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

Universal acclaim- based on 17537 Ratings

User score distribution:
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
  1. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This album makes me feel like I'm in another dimension, it brings me a mix of feelings that I can't even describe it well. Folklore is a journey and the storytelling is so powerful that I can say Taylor Swift is one of the greatest composer of all time, and this album is one of the best in years.
  2. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album takes you into a world Taylor created and hooks you in with her lyrics and story telling way. An amazing album.
  3. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    this album is so magical i have nothing to say rather than it’s definitely one of my favorite albums ever
  4. Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift sorprendió al mundo con un álbum compuesto durante la cuarentena. Si bien no es mi favorito, es un gran álbum que demuestra cómo ha madurado líricamente. Mis preferidas son "The 1", "The Last American Dynasty", "Mirrorball", "Seven", "My Tears Ricochet", "Betty" y "Peace".
    PD. Un putazo duele menos que algunos versos de este álbum, te pasas Tay.
  5. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums released this year, Taylor songwriting talent is beyond comprehension!
  6. Dec 11, 2020
    10
    After Lover I didn't know how she was going to top herself but she did it with Folklore, Folklore is just a gorgeous masterpiece and I love how effortless she moves from genre to genre. Folklore is her best work to date and my favorite album of hers, my favorite album of 2020, and one of my favorite albums of all time. The writing is just astounding, her storytelling is just beautiful andAfter Lover I didn't know how she was going to top herself but she did it with Folklore, Folklore is just a gorgeous masterpiece and I love how effortless she moves from genre to genre. Folklore is her best work to date and my favorite album of hers, my favorite album of 2020, and one of my favorite albums of all time. The writing is just astounding, her storytelling is just beautiful and she is at her best. Her vocals sound very pretty. The production is simple but we'll done and outstanding. The artwork is gorgeous. The video for cardigan is one of the best music videos I have ever seen it is so beautiful. I loved every song so I ranked them and my ranking is exile, cardigan, this is me trying, seven, betty, the last great american dynasty, mad woman, the 1, my tears ricochet, mirrorball, invisible string, august, epiphany, hoax, illicit affairs, the lakes, and peace. I can't express how much I love this album, she deserves a Grammy for album of the year for Folklore. I just ordered the "in the weeds" edition CD and can not wait for it to get here. Expand
  7. Jul 25, 2020
    10
    This album is making feel emotions I didn't know that I needed to (or could) feel and that's why it is officially my favorite Taylor Swift album.
  8. Jul 31, 2020
    10
    "Folklore, which was defined by Swift on the internet as “Wistful and full of escapism. Sad, beautiful, tragic,” broke not only the barriers of Taylor’s release habits, which Taylor had been working on since her first album—releasing a single and announcing the album that would arrive months later—but also of her sound. Instead of announcing a pop album similar to the singer’s last three"Folklore, which was defined by Swift on the internet as “Wistful and full of escapism. Sad, beautiful, tragic,” broke not only the barriers of Taylor’s release habits, which Taylor had been working on since her first album—releasing a single and announcing the album that would arrive months later—but also of her sound. Instead of announcing a pop album similar to the singer’s last three releases for 4 months from now, Swift announced a totally different album: a clever and inspiring mix of subtle and atmospheric pop, folk lyrics and alternative touch that gave a special tone in all tracks. In the end, Folklore will not only be known as Swift’s alternative/indie album, but also, as the curve point that made her move towards her best artistic phase.

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

    Read the full review and support me: https://thesoundx.home.blog/2020/07/31/taylor-swift-folklore/
    Expand
  9. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    folklore embodies the deepest depths of Swift’s songwriting and story telling abilities, accompanied by pure vocals and supporting instrumentals. The piano is almost a character itself in the music. An album easy to listen to on repeat that doesn’t overwhelm or bore the listener and instead finds them wondering- hours later -just how many times the record has actually been playing.
  10. Nov 13, 2021
    10
    Her best album ever. Love the cohesion of the songs in the album. Also, the storyline and her ways of telling it are beyond my imagination.
  11. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Álbum perfeito, cantora perfeita. É isto. Bem diferentão, letras maravilhosas e sonoridade impecável.
  12. May 18, 2022
    10
    Not sure what I could add to the constellation of reviews on this album... To me, it's a masterpiece and I'll love it forever.
