I’m not an avid listener of Taylor Swift, but anytime I do, I enjoy it. “Folklore” is Taylor’s eighth studio album since rising to fame in 2004. Her last album, “Lover,” was a bright pop album released in 2019. “Folklore” is a new direction from that. Taylor wrote “Folklore,” an album of 17 songs, while in isolation, then set the release date for July 24, 2020. Although this album veers heavily in the direction of indie rather than radio pop, many fans loved Swift’s change of sound. The most streamed songs on this album are ‘cardigan,’ ‘exile feat. Bon Iver,’ and ‘the 1.’ These songs emulate Taylor’s exploration into indie/alternative, and they are definitely some of my favorites from the record. Cardigan, the number one streamed song of the album, has a more alternative and emotional mood than other songs on the album. This song reflects the feeling of being a discarded cardigan, featuring more mature lyrics in contrast to her previous work. For the pop star’s 31st birthday, she released her ninth studio album, “Evermore” (“Folklore’s” sister album), on Dec. 11. It also has a strong indie influence similar to “Folklore.” Evermore contains 15 songs written by Taylor, and features some alternative rock as well. 

★★★★★  5/5