Taylor Swift’s ninth studio album, “evermore”, was released just five months after her surprise album “folklore”. With 17 tracks, the album showcases Swift’s versatility as an artist and further solidifies her status as one of the biggest names in the music industry. In this review, we will delve into each track and analyze how they contribute to the overall theme and message of the album. So, let’s take a deep dive into “evermore” and see what makes it a must-listen for all music lovers.
1. The Creation of “evermore”
The Unprecedented Success of “folklore”
Before we dive into “evermore”, it’s important to understand the context of the album’s creation. “folklore”, released in July 2020, was praised by both fans and critics alike for its raw and emotional storytelling. It was a departure from Swift’s usual style and marked a new era in her music career. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and broke numerous streaming records. It also earned Swift her sixth Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
Inspiration and Collaborations
Inspired by the success of “folklore” and the isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Swift surprised fans with another album announcement just four months later. She collaborated once again with Aaron Dessner of The National, Jack Antonoff, and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon for the production of “evermore”. The album also features collaborations with HAIM, The National, and Bon Iver, adding a unique dynamic to the project.
The Concept and Themes of “evermore”
While “folklore” was a reflection on past relationships and personal experiences, “evermore” continues to explore those themes while also delving into new ones. Swift describes the album as a “sister record” to “folklore”, with both albums exploring the idea of escapism and storytelling. “evermore” also touches on themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, all while maintaining a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere.
2. The Tracks
“willow”
The lead single of the album, “willow”, sets the tone for what’s to come. With its hauntingly beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics, Swift sings about being willing to follow love wherever it may lead. The music video, directed by herself, continues the storyline from the “cardigan” music video from “folklore”. Overall, “willow” is a strong start to the album, showcasing Swift’s signature songwriting skills and atmospheric production.
“champagne problems”
This track tells the story of a failed engagement and the conflicting emotions that come with it. Swift’s vocals shine in this ballad, accompanied by soft piano and orchestral elements. The song also includes clever wordplay and vivid imagery, making it an emotional yet relatable listen.
“gold rush”
With its upbeat and dreamy sound, “gold rush” is a standout track on the album. It explores the idea of idolizing someone and wanting them even though they’re unattainable. The chorus is catchy and will have you singing along in no time. Lyrically, Swift paints a picture of obsession and longing, adding depth to the otherwise lighthearted tune.
“tis the damn season”
A nostalgic Christmas-themed track, “tis the damn season” talks about returning home for the holidays and reconnecting with a former flame. With its country-inspired sound and clever lyrics, the song is a nod to Swift’s roots and adds variety to the album. Despite its festive theme, the track still fits perfectly into the overall melancholic vibe of “evermore”.
“tolerate it”
One of the most emotionally charged tracks on the album, “tolerate it” talks about feeling unappreciated in a relationship. Swift’s vocals are haunting and raw, accompanied by beautiful piano melodies. The song’s bridge is particularly powerful, with Swift singing about wanting to be more than just tolerated by her partner. “tolerate it” is a standout track that showcases Swift’s vulnerability and songwriting prowess.
“no body, no crime”
Featuring HAIM, “no body, no crime” is an unexpected addition to the album. With its country-inspired sound and storytelling lyrics, the track tells the story of a woman who suspects her husband of cheating and takes matters into her own hands. It’s a fun and catchy tune that adds a new dimension to the album and showcases Swift’s versatility as an artist.
3. How to Listen to “evermore”
Set the Mood
The dreamy and atmospheric sound of “evermore” makes it the perfect album to listen to while lounging in bed or taking a long drive. Dim the lights, light some candles, and let yourself get lost in the enchanting world of the album.
Pay Attention to the Lyrics
One of Swift’s greatest strengths as a songwriter is her ability to tell stories with her music. With “evermore”, she once again proves this skill by incorporating clever wordplay and vivid imagery into her lyrics. So, make sure to pay attention to the words and let yourself be swept away by the storytelling.