  13. Mar 4, 2022
    10
    Taylor at her best, free from the constraints of making stadium anthems and radio friendly songs as she described it herself. Hopefully this will be the way of the future for Swift as the album is a step above her previous work which was already quite extensive.
  14. Sep 7, 2020
    10
    Taylor Swift proves to us once again that she is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The way this alternative, folk genre fits into her personal style is impeccable. While it is true that the album spans 17 songs with excellent lyrics, production and cohesion, it is not an impediment for this to be a 5-star album or even Album of the Year.
    Songs like Exile, Mirrorball, August, My
    Taylor Swift proves to us once again that she is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The way this alternative, folk genre fits into her personal style is impeccable. While it is true that the album spans 17 songs with excellent lyrics, production and cohesion, it is not an impediment for this to be a 5-star album or even Album of the Year.
    Songs like Exile, Mirrorball, August, My Tears Ricochet, Betty, Epiphany, The Lakes are perfectly written and executed.
    Expand
  15. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Taylor queen
    haters gonna hate hate hate
    We’ll just gonna shake shake shake
    Shake them off
    Shake them off
  16. Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This album make me feel good, relax and incredible. I can't believe one day Taylor Swift sing a folk song, but now it come true. Best album for a cruel summer.
  17. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    I loved every single second of it. It is so cohesive, moody and lyrically brilliant - I am astonished. It feels like a breath of fresh air in this hard times.
  18. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    The Best Song From This Album: the 1, exile, the last great american dynasty, cardigan, This is me trying, august and hoxe.
  19. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This is Swift at her best! Her pen game is what makes us love her the most.
  20. Aug 19, 2020
    10
    um dos meus álbuns favoritos de 2020, estou completamente viciado em "this is me trying" e "seven".
  21. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Her best album to date. This is going to be her signature album for sure. The picture she paints with those songs!!!! so creative
  22. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    It’s lovely to see a women getting a new phase on her career career Taylor Swift proves that she is the entire music industry
  23. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is everything I wanted in this moment. Taylor's lyricism is unmatchable and this record proves it. Thank you for this miss Swift Expand
  24. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Folklore really feels like the debut album of a whole new Swift — her narrative scope has opened up
  25. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Taylor swift's most mature album, sonically cohesive. Paints a picture with the stories. A complete shift of genres.
  26. Jul 25, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece ! Taylor Swift is a genius songwriter! My favourite songs are : Exile and Cardigan
  27. Dec 11, 2020
    8
    Very good album that contains strong themes that few artists today. A classic and rich theme of styles is appreciated.
  28. Jul 25, 2020
    9
    It’s a good Album, even tho I think Lover is her best work, folklore seems as an interesting chapter in the Taylor Swift discography.
  29. Jul 26, 2020
    5
    Taylor Swift ist krieg Taylor ist krieg Swift ist krieg ist krieg ist krieg ist krieg.
  30. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Этот альбом оказался настоящим сюрпризом не только для фанатов мисс Тейлор, но и для любителей альтернативной музыки. Его однозначно нужно послушать каждому, кто ценит как звучание, так и тексты песен. Особенно стоит отметить трек exile с Bon Iver, который, я думаю, в итоге станет любимым у фанатов.Этот альбом оказался настоящим сюрпризом не только для фанатов мисс Тейлор, но и для любителей альтернативной музыки. Его однозначно нужно послушать каждому, кто ценит как звучание, так и тексты песен. Особенно стоит отметить трек exile с Bon Iver, который, я думаю, в итоге станет любимым у фанатов.
  31. Nov 16, 2020
    10
    Muy diferente a los antiguos trabajos, Swift nos regaló un álbum bastante hermoso, con líricas y sonidos agradables.
  32. Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this album is beautiful. lyrically her best, i also appreciate the alternative sound, it’s the perfect way to talk about certain themes. Expand
  33. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album remarks how Taylor has grown on the music industry and how she can handle any genre we love a versatile queen...
  34. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Unbelievable... taylor released a new album!! The love triangle in the album is very interesting~wow
  35. Oct 30, 2020
    10
    Her songwriting has never been better. There has been albums that she released that seem to be more about the hits, but on this album, she’s just trying to tell stories.
