Folklore Album Releases

Folklore, released on July 24, 2020, is Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album and a notable departure from her previous pop-oriented work. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the album embraces a subdued indie-folk and alternative style, highlighting introspective lyrics and storytelling. Collaborating closely with producers Aaron Dessner of The National and Jack Antonoff, Swift crafted a cohesive collection that blends emotional depth with atmospheric instrumentation. The album features contributions from Joe Alwyn, who co-wrote and co-produced several tracks under the pseudonym William Bowery. Folklore was supported by singles such as “Cardigan,” “Betty,” and “Exile,” which catered to diverse radio formats and showcased Swift’s versatility. Critically acclaimed for its lyrical maturity and cohesive sound, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Swift the first artist to debut a number-one album and a number-one song (“Cardigan”) in the same week. The project solidified her reputation as a multifaceted artist capable of evolving her musical style while maintaining strong connections with her audience.