folklore is undoubtedly the best lyricism of Taylor’s career. The stripped back melodies and the way the production hugs her vocals is beautiful. It echoes her country roots but it’s a totally fresh sound for her at the same time. Absolutely love it.

The thing is if youre into upbeats dance tracks kind of songs you cant really relate into this album. This album is actually the best ive heard this 2020 like the songs are so unique and it hits you in emotional level

I love the indie folk genre so this album is a big yes for me. Definitely my favorite Taylor album so far.

i feel like this album comes from the current mood that we're all are in; being stuck at home during the pandemic, reminiscence of life, or just our mind wondering that eventually leads to muse of beautiful, melancholic lyrics ♥️

Wow so disappointed y’all didn’t like it.

Quality songwriting, gorgeous and lush instrumental production and vocal layering, smart and mature lyrics. Not every song has to have a hook, not every album needs to be quick and easy to listen to. This is without question her strongest musical offering ever, from every angle. Is it what everyone wants to listen to? Ok maybe not (although for me this is the first album of hers I've ever wanted to re-listen to right away). Alsoooo just to throw this out there - why do we think these women have so little agency that a straight man coming into their musical space to collaborate minimizes their voice or creative input? Maybe they wanted the change of direction and sought out those collaborators on purpose? Maybe they wanted to create something that wasn't engineered for the masses but for their own feelings and tastes? Just a wild notion.

Having been familiar with some of the National's work, I knew that this would be very different and not be Matt Palmer's cup of tea. I definitely prefer this to 1989, Reputation and Lover though. I do wish it had more sparse instrumentation at times but I absolutely adore how she sings more in her lower register and I love how she literally did not hold back in taking a risk with this record. My favourite tracks are exile, betty, the last great american dynasty, mirrorball, august and epiphany.

This album is a masterpiece y'all are tasteless....

Betty is about a boy named James having the courage to say sorry to the person he's in love with. An innocent part of the narrative which was formed by three songs August, Betty and Cardigan which tells a teenage love triangle story. This album is made up of fragments of stories passed down to generations, they don't necessarily need to be true, they just need to tell an interesting story and that's what folklore means.

I Wished She'd Just Gave Us The Cruel Summer Video 😂

“she’s far away in a forest!!! she’s like _helloooo_ “

I've never been a Taylor Swift fan, but this album is incredible. Her previous work to me feels too contrived, simplified, commercial, and sometimes generic. She's a great lyricist, but she rarely digs deep like she did in this album. Folklore to me feels like her evolution as an artist where instead of narrating external things happening in her life, she's finally looking inwards and showing us depth. Even if the songs are not about her personal life, they're stories that have found their way into her soul. She thrives in this alternative genre.

I was HOPING you guys would be reviewing this album! So glad you did!

her best album lord save us all

Wow crazy to hear your take on this. This album made me a Taylor Swift fan, but then again I am more into the indie music side of things. But legit after hearing this I went back to her other stuff and slowly fell in love with Lover, Reputation, Red, 1989 (haven't wondered into the country Taylor teritory too much yet). Folklore was one of the best things I'd heard in a while.

My favourite songs : 1- exile 2- the last American dynasty 3- Betty 4- hoax 5- mad women

Hi. I've been watching your TS reactions for a few years but never commented before. Always enjoyed your thoughts on TS in the past and I know you're both fans who give your honest opininions, which don't always coincide with mine, or for that matter each other's lol. I do like your wit and humor and engagement; each of you have a unique perspective that I like to hear in tandem. I was disappointed in this review because it seemed like a shallow dive. I know Folklore is not full of radio friendly ditties or bombastic anthems...but the poetry...this one goes up to 11! Also the instrumentation grows on me with each listen and I keep finding beautiful nuances of sound I didn't catch on initial listens. I hope you'll keep listening because I think this album demands multiple listens, even more than any of her previous works. Mirrorball is her love letter to her fans...when you hear it that way it is a poignant and shimmering commentary on the ephemeral quality of fame and artistic success. August is the unrequited teen love song and part of the ABC love triangle (see below). Plus it's just lovely. Illicit affairs cuts like a knife; the other woman goes to meet her (married?) lover and can't wear the perfume she chose for him because it will reveal their secret...and the character feels erased by that circumstance, like she doesn't even exist. It's powerful the way she hints at the slow degradation and erosion of her character's self worth. Also, "don't call me kid, don't call me baby, look at this godforsaken mess that you made me," is the new "you call me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest" Peace is her beautiful vulnerable song to her boyfriend where she admits they may never escape the media circus Exile requires no explanation My tears ricochet is a ghost speaking to her former tormentor...theories abound this may be Scott Borcetta. Mad woman; lots of theories who this may be about too. But I think it stands in its own just fine But several of these are told from the perspective of fictional characters. See: August, Betty, Cardigan, the teenage love triangle

