Taylor Swift lost a fan when she transitioned from country music to lovey-dovey pop songs, but she is winning me back over after listening to one of her songs on her latest album, Folklore. As soon as I heard one line from “Cardigan”, I was totally dragged into listening to the rest of the album and to give Swift a second chance.
This album seems to be a promising new style for Swift’s career and most tracks are worth the listen.
“The 1” is the first track in the album. In this song, Swift seems to be talking about an ex-lover and how much she matured since her “roaring-twenties”. Honestly, this is not my favorite track, but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a listen.
“Cardigan” is the second track of the album and the track that drew me into listening to the rest of the album. The line: “And when I felt like I was an old cardigan/ under someone’s bed/ you put me on and said I was your favorite” is so relatable. People feel insignificant all the time, but then there’s that one person, place, or object that just makes them feel important, and like they matter. That is why I liked that one particular line and it didn’t even matter that it was one of those lovey-dovey songs that I don’t usually like.
“The Last Great American Dynasty” is one of my favorite tracks. It’s about a woman named Rebekah Harkness, who Swift compares herself to towards the end. In the song Harkness experiences a lot of criticism from the town she moved to after she married and ends up being cast out, which pushes her to seek revenge. Swift’s song tells about all the things Harkness did to get revenge. My favorite line is when Harkness gets in an argument with her neighbor and Swift sings: “ she stole his dog and dyed it key-lime green”. I mean, come on…who wouldn’t do that?
“Exile” is a track people should definitely listen to right after they hear a song about a dog getting dyed green. It’s a song Swift made with the band Bon Iver. Swift’s duet with Justin Vernon creates an amazing song about jealousy. I guess this song belongs in the “lovey-dovey” category but, at the same time, if people think about it in a different way, then it could just be jealousy about anything.
“My Tears Ricochet” is the saddest song on the album, and is about a lost romance. The ex-boyfriend in the song didn’t exactly claim the Soulmate of the Year award. In fact, he seemed patronizing in the story even after she died. If anyone wants a good cry, this is the song.
“Mirrorball” is the track I hate. Why? Because it’s so true! In this song, Swift compares herself to a mirrorball, one of those disco balls at prom, and sings about how she’s just trying to please others. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song, it’s just that it’s something anyone can relate to as people usually want to fit in to other’s views which is not always good, but it happens.
“Seven” is another one of my favorite tracks. This song is about Swift’s childhood friend who had a tough childhood, which is something I can relate to. The line: “And I think you should come live with me/ then we can be pirates/ and you don’t have to cry/ or hide in the closet” gets me every time. Who would’ve just cried if anyone had told them to come live with them? I know I would’ve.
“August” is one part of another song in Folklore, “Betty”. Again, it’s not one of my favorites because it’s too lovey-dovey.
“This Is Me Trying” is probably the most relatable out of all of the songs. It is about her whole album and how she’s trying to do something different and change people’s perspective. For those who try and relate to songs…*cough* *cough* me… there is a deeper meaning. Again, like in “Mirrorball”, people want to change who they are and show people that they aren’t just lame. They want to think that they are important and “trying”.
“Illicit Affairs” is my least favorite track on this album. To be frank, I wasn’t much of a fan as soon as I read the title. However, it does bring out Swift’s voice, so if anybody’s just in love with her voice, this is the song for them.
“Invisible String” is based off of the Asian red-string idea that life is about fate and two people destined to be together. Though, I won’t give it much hate because, in truth, it really is a beautiful song.
“Mad Woman” is a song that is very true. It’s about a woman who everyone calls crazy, but Swift goes on to sing about how it’s the people’s fault. All the criticism and hate that the woman receives drives her crazy. There’s a limit to what someone can endure before they turn into a “Mad Woman”, or man. I highly recommend this song.
“Epiphany” is a must! It is such an amazing song that there’s honestly no way to describe it. It’s based on Swift’s grandfather who fought in WWII, but is also based on the health care workers who are having to risk their lives during the pandemic. This is a song to listen to when someone needs a good cry.
“Betty” goes with the song “August” and talks about a lost romance, but this song explains that it was all because of a summer fling. If anybody’s into that kind of thing, here’s their song. It’s just not my cup of tea.
“Peace” is another sad song about someone who doesn’t feel they are enough. Between Swift’s voice and the instruments, it’s a beautiful sad song. By far the most listened to in my playlist.
“Hoax” is a great way to end the album. It’s about a relationship that Swift feels was a total hoax and leaves listeners feelings confused yet drawn in. I recommend this song if you ever just feel upset about anything.
Folklore is a great album if anyone needs music to cry to, relate to, or just listen to. Swift has gotten a lot of hate over the years, even from me, but this album seems to make her future a little more promising.
