The Two Sisters, Folklore & Evermore

As a singer-songwriter, I’ve had some friends ask a penny for my thoughts on Taylor Swift’s new album evermore, so why not share my enthusiastic response on the blog?! First of all, what a treat to get two new albums from Taylor Swift in one year. With all that has gone awry in 2020, I think we can unanimously agree that over 30 new songs from our beloved music artist is a much-appreciated blessing. 

Knowing that Taylor Swift wrote these imaginative songs in isolation seems to enhance the pensive and mystical elements of her Goth-folk songs. Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone described it perfectly, "You can picture the candle on her piano flickering as the wax melts over her copy of Wuthering Heights and another song rolls out." If Taylor Swift was ever introspective and philosophical in her songwriting, she truly showcased her impeccable musical ability through folklore and evermore. 

Her music videos for “cardigan” and “willow” are beyond aesthetically pleasing and full of easter eggs, regarding their surprising connections to her love life and personal experience in the music industry. Swift said there is one scene in “willow” that directly relates to her view on fame, and I’m pretty sure it’s the scene where she is trapped in a glass box, happily playing her music until her muse appears and she realizes she doesn’t have the same kind of freedom as everyone else does within their private relationships (click here for a swiftie’s amazing interpretations on the “willow” video).

Since folklore and evermore are sister records (how cute is that!) - some say that evermore is the younger, more adventurous sibling - I will share my top favorite songs from both albums:

FOLKLORE

favorite lyric: "You are not like the regulars, the masquerade revelers, drunk as they watch my shattered edges glisten"

favorite lyrics: "mystical time, cutting me open then healing me fine" & "wool to brave the seasons"

favorite lyric: "I didn't have it in myself to go with grace, cause when I fight you used to tell me I was brave"

favorite lyric: "a friend to all is a friend to none"

favorite lyric: "Our coming-of-age has come and gone"

favorite lyric: "and though I can't recall your face, I've still got love for you"

EVERMORE

favorite lyric: "the more that you say, the less I know, wherever you stray, I follow"

favorite lyric: "it fades into the gray of my day-old tea, cause it could never be"

favorite lyric: "I know my love should be celebrated, but you tolerate it"

favorite lyric: "making a lark of the misery"

favorite lyric: "barefoot in the wildest winter"

Now if I may be so bold, I would like to point out that I embraced the wistful, woodsy theme for my cover art before Taylor Swift officially did. 🌿 I released my first EP (extended play) at the beginning of this year with my cover art capturing my melancholy expression in a shaded, wooded setting. The following pictures are some of my favorites from my EP photoshoot (thank you, Brianna Joy)! 

Some of my friends and fans have compared my music to that of Taylor Swift’s (even my voice! 😲) which is always a humbling compliment to receive since her music inspires my songwriting in part. Just like my reaction to folklore, I’ve experienced a new burst of songwriting inspiration from evermore, so I can’t wait to delve in and see what I come up with. 

Something I'm very excited about is my first official music video which will be released on January 3 next year (the first anniversary of my EP release!) so I'd love if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and support my music journey. Click here to check out my music website! 🎶

I think one of the most rewarding aspects about album releases is the memories or events that become attached to them the moment that fans listen to them for the first time. For example, when I first listened to folklore, I was driving in Rhode Island with my sister, headed back home from a lovely trip in Newport with our friends. When I first listened to evermore, I was driving to my high school to start my first day as a substitute teacher. Along with these pleasant memories, I think that listening to folklore and evermore will always remind me of the blessings I received as well as the obstacles I overcame throughout the turbulent and trying year of 2020. 

I’d love to know what you were up to when these surprise albums were released; if you have any fun memories to share. What are your favorite songs off of folklore and evermore? Let me know in the comments below! 🤗

P.S. I'm currently learning the "willow" song on my guitar, so I hope to release a cover video on my Instagram real soon! 🙌🏻

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