folklore
by Taylor Swift
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2020
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 17537 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15,823 out of 17537
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 17537
  3. Negative: 1,473 out of 17537
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  1. Hisnameislalo
    Jul 24, 2020
    6
    La reinvención es una línea delgada que lleva a los artistas a caer en el éxito o en el fracaso. Sin duda el fracaso es donde terminó Folklore de Taylor Swift. Es un trabajo muy pretencioso de parte de ella, un álbum alternativo/folk. Es de reconocer el buen trabajo y calidad en el contenido lírico pero nada de esto sirve si la producción es monótona, gris, vacía, plana y aburrida. InclusoLa reinvención es una línea delgada que lleva a los artistas a caer en el éxito o en el fracaso. Sin duda el fracaso es donde terminó Folklore de Taylor Swift. Es un trabajo muy pretencioso de parte de ella, un álbum alternativo/folk. Es de reconocer el buen trabajo y calidad en el contenido lírico pero nada de esto sirve si la producción es monótona, gris, vacía, plana y aburrida. Incluso álbumes como Fetch The Bolt Cutters de Fiona Apple comienzan a verse más divertidos y más innovadores que Folklore. La mejor canción del álbum es el lead single "Cardigan" donde se sienten esos toques que nos recuerdan a Lana del Rey acompañado de un buen video con hermosos visuales. La canción "Mariners Apartment Complex" de Lana del Rey es todo lo que quiso ser Folklore y no pudo llegar a ser.… Expand
  2. gabmerette
    Jul 24, 2020
    6
    It’s a fine album, most of the songs are forgettable, but august and epiphany were GREAT songs. I feel like this album is more like a  “background music” album than anything else.
  3. musicnerd1997
    Jul 25, 2020
    6
    TS did pretty good, i liked the album for about 10 minutes, but then it got a bit boring. anyway fav songs exile, the 1 and cardigan. Good album!
  4. AlexiaStormborn
    Jul 27, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Taylor's Folklore is full of surprises and many of them are wonderful. This album is her stripped-down, which may disappoint some expecting something more pop'y. Nevertheless, it is a strong addition to her discography.

    It's biggest strengths lie in the lyrical complexity, which is not a surprise to those familiar with Taylor music. She takes you on an honest journey of sadness, regret, and anxiety with riffs and runs that end in a rhyme ever-surprising and clever. Personal standout tracks that are the essence of the record are The One (heart wrenching), August (infectious), Mad Woman (lyrical brilliance), and Peace (surprising).

    Some pitfalls come from the delivery. The Last Great American Dynasty is a perfect example of a song with a fantastic theme but lackluster execution and other tracks suffer in this regard such as Mirrorball, Seven, and Cardigan. Finally, a track that should be in the top three of standout tracks but isn't is Exile. Exile probably has the best chorus on the album, but it's building is robbed not only by a very slow start but an overly-complex ending.

    Overall, a wonderful job as Taylor continues to prove to be one of the best lyricists of the generation.    … Expand
  5. PINEAPPLE_X12
    Jul 28, 2020
    6
    It’s just a little long. I like all the tracks fine, it just has 16 tracks I wish it had 12.
  6. HuniSenpai
    Jul 29, 2020
    6
    While I recognize that opinions vary and perhaps I just have an uncommon opinion, I feel so utterly nauseated by this album that I believe there is more to it than that. I think there are so many hardcore Taylor fans out there that she seldom gets unbiased reviews. So -- as someone who is neither for nor against Taylor -- here's an unbiased take.

    This album is repetitive and the    While I recognize that opinions vary and perhaps I just have an uncommon opinion, I feel so utterly nauseated by this album that I believe there is more to it than that. I think there are so many hardcore Taylor fans out there that she seldom gets unbiased reviews. So -- as someone who is neither for nor against Taylor -- here's an unbiased take.

