones women wore between 1000s and 1900s, medieval-ish, renaissance-ish and other periods of history; like the ones the character aurora wore in the movie “maleficent: mistress of evil”; like the ones the character belle wore in the disney’s “beauty and the beast” live action that was released in 2017), and a flower crown or a golden laurel wreath (like the ones greeks used to wear in ancient greece). anyway, my point is i expected much more from “folklore” and got a little disappointed, but that’s actually my fault for being so imaginative. so long story short, yeah, it’s a good album, i like some of the songs, just not the kind of music i usually listen to on a daily basis, more like the kind of music i’d listen to in very specific moments that i’m suffering and wanna cry even more, get soaked in my tears and drown in my own misery. there’s a slang in brazil that is something like “beautiful post, it triggered my depression” and i think it fits my opinion on “folklore”, ‘cause it’s indeed a nice album, but it’s too much suffering at once for me lol however, i must say that i’m proud of taylor’s evolution and how she can make good music in any genre without ever lacking quality/technique or losing her uniqueness. taylor is a brilliant and versatile artist and it’s so beautiful and thrilling to see her succeed in everything she puts her heart and soul into. it’s so fulfilling to see everyone recognizing the marvelous singer and songwriter she is. i couldn’t be prouder or happier for her. she deserves the best from this world and i hope she gets exactly that.

    This is my rank of Taylor’s albums so far:

    1st: Lover & 1989 (I can’t decide between them)
    2nd: Speak Now & reputation (I can’t decide between them as well)
    3rd: RED
    4th: Fearless
    5th: Self-Titled Album (“Taylor Swift”)

    I still don’t know about “folklore”. I have to listen to it more to decide where to put it, but it wouldn’t be in 1st or 2nd place.    … Expand
  10. BrenoLuksSabino
    Aug 2, 2020
    7
    É bom! E demonstra toda a versatilidade da Taylor. Entretanto, é mais do mesmo. Para a Taylor é muito bom, pois mostra como ela se dá bem no country, pop e agora indie/folk... mas não é nada além daquilo que um bom artista indie/folk já tenha feito um dia.
  11. Jessibg
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    I actually enjoyed this more than Lover, even though I know that’s likely to bring some heat! Very listenable, and full of bangers
  12. manashavi
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    An album that has the brilliant touch of everything from lyrics to the production of every single song. There's not a single skip in this album!!
  13. Shauniee16
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    Folkore is Taylor Swift's best album ever! That's it, I'll keep on listening til forever! the lyrics is so amazing! I mean, c'mon, poetry who? if poetry is a person, She must be shaking right now! She could be hiding on Tay Tay! Taylor really is an amazing singer songwriter indeed!
  14. watermelonkiwi
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    this album is the reason i became a taylor fan. i saw cardigan recommended to me on youtube and was interested to hear what’s happening with her so i listened and fell in love. the rest of the album is just as amazing and wonderful. i adore it and hope everyone can enjoy it as much as me
  15. aktisaeliou
    Aug 2, 2020
    10
    Taylor knows how to write and it shows: the complexity and the references blow my mind and every time i listen to it i find more. The fact that Taylor is showing versatility navigating genres but still remaining true to herself (listen to the country/pop influences) just proves she has a galaxy brain. Deserves AOTY nomination!
  16. Rafinhatriumpho
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    Eu amei esse álbum em tantas facetas que não paro de escutar. É produção, são letras é tudo nele que me faz crer ser o melhor álbum da Taylor Swift como artista.
  17. Starboy9601
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    Best album ever! Apartándose de los sonidos mainstream actuales, Taylor se adentra en sonidos ajenos a los que ha venido manejando a lo largo de su carrera. Bizarro (entendido como valiente), folklore es un paréntesis frente a todo lo que suena en el pop mainstream hoy en día.
  18. FelipeMelo13
    Aug 1, 2020
    7
    Good but not as I expected n
  19. LanceHamasaki
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    The songs are very well-composed❤