I love your commentary! You’re both ‘friends in my head’ ❤️

The whole album is the story of Betty (Rebekah) James and the other girl he cheated on with. Cardigan is from Betty's perspective. August is from the perspective of the other girl and Betty is from James's perspective. And the rest of the songs are also inspired from them. Tracklist- The one- Betty looking back in life and thinking of James. Cardigan - also Betty's POV. Looking back after 20 years or so. The last great American dynasty - Betty (Rebekah harkness) leaves town and moves to Rhode Island and marries bill. Their mansion is now owned by Taylor. Exile- the back and forth between James and Betty. It's their conversation. My tears ricochet - this is after James dies. It's his funeral. Mirrorball- this is about the other girl and James. Also could be about when Betty meets bill. Seven- when Betty and James were kids. Now she's looking back. August- POV of the other girl. This is me trying- this is James singing to Betty. Trying to make up for everything. Illicite affairs - James and the other girl. This is about their affair. Invisible string - inspired by Taylor and Joe. Mad woman - about Rebekah (Betty) as they used to call her the maddest woman. But also inspired by Taylor herself. For the people who have wronged her. Epiphany - James joins the army and later on dies. Betty on the other hand is going through her own shit in life. Betty - pretty obvious this is James's POV. Peace- this is Betty and her husband or probably James (I'm a little confused) but yes also inspired by Taylor and Joe themselves. Hoax- this is Betty dealing with James's death. So there it is. I mean the album is much deeper than this but I've put it in the simplest of the words here. No one is gonna read it but if you do then I hope it helps. Take care and keep listening and buying this beautiful masterpiece. Folklore

The first few days when folkore is out I totally agree with this two. The album was a chore to finish, i tune out in the second half most of the times. But now im telling u guys, folkore is the onlu album i play the whole day for 2 days now. The songs really grew on me like mirrorball, seven, tlad, mtr, and specially PEACE. Maybe this guys too, they should revisit the album

My new single, "Cardigan Grapefruit," drops next Tuesday

If you like heavily-produced, sleek, high-shine, shallow pop, this album definitely isn't gonna be for you. This is introspective, deep, extremely well-written, stripped, artistic. This isn't something you bop and grind to. This is an experience you get lost in. Shame it wasn't for y'all.

I feel like this album is an album to get high too My favourite songs on this album is The last great American dynasty This is me trying Betty Invisible strings

Folklore reminds me of a chill Sunday afternoon on the couch at home with a cup of coffee, reading Chicken Soup for the Soup. ❤️ if you were expecting something upbeat and pop, be prepared to be disappointed

Also, I do agree with Matt Steele, the album is a tad (just a tad) bit bloated. I think if she'd not had seven, peace and hoax (the songs I didn't really care for). It'd have been a crisp neat record and also that'd have taken down the track list to 13 which is her lucky number so I feel like that'd have fit right in with her marketing/artistry. Obviously the tracks might grow on me, seeing at how it's not even been 24 hours of it releasing but this is how I feel so far about it.

Betty is the actually one of the three characters James from the song trilogy Cardigan, August and Betty those three songs seem to be very connected if you read the lyrics

Good, honest review thanks. For me it's a masterpiece but I agree could have been trimmed by two weaker tracks or so. But jeez... the lyrics. How can anyone say she can't write??

