Yesterday, Taylor Swift dropped the big, surprising news: she had secretly recorded yet another full-length album during lockdown this year, and this new album, evermore, was a companion piece/sister album to folklore. I assume this album will have tons of merch too! She’s gonna make so much money, even without touring. Anyway, the album dropped at midnight, as did the first video/single from evermore. This is “Willow.”
To me, this is just soft, chill music to have on in the background. Good driving music too. But “Willow” didn’t catch me like “Cardigan” did, although that’s actually a pretty high bar, imo. I thought “Cardigan” was one of her best songs/singles in years.
Taylor also released some lyric videos on her YouTube channel. Here’s “Marjorie,” which is about her grandmother.
Here’s “Champagne Problems” – lyrically, this is kind of interesting. She’s basically like “yeah, I’m rich and popular but damn, I hurt too!”
“Cowboy Like Me” – I enjoy this one too.
Presented without comment.
YOU'RE TELLING ME TAYLOR SWIFT IS DROPPING A NEW COTTAGECORE ALBUM ON THE SAME DAY AS EMILY DICKINSON'S BIRTHDAY CALLED EVERMORE WHICH IS HOW EMILY DICKINSON CLOSED ONE OF HER MOST ROMANTIC POEMS THAT SHE WROTE FOR HER LOVER SUE GILBERT???? pic.twitter.com/NYeIymeihc
— wassim'ʬ⁸⁴'ˣ (@tayIordspatroI) December 10, 2020
Photos courtesy of Taylor Swift’s social media.
I love the whole cottagecore aesthetic and this is totally tay’s new vibe.
I love it too. I’m glad she’s embracing this, it’s such a good fit for her.
I’ve listened to the album a few times and compared to folklore I’m not a fan of it. I was hoping that the songs would grow on me but even after listening a few times to each song I’m not that into it.
That was folklore for me; I thought it was good but didn’t really grow on me. I like this album a lot more.
Neither album grew on me. It’s all pretty enough, but without the videos and Merch the whole thing felt like it was missing a final element.
I gave it a fast run-through this morning but i need to listen to it a few times over the weekend to form a real opinion. When I first listened to Folklore The One and Exile stuck out to me most, but in the end, Cardigan is my favorite song from that album, and Mad Woman kind of my anthem until Trump is gone anyway. Sometimes the first listen or two doesn’t really tell you how you’ll feel about a song in the long run.
I mean no surprises here: I like it. I might like Willow more than Cardigan because it’s witchier. There are some weaker tracks obviously. I never like her merch. Send me my damn folklore vinyl already Taylor! I ordered it in July!
I bought the Mad Woman tshirt and wore it on election day. So now I feel like it brought me luck. Other than that, I’m not much of a merch person. But I HAD to have that shirt. Though I have to say, I would probably buy a shirt that said “I come back stronger than a 90’s trend”.
The picture of Taylor in the cape in the winter forest is giving me Lindsey Sterling vibes. Lindsey Sterling + Taylor Swift would be a really interesting collaboration. And I would buy that cape if it’s being merchandised.
That line made me laugh out loud. Perfect.
Ellie, I just got mine last week! They’re coming!! If you don’t get yours soon I would reach out to them.
I’ve listened to the songs posted here and the song about her grandmother is really lovely and moving. I should mention that I’ve been feeling kind of sentimental this week, so the song may have hit me at the right time.
I cried all the way through that one. I won’t be able to spend Christmas with my elderly mother because of the COVID restrictions in our province, and I’m desperately hoping we’ll both make it through this so we can celebrate together again.
Same here.
I swear beyond this site I have never paid attention to TS. But Marjorie hit me hard, I cried all the way. I have listened to all the album and I like it.
I have to say I have never heard a TS song that I wanted to listen to for more than 5 seconds so I haven’t been listening to her new music but I also listened to songs on this post and I adore “Marjorie” –
My father passed away recently. He was my hero, and radiated love every day. My grandma [his mom, who raised him!] was the other person in my life who adored me, and accepted me, and made me feel like the sun shone through me. I feel the dearth of them now.
This song was to me about the people you love still being with you, and the the things they taught you – [insert broken heart emoji, but I’m still standing]
I like it, but I’m not sure if I like it as much as folklore yet.
Btw, I’m pretty sure Champagne Problems is about a rejected marriage proposal, not “I’m rich but I have problems too.”
It is and I liked it, it hit that tone of ruined dreams and having to carve a new future.
Same here.