    This album is repetitive and the lyricism is nowhere near the level that Swifties are claiming. Seriously, is "when you are young they assume you know nothing" the deepest line that you have heard? It surely seems that way when you look through the comments on the "cardigan" music video. That aside, the music is also as bland as overcooked, mushy oatmeal. As many others have pointed out, this entire album is perfect background music. Like oatmeal, it is easy to choke down and digest -- but also remarkably homogeneous and flavorless. This album, so to speak, is in desperate need of some cinnamon or, frankly, anything.

    Nonetheless, there are some merits that keep this album from having a lower score. It occasionally explores topics other than breakups and relationships, such as in "mad woman." And while it perhaps relies too heavily on them, the simple piano and guitar melodies mixed with Lana Del Rey-inspired vocals work well.

    I don't know. I don't want to rain on the Swifties' parade, but I also have to be honest. If you think this is the best album "ever," then I'm not going to tell you to reassess how you listen to music. If you enjoy it, then good for you. However, for me, this is the most vapid album I have ever listened to. I am incapable of enjoying it, or perhaps appreciating it. Don't take this review as an attack on Taylor but, rather, my relatively inconsequential opinion.    … Expand
  7. Thiccbiggums
    Jul 30, 2020
    6
    I’m scared that I’m the only one who doesn’t love this album
  8. jonnydoeyo12345
    Aug 2, 2020
    6
    Folklore is somewhat a nothing-burger of a record. Swift gets personal by seemingly abandoning fun (and strong hooks along with it) and leaning hard into a more minimal singer/songwriter format that finds her creating pretty enough melodies to constitute "okay" songs founded on strong musicianship, but ultimately creates nothing deep or special enough to be considered memorable. The albumsFolklore is somewhat a nothing-burger of a record. Swift gets personal by seemingly abandoning fun (and strong hooks along with it) and leaning hard into a more minimal singer/songwriter format that finds her creating pretty enough melodies to constitute "okay" songs founded on strong musicianship, but ultimately creates nothing deep or special enough to be considered memorable. The albums tone is not diverse and the songs bleed together as a result of their similarities. The lyrics range anywhere from cringey to great, and most of the music/singing feels like thoroughly tread area for Swift. I think the idea of Swift creating a masterpiece is a novel/quirky idea to people and this well made record helps them buy in. The album itself just doesn't validate the hype.… Expand
  9. gabrixl
    Nov 30, 2020
    6
    seria perfeito se tivesse uma produção melhor trabalhada... sei que com a quarentena não podia fazer muita coisa mas melhor que isso c certeza dava. mas vai um 7 pelo conteúdo lírico
  10. Murill0Am0rim
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    cardigan became my favorite Taylor Swift song, however, the songs on this album are very similar ... it gets a little sickening at one point
    -----------
    cardigan se tornou minha música favorita de Taylor Swift, porém, as musicas deste álbum são muito parecidas... chega a ser um pouco enjoativo em um certo ponto
  11. FabioRodrigues
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    I had high expectations for this album. I love slower and personal songs, but this album is very repetitive. She could have explored more with the melodies, specially in the chorus. I still appreciate her for taking risks and releasing an album like this, with great lyrics.
  12. Alexcastellon
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    No sentí siento que va ser un álbum que va conectar con todo el mundo. Pero la historia que cuenta y la letra es muy buena
  13. SaraFierce
    Aug 29, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. such a **** boring album with a boring content. she thought she is doing Lorde alternative music. but she sucks.… Expand
  14. kepjang457
    Oct 3, 2020
    6
    Taylor's lyricism and storytelling really jumps out in this album. She created a whole fairytale-like world and told a story from start to finish. However, it felt like most of the songs sounded incredibly similar. Apart from being in the same genre, the production of each track was really similar, employing the same instrumentation, the melodies were forgetful, and it gets repetitive veryTaylor's lyricism and storytelling really jumps out in this album. She created a whole fairytale-like world and told a story from start to finish. However, it felt like most of the songs sounded incredibly similar. Apart from being in the same genre, the production of each track was really similar, employing the same instrumentation, the melodies were forgetful, and it gets repetitive very quickly. Cardigan is truly the perfect title track, The Lakes a beautiful bonus, but the rest of the songs blended together very easily and got lost in the pool.… Expand
  15. zaeksito
    Nov 27, 2020
    6
    Pese a superar a Lover me deja mucho que desear viniendo de eras tan buenas de Taylor como reputation y 1989. Tiene unas letras increíbles pero bajo mi punto de vista se queda pobre en la producción y en los visuales. Parece que Taylor lo haya sacado a la carrera.
