Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album (and the first album on her new label), Lover brought a colorful transformation from the edgy reputation era less than a year ago. Normally, we wouldn’t see another album from Taylor for two year, and with the Coronavirus Pandemic still affecting much of the world, many Swifties probably expected an even longer wait time since many of Taylor’s Loverfest dates were postponed.
Surprise! That’s what Taylor said when she took to her various social platforms to announce the album in its entirety. This isn’t your standard Taylor Swift teaser. She shared the album title and tracklist which features sixteen songs (plus one bonus track on the deluxe edition).
She also shared a note that briefly talks about her experience creating during the pandemic and thanks the people that worked on the album with her.
Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise! Tonight at midnight, I’ll be releasing my entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine; Aaron Dessner (who has co-written or produced 11 of the 16 songs), Bon Iver (who co-wrote and was kind enough to sing on one with me), William Bowery (who co-wrote two with me) and Jack Antonoff (who is basically musical family at this point). Engineered by Laura Sisk and Jon Low, mixed by Serban Ghenea & Jon Low. The album photos were shot by the amazing Beth Garrabrant. Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much ❤️”
Like every Swift masterpiece, folklore has its own unique aesthetic. While Lover was filled with glitter, butterflies, pinks and purples, and dreamy scenes of clouds. folklore is dressed in black and white and sepia tones, and the eight editions of the album’s vinyl come in dreamy muted tones like blush and teal. The pictures of Taylor in the woods and the lack of color are likely a nod to the isolation she and the her fans have been feeling for most of this year.
While we’re still waiting to hear the album, it doesn’t seem to be dreary, though. The first single, “cardigan” will premiere alongside the album with a music video, and the matching cardigan already in Taylor’s merch store looks inviting, not lonely.
Who could have known that a new Taylor Swift era was right around the corner? We’re sure this will be just as iconic as the past fifteen years of Taylor’s work, and we’re excited to see what else she has planned for folklore era.