    This isn't the first time Taylor wrote so many good songs in an album, however, this definitely is on another level compared to her pop and country music.
  20. Manvailler
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    Espetacular e melancólico, o som do piano é excelente. Exile é fantástica, a letra, as vozes... Tudo.
  21. Aaryansingh
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    Beautiful melodies with earthy marvel that transport you to a rusty cabin with a heavy cabernet
  22. CalvinMcCoy11
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It peaks into great detail about love and humanity. Tracks like ‘mirrorball’, ‘the last great american dynasty’ and ‘seven’ all dive into an indie/pop. Tracks are very well produced, in high view and are all clear about the ways and intentions of what they mean. ‘august’ is a well example of that, this track speaks about a lover who is lost throughout the “school year” and loses touch with them. Taylor speaks about how this person wasn’t hers to lose or to cry over because they never accepted her. The album deserves a good 9-10 for how well-developed it is and especially the great production. Each track was built from perspective and truth which allows us to experience this with her. For an album built throughout the 4-5 month quarantine time, it is a beautiful record.… Expand
  23. Arwinshone
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This album is soooo good. A perfect album to listen in this Pandemic. My Swiftie heart is so happy and emotional at the same time. Taylor Swift proves again that she's the muaic industry. Her songwriting skills is beyond extraordinary. You are the best! PERIODT.
  24. Kdn
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    This is her most mature album sonically and lyrically yet. The way she blends her voice into every song paints a cinematic scene. I felt like I was actually in the album. A great thing is Taylor Swift take a role as the narrator by creating a collection of stories. She is then able to reconnect these songs for a melodramatic ending. The previous albums always ended end in a positive note.This is her most mature album sonically and lyrically yet. The way she blends her voice into every song paints a cinematic scene. I felt like I was actually in the album. A great thing is Taylor Swift take a role as the narrator by creating a collection of stories. She is then able to reconnect these songs for a melodramatic ending. The previous albums always ended end in a positive note. Her voice is most suitable for this kind of genre because it’s not “powerful” or “hard” like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande or Katy Perry. Nothing wrong with them. Taylor Swift’s soft voice fits perfectly into this album to express her vulnerability. We’ll have to wait till can we hear her deluxe track. Simplicity is at its finest.… Expand
  25. GiaaLinn
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    One of the best album I ever heard in my life, so so so good. Taylor Swift only made this album in 3 months but it's better than i thought
  26. Khush1
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Its a great body of work. A lyrical gem. Best album of 2020. Vocals are good as well
  27. itallofreitas20
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    A Masterpiece, AOTY nomination worthy, beautiful, emotional, nostalgic and magic, Swift prove us that she is in fact one of the best songwriters in the music industry
  28. cherry4de
    Jul 31, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Folklore has been lauded for its lyricism and while it is true that we are taken through a rich web of carefully placed metaphors and vocabulary, it being stripped back and positioned as a folk/alternative/indie(?) album means that Swift's on-the-nose writing tendencies are brought more starkly to the listeners attention. Taking 'mirrorball' as an example, as one redditor put it:

    "
    'I want you to know
    I'm a mirrorball
    I'll show you every version of yourself tonight
    I'll get you out on the floor
    Shimmering beautiful
    And when I break, it's in a million pieces'

    It's like ... yup! you explained how a mirrorball works very comprehensively, figuratively and quite literally. thank you! a little more tell than show, like an english class essay."

    One can't help but contrast Folklore to other albums in the space, for example Phoebe Bridger's Punisher, released only a month prior, which paints pictures using a collage of astute observations and stand alone metaphors that the listener must ruminate on before any meaning becomes clear. That's not to say that Swift's lyrics are not pleasing, they just feel more like musical theatre, where it is important that plot points are not missed, than an indie album. The lyrics of 'betty' and 'the last great american dynasty' feel the most naturally suited to the style of their music; both are outwardly telling a story with the former sounding like it wouldn't be out of place on a country album including Swift's own Fearless. Incidentally, these are two of my favourites on the album. I find this little run in tlgad particularly delightful:

    'The wedding was charming, if a little gauche
    There's only so far new money goes
    They picked out a home and called it "Holiday House"
    Their parties were tasteful, if a little loud
    The doctor had told him to settle down
    It must have been her fault his heart gave out
    '

    My personal, replay-17-times-in-a-row favourites, though, are the ones that, though probably based on fictitious scenarios, feel the most gut-wrenchingly honest and vulnerable: 'this is me trying' and 'hoax'. "Gut-wrenchingly honest and vulnerable" is, really, the quality that has always separated Taylor from her peers. Even in her endeavours to produce the perfect pop song and the feeling, particularly in her latest albums, that she /really wants us to know certain things/ (e.g. heavy handed references to alcohol - we get it Taylor, you're not a squeaky clean country girl anymore), there is no pop star we believe is showing us their real life more than Taylor Swift. Folklore has proven that it goes even further: there is no pop star we want to hear stories from more than Taylor Swift.    … Expand
  29. IEatbaby
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So calm...Im really surprised...this is TS8...An alternative album woah.Right now,i feel destressed because of folklore album...what a wonderful album.This is a real album with real music.… Expand
  30. Toja13
    Jul 31, 2020
    10
    This album taught me a lot
    I found a lot of the things I've been feeling and the lyrics touched me so deep I love her so much and I really think she's doing a great job for the music industry
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

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