Agree. “Champagne Problems” is not at all about “I hurt, too.”
Yeah agreed on champagne problems. That one made me sad, but in a good way. All the feels.
Agreed, champagne problems tells a specific story about a denied proposal. After reading the lyrics I’m surprised it can be interpreted another way.
I’m sure she won’t regret releasing this album because she’ll get more money and fan enthusiasm/appreciation but this album isn’t as good as folklore. Kind of felt like was trying to keep that praise going but it fell flat, I’m a bit bored with the songs.
Well I must be the last to know. I didn’t know Emily Dickinson was in love with her sister-in-law (I had to look this up on Wikipedia). I thought her only love was a minister she barely knew and pined for.
Oh yeah! Dickinson is a lesbian icon.
I really love Willows and No Body, No Crime. When I first listened to Folklore, only Exile really jumped out at me but over time everything else grew on me, so I think Evermore may be the same.
I really liked Exile immediately as well!
One listen through and I like it more than folklore, on a personal level. But I don’t think I would have liked it so much if folklore hadn’t come out first. Folklore is all-around stronger and tighter, but evermore has a carefree vibe and is a little indulgent in a good way. I feel it tells the stories that might not have been “serious” enough for folklore.
Such an unimaginative album. But public will eat it up.
Imagine coming all the way here just to say this.
I mean, it’s a gossip site. People can have different opinions, and I agree with op.
Look at how many comments are always on Kate and Will posts, and they aren’t supportive comments either.
Such an unimaginative comment. But haters will eat it up.
LOL
Just that one reaction made me your fan @Jannie
I’ll give her credit – she puts the work in. Girl could sit around her mansion drinking tea this year if she wanted, and she’d rather put out on an album. I thought “folklore” was a decent album and a good attempt at spreading out and trying a new style, so I’ll give the new one a listen and see how I feel.
Lyrically, I feel like Folklore was superior. Sonically, Evermore is better than Folklore imo and generally feels a bit messier, less safe, and more interesting. Folklore was an excellent album but in some ways was very safe (songs sounded so similar to the point I felt like they were trying to do it a certain way so it would come across as super cohesive, something critics love).
Weirdly, I feel like she continues the tradition of often picking her weakest songs as her singles. Willow is good but No Body, No Crime, Champagne Problems, etc. all are far better imo.
Interesting – I had the opposite initial section. Sonically I preferred folklore, but lyrically I really enjoy Evermore, it’s just a bit harder to tap into the lyrics because the sound isn’t as engaging (just for me!).
They really feel like an A Side and a B Side. Not quite sure which is which. They’re like Peanut Butter and Jelly. They go together and there are strengths and weaknesses on each. But no matter what’s “best”, Taylor has been fearless about her music this year and that’s incredibly affirming.
So far I think I prefer folklore but the beat of Goldrush is already stuck in my head
Been listening to it all morning and I really like it. No surprise, folklore was great and this style of music just hits the spot for me. Nice little Xmas present from Tay after a terrible, horrible, no good year
I’ve only heard the song “evermore.” I love that song. Beautiful lyrics.
I don’t get all the TS love. I don’t think I’ve ever liked a single song of hers, I find them either annoying (haters going to hate and love or whatever that bubble gum pink song was) or… boring and uneventful? Not a single tune from folklore stuck with me. Don’t see the genius, sorry.
Great thing about music, it’s subjective.
As is all art, and you’re right, that’s what makes it so great. It’s such a personal experience. This just made me think of how badly I miss my museum trips. A year never goes by without my going to several exhibits. Until this year.
Of course music is subjective and of course it’s great. But TS has such a super star status, it implies some kind of broad appeal. I find my own taste in music pretty generic, I usually can find at least a couple of songs I like from every popular artist. Taylor is the only one who’s a consistent pass for me. I try every time, hoping to find at least one melody or story that speaks to me and yet, every time I shrug and walk away. Feel a little left out because some of my friends are literally in tears over this album. Puzzled, that’s all.
Larisa, its ok to have different opinion.
i dont like or understand why people like cardi B songs so so i will swith to other station if it on radio or search her songs in my spotify or give bad comments if someone post her story.
I can’t listen to Sam Smith without wanting to take an ice pick to my eardrum. Sometimes you just don’t like someone’s music and that’s totally okay.
You don’t have to get it. Different strokes for different folks. The world would be a very bland and boring place if we all like the same things.
