Wednesday 29 July 2020

Taylor Swift Folklore Review | prettylittlewriter

If you know me, you know how much of a Swiftie I am.
From the first time I heard Love Story when I was 14 years old, Taylor has been my absolute idol. She's not only incredibly beautiful and talented, but she is an absolute lyrical genius.
So when she announced Thursday last week that she was dropping a surprise album, Folklore, I couldn't have been more excited!
So, after having the weekend to binge-listen and (almost) memorize some lyrics, I thought I'd do a review on all the brilliant songs on the new album!!
The 1
The 1 is another Swift hit that is just brilliant as a first song for the album. It's catchy as hell, and shows a badass side to Taylor (she swears twice in it, *gasps*). It's also very raw, lyrics such as 'in my defense I have none, for never leaving well enough alone', is Taylor sharing a part of her with us, telling us a truth about herself we wouldn't necessarily have known before.
Favourite line; 'In my defense I have none, for digging up the grave another time, but it would've been fun, if you would've been the one'

Cardigan
There's a reason this has been released as a single. Again, it's very catchy, but the fact that she has released some stunning merch to go along with it is just brilliant (may have got the boyfriend to buy the cardigan for me as an early Christmas present).
Cardigan also shows us some of the lyrical genius she has, 'And when I felt like I was an old Cardigan under someone's bed, you put me on and said I was your favourite'. 
 The song is also thought to be part of a trio of songs referring to a love triangle.
One of my absolute favourites.
Favourite line; 'I knew you, tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy'

The Last Great American Dynasty
The fact that she has written a song about the previous owners of her Rhode Island property is just pure brilliance in itself. You can tell she's done her research, and that she has formed a relationship with Rebeckah Harkness with all the intricate details involved in the lyrics.
It's one of the more upbeat, happy songs on the album (there's aren't many, it's a very angsty album!). I can imagine myself driving along the coast somewhere, windows down, hair in the breeze, singing along to this song.
Favourite line; 'Filled the pool with champagne and swam with the big names, and blew through the money on the boys and the ballet'
Exile
Okay, so this song is just ridiculous. I don't think I can express just how much I love it. From Bon Iver's incredibly low, melancholy voice, to the clever references to relationships and movies with unhappy endings, it's seriously impressive.
'I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending' is my favourite part, but I adore absolutely every part of it. I also love that Taylor and Bon Iver give both characters sides to the story, it just all fits so perfectly.
100% my favourite.
Favourite line; 'I think I've seen this film before, but I didn't like the ending. I'm not your problem anymore, so who am I offending now?'

My Tears Richochet
This one gets me emotional. It reminds me of a past love, which I can honestly say I have been over for many years now, but this song just brings everything back it almost feels like I lost that person just last week. 
'I didn't have it in myself to go with grace' I find very personable, and the fact that she used the word 'Richochet' in a song never mind as the title is impressive.
Contender for top 3.
Favourite line; 'And you can aim at my heart, go for blood, but you would still miss me in your bones'

Mirrorball
Now this gives me high school dance vibes. I can completely imagine dancing with a boy as a teenager at a school dance/prom to this. It's a very romantic song, with perfect metaphors and a lovely sentiment.
Definitely growing on me to become one of my favourites.
Favourite line; 'I'm still trying everything to get you laughing at me'
Seven
This isn't my favourite. If i'm being honest, it's near the bottom in ranking on this album for me. Don't get me wrong, I still love it, lyrics and all, but I'm not a HUGE fan of the beginning of the song. When it gets to the line 'Sweet tea in the summer', it gets better for me and I enjoy the song a lot more. 
Favourite line; 'And I've been meaning to tell you, I think your house is haunted, your dad is always mad and that must be why'

August
A strong contender for top 3 again. This hits home again quite a lot, it's even inspired me to write my own lyrics about a month that means a lot to me too. 
Again, I can see myself listening to this as I drive along country roads singing my heart out. I just love the vibe of this one, a little bit poppy, possible single at some point?
Another song that is thought to be part of the trio love triangle story.
Favourite line; 'Remember when I pulled up and said get in the car, and then cancelled my plans just in case you'd call, back when I was living for the hope of it all'