  16. fentydesire
    Feb 25, 2021
    6
    Folklore is a step in the right direction for Taylor Swift after the mediocre mess that is Lover. With many highlights on this record like Mirrorball, This is me trying, the 1, august, etc. But the second half of this record is an extremely dull, cheesy ride (betty being the cheesiest song there is, and not in a good way) that immediately turns me off from this album.
  17. Limpisis
    Mar 20, 2021
    6
    It was good but there were a lot of songs for the melody it had, 16+ songs felt a bit too many.
  18. olliez
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    Its a good album although after awhile of listening to it, it gets old and boring, not Taylors best either.
  19. Isq12
    Jun 17, 2023
    6
    I'm pretty sure it is awful, I mean, it has some really repetitive beats, same thing for the lyrics, it's a terrible overall album, like, probably top 3 taylor swift, but still really bad, I didn't like it at all.
  20. chidime
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Boring af, only good song is the one with Bon Iver. ANYBODY could make this album, and I mean any random person you pick out on a crowded street. But I'm sure the Taylor fanatics will give it a 10/10.
  21. silverado
    Jul 28, 2020
    5
    At first good listen to Tailor's album folklore gives me the impression this a half baked album. Less than half of all songs have a natural flow to it, where Tailor displays her American craft of writing music, where music and vocals become one fine entity of fluidity, for example on August. The other part of the songs are belly button staring, stuttering and boring, for example illicitAt first good listen to Tailor's album folklore gives me the impression this a half baked album. Less than half of all songs have a natural flow to it, where Tailor displays her American craft of writing music, where music and vocals become one fine entity of fluidity, for example on August. The other part of the songs are belly button staring, stuttering and boring, for example illicit affairs. Too bad Tailor wasn't advised well on selecting songs.

    The musical accompanimentation is hugely underwhelming. I dont care if this album was produced in Lockdown, with limited resources. It just sounds very bourgeois, uninspired and flat. Tailor should have worked with a producer like Daniel Lanois, somebody who is able to create a monumental musical body.    … Expand
  22. CosmicPaint
    Jul 26, 2020
    5
    Not much of a reinvention for Taylor. Dull melodies do this album a disservice despite some of the most mature lyrics I’ve heard from her. Exile and my tears ricochet are the only standouts from this otherwise forgettable album.
  23. Matticuss77
    Jul 26, 2020
    5
    Taylor Swift ist krieg Taylor ist krieg Swift ist krieg ist krieg ist krieg ist krieg.
  24. gracebeckett
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Good lyrics, but the boring music. Feels like I'm listening to the same song for an hour
  25. elliebellie
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    i love it so much. honestly didn't know what to expect as this is a surprise album with no promotions and genre change but she outdid herself AGAIN
  26. JoeQ_
    Apr 23, 2021
    5
    Folklore is not a bad album by any means, however, as soon as I started listening for the first time...I just wanted the album to be over. The album progresses very slowly, and for some that's a great aspect of the album, it just puts me to sleep. In my opinion, the "lyricism" is quite a tad overrated. Most of the lyrics in the album are very basic and boring, and there are some songs thatFolklore is not a bad album by any means, however, as soon as I started listening for the first time...I just wanted the album to be over. The album progresses very slowly, and for some that's a great aspect of the album, it just puts me to sleep. In my opinion, the "lyricism" is quite a tad overrated. Most of the lyrics in the album are very basic and boring, and there are some songs that stand out and show the "Amazing and Lyrical Masterpiece" that most write about, but it feels like it's rare in this album. With little highs and many lows, Taylor Swift's folklore just wasn't for me. That doesn't mean you shouldn't listen to it, I just feel like there were more albums deserving of the title, "Album of the Year".… Expand
  27. jelle8
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    In my opinion, the album becomes a little boring and feels very long. All the songs feel a little the same, which eventually makes me tired. It is still good music though.
