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. IanFlores13
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    "folklore" is a lyrical masterpiece. It's calm, and totally different genre from the other albums Swift has created. It's perfect to listen before bedtime and at breakfast. Best album of Taylor Swift so far.
  2. limkexin1704
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    Absolutely phenomenal. My favourites right now are my tears ricochet, illicit affairs, exile and cardigan, but I’m sure it’ll change the more I listen to this album. That’s the beauty of folklore - everyone has different favourites because every song is a beautiful piece of art that people connect with in different ways.
  3. Seoane
    Jul 25, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Her lyrical skills are enchanting. she has shown a bright yet homey facet of herself and her music that I personally enjoy more than lover. the concept, the sound, the production, the magical stories, THE VISUALS, its simply fantastic. truly love this new Taylor. anyone who has followed her for a while sees the maturity in her lyricism and stories. 'Exile' is 'The Last Time' part 2, with a much more mature POV and excellent vocals from Bon Iver and her. the love triangle is truly beautiful. the sarcastic tone in 'The last great American dynasty' is fantastic. the inherent feminism and strength in 'madwoman' prove that Taylor understands concept exposed in songs like 'The Man'.

    Taylor Swift showed us a new world, and im so grateful for it. Deserves AOTY (though she doesn't need it to prove she is one of the best artist of the generation)    … Expand
  4. AndyJurosko
    Jul 28, 2020
    9
    To be honest when I first caught wind of Taylor dropping a new album titled “Folklore” I was a bit nervous, because of rumors saying she’s doing a folk style album. And if I’m honest, my least favorite genre of music. I am a fan of Taylor Swift, but I haven’t enjoyed every album she’s put out (Reputation I’m looking at you) so in no way is this a bias review just because I’m a huge fan.To be honest when I first caught wind of Taylor dropping a new album titled “Folklore” I was a bit nervous, because of rumors saying she’s doing a folk style album. And if I’m honest, my least favorite genre of music. I am a fan of Taylor Swift, but I haven’t enjoyed every album she’s put out (Reputation I’m looking at you) so in no way is this a bias review just because I’m a huge fan. Honestly, Taylor has outdone herself in this album. Especially with the lyrics for the 16 songs featured in this release. And I’m not mad at the music either, it took a few tries on some songs and some songs kinda bleed together and sound similar but other than that I liked the style she was going for. I honestly loved this album and it’s almost perfection, but no album is perfect in my opinion. So I give it a 9/10 Also this is my first time posting a review online so I apologize if I sound all over the place, and for the poor grammar. Sorry!… Expand
  5. kendavid1
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece.... Thoughtful.. Most mature album she has released yet..Taylor is truly a great song writer
  6. fallenkyle
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. All I can say is, that this album is worth listening to. There was no skips, every song from this album are beautiful.

    The whole album shows the maturity of Taylor Swift as a songwriter. People gave her a backlash before and saying her way of writing was too childish, emotional and very expressive. But she proved in folklore that she evolved and grow in her songwriting process.
    I must say, this album is better than Lover, Red, reputation and Speak Now (her past albums that has a cohesive songwriting too) It is her best work so far.
    The whole album has a complex lyrics, creatively written and she still sticks to her writing style, which she uses metaphors and imagery on each songs.She brings magic and sparks to the tracks on folklore. The fact that every swiftie/non-swiftie that listens to the album has a song to claim or a song to relate to.
    Folklore album proved that Taylor is a very flexible songwriter and a singer that can do different genres. She made country, country-pop, pop-rock, synth-pop, mainstream pop and now, she is stepping into alternative and indie music.
    The lyrics, the production, the vocals, aesthetics and the video of cardigan gave everyone the feels during this quarantine and pandemic.
    This album deserves to sweep every awards, especially the toughest and highest categories in any award ceremonies.
    To conclude, She made a lot of changes in her music after this album was released. And, once again, she made a revolutionary album in a new genre.    … Expand
  7. lostwinterstar
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Her best album. I never thought we'd ever get an album like this one from her. The songs are heartbreakingly beautiful. A perfect album during this pandemic.… Expand
  8. EmilianoFilho
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Este álbum com certeza é o melhor de Taylor Swift , é um álbum intimista , vulnerável que nos mostra perspectivas dela sobre outras histórias de acordo com seu ponto de vista , trata também de temas como saúde mental , maturidade mental , relacionamentos tóxicos , como as pessoas enxergam as coisas que são contadas ( faladas ) á elas , o álbum possui um coesão gigantesca entre todas asEste álbum com certeza é o melhor de Taylor Swift , é um álbum intimista , vulnerável que nos mostra perspectivas dela sobre outras histórias de acordo com seu ponto de vista , trata também de temas como saúde mental , maturidade mental , relacionamentos tóxicos , como as pessoas enxergam as coisas que são contadas ( faladas ) á elas , o álbum possui um coesão gigantesca entre todas as faixas , com infinitas possibilidades de interpretações de uma forma única e intima a cada um ,melodias muito bem pensadas, composições fortes e muito coesas e elevadas , colaboração perfeita trazendo uma nova Taylor em um outro estilo musical , sem rótulos livre e contando de forma sincera suas fraquezas e dores .
    Simplesmente uma das mais belas obras feitas neste ano !    … Expand
  9. gabisilva338
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    by far her most incredible album, she keeps surprising us with her writing talent and beautiful voice. I love this!!!
  10. Kolipoki23
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    A well nurtured album! Very well written! You can never go wrong with such a superb songwriting talents!
  11. Farhanr26
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    very good album from taylor swift and it wiil give you more chills. It's pretty good, I can feel the poetry of the lyrics and it makes me feel so nostalgic
  12. SebGetsBuckets
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    As a fan of some of Taylor Swift's previous work, and a big fan of indie and folk music more broadly, I had high hopes coming to this album – especially considering the widespread acclaim it's been receiving. Sadly, that acclaim seems to be amplified to a significant extent by her loyal come hagiographic fans. I was impressed with the Bon Iver duet, which is very moving. And, she has aAs a fan of some of Taylor Swift's previous work, and a big fan of indie and folk music more broadly, I had high hopes coming to this album – especially considering the widespread acclaim it's been receiving. Sadly, that acclaim seems to be amplified to a significant extent by her loyal come hagiographic fans. I was impressed with the Bon Iver duet, which is very moving. And, she has a freakish ability to deliver the most ascerbic quips mid-ballad. However, it's very long, and some song have a forced feeling to them, like the main goal was to make an alternative album to the detriment of making a great album. Anyway, back to Joanna Newsom for me.… Expand
  13. notor12
    Jul 27, 2020
    8
    Probably Taylor Swift's best album to date.....Personally I think the songwriting is still not that great, but it's better than her previous work in that regard. I'm not the demographic she is trying to appeal to so maybe it works better for other people.

