Taylor Swift – evermore

Review Score:

A

The Unprecedented Times –

June 7 / 2023

There comes a time in every man’s life when he must admit that he likes Taylor Swift. For some, it takes a long time. For me, it wasn’t that hard to come to terms with. Around the time I turned 15, I realized that hating Swift wasn’t a battle worth fighting any longer. Even if some releases weren’t my speed, others filled the gap. There’s no denying her talent. 

I was taken caught off guard by folklore. And I was pleased to see Taylor make another somber, gentle folk tinged album in that style. When evermore was released, I decided it was time to fully embrace Taylor Swift. evermore demonstrates Swift’s storytelling like never before. Partnering with Jack Antonoff turned out to be a match made in heaven. With some of Antonoff’s projects, his personal style bleeds through, for better or worse. But that is not the case here, where Taylor Swift’s personal choices and powerful songwriting remain the centerpiece.

Songs like “gold rush” and “ivy” are whimsical, taking the listener to another place. And Swift’s ability to craft these captivating, immersive stories is no clearer than on evermore. Side note, I love “ivy”. It’s possibly my favorite Swift song ever. Swift’s lower vocal register is one of her most unique qualities. And her songwriting is on another level here. I was listening to this album with a friend of mine once. She heard “ivy” and scrunched her face at the chorus. She asked me “why does she have to say ‘God damn’?”. She was upset that Swift took the “lord’s name in vain” or something. But think about how good it sounds. Did she even consider that? I bet she didn’t. Idiot. IDIOT. MORON. 

The album also features production from The National’s Aaron and Bryce Dessner (as well as vocals from Matt Beringer). The National’s trademark sound, which can at times become droll and muddled as it does on their recent record, does not with Swift’s collaboration. It compliments her songwriting style and amplifies the general sense of regret and longing that remains ever present across folklore and evermore. The album has two more musical collaborations, one with HAIM and one with Bon Iver. HAIM is a little underutilized, unfortunately. But Bon Iver’s famous falsetto is prominent in the closing track.

All roads lead to Jack Antonoff. The man can not be stopped. He runs rampant among the women of the indie and pop music scenes. Lana Del Rey, Clairo, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Lorde; he’s ever present. I would say that, for the most part, Antonoff has a good track record. His production on evermore is clean and clear. It feels very timely and highlights what sets Taylor Swift apart from her contemporaries. 

I return to this album more than anything else in Swift’s impressive discography. Songs like “cowboy like me”, “long story short” and “ivy” are top tier for me. Swift’s career has spanned nearly two decades now. She has drifted between musical styles over the years. There is some debate as to what suits her and what doesn’t. But I don’t think there’s any question as to whether or not evermore is some of her best work to date.

Review Score:

A