  28. Unicorn25
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Nothing new from taylor, the lyrics are pretty good, but the melodies ... her voice doesn't sound different, she didn't risk trying something different, she hasn't reinvented himself.
  29. Rafael1510
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    As letras são o destaque dos álbuns da Taylor, e não é de menos que Folklore nos entregou um prato cheio de belas histórias, mas conforme você vai ouvindo a sequência das faixas o álbum se torna maçante e repetitivo demais.
  30. classyster
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    A dreamy, sad, extremely beautiful album. Literally type of an album that will contained at least 2 songs that relate to your life. Please take a listen ✨
  31. Dashdashdash
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    She's an amazing songwriter but the album is kinda boring
    made me sleep fr
    But i'll keep it in my playlist, maybe it will grown on me one day
  32. John0316
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Her best album so far. Suddenly there's large decrease of Red Stans since the release of this album
  33. Cypherswft
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Folklore is Taylor's best work till date. It's mature, whimsical, poetic and absolutely beautiful. His smooth genre shift from pop to indie-folk /Alternative is worth applauding. This album is Taylor in all her glory yet it's nothing like her, her previous work. It proves Taylor's ability as a versatile artist.… Expand
  34. Diego123456
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    El álbum no muestra nada novedoso, resaltar un poco la calidad de las letras, sin embargo no representa alguna plataforma alternativa.
  35. Unusing-Marma
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    This is so good, so soothing, so raw emotion-filled album that'll melt any of swifties!
  36. Jangmongou
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    The best album of the millennium. I am literally obsessed with the album and it's been on repeat since it was released. Lyrically, musically, visually and aesthetically her best work.
  37. Carlantis
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A hole new level on storytelling. She's a genius, she's definitely owns the music industry… Expand
  38. Drea_2020
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Probably one of her best works yet! Album of the year. Came in the best time! Her versatility just astounds me
  39. Itsdavii
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    This album is a masterpiece. Great lyrics, great production. Well done Taylor
  40. Nahdodjdbsbv
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    I like it, but I don't think this is the best album of 2020 so far! And I love Taylor, but this isn't my favorite Taylor's album. So it's just my own opinion.
  41. pipugie
    Jul 24, 2020
    5
    Everything about this album is beyond beautiful. It’s pure magical down to each and every line.
    I loveeeeee it!