This is me trying
Absolutely beautiful song. I relate to this on so many levels. When you feel like you just can't do anything right, and you just want to scream 'at least I'm trying'. I feel that.
I honestly think this is tied at top favourite with Exile. I just completely feel her passion and sorrow in the lyrics, and the way she sings them. 
Favourite line; 'And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound. It's hard to be anywhere these days, when all I want is you'
Illicit Affairs
To say Taylor has never cheated on anyone before (that we know of; she definitely hasn't) she absolutely nails the feelings of the other woman in a relationship. I imagine it feels so exciting to start with, then just kind of turns into a routine thing that you feel stuck in and it's no longer what you thought it was going to be. Another beautiful track about heartbreak, from a third party perspective.
Favourite line; 'Don't call me kid, don't call me baby, look at this idiotic fool that you made me'

Invisible String
This is a beauty. A warm and heartfelt song, about finding a true love and no longer holding grudges against past loves.
It describes an invisible string, almost like fate always having a hand in their meeting; they were always linked together and destined to be together.
Love that she refers to her past relationship (Joe Jonas?) and sending their baby presents.
Favourite line; 'Gold was the colour of the leaves when I showed you round centennial park, hell was the journey but it brought me heaven'

Mad Woman
This is a great fuck you song to the men out there that ever dissed Tay. She is singing about how in this patriarchal world, women get labelled as 'crazy' or 'mad' when they show any kind of negative emotion. But men make us that way, so what do they expect? I really love this song as it's completely true, Taylor has always been labelled as boy crazy, and I myself have been called crazy in the past. It gives me Reputation vibes, I don't think it would have been out of place on that record.
Favourite line; 'What did you think I'd say to that? Does a scorpion sting when fighting back?'
Epiphany
This is a beautiful, tragic song. The fact that she has told us it refers to her Grandfather who served in the war, and it also have some very close to home lyrics with reference to Covid-19.
Taylor is also showing us a vocal side to her we've not heard before, a very sweet and smooth sound. It's a masterpiece.
Favourite line; 'Something med school did not cover, someone's daughter, someone's mother'

Betty
This reminds me so much of the Fearless album, throwing it right back. Her vocals are the same, but the lyrics are a grown up version (she swears and the songs is about cheating). From the male perspective trying to win Betty back, this song is such an easy listen, and it really reminds me of autumn (the lyric video on Youtube is also very autumnal). 
Another of the songs that is thought to be part of the trio love triangle story.
Favourite line; 'I don't know anything, but I know I miss you, standing in your cardigan'

Peace
This is another glorious romantic love song. Taylor is singing about all the different things that she can give to her love, but she can't give him peace. Perhaps referring to the fact that she's in the spotlight, she'll never truly have peace as she's always being watched by the world.
Definitely feel like this could be a first dance song at a few weddings in 2020/2021!
Favourite line; 'But i'm a fire and I'll keep your brittle heart warm, if your cascade ocean waves blue come'
Hoax
This is the most depressing song on the album. Everything about it screams sadness and heartache. Taylor's vocals are slow and breathy, giving a tired and hopeless feel to it. I feel very sad listening to this song, even though I currently have nothing to be sad about.
Very beautiful and raw, lyrics referring to someone who pretended to be there for her, only to leave and she finds out it was all fake. 
Favourite line; 'You knew it still hurts underneath my scars, from when they pulled me apart'

The Lakes
**UPDATE!!**

I have finally heard The Lakes!! I honestly think it's my favourite love song on the album. It's such a beautiful, complicated poem to her love, Joe Alwyn. The storytelling and poetic lyrics are just incredible on this track. 
I love that she takes a dig at Scooter Braun after he bought the rights to her previous albums (aside from Lover), also incorporating a famous English poet into it, and how a lot of the lyrics are based around her wanting to run away with Joe to places in the UK!
Favourite line; 'I've come to far to watch some namedropping sleaze, tell me what are my words worth.'
Overall, it's an incredible album, and I never expected this so soon after Lover, so I am very, very happy!

What are your thoughts on the album?



1 comment:

  1. It’s a big album isn’t it? 17 tracks, nearly a double album. Great review Erin x

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