  36. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    This is Taylor's best album, every song is perfect. The production is amazing
  37. Dec 14, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums Taylor Swift has released. A different style for her but one that works incredibly well!
  38. Jul 28, 2020
    10
    This is her best album; she suprised us and show us how is she made her famous: the way that she writes. I love it, and I think before of this album that nothing was going to beat RED. And she showed me how wrong I was!
  39. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Album of the year - Taylor continues to evolve her style and create wonderful work - no album this year has touched me the way folklore has.
  40. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Taylor delivered the best job of his career. Cohesive, sweet, sad, smooth and chaotic. Beautiful lyrics, pleasant and complementary melodies. Taylor proved that her success comes not just because her story is told in the songs, but because she is a good songwriter. It's not just her story, it's the way she touches our hearts
  41. Apr 2, 2021
    0
    it is SO BORING, the same song over and over again. White privilege and it is true.
  42. Aug 18, 2020
    10
    Hey, queen! Girl, you have done it again. Constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly. I'd say I'm surprised, but I know who you are. I've seen it up close and personal. Girl, you make me so proud and I love you.
  43. Aug 23, 2020
    9
    Everything about this album is simply amazing.

    Each and every song has a different meaning, yet it all seems to connect somehow. The melodies, the way Swift uses her voice to express true feelings is so soft and pure. The album it self, seems very mature and is one of Swift's finest works. Even though it was produced in a very short time, Folklore delivered great things.
  44. Jul 30, 2020
    10
    This album it's a masterpiece!! The lyrics and everything else is so good. Taylor Swift is one of the best artists.
  45. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    Such a beautiful album, I really like the songs and my favs are seven, august, and the lakes. Made me consider to come out
  46. Aug 19, 2023
    10
    Best album she's ever released in my opinion, and it's not even close. I listen to all the time
  47. Aug 29, 2020
    7
    It's an okay album. It's very cohesive, but it lacks a really pop side, that would captivate me. But even though I am listening to whole album.
  48. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This album showcases the pursuit of happiness in the most realistic and mature matter ever offered by Taylor. Along with some of her best lyricism to date, the album includes both her darkest thoughts and fondest memories. It leaves a lot to speculation but also points the listener in specific directions to maximize the personal connections possible on ‘folklore’.
  49. Aug 28, 2020
    8
    this is what we need now,thank you Taylor aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  50. Aug 25, 2020
    10
    Wow, what a fantastic surprise !! The old taylor has come back to the phone, and changed her clothes. Here we get bits of all the things that make a taylor swift record great. We get swifts fantastic storeytelling and sense of melody in a folky incarnation without the sheen from her previous incarnations. This lets the songs shine and what great songs we get. Highlights include theWow, what a fantastic surprise !! The old taylor has come back to the phone, and changed her clothes. Here we get bits of all the things that make a taylor swift record great. We get swifts fantastic storeytelling and sense of melody in a folky incarnation without the sheen from her previous incarnations. This lets the songs shine and what great songs we get. Highlights include the fanstastic folk song betty, the lovely Bon Iver duet exile, and the stunning invisible string. Which ones will be your favorites depend which taylor you want to come to the phone....she is definetely not dead...thank god for that and i'm glad she's making records like this Expand
  51. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    When this album came out, I realized that I haven't heard anything better than this. I couldn't imagine that she would outdid herself, but she DID IT! Cardigan, hoax and seven are god tier of her whole career. I really love it!
  52. Dec 26, 2020
    10
    Sin duda alguna la faceta más clara, pura, dramática y triste de Taylor. Este álbum demuestra que siempre puede superarse líricamente, además de generar un ambiente de cuénto en donde te habla de historias de una forma en la que te hace imaginarte todo y sentir que estás dentro de la historia.
  53. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Just wonderful!! Her best work yet!! Taylor is definitely a music legend!!!
  54. Jul 30, 2020
    10
    Absolutely outstanding. An unexpected change of genre, but one of her best works so far.
  55. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album came out without prior notice and when I heard cardigan I fell in love with the melody then the album came out and I practically fell in love with the album everything in it made me love it and that's why I give it a 10/10 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
  56. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Her best album lyrically, mad woman, illicit affairs, cardigan, the 1, the last great american dinasty are masterpieces. It's the best work she has done with Jack Antonoff.
