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Most of the things I had planned this summer didn't end up happening, but there is something I hadn't planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise 🤗Tonight at midnight I'll be releasing my entire brand new album of songs I've poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine; @aarondessner (who has co-written or produced 11 of the 16 songs), @boniver (who co-wrote and was kind enough to sing on one with me), William Bowery (who co-wrote two with me) and @jackantonoff (who is basically musical family at this point). Engineered by Laura Sisk and Jon Low, mixed by Serban Ghenea & Jon Low. The album photos were shot by the amazing @bethgarrabrant. Before this year I probably would've overthought when to release this music at the 'perfect' time, but the times we're living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That's the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much ♥️
A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:00am PDT
Video: The evolution of Taylor Swift's music
True to Swift's signature style, the music video for \"Cardigan\" is a magical story rife with symbolism -- this time about growing up, finding love, breaking up and finding each other again.
The music video opens in a sepia tint as Swift, dressed in a long flowing white nightgown, plays at her piano next to the roaring fire as the melancholy lyrics speak of being brushed off because \"when you are young they assume you know nothing.\"
She's then transported via a luminous gold light to two different locations. One area is a lush colored forest covered in moss with a dazzling waterfall, symbolizing a new love -- and then the breakup happens, tossing her into stormy waters with only a piano to cling to.
The music video ends with the golden light bringing Swift back at home, where she sits next to a warm cardigan and sings, \"And when I felt like I was an old cardigan/ Under someone's bed/ You put me on and said I was your favorite.\"
Swift, 30, wrote on Instagram Thursday that she wrote and recorded \"Folklore\" \"in isolation,\" and added that she \"poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings\" into the songs. She added that she worked on the album, which includes 16 songs and a bonus track on the deluxe edition, with some of her \"musical heroes,\" including Jack Antonoff, Bon Iver, and Aaron Dessner of the indie rock band The National. There will also be eight deluxe CD editions and eight vinyl editions available for one week to honor the fact that \"Folklore\" is Swift's eighth studio album.
While \"Folklore\" contains a style of music popular with alternative radio, Swift uses her slowed down music to really dig into her metaphorical and poetic lyrics. One example is the standout \"Invisible String,\" which includes the chorus \"Time, mystical time/ Cutting me open, then healing me fine/Were there clues I didn't see?/ And isn't it just so pretty to think/ All along there was some invisible string/ Tying you to me.\" But, the song also serves as a story of growth for Swift, as she admits, \"Cold was the steel of my ax to grind/ For the boys who broke my heart/ Now I send their babies presents.\"
Swift released her seventh album, \"Lover,\" last August, which included hits such as \"Lover,\" \"ME!\" and \"You Need to Calm Down.\" It was an especially poignant milestone for the superstar, as \"Lover\" was the first album that she owned the rights to.
\"Something that's very special to me about this album is it's the first one that I will own,\" Swift told \"Good Morning America\" at the time.
Here's the complete tracklist of \"Folklore,\" which is available everywhere now:
- \"the 1\"
- \"cardigan\"
- \"the last great american dynasty\"
- \"exile\" (featuring bon iver)
- \"my tears ricochet\"
- \"mirrorball\"
- \"seven\"
- \"august\"
- \"this is me trying\"
- \"illicit affairs\"
- \"invisible strings\"
- \"mad woman\"
- \"epiphany\"
- \"betty\"
- \"peace\"
- \"hoax\"
- (bonus track) \"the lakes\"
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The music video for \"cardigan\" will premiere tonight, which I wrote/directed. A million thank you's to my brilliant, bad ass video team - cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, producer Jil Hardin, executive producer Rebecca Skinner, AD Joe 'Oz' Osbourne, editor Chancler Haynes, special effects wizards David Lebensfeld & Grant Miller, and set designer Ethan Tobman. The entire shoot was overseen by a medical inspector, everyone wore masks, stayed away from each other, and I even did my own hair, makeup, and styling 😂
A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:08am PDT
