If you’ve also done a double take – don’t worry – we’re all in the same boat. In what is increasingly appearing to be a classic Taylor Swift move, the songstress dropped yet another surprise album on us.
Described as a ‘sister record’ to the dreamy Folklore, Evermore arrives just a short 5 months after her last.
Unable to stop herself from writing songs during this pandemic, Evermore will no doubt be another treat to devoted Swifties around the world. But how good was the follow up to the critically acclaimed Folklore?
Just as Taylor did with the woods, we delve deeper to find out – here’s our review of Evermore songs ranked from worst to first.
15. Coney Island (feat. The National)
More of a melancholic take on New York’s Coney Island, this track is a reflective piece about disappointments, regrets and playing back situations of the past. This isn’t a bad track by any means at all, but we just enjoyed the other tracks a little more.
14. Happiness
Don’t be deceived by its title – despite being named ‘Happiness’; this track isn’t actually all that happy. That’s okay though, because this slow burner is beautiful and includes all those lyrical gems that make a Taylor track so special. It’s a gorgeous song, but just takes a while to get going.
13. Champagne Problems
Vastly different from the Katy Perry song with the same title, Champagne Problems paints a rather heartbreaking story of small-town gossip, judgment and rejection. With lyrics that only Taylor could truly only pull off (“She’ll patch up the tapestry that I shred”), this song is a little bit like Back to December, but flash-forwarded 10 years later.
12. Dorothea
So there are speculations about this song being about Dorothea West, but we’ll focus on the song for now. Similar to Folklore where Taylor built characters and breathed songs into them, Dorothea is a fun, nostalgic snapshot that provides a much-needed light breeze as the eighth track of Evermore.
11. No Body, No Crime (feat. HAIM)
The first thing that came to mind when listening to this song was Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats, but a slightly less vindictive version. Featuring Este from girl group HAIM (one of Taylor’s best friends), No Body, No Crime is like a concoction of cowboys, girl power and a storyline that could fit right into Law & Order. Pros? Taylor returns to country! Cons (but maybe a pro)? Some of the lyrics are so cheeky that you just can’t help giggle at them.
10. Ivy
Similar to the themes on songs such as Illicit Affairs and August, Ivy is also about falling in love with someone you’re not supposed to. This is a great track with amazing lyrics, melodies and vocal arrangements – a solid listen.
9. Evermore (feat. Bon Iver)
The sequel to fan favorite Exile, Evermore is perhaps the most personal track in an album filled with them. In the title track, Taylor painfully recounts her darkest moments of despair and depression, thinking that her pain would be for ‘evermore’. Then, halfway through, Bon Iver comes in and breathes new life to the song – signaling Taylor’s healing process with the last lines of the entire album. A fitting album closer.
8. Cowboy Like Me
Thematically, this flirty track is a little reminiscent of Taylor’s earlier works. However, musically, Taylor displays her maturity by wrapping up the feeling of having an exciting love with relaxing instrumentation and dreamy vocals. Cowboy Like Me sounds like a timeless track.
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7. ‘Tis The Damn Season
Cheers to the holidays… or not? In this song, Taylor takes on the persona of a small town girl who comes back to her hometown for the holidays, but finds herself running back to an old flame just for the weekend. A bittersweet affair – this is another signature piece of Taylor’s storytelling.
6. Closure
Another Taylor track about the aftermath of a breakup, in this one, Taylor remarks that she doesn’t need her lover’s “closure”. The most interesting thing about this tastefully understated track is the unique, irregular drum pattern that hums through the whole song.
5. Gold Rush
Euphoric vocals open this comparatively more up-tempo track that infuses a steadier drum beat and punchy vocal line. Comparing the masses of attention someone attracts to a “gold rush”, Taylor sings about how she doesn’t quite like competing for her man with everyone else. Gold Rush is short, sweet, and to-the-point.
4. Marjorie
A sweet ode to her late grandmother (“what died didn’t stay dead/you’re alive in my head”), Taylor recounts some of the life lessons Marjorie passed down to her granddaughter in anthemic fashion. Triumphant and victorious, Marjorie is a fitting celebration that goes off in sparks.
3. Willow
The album’s lead single is a beautiful, soft introduction to the Evermore era. Taylor romantically claims “you know that my train can take you home/anywhere else is hollow”, and her soft vocals are irresistible here. It’s a little bit contemplative and sweet, and through it all, we can really feel the love she has for her boyfriend, Joe Alwyn.
2. Long Story Short
We love this one! Long Story Short is like a continuation of Call It What You Want, but shows Taylor even more over whatever happened in regards to the events leading up to the Reputation era (e.g. Taylor’s infamous celebrity feuds). There are so many references here to moments in her life, but all that really matters, is that Long Story Short is one that Swifties will sentimentally adore.
1. Tolerate It
This is definitely a major standout and officially the best song on Evermore. As soon as that gorgeous piano kicks in, and Taylor sings about waiting “by the door like [she’s] just a kid”, we know we’re in for another narrative-based Taylor Swift classic. Capturing an unmistakable longing for more attention from her lover (“I know my love should be celebrated/But you tolerate it”), Tolerate It evokes some of the strongest emotions on the album and a fine melody line.
With yet another accomplished surprise release under her belt, Evermore holds up surprisingly well compared to its sister album, Folklore. As always, this successful female artist shows that she’s still the best songwriter in the business.
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One Response
I hope you get better having no taste is a disease and placing champagne problems and Coney Island like this proves it