  57. Jul 28, 2020
    9
    Esse álbum tem uma sonoridade diferente doa anteriores e isso que me surpreendeu positivamente. As letras como sempre estão impecáveis. the 1 dona do álbum ❤️
  58. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    I think this is her best album yet. Every song is amazing. Creative songwriting at its best.
  59. Aug 26, 2020
    8
    Taylor saiu do nada com um album coeso e muoto aclamadoajskdkskskkks kskskskdj kdkskdkekks
  60. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    literal perfection. her best work yet. the production and lyrics draw many comparisons to red, but here, they're so much better. it's less confessional in a way than red, as in you're
    not listening to her diary, but rather FEELING her feelings telling these stories and how she feels connections to them through her own life. of course, we get our fair share of songs about her life, and
    literal perfection. her best work yet. the production and lyrics draw many comparisons to red, but here, they're so much better. it's less confessional in a way than red, as in you're
    not listening to her diary, but rather FEELING her feelings telling these stories and how she feels connections to them through her own life. of course, we get our fair share of songs about her life, and every song on this record is AMAZING. my least favorite is still better than half the songs in her discography. it's nothing like taylor has done yet is so taylor. WELL DONE TAYLOR SWIFT!
    Expand
  61. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Uma nova roupagem inteira mudando completamente o estilo e a estética dos últimos álbuns da Taylor
  62. Jul 26, 2020
    6
    If I had never heard Taylor Swift, The National or Bon Iver before, I would be over the moon about this record. But as a longtime listener of all three, this is a disappointing album. Dessner recycles his recent tropes from the last couple Ntl records and Big Red Machine, Bon Iver's sleep apnea would probably sound amazing and Taylor sings her tired phrasing style over this ultimatelyIf I had never heard Taylor Swift, The National or Bon Iver before, I would be over the moon about this record. But as a longtime listener of all three, this is a disappointing album. Dessner recycles his recent tropes from the last couple Ntl records and Big Red Machine, Bon Iver's sleep apnea would probably sound amazing and Taylor sings her tired phrasing style over this ultimately bland affair. Mirrorball, This Is Me Trying, Seven, and one or two other tracks rise above the rest, but after a few spins, I dare say I will be filing this on the shelf with Lover and Reputation as records that don't quite reach the heights of 1989, a near masterpiece. It's not that these are bad songs, so much as they are the same stuff all three artists are doing, with a Swift-sized budget. Listen to Light Years, Heavenfaced, Hairpin Turns or Dark Side of The Gym by the National to get a sense of what I mean. And Dessner's new song with Michael Stipe---the guy is a brilliant artist but hoo boy is he on auto-pilot. As is this album. Expand
  63. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    TAYLOR SWIFT HAS REACHED HER PEAK ARTISTRY. Folklore is a mesmerizing acoustic bliss. She ditches pop to give birth to this alternative-indie-folk body of pure POETRY.
  64. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    The best Taylor album so far! I’m obsessed with the symphony, and the lyrics...
  65. Nov 19, 2021
    8
    Great surprise. Taylor, how did you guess i love Folk music? Damn, this is marvelous.
  66. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    She is the best lyricist of this generation. I hope she will receive the album of the year.
  67. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Es una gran cantante, merece el éxito que tiene y más, está obteniendo todo lo que a hecho durante años. Los katycats la amamos
  68. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Folklore is perfection. I can't stay without listening to this album at least one time a day. I always thought betty was the 1 but illicit affairs is my one true love. I can't hold my tears for my tears ricochet and epiphany. Folklore is suitable for every summer and winter. I strongly recommend all the music lovers to listen to this masterpiece. I love you so much Tay. You are the ACE.Folklore is perfection. I can't stay without listening to this album at least one time a day. I always thought betty was the 1 but illicit affairs is my one true love. I can't hold my tears for my tears ricochet and epiphany. Folklore is suitable for every summer and winter. I strongly recommend all the music lovers to listen to this masterpiece. I love you so much Tay. You are the ACE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Expand
  69. Mar 20, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another terrible thing that was made. Once again, this is not music! It’s tiring. Expand
  70. Dec 11, 2020
    10
    That's one of my favorite albums ever. Exile is simply perfect and Taylor is one of the best songwriters ever. Loved.