  42. Raffaon
    Jul 25, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gostei do álbum a princípio, mas me soa um pouco repetitivo preciso ouvir mais vezes!… Expand
  43. kevo_nyan
    Jul 25, 2020
    5
    This work has brought a break from this tense year we're currently living in, chill and soft songs with amazing lyrics on it. This album reminds me to her first artworks before ‘1989’ and some NFR influence on it. Results relaxing for this covid-19, hoaxes, and China-US tensions year. I'm pretty stunned with her lyrics, for first time, we're seeing a new and mature Swift. Anyways, thisThis work has brought a break from this tense year we're currently living in, chill and soft songs with amazing lyrics on it. This album reminds me to her first artworks before ‘1989’ and some NFR influence on it. Results relaxing for this covid-19, hoaxes, and China-US tensions year. I'm pretty stunned with her lyrics, for first time, we're seeing a new and mature Swift. Anyways, this album turned out to be boring and flat as **** too boring to enjoy her artwork, that piano is omnipresent in almost all the album, and all the songs seem to sound like the other songs in the album, so, it's something i couldn't enjoy at all. Too bad the album is so repetitive with those amazing lyrics.… Expand
  44. lucax_araujo
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just more of the same nnnkkkkkkknnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nbbnnnnnnn… Expand
  45. SebGetsBuckets
    Jul 27, 2020
    5
    As a fan of some of Taylor Swift's previous work, and a big fan of indie and folk music more broadly, I had high hopes coming to this album – especially considering the widespread acclaim it's been receiving. Sadly, that acclaim seems to be amplified to a significant extent by her loyal come hagiographic fans. I was impressed with the Bon Iver duet, which is very moving. And, she has aAs a fan of some of Taylor Swift's previous work, and a big fan of indie and folk music more broadly, I had high hopes coming to this album – especially considering the widespread acclaim it's been receiving. Sadly, that acclaim seems to be amplified to a significant extent by her loyal come hagiographic fans. I was impressed with the Bon Iver duet, which is very moving. And, she has a freakish ability to deliver the most ascerbic quips mid-ballad. However, it's very long, and some song have a forced feeling to them, like the main goal was to make an alternative album to the detriment of making a great album. Anyway, back to Joanna Newsom for me.… Expand
  46. gabclary
    Jul 29, 2020
    5
    it’s not bad, but it’s not one of taylor’s best albums either. some songs are meh, most of them have a part that bothers me a bit, so it kinda makes me not like it so much. i’m very picky about everything, so don’t get my rating wrong, it’s just ‘cause i take a lot of things into consideration when rating anything, and a lot of things weren’t perfect for me so it lowered my rate. maybe ifit’s not bad, but it’s not one of taylor’s best albums either. some songs are meh, most of them have a part that bothers me a bit, so it kinda makes me not like it so much. i’m very picky about everything, so don’t get my rating wrong, it’s just ‘cause i take a lot of things into consideration when rating anything, and a lot of things weren’t perfect for me so it lowered my rate. maybe if you check my ratings on other albums of taylor’s you will get me and my reasons. but even if it’s not an album i’d listen to all the time, it’s still a good album. there are some great songs (august, the 1, betty, peace, my tears ricochet, exile) and most of them give me a sense of peace and calm that is comforting. yet, compared to other albums of taylor’s, i have to rate it lower than the others. i actually still don’t know how i feel about this album. i’m into indie and folk music, but i was expecting something else from “folklore”. it’s a sad and melancholic album, with very deep lyrics. some of them made me cry and feel the impact of such overwhelming emotions. i think a pop indie or rock indie album would be better, but what taylor does in folklore makes me confused. i like it, but i feel that there’s something missing, some songs about love in a good perspective and finding happiness in it, perhaps. some joy and some positive songs, with a happy melody, with a beat that cheers us up. i expected something like the album “badlands” by halsey or like the song “scarborough fair” by aurora. i haven’t given up on that thought tho, i wish and hope taylor will make something like this in the future, a pop indie album. i’d love to see that with a magical fairy aesthetic, an enchanted forest, a meadow covered with flowers, taylor wearing a sweet dress (like the ones women wore between 1000s and 1900s, medieval-ish, renaissance-ish and other periods of history; like the ones the character aurora wore in the movie “maleficent: mistress of evil”; like the ones the character belle wore in the disney’s “beauty and the beast” live action that was released in 2017), and a flower crown or a golden laurel wreath (like the ones greeks used to wear in ancient greece). anyway, my point is i expected much more from “folklore” and got a little disappointed, but that’s actually my fault for being so imaginative. so long story short, yeah, it’s a good album, i like some of the songs, just not the kind of music i usually listen to on a daily basis, more like the kind of music i’d listen to in very specific moments that i’m suffering and wanna cry even more, get soaked in my tears and drown in my own misery. there’s a slang in brazil that is something like “beautiful post, it triggered my depression” and i think it fits my opinion on “folklore”, ‘cause it’s indeed a nice album, but it’s too much suffering at once for me lol however, i must say that i’m proud of taylor’s evolution and how she can make good music in any genre without ever lacking quality/technique or losing her uniqueness. taylor is a brilliant and versatile artist and it’s so beautiful and thrilling to see her succeed in everything she puts her heart and soul into. it’s so fulfilling to see everyone recognizing the marvelous singer and songwriter she is. i couldn’t be prouder or happier for her. she deserves the best from this world and i hope she gets exactly that.

