Why Folklore is Arguably Taylor Swift's Best Album

Taylor Swift Eras Tour - Arlington, TX - Folklore act” by Taptapmomo is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source.

When  Folklore dropped on July 24, 2020, it was an instant departure from everything Taylor Swift had done before. While fans had come to love her evolution from country star to pop sensation, Folklore was something different—a shift in genre, tone, and narrative style that captivated listeners in new and unexpected ways. As we look back, Folklore stands as one of Taylor Swift’s greatest achievements, and arguably her best album. Here’s why.

 1. A New Sound: The Bold Genre Shift

By 2020, Taylor Swift had already mastered country, pop, and everything in between. But Folklore was a move into uncharted territory: indie folk, alternative, and a more stripped-back production. Gone were the big synth-pop anthems of 1989 and Lover, replaced by haunting piano melodies, soft guitars, and atmospheric production that felt intimate and reflective.

The shift was bold and unexpected, especially for someone of Taylor’s stature. But it wasn’t just a change in sound—it was a deliberate choice to prioritize storytelling and mood over commercial hits. Taylor collaborated with Aaron Dessner of The National, whose influence brought an indie sensibility that aligned perfectly with the introspective nature of the songs. This genre shift gave Folklore its unique charm, allowing Taylor to stretch her artistry and explore new avenues of expression.

2. A Lyrical Masterclass

Folklore is a lyrical masterclass, showcasing some of Taylor Swift’s best writing to date. The album is rich with imagery, metaphor, and narrative depth. It’s an album that tells stories—some fictional, some personal—with the kind of detail that invites listeners to fully immerse themselves in each song.

Take “The Last Great American Dynasty,” for example. The song narrates the story of Rebekah Harkness, the eccentric woman who once owned Taylor’s Rhode Island home, in a way that feels both whimsical and tragic. It's a song full of vivid detail, but also reflective of Taylor’s own experiences with public scrutiny and judgment.

Or consider “Exile,” a duet with Bon Iver, which captures the tension of a relationship falling apart, told from two distinct perspectives. The lyrics in Folklore are subtle yet powerful, full of emotion and nuance, proving once again that Taylor is one of the best storytellers in music today.

3. The Element of Surprise

The release of Folklore was not only unexpected in terms of genre but also in its rollout. Taylor announced the album less than 24 hours before its release, in contrast to the months of build-up we’ve come to expect from her previous albums. This surprise release allowed the music to speak for itself, without the usual media frenzy that surrounds a Taylor Swift album.

In the middle of a global pandemic, when people were grappling with uncertainty, isolation, and anxiety, Folklore offered a sense of calm. Its introspective nature felt like a reflection of the times—quiet, contemplative, and deeply personal. Releasing an album like this, in that moment, cemented Taylor’s ability to read the cultural room and give her audience exactly what they didn’t even know they needed.

4. A Mature and Introspective Taylor

One of the most compelling reasons Folklore stands out as Taylor’s best album is the maturity it reflects. While Taylor has always been introspective, Folklore feels like the work of someone who is fully comfortable in her own skin. There’s less focus on autobiographical details and more on storytelling for its own sake. It’s as if Taylor has stepped back from her own narrative to explore broader human experiences.

Songs like “Invisible String” weave delicate stories of fate and connection, while “Epiphany” taps into historical pain and personal trauma in a way that feels both distant and deeply felt. This isn’t just Taylor writing about love, heartbreak, and fame—this is Taylor stepping into other people’s shoes, using her empathy to craft songs that resonate on a universal level.

5. The Perfect Pandemic Album

Folklore arrived at the perfect time. In the middle of quarantine, when life slowed down and everyone was looking for something to hold on to, Folklore became a soundtrack for reflection and escape. It wasn’t a flashy pop album made for radio play or stadium tours—it was an album made for quiet moments of introspection, for long walks, for late nights spent thinking.

There’s a timeless quality to Folklore that feels especially relevant in the context of its release. The album doesn’t scream for attention—it invites you to sit with it, to listen closely and let the stories unfold at their own pace. This is perhaps one of the reasons it resonated so deeply with listeners during such a tumultuous time.

6. The Reinvention of Taylor Swift

Folklore is also a testament to Taylor Swift’s constant reinvention. While many artists find a formula that works and stick to it, Taylor is always evolving, always taking risks. Folklore showed that she could step outside the mainstream pop machine and still deliver an album that connected with millions of people.

In many ways, Folklore is the album that solidified Taylor as not just a pop star, but an artist in the truest sense of the word. It’s an album that doesn’t rely on flashy production or radio hits to make its impact. Instead, it leans on thoughtful storytelling, masterful lyricism, and a willingness to experiment—all hallmarks of an artist who is always pushing herself to grow.

 Conclusion

While Taylor Swift has many albums that could be argued as her best, Folklore stands out for its bold genre shift, its lyrical depth, and the way it perfectly captured the mood of its time. It’s an album that feels both personal and universal, intimate and grand, simple and complex. In many ways, Folklore is the most “Taylor” album she’s ever made—an album that pushes boundaries while staying true to the heart of who she is as a songwriter and storyteller. That’s why it may just be her best.