I've only heard clips, but it's very reminiscent of the beginnings of her musical career, self titled Taylor Swift and, more so, her Fearless Albums. The comment about childhood makes sense. This downtime has a lot of people reflecting, healing and bringing things back to the bare bones. Nothing is overproduced. It's just simple, easy, her and her guitar. I've always loved those albums and wished for more of that, because she is a very talented instrumental artist. There certainly have been a few songs later on in her career that have been great, and she needed to explore that to grow, but to this day the ease of Breathe and White Horse are my favorites. Now idk if I like the album yet though. And I don't think it's the album they don't like, but it being summer and coming out from series of very up tempo songs, it was just unexpected. Maybe it is more of a fall/winter album. I'm not on social media, I don't leave my house, other than to go to work, and I have ad blockers, so the only way I got introduced to this is from my two favorite Matt's. The song as is, without paying attention seemed okay. Do you think she might have been discouraged to go the overproduced route, putting in all that time, money and planning into something that may not even get a nomination? That moment in her documentary really did leave an impression. That feeling every youtuber gets when they say, "why did I work so damn hard on this comedy skit that I thought was game changing, but it turns out, I could have gotten more views from me sitting in front of a camera eating." No, I'm not saying this album is the mukbang of her entire career, but I think she might have done this for her older fans, to have them come back to a familiar tune, for her to reintroduce herself.

Betty is the POV of the Boy 😁

I’m quite surprised that you guys didn’t like it! I knew you’d be doing a reaction to this so I was hyping myself up before watching this video because you raved so much about lyricism of Lover that I thought you’d absolutely love this album. But tbf, if it isnt your sound, it isn’t. I do think Folklore is far superior than Lover and reputation. And my favourite album is reputation. But still, I was really rooting for you guys! Hahaha

In Betty it says “she said James get in let’s drive”- she’s writing from the perspective of James

Matt Palmer needs to give me his skin care routine ASAP

y’all put the biggest smile on my face

Such an amazing album! As a long term swiftie, this album means a lot to me ❤️

Actually, the reverb in mirrorball and this is me trying and august is 100% a Jack Antonoff flair.

Even though I felt differently than you guys, I think your review is fair. You give valid reasoning so thanks for the review! 😊

This is best album of 2020 periodt if anyone dont like they dont have tastebud

I think you guys make valid points and respect your opinion. Personally i think this is one of her strongest albums, and everyone is allowed to have different preferences and opinions. I didn't find your video offensive and sorry if anyone gave you guys a hard time. Anyway I enjoy all the video you guys put up and be true to yourselves and look forward to what you have to say.

mariah wrote and produced rainbow in a couple of months too, its nos that crazy

Finally ahhhhhhhhhh I already wanna guess august is a favorite of one of youz. Haha! #cuzitsmine ✨👋

I think Taylor really is the Queen of Ambiverts... She usually caters to both pretty well, but def leans much more into her extroverted fans tastes/her extroverted side on past albums. Which makes sense. Thats a far more comortable side to show to the masses, esp when your main m.o. is exposing yourself.... The extrovert finds it invigorating, even thrives on it. The introvert ... It's just so much more of a vulnerable and lonely process. She 100% embodies both and usually balances the two with more of the extrovert showing. But this one was fully and unapologetically for the introspective introverts... I was so sad TS7 didn't have more of the Lover and Archer vibe.... Was obsessed w Archer but could only play those songs on repeat so many times. But this... THIS. I absolutely loved it from beginning to end. It'll be my go to playlist for the rest of the year 💯 Totally get it not being everyones tea.... I get it - like I said, I mostly (kind of obsessively) focus on those few songs and let the rest exist for others. So no judgment over here for not loving it. Long as y'all recognize shes done countless albums where she's only dabbled in this vibe and served y'all everything you wanted, so a lot of people who love this softly poetic, darkly introspective, struck by her muse side shes FINALLY comfortable fully indulging in are LIVING for it. This is a raw, authentic, vulnerable, artistic and melancholy part of her imagination she doesnt show ALL that often (and yet if we're honest.. It's kind of her whole 'essance', despite that) ... Put totally out there. i hope people who it isnt 'for' can appreciate it for that at least, as much as those of us who do relate to that side of her more.... So to some of the commentors calling themselves fans ... It isnt boring. it just *literally* isnt (catered) FOR you. And thats okay. *Plenty* of her work is.

