Taylor Swift, known for her masterful storytelling and genre-bending music, once again surprised the world with the unexpected release of Evermore in December 2020. Coming just five months after her critically acclaimed album Folklore, Evermore was immediately dubbed its sister record, expanding on the introspective and narrative-driven soundscapes Swift had crafted in quarantine. While Folklore was a breakthrough into a more mature and fictionalized songwriting, Evermore refines this approach, offering a collection of songs that are both familiar and explorative. But does Evermore stand on its own, or is it merely an extension of its predecessor? Let’s delve into the tracks of Evermore and explore what makes this album a unique and compelling addition to Taylor Swift’s discography.
Taylor Swift’s Evermore album cover, featuring a wintery forest scene, hinting at the album’s folk and introspective themes.
Exploring the Sound and Themes of Evermore Songs
Following the immense success of Folklore, Taylor Swift and her collaborators, primarily Aaron Dessner of The National and long-time producer Jack Antonoff, found themselves still creatively charged. As Swift herself stated, they “just couldn’t stop writing songs.” This creative momentum led to Evermore, an album that shares the same DNA as Folklore but ventures into slightly different sonic and thematic territories.
While Folklore introduced a maximalist-minimalism, layering restrained instrumentals for atmospheric depth, Evermore provides more breathing room within its arrangements. There’s a subtle shift towards greater sonic variety, even though Dessner’s production style remains the dominant force. This allows individual Evermore songs to stand out with their own distinct personalities, contributing to an album that feels like an anthology of stories rather than a singular, cohesive narrative like Folklore.
Thematically, Evermore songs continue Swift’s exploration of fictional narratives and symbolic lyricism, moving further away from direct autobiography. This album delves into tales of love, loss, revenge, and reflection, often with a darker and more complex emotional palette than some of her earlier work. The lowered stakes, compared to the pressure of following up a massive pop album, seem to have liberated Swift to experiment, joke, and embrace a more unfiltered lyrical approach, even including some of her most explicit language to date.
Evermore Songs: A Track-by-Track Exploration
Let’s embark on a journey through each track of Evermore, exploring the unique stories and musical landscapes they offer:
1. “Willow”
The opening track, “Willow,” serves as a gentle introduction to the world of Evermore. With subtle “tropical house” influences reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s earlier work, the song is pleasant and inviting, though perhaps not the most immediately impactful lead single. Lyrically, “Willow” explores themes of love and desire, with Swift expressing a willingness to have her plans “wrecked” by a prospective lover. Lines like “I come back stronger than a ’90s trend” add a touch of Swift’s characteristic wit, even if their connection to the song’s core theme feels slightly tenuous. The music video for “Willow” directly follows the “Cardigan” video from Folklore, visually linking the two albums.
A still from Taylor Swift’s “Willow” music video, showcasing the continuation of the fairytale aesthetic established in the “Cardigan” video.
2. “Champagne Problems”
“Champagne Problems,” co-written with William Bowery (Joe Alwyn), marks the first deep dive into narrative storytelling on Evermore. This poignant track narrates the story of a woman who rejects her partner’s marriage proposal, taking full responsibility for the heartbreak caused. The music is deliberately floaty and less driven, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional state. Swift’s detailed storytelling shines through, painting a vivid picture of the aftermath and the protagonist’s feelings of guilt and isolation. The line “she would have made such a lovely bride / too bad she’s fucked in the head” is a stark and memorable expression of self-deprecation. While the title “Champagne Problems” might feel somewhat detached from the song’s emotional weight, the track itself is a powerful and well-crafted narrative.
3. “Gold Rush”
“Gold Rush,” the sole track co-written and produced by Jack Antonoff, injects a dose of energy reminiscent of Swift’s 1989 era, albeit in a more subdued form. The song explores the intoxicating yet ultimately unattainable nature of infatuation with someone perceived as too desirable. Swift’s lyrical details are sharp and relatable, such as “With my Eagles t-shirt hanging from your door” and “At dinner parties I call you out on your contrarian shit.” While the metaphor of “hair falling into place like dominos” might be slightly less concrete, “Gold Rush” successfully captures the bittersweet feeling of longing for someone just out of reach.
