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Folklore (Taylor Swift album)

Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Folklore is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Released as a surprise on July 24, 2020, it marked a shift toward indie folk and alternative rock sounds and was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Swift the first woman to win that award three times.

Background and release

Folklore was released unexpectedly on July 24, 2020 through Republic Records. It was developed during quarantine in early 2020 and announced the day before release.

Musical style

The album is widely described as a move away from Swift's mainstream pop sound toward indie folk, alternative rock, and chamber pop. Its production is comparatively restrained and acoustic-focused.

Themes and lyrics

The songs explore escapism, nostalgia, romantic longing, and introspection. The album also uses third-person storytelling and fictional characters more prominently than much of Swift's earlier work.

Reception and impact

Folklore received strong critical acclaim and became a major commercial success. It won Album of the Year at the Grammys and is often described as a key turning point in Swift's discography.

Key facts

  • It was released as a surprise album with little advance notice.
  • The album was written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Its sound differs from Swift's earlier pop-oriented releases.
  • Lyrical themes include escapism, nostalgia, romanticism, and reflection.
  • The album won Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
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Canadian context

Taylor Swift has a large Canadian fan base, and Folklore was a major international release that also received significant attention in Canada through streaming, radio, and media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is Folklore by Taylor Swift?
It is Taylor Swift's eighth studio album, released as a surprise on July 24, 2020.
What genre is Folklore?
It is mainly described as indie folk and alternative rock, with chamber pop elements.
When was Folklore released?
It was released on July 24, 2020.
Who produced Folklore?
The album was produced by Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner, and Jack Antonoff.
Did Folklore win any major awards?
Yes. It won Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore_(Taylor_Swift_album)
    Supports: Album identity, release date, themes, surprise release, Grammy Award for Album of the Year
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Folklore-Taylor-Swift-album
    Supports: Overview of album style, critical reception, and Grammy win
  3. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/bz/album/folklore/1524801260
    Supports: Release date, runtime, recording context, track count, collaborators