    I don't think it is album of the year. Few of these songs are going to last in the public conscience. But it's certainly decent.....
  14. itsnotmeanthony
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This is what Taylor needed, she needed a stripped-back album that showcased her lyric writing to the best. Now she is ready to show that is a REAL artist that can embrace any genre thrown at them. With soft mellows and smooth production, she is ready to show her emotional side (which has been done many times in the past) but for the enlightenment for critics and non-fans of her. Amazing
  15. majanikki
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a trip into the heart and mind of Taylor with a different kind of sounds, a very good experience, the best album that she have ever did, wonderful!… Expand
  16. Jorgepardo
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a perfect a 10! The lyrics are poetry, the genres she has had explore, that chamber pop and alternative songs down tempo are just magic… Expand
  17. Specmoe
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    I love it love it love it. This album should win Grammy awards album of the year. If she win album of the year, She will be first woman who win album of the year triple.
  18. Kwanhk
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This album really moved me and made me comfortable. It is very suitable for oneself to listen to it when eating, on the beach at night, and feeling alone. Thank you Taylor, China loves you.
  19. Hmiller
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Folklore is so beautiful and well done. Folklore is Taylor’s new album. Some songs are heartbreaking, but the songwriting is a whole new level. Each song has a story to be told. Each song, I feel transported into a storybook and watching the lyrics come to life.
  20. Edward_swift13
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This Album is obviously unique than her past albums, Taylor Swift prove us that she really is THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Im so proud that I'm a swiftie...
  21. KSTay13
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    A lyrical **** genius. Best album she has released to date. Great story telling, just what we needed in 2020. Good luck not crying.
  22. Cibienn
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Its a great album period. Better than Rare at all costs. Her 3rd Best Album. To the ones who rated this album low ya’ll are delusional and tasteless
  23. EmilianoxMQ
    Jul 27, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Opinión personal: Se siente vacío; no transmite ninguna sensación, "feeling" o armonía innovadora. Cada canción suena igual que la otra, con piano, guitarra y a veces unos beats. Al momento de que canta, los tonos de voz no varían, y se mantiene en la misma nota casi siempre. Le doy 2 puntos como parte positiva, debido a que está bien afinado el álbum y está limpio, logrando un resultado sencillo. Sin embargo, considero que no se supieron adaptar todas las "historias" que cuenta en el álbum, sólo está relatando sobre la pista de un pequeño acompañamiento de fondo, no lo está interpretando ni transmitiendo.… Expand
  24. Patriciaclaire
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    The whole album is so magical its like perfect Taylor did a great job making these masterpiece
  25. IANreygatoc97
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An emotional Taylor Swift is ballistic!!!!
    the album is filled with emotions, passion sentiment and conviction.
    The imagery painted by Taylor's lyrics in this album is enough to send listeners to an emotional whirlwind.    … Expand
  26. reditrosiana
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    so aesthetic, so catchy, so easy listening. This is Poetry, and you feel so depressing in some track, but August was so beautiful song too
  27. Trielysam
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Best album I have ever listened . Calm and emotional sound apart from dusty beats
  28. anindyarskh
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift has always been an avid songwriter and a lyrical genius. How she depicted her emotion through her writings was one of key factors on why I was intrigued by her in the first place. I was 10 back then when I heard of her.

    Her most recent album; folklore, consists of 16 beautifully composed songs. In the same way as how she announced this album, she surprisingly has taken a    Taylor Swift has always been an avid songwriter and a lyrical genius. How she depicted her emotion through her writings was one of key factors on why I was intrigued by her in the first place. I was 10 back then when I heard of her.

    Her most recent album; folklore, consists of 16 beautifully composed songs. In the same way as how she announced this album, she surprisingly has taken a turn from pop to Indie-folk/Alternative genre. She aced either one, as well as the preceding one; country.

    Taken in a forest setting with a black and white filter, this album brought so many light and 16 different shades I never thought I had come across, along with emotions I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

    Her voice in all of the 16 songs is relatively peaceful. The second you hear one of the songs, you’d feel like as if you’re being transported to a place of tranquility you’ve never been to before.    … Expand
  29. Cintialll
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    There’s a different sound from an artist who like to reinvent herself step by step on each previous albums
  30. Endivay
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Her best album yet. Lyrically genius, beautifully composed. Different than the ones she had done on previous albums. Portrays all different kinds of emotions. This album suits in many occasions. I love you so much, Taylor Swift.
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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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