Appreciate the Collaborations
“evermore” features collaborations with some of the biggest names in the indie music scene. Pay attention to how each artist adds their unique touch to the songs and elevates the overall production. This gives the album a diverse and dynamic sound that sets it apart from “folklore”.
4. Examples of Taylor Swift’s Artistry in “evermore”
The Storyline Between “folklore” and “evermore”
As mentioned before, “evermore” is a “sister record” to “folklore”. While both albums can stand on their own, there are also Easter eggs and connections between the two that add depth to the overall storytelling. For example, in “tolerate it”, Swift sings about a loveless marriage, which could potentially be linked to the story of the married couple in “champagne problems”. These subtle connections make listening to the albums a more immersive experience.
The Variety of Sounds
While “folklore” was predominantly an indie-folk album, “evermore” explores different sounds and genres. From country-inspired tracks like “no body, no crime” to dreamy pop tunes like “gold rush”, the album showcases Swift’s versatility as an artist. This variety also makes the album accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining its cohesive sound.
The Collaborations
Taylor Swift has always been known for her collaborations, and “evermore” is no exception. The addition of artists like HAIM, The National, and Bon Iver adds new dimensions to the album and shows Swift’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. Each artist brings their unique touch to the songs, making them stand out in their own way.
5. Comparisons to Previous Albums
Similarities to “folklore”
Given that “evermore” is a “sister record” to “folklore”, it’s only natural to compare the two albums. Lyrically, both albums explore similar themes of escapism and storytelling. However, “evermore” delves deeper into these themes and adds more variety in terms of sound and collaborations.
The Evolution of Taylor Swift
From her debut country albums to her current indie-folk era, Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist has been remarkable. “evermore” continues this growth, showcasing her versatility and maturing songwriting skills. It’s a testament to her talent and ability to adapt to different genres while still staying true to her signature style.
6. Advice for Listeners
Don’t Expect a Repeat of “folklore”
While “evermore” is a continuation of the storytelling and atmospheric sound of “folklore”, it’s important not to go into the album with the expectation of hearing the same thing. Each album has its own unique sound and themes, and it’s important to appreciate them individually.
Listen to the Lyrics
As mentioned before, Taylor Swift is known for her clever and poignant lyrics, and “evermore” is no exception. Make sure to pay attention to the words and let yourself be swept away by the storytelling and emotions behind them.
Give Each Song a Chance
With 17 tracks, “evermore” may seem like a daunting listen at first. However, each track offers something unique, and giving them each a chance will allow you to fully appreciate the album as a whole. So, don’t skip over any songs and give each one the time they deserve.
FAQs
Q: How does “evermore” compare to “folklore”?
A: “evermore” is a continuation of the atmospheric and storytelling style of “folklore” but delves deeper into the themes explored in the previous album. It also features collaborations with different artists, adding new dimensions to the overall sound.
Q: Are there any Easter eggs or connections between “evermore” and “folklore”?
A: Yes, there are subtle connections and references between the two albums, such as shared themes and characters. Paying attention to these Easter eggs can add more depth to the storytelling experience.
Q: Can you listen to “evermore” without having listened to “folklore”?
A: While “evermore” can stand on its own, listening to “folklore” first can enhance the overall listening experience and help you appreciate the connections between the two albums.
Q: What sets “evermore” apart from Taylor Swift’s previous albums?
A: “evermore” showcases Taylor Swift’s growth as an artist and her willingness to experiment with different sounds and collaborations. It also adds more variety to her discography while still staying true to her signature style.
Q: Can we expect more surprise albums from Taylor Swift in the future?
A: While nothing is certain, given Swift’s history of surprise releases, it’s safe to say that fans can always expect the unexpected from her.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “evermore” is a remarkable addition to Taylor Swift’s discography. With its dreamy sound, poignant lyrics, and unique collaborations, the album solidifies Swift’s status as one of the biggest names in the music industry. It’s a must-listen for both fans and non-fans alike, and it further cements the fact that Taylor Swift is a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