  71. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    I love Exile, The 1,seven I didn't think Taylor would make an alternative genre album. Guys, this was great.
  72. Sep 22, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Taylor voltando as raízes mas ainda sim se inovando, folklore é uma viagem ao subconsciente de uma forma extremamente introspectiva e sarcástica. Fico feliz de ver o amadurecimento da artista nas composições e construção do álbum. Expand
  73. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Perfeiro, perspicaz em tudo que se propõe a fazer!!!
  74. Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Folklore is the most important album of 2020 because that goes against the trending music of 2020, it's so fresh and beautiful. It shows a different Taylor. A true side of taylor!
  75. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Her best album and one of the best albums ever. Every single song has made cry, Taylor Swift is amazing.
  76. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This album has some of Taylor’s best writing and storytelling in it. She has the ability to switch from country (Debut album to Red), to pop (1989 to Lover) and now to Alternative. She transitions her sound without it feeling forced. I think that this album will be a staple in her catalog along with Red, 1989, and Fearless.
  77. Aug 31, 2021
    10
    Is the best quarantine-album ever!!!
    Taylor Swift logró algo que ninguna artista hasta el momento pudo hacer, y es darnos un álbum en medio de la pandemia y que logré ser exitoso sin casi promoción
  78. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Her best album next to reputation. It feels just so nostalgic and deserves all the awards Expand
  79. Aug 19, 2020
    10
    taylor swift genius of the pop, indescritible, honestly and walsome, perfect and beauty.
  80. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Seu melhor álbum sem dúvida nenhuma e o mais coeso de sua carreira e com composições incríveis
  81. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    taylor sweetie i love that ❤️
    amazing, beautiful and perfect
    queen ❤️❤️❤️
  82. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    muito bom o album, coeso, perfeito, assim como tudo que essa maravilhosa cantora faz
  83. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    A whimsical masterpiece Taylor swift really outdid herself with this one wow
  84. Sep 20, 2020
    10
    Arte puro, este album es muy distinto a todos sus álbumes anteriores con letras y sonidos hermosos
  85. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Taylor como sempre se inovando, esse álbum é totalmente diferente de todos os álbuns dela, e quem discordar que mo@@@
  86. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    An amazing and incredible beautiful album! Taylor Swift knows how to reinvent herself! A queen
  87. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    A mind-blowing, a masterpiece, easily now my stan album replacing Speak Now, this has been the Taylor Swift album that all I ever wanted. My 2020 has been saved.
  88. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Amazing album just like all of her albums! She never disappoints you! Praise Taylor
  89. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    phenomenal, show stopping, brilliant, her best! she has divulged into the sound of alternative this time around and has done it beautifully. all tracks, 1-16 have a story behind them and must be heard, this is her most well written and mature album, proud to be a part of this release, it’s an event in pop history!
  90. Oct 29, 2020
    10
    everything about this album is perfect, the lyrics, the storytelling, the melody. not many pop stars of taylor swift's stature can take such a huge risk in their 8th album and still be able to deliver a masterpiece.
  91. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Simplesmente uma obra de arte! Obrigado Taylor, por nos presentear com um hinário desses ❤
  92. Mar 20, 2021
    10
    El mejor álbum de Taylor Swift, tanto la lírica como la voz de la artista han mejorado mucho, canciones como August, seven, the lakes son obras de arte.
  93. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Uno de los mejores álbum que ha hecho Swift. Merece ser candidato a álbum del año.
    Taylor siempre termina sorprendiendo. Con este álbum demuestra que está casi a la altura de su Master RED
  94. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Her best album with reputation! Love it i really like this album coz of the stories taylor trying to tell us. Im so proud of her!
  95. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    This album is one of the greatest things I've heard recently. It is so melancholic, beautiful, emotional and powerful.
  96. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    O melhor trabalho dela até agora, liricamente, sonoramente... Um álbum incrivelmente coeso!
  97. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    One of the best album released ghis year I really don't know a more versatile songwriter in the music industry.. every song from this album is masterpieces with mature lyrics ..
  98. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Amazing album with gorgeous lyrics and intense emotions. The production sounds magical and listening to it feels like a whole experience. Her best album!
  99. Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Nice cozy vibes. Beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Really enjoy listening to this especially as the dark nights creep in.
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.