When you think about the name “Taylor Swift,” you probably think of either her roots as a country singer or the pop icon that she has developed into. That being said, Swift is moving into a new branch of music with the release of her album “folklore” in July 2020.
This is the first album of Swift’s to be released under the genre of alternative music. I was a bit wary of this album at first, since it seemed off-brand for her. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Swift’s storytelling is just as recognizable in “folklore” as it is in earlier albums such as “Lover” and “Red.” One exciting thing about these songs that makes them contrast with her earlier music to me is that I seem to appreciate the music more with each listen. In Swift’s punchy pop songs her lyrics are often kept more obvious, but the magic in “folklore” is that the listener can create their own fairytale-inspired getaway within the lyrics.
The themes we have come to expect from Swift’s music — past loves, life in the public eye, and childhood innocence — are all mixed into this album. The opening track titled “the 1” sets the tone of light, airy vocals. The beginning lyrics also seem to pair well with Swift’s transition into alternative music, “I’m doing good, I’m on some new s—.” The use of profanity in her lyrics is also new. This track ensures listeners that the album they have before them is unlike anything Swift has done in the past.
In the song “the last great American dynasty” Swift throws the focus off herself and onto Rebekah and Bill Harkness. This couple caused scandal about 70 years ago, and Swift now lives in what was their Rhode Island mansion. In my opinion, this song is the most like Swift’s previous albums with pop tones. The lyrics are catchy and stay with the theme of “folklore” as a whole, as they weave a tale of a lavish lifestyle mixed with madness.
The track “invisible string” offers a more optimistic outlook on situations that contrasts with some of the other songs on the album. This song is one of my favorites on the album and I think that has to do with the lyrics. Swift sings of small snippets of a story that all link together with the connection between the two people in the song — the invisible string linking them together. It has a happy tone and reminds listeners that we are all connected, which is a message that should be blasted over speakers these days.
Overall, this music is just what I need for studying this semester. The music is not overpowering, and I constantly find myself adding these songs to my playlist. Swift has shifted gears with this album, and I think her passionate fans will find themselves asking for similar music from her in the future.