    This is my rank of Taylor’s albums so far:

    1st: Lover & 1989 (I can’t decide between them)
    2nd: Speak Now & reputation (I can’t decide between them as well)
    3rd: RED
    4th: Fearless
    5th: Self-Titled Album (“Taylor Swift”)

    I still don’t know about “folklore”. I have to listen to it more to decide where to put it, but it wouldn’t be in 1st or 2nd place.    … Expand
  47. Bennyhk
    Aug 8, 2020
    5
    This album is one of the best album of all time and if u can't agree to that, u are tasteless and there's a special place for you in hell..
  48. Dayvson84
    Aug 29, 2020
    5
    Um álbum com conceito muito interessante, letras impecável, melodia boa, porém a apesar do seu sucesso, será um dos poucos trabalho da Taylor " esquecível "
  49. Imclara
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    In my opinion the songs sound very similar and i didn't like it a lot. This is why my calification is this
  50. Yosephla
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    Aveces aburre pero pues hizo alguno diferente a lo que ya nos tenía acostumbrado Exile y Betty son las mejores canciones de Taylor
  51. yogcha
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    it's a good album but I think it would hv been better if shorter....cardigan and seven are my absolute fav
  52. Aselsio_6
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    I love this album.It's a lyrically masterpiece . Especially Seven , my tears ricochet
  53. vnsrrt
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    As músicas são boas, porém o álbum é um pouco monótono. Taylor se deu muito bem explorando estilos novos, mas acredito que continuar no pop seja uma solução melhor.
  54. irafaaael
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    esperaba algo más pero es de mi agrado, mirrorball sobresale mucho, nunca creí decir esto pero la mayoría de las canciones suelo saltármelas.
  55. Nindiii
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    This album is aesthetic for me. The lyric have deep meaning. I enjoyed listening this song.
  56. Themathz6
    Aug 29, 2020
    5
    Ai taylor não fez meu estilo esperava um popzão mas ta lindo para quem fez na quarentena
  57. Zorro1432
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    Se me hace que cada canción es escuchar los mismos sonidos. Pero líricamente esta bien. Falta potencial
  58. linhgxx
    Aug 28, 2020
    5
    Amazing and unique lyricism, can't stop listening to this masterpiece ever since!
  59. Violet7401
    Aug 29, 2020
    5
    Very good. I love this her product this time. I love very very very much. I love her so much
  60. gabihidalgo
    Sep 21, 2020
    5
    Great album but is not something we haven't heard before. Although Taylor Swift keeps changing her style or type of music with amazing lyrics, this album sounds quite similar to other folk ones. Congratulations Taylor.
