There are albums that define moments, and then there are albums that transcend them. Taylor Swift’s Folklore falls into the latter category—a masterpiece born out of isolation that captures universal emotions, intimate stories, and an entirely new sound for the global superstar. Released as a surprise on July 24, 2020, this indie-folk marvel brought raw emotion, intricate storytelling, and a refreshing departure from her pop-heavy past. But Folklore is a timeless piece of artistry that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.
Here are 5 surprising facts about Folklore that make this record even more fascinating:
1. “Betty” Features Hidden Connections to Taylor’s Inner Circle
The names in Folklore‘s teenage love triangle—Betty, James, and Inez—are not random. They are actually the names of the children of Taylor’s close friends Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This clever nod not only added a personal touch to the album but also sparked widespread fan theories, making the song a treasure trove for Easter egg hunters.
2. Aaron Dessner’s Creative Breakthrough Came Through a Random Email
Aaron Dessner, guitarist for The National, received an out-of-the-blue email from Swift asking to collaborate. Skeptical at first, Dessner sent her an instrumental track, thinking it would take weeks to hear back. Just hours later, Swift returned with a fully written song—“Cardigan.” Their creative chemistry blossomed so quickly that Dessner ended up co-producing 11 of the 16 tracks on Folklore.
3. Swift Recorded Her Vocals in a Makeshift Home Studio
Due to the pandemic, traditional recording studios were off-limits. Undeterred, Swift turned a spare room in her Los Angeles home into a DIY studio, dubbed the “Kitty Committee.” With help from sound engineer Laura Sisk, Swift recorded all her vocals in this intimate setting, which added to the raw, heartfelt vibe of the album.
4. “The Last Great American Dynasty” Links Swift to History
The track “The Last Great American Dynasty” is based on Rebekah Harkness, a socialite who previously owned Swift’s Rhode Island home. Swift had long been fascinated by Harkness’ dramatic life story and her tumultuous relationship with the town. By weaving Harkness’ history with her own, Swift created a song that blurs the lines between past and present, fact and fiction.
5. The “Teenage Love Triangle” Was an Intentional Narrative Experiment
The trio of songs—”Cardigan,” “August,” and “Betty”—tell a single story from three perspectives: a girl reflecting on lost love, the other woman in an affair, and the boy who made the mistakes. Swift used this narrative arc to push her boundaries as a songwriter, crafting characters and timelines that added depth and layers to the album’s storytelling.
Taylor Swift’s ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots is unmatched, and Folklore stands as a shining example of her artistic brilliance. Whether you’re revisiting its haunting melodies or uncovering its hidden layers, one thing is certain: Folklore will be passed down, whispered around, and celebrated for generations.
