Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” tales
Peruse any Twitter thread among creatives in recent months, and you'll inevitably stumble upon discussions surrounding artistic paralysis—a state that often leads to self-doubt and frustration. While there are numerous tales of creativity blossoming amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, such stories offer little solace to those who find themselves endlessly scrolling through negative news or plagued by anxiety-induced sleeplessness at 3 a.m. It's important to recognize that not everyone currently possesses the mental and emotional capacity to conceive a great novel or compose a chart-topping song. Sometimes, the achievement of a flourishing sourdough starter may be a more attainable and fulfilling goal in these challenging times.
aylor Swift stands out as a remarkable exception to this prevailing trend. In a surprising announcement on Instagram last Thursday, she revealed an unforeseen development: an entire 16-song album, "folklore," meticulously crafted and recorded in isolation, spontaneously shared with the world with less than a day's notice before its release.
The fact that Swift could create such a fully formed body of work comes as no shock. Her work ethic has always been commendable, largely due to its remarkable immunity to external distractions. As a songwriter, Swift remains resolute and unwavering, her powers of observation razor-sharp and astute, even when navigating weighty subjects such as scathing criticism, heart-wrenching breakups, personal struggles, familial pressures, and now, the profound impact of a pandemic.
The necessity to adapt her plans for 2020 undeniably pushed Taylor Swift to break free from her own conventions. While she continued her collaboration with long-time creative partner Jack Antonoff on "folklore," she also ventured into exciting new territory by collaborating with a diverse range of talented artists. One notable collaboration includes Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, who not only co-wrote but also lent his captivating vocals to the song "Exile." Additionally, multiple members of The National, including Aaron Dessner, played a significant role in the album's creation. Dessner co-wrote or produced 11 out of the 16 songs on "folklore," while his twin brother Bryce contributed occasional orchestration. Drummer Bryan Devendorf and touring member Ben Lanz also added their talents to the mix. The album's credits reveal a host of other collaborators who contributed to the rich tapestry of the music, including contributions from strings, horns, and various other lush and luxurious instruments.
As expected, "folklore" presents a distinct departure from Taylor Swift's previous musical offerings. While the album showcases honeyed piano melodies, it discards the bold beats and vibrant textures of her recent works. In their place, the songs embrace shivering strings, understated synthesizers, delicate keyboards, and nuanced rhythmic patterns. Throughout the album, echoes of other artists can be heard, such as the dreamy haze reminiscent of Cocteau Twins in "august" or the glacial piano work evocative of Sarah McLachlan in "epiphany." The songs exude a grandeur of orchestral-folk aesthetics, creating a majestic and immersive sonic landscape.
However, it would be inaccurate and unjust to claim that Swift is merely fronting The National or attempting her own version of "Man of the Woods." Rather, "folklore" stands as a unique entity. In fact, it often feels like the photographic negative of her album "1989," which also possessed a cohesive sound and was driven by a vision centered around texture and atmosphere. "folklore" showcases a new artistic direction for Swift, while still remaining true to her distinctive style and storytelling prowess.
This creative direction proves to be a natural fit for Taylor Swift. The standout tracks on her previous two albums, such as the introspective piano ballad "New Year's Day" and the dusky, watercolor-tinted "Lover," shone when they embraced simplicity and vulnerability. Particularly on "Lover," Swift skillfully navigated the delicate balance between personal confessions and universal sentiments. A prime example is the emotionally impactful "Soon You'll Get Better," a heart-wrenching ode to her mother's battle with cancer that resonated with audiences on both a broad and deeply personal level.
This evolution in her songwriting mirrors Swift's personal growth. Throughout the Lover era, as revealed in interviews and the 2020 documentary "Miss Americana," Swift gradually found a sense of comfort in establishing boundaries and striking a harmonious equilibrium between her public and private life. Reflecting on this transformation, she candidly shared with Rolling Stone, "I needed to establish boundaries, to distinguish what belongs to me and what belongs to the public. That previous version of myself, which shared everything unwaveringly and unflinchingly with a world that perhaps didn't deserve such exposure? I believe that version is gone." Nevertheless, Swift's increasingly vocal presence on social media serves as a testament to her choice to speak out when it truly matters, firmly articulating her values and priorities to the world.
The Dessners prove to be the perfect complements to Taylor Swift's vision for "folklore." Despite their elaborate arrangements, the collaboration with the Dessner brothers exudes a sonic intimacy that places the vocalists at the forefront and allows them room to explore. A striking example of this dynamic is Aaron Dessner's recent collaboration with former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe on "No Time For Love Like Now," a delicate and exquisite composition showcasing nuanced, tender vocals. On "folklore," this approach is evident in the ornate gem "invisible string," a stunning folk song adorned with intricate acoustic riffs and steady vocal beats. Within its verses, a tapestry of colors unfolds—green grass, a teal shirt, gold leaves—unveiling the story of a profound romance. This collaboration between Swift and the Dessners results in a harmonious fusion of musical elements that beautifully brings the narrative to life.
While it may be tempting to interpret "invisible string" as a reflection of Taylor Swift's enduring relationship with the British actor Joe Alwyn, thanks to references to an "American singer" and a dive bar, it is important to recognize that the protagonists in the songs of "folklore" are not necessarily direct representations of Swift herself. In her own words, Swift describes the album as a result of her imagination running wild during a period of isolation, leading to a collection of songs and stories that flowed organically, akin to a stream of consciousness. Writing became her escape into realms of fantasy, history, and memory.
The songs on "folklore" encompass a diverse range of themes, including stories of widows, love triangles, the profound impact of young love, infidelity, and even personal reflections on Swift's own family, such as her grandfather. When pieced together, these songs form a tapestry resembling the act of flipping through snapshots found within the pages of a yellowing photobook. Each song captures a moment or emotion, providing glimpses into different narratives and experiences. Through her lyrical prowess, Swift invites listeners to embark on a journey, immersing themselves in the evocative imagery and intricate stories that unfold throughout the album.
Taylor Swift expressed her mindset when releasing "folklore," stating that in the midst of uncertain times, she has been reminded that nothing is guaranteed. She emphasized the importance of following one's intuition and sharing something they genuinely love with the world, without overthinking about the "perfect" timing. In the end, whether or not "folklore" represents a permanent musical shift for Swift remains to be seen. However, the album doesn't necessarily need to be a monumental leap forward. Its whimsical and intriguing nature, along with the fresh perspectives it offers into Swift's work, is more than sufficient. What matters is the genuine connection it fosters with listeners and the artistic journey it represents for Swift herself.
I would give this a 3 out of 4 stars.