Taylor Swift Delivers Folklore: It Was Not An Expected Album, But Well Needed.
Taylor Swift dropped her newest album at midnight on July 24th. She released the new set of songs with her newest music video leading the way, 'cardigan'. 'cardigan' is a soft love song to one's self, but also of pain.
The music video portrays Taylor moving through different fantasy realms while playing her piano. A notable scene is her playing while the piano turns into a waterfall.
The music video is reminiscent of 'Out of the Woods' with a twist of delicate childhood innocence and imagination. In fact, most of the album has a gentle feel with an easy listening ambiance.
It's almost a combination of her "1989" album, "Lover", and her country roots. She has dabbled in the indie alternative genre before with her album "Red", when she began her transition out of country. This album has the opposite effect with its soft and connected piano notes.
Taylor Swift has ventured further into the indie folk genre of music and made it her own. The music is simple, but eases the soul or tugs on heartstrings, such as with 'exile' feat Bon Iver.
The songs represent an ambiance that makes someone envision a drive through foggy mountains, drink hot cocoa in early autumn, or venture into the nearby woods. 'august' is one of those songs that collect the easy listening vibes and encourages to drive that easy road.
Another song, 'epiphany' tugs on heartbreak and agony. The aftereffect of loss and memory. It may be well suited with the day and age we are in, reconciling with loss.
'the last great american dynasty' has a quintessential indie folk beat, which helps envision one walking down a beach front.
The songs on this album feel connected and interwoven with the human soul. It's gentle, but grieves with loss and heartache. It's delicate, but encourages growth and love.
The album, 'folklore', curates a lighter feel through its easy listening. The entire album could be used to influence romance writers, taking long drives along a coastline, or hiking through the woods behind old houses. It feels well suited for the beginning end of summer and the oncoming of autumn. It won't be surprising if these songs will be loved for fall when it arrives.
There was no word of this album being dropped so suddenly. Taylor has surprised not just her fans with her new album, but non fans alike. She is showing growth through her music and its influence. The easy listening is new for Taylor, but it works wonderfully with her voice and musical skills. It's much welcomed with its calming aura and atmosphere.
We have received new music from three large pop icons this summer: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and now Taylor Swift. 2020 has been a tumultuous year, but it has given us remarkable music from remarkable artists. It makes one wonder.... who may be next?