  61. Lorench12
    Oct 1, 2020
    5
    Some of the songs are skippable. My favorites are The 1, Exile, ellicit affairs
  62. Letovic
    Nov 25, 2020
    5
    I love it! Hope you enjoy this great album like me! Taylor is awesome! Thanks
  63. Kijhy
    Apr 1, 2021
    5
    57/100
    way too long; songs are really average so there is nothing special zz
  64. brettrosey
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Heard the Bon Iver collaboration -- really amazing tune -- and decided it was only fair to give the full record it's due consideration. What I proceeded to experience was a painful subsequent hour. This is certainly not a folk record, as much as her fans might aspire to call themselves a fan of the folk genre now. And if you're really giving lyrics equal consideration to the actual soundHeard the Bon Iver collaboration -- really amazing tune -- and decided it was only fair to give the full record it's due consideration. What I proceeded to experience was a painful subsequent hour. This is certainly not a folk record, as much as her fans might aspire to call themselves a fan of the folk genre now. And if you're really giving lyrics equal consideration to the actual sound of the song, then you're not a true music critic, anyway. Poignant lyrics (some of these are, others are typically cliche), can compliment a good song, but in no way can a song with poor melodic soundscape be rescued by good lyrics. The opposite is almost certainly true. Anyway, bottom line is most of the songs don't resonate with me. They don't sound good. And if you're a diehard Swift fan, your inhernent biases will be way too apparent to give this record a fair critique.… Expand
  65. BonoCarter
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    It's a bit boring for my taste and I feel I heard a lot of sounds and melodies once before in other Taylor songs. G
  66. frakkin
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Um... yeah. The album is great for a surface-listen, but analyzing it shows nothing but issues. This sounds just like everything she's made outside of her far-superior country music. The same pop chords are here. The same standard time measures are here. The music is mediocre and not indicative of what someone who has been in the game for over a decade should be writing.

    The lyrical    Um... yeah. The album is great for a surface-listen, but analyzing it shows nothing but issues. This sounds just like everything she's made outside of her far-superior country music. The same pop chords are here. The same standard time measures are here. The music is mediocre and not indicative of what someone who has been in the game for over a decade should be writing.

    The lyrical content is the identical to all of her albums: I'm going to tell a story about love. That's it. She's in her 30s. Maybe it's time to stop talking about boys and men? Is she so limited in life experience that she can't write about anything else?

    If there's any consolation, it's better than whatever Kanye's garbage.    … Expand
  67. Paper_Kay
    Jul 30, 2020
    4
    I TRIED listening to it and that lady is very pretty, but ... it's basically just one long whiny song, sung by a pretty little girl who can play a piano. I am sure most female white teenagers will love it.
  68. RegiaSheffer
    Jul 31, 2020
    4
    Best song on the album is exile and that says a lot. Too many tracks sounding the same.. no doubt she’s a good songwriter though
  69. Jibootyyy
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Her worst album for me ::::::::::(((((((((((((((
    :(((((((((((((((((((((((((    … Expand
  70. Ethan12
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Like a watered down Fiona Apple, not as bad as her last 2 albums but awfully drab and forgettable
  71. Masg
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Es un album monotono no te atrata como para continuar escuchando las diferentes canciones.
  72. Fabrijom
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a good album lyrically, but it’s going nowhere to me, the melody’s are all similar… Expand
  73. GusCoreea8
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Bad album! All i see is overating... Don't a even close to deserve 85+ remember 2016
  74. Jean_crybaby
    Jul 24, 2020
    4
    Sonoridade desinteressante , interpretação vocal ruim ,um disco simples que me soou como descarte de Lana del Rey ,temática interessante e bem coeso
  75. Lavardac
    Jul 25, 2020
    4
    A lackluster attempt at reinvention. It has a few high points, but Folklore is long boring and forgettable.
  76. Brandonflawless
    Jul 25, 2020
    4
    The album was okay. Same sound as usual. The concept I like. Lyrically not a fan
  77. koleadams
    Aug 8, 2020
    4
    wasn't very good, relatively nice production drowned out by a lowly Taylor Swift lyrical performance that persists on nearly every track.
  78. instaeduardo
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Amo a taylor , pero este disco esta más sobrevalorado de lo que amerita .
    Amo a taylor , pero este disco esta más sobrevalorado de lo que amerita .
  79. luisenrique_lg
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    No es el mejor disco de Taylor, es bueno pero no traendera. Es aburrido.. .
  80. Vinx2000
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Álbum bem morto, muito do mesmo e nada de inovador, Taylor com seu lançamento surpresa lançou um álbum que muitas artistas já fizeram antes só que com autenticidade.
