BY TER STAFF

Taylor Swift has cemented herself as one of the most iconic and influential artists of our time. With each album, she has shown remarkable growth and evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of what we expect from her music. Two of her most recent albums, “folklore” and “evermore,” have been particularly acclaimed, showcasing her versatility and depth as a songwriter. We will explore the debate of which album is better between “folklore” and “evermore”, both of which were released post-Covid, just a few months from each other. From the cohesive concept of “folklore” to the experimental sound of “evermore,” we will delve into the strengths of each album and make a case for why one may be better than the other. Whether you are a die-hard Taylor Swift fan or a casual listener, this article will provide insight into the nuances of her music and the impact it has had on the industry.

“folklore is the better album”

Taylor Swift’s “folklore” is undoubtedly her most impressive and poignant album yet. From the moment the opening track “the 1” starts, the listener is transported to a world of ethereal melodies, melancholy lyrics, and stunning production. Here are some reasons why “folklore” is superior to “evermore”:

Cohesion and concept

“folklore” is a masterful collection of songs that all feel connected to each other, creating a cohesive album that tells a story. Each song builds on the previous one, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative. In contrast, “evermore” feels more like a collection of individual tracks that don’t necessarily flow into each other as well.

Standout tracks

While both albums have their fair share of standout tracks, “folklore” has a stronger overall selection. “cardigan” is a beautifully crafted ballad with haunting lyrics and a memorable chorus, while “exile” is a stunning duet with Bon Iver that showcases Swift’s vocal range and emotive delivery. “august” is a wistful, nostalgic song with an infectious melody that will stick in your head long after you’ve finished listening.

Cultural impact

“folklore” was a game-changer for Swift, not only in terms of her musical style but also in terms of the way she was perceived by the public. The album showed a newfound maturity and depth in her songwriting, earning her critical acclaim and cementing her status as one of the most important artists of her generation.

“evermore is the better album”

While “folklore” is undeniably a masterpiece, “evermore” takes everything that made its predecessor great and elevates it to new heights. Here are some reasons why “evermore” is the superior album:

Exploration of new sounds

“evermore” pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a Taylor Swift album. The album features more experimentation with different genres, from the pulsating beats of “long story short” to the haunting harmonies of “coney island.” This willingness to take risks and explore new sounds is what makes “evermore” stand out.

Collaborations

While “folklore” had some great collaborations, such as the aforementioned duet with Bon Iver, “evermore” takes it to the next level. From the duet with Haim on “no body, no crime” to the haunting vocals of The National’s Matt Berninger on “closure,” the collaborations on “evermore” add depth and texture to the album.

Emotional depth

While both albums are emotionally charged, “evermore” takes it to a whole new level. The album explores themes of grief, loss, and heartbreak in a way that feels raw and honest. Songs like “champagne problems” and “tolerate it” are heartbreaking in their vulnerability, while “happiness” is a poignant meditation on the struggle to find joy in the midst of pain.

All in all, both “folklore” and “evermore” are incredible albums that showcase Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist. While “folklore” may have had a more significant cultural impact and a stronger overall selection of standout tracks, “evermore” takes risks and explores new sounds in a way that makes it feel like a natural progression from its predecessor. Ultimately, the decision of which album is better will depend on personal taste and what aspects of Swift’s music resonate most with the listener.