Larisa, I totally get you. I find the music so basic and generic. I played the clips for the songs, and it sounds like forgettable music from a tv show soundtrack. Doesn’t offend me, but I see no genius. I’ve always found her lyrics sound like snippets from jingles.
Yea I find her look and her sound to be very twee, like she’s still stuck in high school.
I liked Exile from forklore and Champagne Problems did not make me want to poke my eyes out, but everything else I found lackluster. I’ve never been a TS fan, but I do like coming here for gossip about her.
I completely agree, she is a very mediocre artist to me. I haven’t enjoyed any of her singles since bad blood, and her lyricism is a little lacking as well. I guess there is something I’m missing that millions of others can see.
Well, you know, millions of people love to eat at McDonald’s too, so…
I am still working my way through the album so I can’t say if I like it better than folklore yet, but so far I’m really glad we are getting to see her strength as a songwriter. Just so good. This is the vibe I need/want right now and I’m planning to listen on repeat, starting when I wrap christmas presents this weekend!
I like Willow. Taylor looks like her Grandmother!
I haven’t listened to the whole album yet, but so far I like it! My favourite is “no body, no crime” which is a surprise because I’ve never gotten into her or Haim’s music.
“i don’t like that falling feels like flying til the bone crush” is a stellar line. Love the lyrics on this one.
I’m not sure yet if I’ll love it as much as I absolutely love folklore (I’m not ready to let go of folklore yet, it’s still on heavy repeat) but I’m enjoying evermore very much. I like willow (and the witchy vibes of the mv) more than cardigan but august is still my favorite out of all the songs. I play it nonstop – 214 times according to my spotify wrapped lol.
Both albums make for an idyllic, dreamy listen and I love the imagery her lyrics conjure. Props to TS, Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner for giving us such lovely songs.
August is my bop from Folklore, but I like that whole trilogy, too. On evermore, I enjoy the duo of ‘Tis the damn season and Dorothea, but I think Long Story Short might be my favorite so far? Then again, Willow is stuck in my head. I’m just OK on Gold rush, which surprises me because I usually prefer her collaborations with Jack Antonoff.
I sort of felt like the songs on “evermore” were just songs that were written for “folklore” but didn’t make the album cut? I’ll take some more chill Taylor Swift songs though. I liked “champagne problems”.
I tend to agree — but I was listening on repeat while working so maybe it needs a bit more attention.
2020 me- Yeah, I will give Taylor’s album a listen.
2020, man.
2020.
LOL Tiffany you’re funny.
Oh man, I am only 6 or so songs in but I LOVE this album. It is actually giving me the chills.
I’m a die-hard fan of The National and had generally cooled on T Swift after 1989, but I thought Folklore was interesting and listened to it a handful of times. But I LOVE this. The National influence is evident and I’m here for it. The feeling I’m getting is so similar to when I first heard For Emma, Forever Ago (Bon Iver) on a freezing cold Seattle day in college. Now I actually live in Wisconsin and am getting all the winter cabin vibes from T Swift.
Also, I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about Coney Island! Taylor’s voice isn’t inherently special but I love hearing her sing with Matt Berninger. But maybe that’s because I think anything Matt touches is gold.
Can’t stand Taylor herself. She is immature and exhausting.
That being said…I do enjoy her music. This is a chill great for a quiet winter Sunday.
“Marjorie” made me tear up so badly.
I’m not a fan of Taylor’s or cottagecore music, so I’ll pass on this one. But it looks like she’s grown beyond just writing about her exes, so good for her.
I really like this new era. I haven’t had a chance to listen through it yet. I find it so interesting how different songs appeal to different people because my favorite songs from folklore were “this is me trying” “exile” and “illicit affairs.” This kind of sad-ish quiet vibe is giving me serious nostalgia for my death cab days. Besides megan the stallion, taylor is my most listened to artist this year which isn’t usually the case.
I love evermore! Don’t try to compare it to folklore yet — we’ve had folklore for months and evermore for hours. There’s really no comparison to make just yet. All I know is I love both and they complement one another well. I haven’t gotten to absorb evermore just yet, but I feel like the lyrics are her most complex and emotional yet. It feels slightly more Taylor-y than folklore, but also more experimental.
Early standouts for me: willow, champagne problems, marjorie, long story short, no body no crime.
I’m listening to this right now, and I’m loving every second of it.
I swear this is all over social media. I think she went from paying/working with gossip outlets to paying influencers.
I have just heard Willow so far but I like it. I especially love that the music video has an Asian love interest! Great to see more Asian representation in a mainstream music video, especially in a Taylor Swift video!