4. “‘Tis the Damn Season”
“‘Tis the Damn Season” is a standout track and arguably Swift’s best holiday-themed song to date. It perfectly encapsulates the complicated emotions of returning to one’s hometown during the holiday season and reconnecting with a past love. The song is tinged with nostalgia and a hint of rebellion, acknowledging the allure of familiar comforts and forbidden reunions. Lines like “the only soul who can tell which smiles I’m faking” and “the warmest bed I’ve ever known” evoke a sense of intimacy and shared history. “‘Tis the Damn Season” is particularly resonant for the year of its release, 2020, when travel and homecomings were fraught with complex emotions. The characters introduced in this song reappear later in the album, adding a layer of interconnectedness to Evermore.
5. “Tolerate It”
“Tolerate It” delves into the painful dynamic of a relationship characterized by emotional neglect and unreciprocated effort. The song poignantly portrays a woman’s struggle to gain validation and love from an emotionally distant partner. The static keyboard chords and meandering melody effectively create a sense of stagnation and disappointment, mirroring the emotional numbness described in the lyrics. While the musical arrangement might initially feel slow-paced, “Tolerate It” is a grower, revealing its emotional depth with repeated listens as the listener connects with the protagonist’s quiet desperation.
6. “No Body, No Crime” (feat. HAIM)
“No Body, No Crime,” featuring HAIM, is a surprising and delightful foray into contemporary country storytelling. Drawing inspiration from wronged-woman revenge songs like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” the track tells a compelling murder mystery. Swift takes a creative twist by having the narrator seek revenge not for herself, but for her murdered best friend, Este (named after one of the HAIM sisters). The song is a delicious blend of dark humor and suspense, with Swift’s intricate lyrics and HAIM’s backing vocals adding to the track’s country authenticity. While some might wish for a more prominent feature from HAIM, “No Body, No Crime” is a standout moment of genre exploration on Evermore.
Taylor Swift HAIM No Body No Crime live performance
7. “Happiness”
“Happiness” grapples with the complex and often contradictory emotions surrounding the end of a relationship, specifically an amicable divorce. The song realistically captures the bittersweet mixture of sadness, acceptance, and lingering affection. While musically, “Happiness” shares some of the slower pacing of “Tolerate It,” it offers more musical complexity to engage with. Lyrically, the song resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the nuanced emotions of a parting that is not fueled by anger but by a gradual drifting apart.
8. “Dorothea”
“Dorothea” shifts perspective, telling the story of the small-town lover left behind by the ambitious actress introduced in “‘Tis the Damn Season.” Sung from the point of view of Dorothea’s former flame in Tupelo, the song reflects on her Hollywood success and his lingering feelings. “A tiny screen’s the only place I see you now” poignantly captures the distance that has grown between them. The lyrics express a mix of longing and acceptance, with the narrator offering Dorothea a safe haven should she ever tire of fame. Musically, “Dorothea” is straightforward and uncluttered, allowing the storytelling to take center stage, reminiscent of Folklore‘s teen-love-triangle tracks in its nostalgic tone.
9. “Coney Island” (feat. The National)
“Coney Island,” a duet with Matt Berninger of The National, delves into the complexities of memory and regret within a past relationship. While the lyrics are more convoluted and metaphorical compared to other Evermore songs, the refrain “I’m on a beach on Coney Island, wondering where did my baby go” is undeniably evocative, recalling classic pop sentiments. However, some lyrical choices, such as rhyming “Coney Island” with “merry go” (as shorthand for merry-go-round) and the slightly awkward “sorry for not making you my centerfold,” can feel less impactful. Dessner’s droning arrangement adds to the song’s melancholic mood, but the track as a whole might not be as immediately accessible as other tracks on Evermore.