  81. Cutesheep17
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Amazing album best one she’s ever done it’s one of those listen over and over albums
  82. SweetMystery
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Taylor Swift has given us good lyrics but the smooth rhythm doesn't go with her, that's something from Adele or Lana Del Rey.
  83. duda938
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    A is cool ..... But I don't know, something didn't catch my attention....Do not know
  84. marianoooooooo
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Aunque no es el mejor de Taylor no deja de ser arte, única y especial, la amamooos
  85. EXOKing
    Aug 29, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As an EXO fan，Perhaps because I am used to listening to their songs, I feel that this song is nothing new, and there is no special ear catching.On the contrary, special ordinary is nothing new… Expand
  86. nikris
    Aug 29, 2020
    4
    Тhe unexpected release took me by surprise, I didn't expect a boring album of the same type. Liked 2 songs + visual era is beautiful, on this all good ended. 4 out of 10
  87. Nitsu
    Nov 2, 2020
    4
    No sé cuándo comienza y cuándo termina, simplemente el álbum es el mismo, aburrido que te da ganas de dormir. Yo me esperaba más ya que estamos hablando de Taylor Swift, pero resultó decepcionante.
  88. beyoneil
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    It's a pretty basic album - nothing out of this world and nothing we've not heard of before. Very basic.
  89. LilyRosen
    Jul 25, 2020
    3
    This album is so boring, all 16 songs are the same, nothing special, you can listen and after 5 songs to sleep
  90. preciado_101
    Jul 30, 2020
    3
    boring, flat and really nothing special, idk what the hype is about, she's definitely evolving but to a boring adult way.
  91. OgaihtSouza
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    O conceito tá ok e também achei que a voz dela combinou com o estilo folk, mas vamos combinar que esse mijo todo é forçado demais.
  92. Emircan
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    So bored..Listening to some songs is really tiring. The duet in the album may be one of the best music of the album..
  93. AlgrenDola
    Jul 27, 2020
    3
    First half is great but the rest is getting quite boring. It doesn't have a proper lead single, but I understand 'cause it was a surprise album.
  94. KarlRussel1997
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    I need more relistens since I got bored easily. Maybe I will like it someday. But it is beautifully composed.
  95. xoGabexo
    Aug 29, 2020
    3
    Idk, the lyrics are good, but the rest is so boring.
    I expected more. Unlucky me.
  96. PotterHead698
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent lyrics but the album gets boring after a while. Bon Iver’s song added a nice flavour to it.… Expand
  97. Mariomy
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    Blantly boring, multiple skips, some songs are impressive lyrically but when it comes to production is an alternative mediocre at best album
  98. No_teimporta
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    Typical Swift album, meeeeeeh
    Taylor and the same albums Oh! My heart is broke, I will make a song.
  99. JedazionFuller
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boring songs that sound the same, lyrics were kinda good but we're wordy and very hard to interpret.… Expand
  100. melanie2613
    Jul 25, 2020
    3
    Man she is my favorite artist but this album is SO BORING. I tried several times to listen to some of the songs and they were so boring I couldn't even get through them. every other album of hers has been great, this is a huge letdown. The only songs I like are The 1 and Peace.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2020
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Uncut
    Aug 13, 2020
    90
    It's a sharp turn to the left for Swift and a fine reminder that she is more than just a gleaming pop phenomenon, but a remarkable songwriter too. [Oct 2020, p.36]
  2. DIY Magazine
    Aug 7, 2020
    90
    A modern-folk masterpiece which finds her moving from her previous pop bangers into stunningly simple yet sharp melodies, ‘folklore’ will be going down in Swiftie history as one of her most unexpected, and undoubtedly one of her best.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    60
    These 16 tracks (17 on the deluxe version) play out quite pleasurably in their entirety, the joins between Swift, Dessner and Antonoff ultimately only of niche interest. But Swift’s powerful songs reach their climaxes with bittersweet orchestrations, rather than blows to the solar plexus or a ringing in the ears. Everything hovers; little truly lands.
    Read full review
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