I honestly don't really like that all the songs are slow, BUT the lyrics are so good, I have to buy the album lmao. The melodies are good, anyway. Looking at the album from an objective perspective, I can actually see this winning a grammy. It kinda reminds me of Red, and that album was beautiful.

I loved the album. This album is different from her previous work so I appreciate that she experimented with another genre. It’s not for everyone.

Did TGM’s do a reaction video of this?

It’s one of those indie type low key deals lot of acoustic Guitar vibes similar to like when Gaga did Joanne and her fans who are used to pop and synth and beats and drums and sexy were not feeling it so like a good chunk of her fans and I feel like this is the kinda era Taylor is in which sucks cause for a musician this is a very personal style of story telling from their heart and when you go from that place and it dosnt sell it’s a big blow

Betty was the Yee-haw song we needed from Tay. Also, such a mood when in 12:00 Palmer says “you know I’ve always wanted her to be bisexual” 🤪

Thank you guys for being honest. I do love the album, but also feel it’s too long. The entire second half I could do without. I think several of the songs are a bit confusing considering Taylor’s history of writing such true life stories, so to come at it from different perspectives is confusing (Betty). Seven is about a childhood friendship & not romantic. Exile is a masterpiece.

I feel the same sentiment. It reminds me of certain movies that I enjoyed where I had a good experience watching it and amazed by how beautiful the cinematography and the screenplay is but I wouldn't go out of my way to re-watch it again. I respect it and I know she will get a lot of accolades for the album but yeah, it's just not for me.

Looking back at this its amazing how the love triangle completely passed you by and what My Tears Ricochet was about. And how anyone listening to Seven could think that was about a romance is beyond me.

This is her best album lyrics and melody wise. Maybe this is probably because I’m a literature girlie. Every song from this album is steeped with literary fire and I am just so happy to be burned.

In the song betty, there are three names of characters Betty, Inez, and James. Those three characters are in a love triangle on this album. The song cardigan is from Betty's perspective. The song august is from Inez's perspective. The song Betty is from James's perspective.

I really like your review even if you didn't looove the album. Mad respect that you uploaded this knowing the possible hate you might get 💙

These were my opinions until I listened to the album 3 times and now I’m mesmerized by it. I still don’t like hoax something about it i just can’t

i mean, if the only music you can enjoy are "bangers" and party songs then perhaps you should've skipped this album altogether? the title is literally folklore like idk what else you can expect

If you’re high and sad it all works very well,

I see what she was trying to do but we are ALL tired of Covid. I want happy music atm to dance at home, not sad music for the fall to cuddle up by the fire. It's cute, but would have worked better as a little EP or a 10 track project. 16 is just TOO repetitive. And I am a fan, I even bought a physical copy from her store because I own every album of hers, but sorry you don't have to like everything she puts out.

With respect, completely disagree - this album and Evermore had me a puddle of emotion, I loved them soooooo much. Each song is a dream of perfection.

If you want to see a songwriting student react, check out my review of folklore!

I think Betty really hits home for a lot of LGBTQ+ folks situations especially growing up (whether it was written intentionally this way or not). I made an LGBTQ cover - please check out Betty (but GAY) on my channel. Would mean a lot if you gave this arrangement/cover a listen! :) Hope to see ya there.

“Borderline manipulative” for creating an interactive experience for her fans...? Super weird choice of words.

My only hiccup about the option of straight producers making music with female popstars with gay audiences… Greg Kurstin has been the leading producer for ALOT of these pop hits with artist Britney, Kylie, marina, Katy, Adele, etc.. I’m pretty sure he’s a married straight man with a wife and kids. I don’t believe sexual orientation matters when collaborating with others to produce a body of work. All love tho, love ur guys videos ❤

“She’s promoting social distancing” had me gagging!

this album is what got me into taylor. i was not here for her more poppy albums lol

React to Holiday by Little Mix. You all would probably really like it. Very summer and funky.