10. “Ivy”
“Ivy” is rich in metaphor and symbolism, weaving a dark fairytale around the theme of a clandestine affair. The lyrics gradually reveal the secret of an engaged woman drawn into a forbidden romance, making the process of deciphering the narrative part of the song’s appeal. “Ivy” is filled with vivid imagery and a sense of forbidden desire, showcasing Swift’s ability to create captivating narratives through intricate lyrical layers. The inclusion of well-placed expletives adds to the song’s raw emotionality.
11. “Cowboy Like Me”
“Cowboy Like Me” presents a compelling narrative about two con artists who find their scamming lives disrupted by an unexpected love. The lyrical concept is reminiscent of classic romantic comedies, focusing on the irony of professional deceivers being caught off guard by genuine emotion. However, the musical arrangement, while pleasant, leans towards melancholy, perhaps not fully capturing the roguish charm implied by the “cowboy” and “villain” imagery. Marcus Mumford’s vocal contribution, while fitting the album’s overall tone, might not be the most dynamic duet pairing for this particular song. Despite this, “Cowboy Like Me” is elevated by impressive guitar solos, possibly contributed by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver).
12. “Long Story Short”
“Long Story Short” offers a refreshing change of pace with the introduction of a drum machine, a relative novelty on Evermore. The song is a retrospective look at past romantic turmoil, delivered with a sense of hard-earned wisdom and self-awareness. While the lyrics still feature Swift’s characteristic wordplay and romantic metaphors, the overall tone is one of shrug-it-off resilience. Lines like “Long story short, it was a bad time” and “Long story short, I survived” convey a sense of closure and personal growth. The song’s message of moving past petty conflicts and focusing on self-preservation feels both personal to Swift’s journey and universally relatable.
13. “Marjorie”
“Marjorie,” placed at track 13, Swift’s lucky number, serves as the emotional centerpiece of Evermore. This deeply personal song is a tribute to Swift’s grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, who passed away during Swift’s early teens. “Marjorie” beautifully captures the enduring impact of grief and the bittersweet nature of memory. The song is filled with vivid recollections and poignant regrets, resonating with anyone who has experienced loss. The inclusion of a sample of Marjorie singing opera at the outro adds an incredibly touching and personal dimension to the song, solidifying its emotional power.
A photograph of Taylor Swift with her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, the inspiration behind the deeply personal track “Marjorie” on Evermore.
14. “Closure”
“Closure” is a sonically adventurous track, incorporating electroacoustic elements and a more experimental sound palette, thanks to production from Dessner, BJ Burton, and James McAlister. Lyrically, “Closure” seems to address music industry grievances and a refusal to seek resolution in certain conflicts. While the lyrical theme might be less universally relatable, the sonic experimentation makes “Closure” a refreshing and unexpected moment on Evermore. Swift’s slightly affected vocal delivery in parts of the song adds to its unconventional character. The line “I’m fine with my spite and my tears and my beers and my candles” is a memorable and defiant expression of emotional independence.
15. “Evermore” (feat. Bon Iver)
The album’s title track, “Evermore,” featuring Bon Iver, serves as a fittingly ambiguous and redemptive conclusion. While the initial verses might feel somewhat vague in imagery and musical direction, the song takes flight when Justin Vernon’s distinctive vocals enter in the middle. The duet creates a sense of urgency and emotional release, bringing the album to a satisfying close. “Evermore” can be interpreted on multiple levels, reflecting personal crises, relationship struggles, or even the collective experience of the pandemic. The song’s ultimate message is one of hope and resilience, rounding off the Evermore journey on a note of quiet optimism.
Evermore: A Worthy Sister to Folklore
Overall, Evermore is a compelling and richly rewarding album that stands as a worthy companion to Folklore. While it might not possess the same immediate breakthrough impact as its predecessor, Evermore offers a deeper and more nuanced exploration of Taylor Swift’s narrative songwriting and sonic experimentation. The Evermore songs showcase a refined artistry, a willingness to take risks, and a continued commitment to crafting intricate and emotionally resonant stories. For fans of Folklore and newcomers alike, Evermore is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of depth and beauty with each exploration. It solidifies Taylor Swift’s position as one of the most significant and continually evolving songwriters of our time.
