Swift has taken us back to the woods yet again with another set of spellbinding, timeless lore to digest with “Evermore.”

TOP 5

5. HAPPINESS

Deceptively titled, “Happiness” is not in fact a happy song. Accompanied by synthesizers, piano, and guitar variations, this track is a painfully told ode to the aftermath of a break-up. Swift also sneaks in some “The Great Gatsby” references, noting to a “beautiful fool” and “the green light of forgiveness.”

4. TIS THE DAMN SEASON

Swift gives us a home for the holiday’s story that ponders on what-ifs and could’ve beens. Lyrically solid with some catchy hooks, this track features some well-placed electric guitar, piano, and some strings. A perfect listen for anyone with hometown holiday blues.

3. IVY

Ultra-folksy “Ivy” is a simple narrative of stolen love. The bewitching lyrics of Swift’s song could easily slide into a fantasy novel without criticism. There are strong fairytale roots here, and of course, the instrumentals on this track follow Swift’s theme. If there was a song meant to represent her “woodsy rustic” atmosphere it would be “Ivy.”

2. NO BODY, NO CRIME

This imaginative mini true crime story tells the fictional story of Este, her murder, and the narrator’s ultimate revenge. The song opens with siren wails, confessional whispers, and the catchy melody has a piano, guitar variations, and harmonica to name a few. This country-style track featuring Haim is just as satisfying as a true-crime podcast and has everything a murder mystery lover could ask for.

1.WIILOW

This song is a vibe. It’s easily the most upbeat track on the album. In the opening for “Evermore,” Swift tells us a classic dreamy story of connection and the journey to love. Featuring indie-folk instrumentals, catchy hooks, and powerful lyrics, “Willow” is perfect for anyone looking for a compelling love experience. There’s also a music video which is a magically haunting adventure cloaked in a vintage filter. Don’t tell me people donned in medieval capes and costume masks dancing in the snowy woods isn’t a forever mood.

OVERALL RATING

(A)

“Evermore,” Taylor Swift’s follow up “sister” album to her soft ethereal country vibing “Folklore,” takes us back to the magical and calming world that she created. In an interview about her latest album, Swift said that “Folklore” was meant to represent spring and summer, while “Evermore” represents fall and winter. I definitely feel the “fireside folk,” cozy blanket vibes from this album’s delicate touch, soothing instrumentals, and holiday references.

Swift’s work is as always, meticulously done, from her carefully thought-out lyrics, tones, well-placed Easter Eggs, and references to her previous work (much to the delight of her die-hard fans.) Even if you’re someone that rolled their eyes at country or pop era Taylor, you can’t deny that “Evermore” is an exquisitely done piece of art. Listening through the album feels like cracking open a for pleasure short story novel with the same stunning amount of surprise, heartbreak, love, and even murder. The emotional payoff is worth the ride for anyone ready for the journey.

Shari Hirsch

Chicago based writer and creative. Fan of 80’s horror, fancy coffee drinks, and late night drives.