Maybe "The Hoax" is a Mariah Carey showing nick cannon her breakup album moment. Lol

I agree with you, I'm the hugest Swiftie but this album feels long and boring, though I like it better now than two weeks ago. I'm not a fan of alternative/indie/folk, maybe it's that. By the way, regarding some things you discuss in the video: It's not a personal album. The title is Folklore because she is storytelling, creating stories, not talking about her personal life. There are 3 songs which form a Teenage Love Triangle (as she called it): Cardigan (from Betty's point of view), Betty (James' POV, so is NOT Tay talking about she being in love with a girl) and August/Illicit Affairs (there is disagreement about which one), which is Inez/James's lover POV. I hope this has helped you.

The One and Exile sealed the deal with me and Taylor.

U gained my subscribe. BITCH THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING

it's my favorite from her, reputation next

Wow, y'all didn't even dislike the album and the Swifties (pretending to be deep and insightful in these comments) come in to dislike

This album is a grower, listen to it again

This album is not fpr someone who likes mainstream musics. This is not for the basic bitches out there.

Not gonna lie when I first saw the announcement I thought Fuck is this her Man of the Woods And I am very glad I is not

So surprised you disliked it so much

I'm head over heels in love with this album, but I totally understand y'alls critiques of it. I agree that the songs should have been more defined and individual sounding, because the whole album sounds kind of like the same song over and over. I also SO agree about mad woman and epiphany, I could've done without both. The whole second half of the album could have been edited down, tbh. Nonetheless, I love this album, but I know it's absolutely not for everyone. And to everyone calling y'all haters when you were literally so polite and well spoken in this review: let's calm it down. Thanks for coming to my TED talk, lol.

Taylor is one person who always sings crystal!!! I don't know what you are hearing maybe a good ear cleaning!!

Taylor is magic ♡

The album has zero 'great' songs. A couple of good ones. Nothing from here will go on a playlist of mine. Critics will rave about it because they love well-written, luke warm-production/sound music, but zero risks taken here, nothing that makes you say 'wow' whatsoever, and it's basically one sound the entire way through. The Folklore comparison to the Lady Gaga Joanne era is a good one, although this feels less forced because of Taylor's roots (country) vs. Gaga's roots (dance/synth). I didn't like Joanne much, either, but at least it had a couple of actual GREAT songs. I agree that this album is way too long. It should've been closer to ten songs. I feel like she's trying a bit to go down the Adele/Sam Smith road mixed with like Lana Del Ray. I'm convinced she's trying to pick up Grammys with it because, as we can see from her doc, awards mean a lot to her (more than pretty much all her peers), and I'm sure she'll pick up Grammys for it, because they love Adele, Sam Smith, Billie and Taylor, all while Lana takes a similar lane and gets snubbed. But she actually takes risks in her writing and sound...and the Scammies don't like that. lol

Beyonce created in 14 days taking songs by 20 songwriters lit rally

#JusticeForCruelSummer

The level of disrespect for reputation chile

something tells me you guys arent swifties haha

this is a fantastic album! Y'all always have something negative to say just go kick rocks why don't you!!

Chromatica is more my style 😂

mad woman my least favorite too

You guys very clearly rushed to make this video and haven't had a chance to feel the album properly.

Funny how songs should have sex, drugs and a lot of cussing involved so everyone would love it because it’s “cool” yeah! Choices!

Yeah not in love with it lol

Please react to Little Mix’s new single HOLIDAY♥️

I love Taylor Swift but I didn’t like this album at all...

This album just makes me want to go put Norman Fuckin' Rockwell on and listen to a better version of this average release.

bois making a fool of themselves after they trash Folklore and it becomes her best reviewed album ever....

Love you two, but this take is so bad and aged like milk.

1st listen...very bored. 2nd listen....not ever gonna happen

This is the most depressing thing ever. Two good songs on the whole album.

charli xcx made a way better quarantine album and did it months earlier

Annoying reaction as always. I just gave it a try but still they remain annoying and kinda hateful.

ONE OF HER WORST ALBUMS