Taylor Swift announces surprise eighth studio album, 'Folklore'

Taylor Swift is giving fans something to get excited about in 2020. The country-turned-pop-turned-maybe-folk-singer announced today that she's dropping her eighth studio album on July 24. Folklore will be available at midnight and will feature 16 new tracks plus one bonus. But really, isn’t this whole album a massive bonus at this point and exactly what we need during these trying times?Keeping in line with this year’s unofficial theme of nothing going as expected, Swift deviated from her traditional album cycle which typically includes months of social media Easter eggs, radio and TV interviews, a fall release date and several new music videos preceding the official album drop. Instead, Swift went full Beyoncé and broadcast the news of her latest album only hours before its release. We’re not mad about it, just pleasantly surprised. Swift announced Folklore on Instagram, building the album cover with a series of images before sharing a long post about why she decided to sidestep her own tradition and surprise fans.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise ?Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine; @aarondessner (who has co-written or produced 11 of the 16 songs), @boniver (who co-wrote and was kind enough to sing on one with me), William Bowery (who co-wrote two with me) and @jackantonoff (who is basically musical family at this point). Engineered by Laura Sisk and Jon Low, mixed by Serban Ghenea & Jon Low. The album photos were shot by the amazing @bethgarrabrant. Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much ♥️

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:00am PDT

“Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise,” wrote Swift.[video_embed id='1957855']RELATED: Taylor Swift treats fans to the 'The City of Lover[/video_embed]Writing and recording the album in isolation, Swift said she has “poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings” into the new collection of songs. “Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much.”Swift teamed up with producing partner Jack Antonoff for Folklore, as well as The National’s Aaron Dessner, whom Swift said helped to co-write and produce 11 of the new songs. Sharing a statement on Twitter following Swift’s album news, Dessner said that he was "excited and honoured" to contribute to her album.“I’ve rarely been so inspired by someone and it’s still hard to believe this happened,” he wrote. “I’m very proud of all these songs and profoundly grateful to Taylor for inviting me into and trusting me in her process. She is one of the most talented, hardworking and deeply caring artists I’ve ever encountered. There’s a palpable humanity and warmth and raw emotion in these songs that I hope you’ll love and take comfort in as much as I do.”Dessner is also a member of indie folk rock band Big Red Machine, which boasts Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon as a member. Vernon co-wrote the song “Exile” with Swift and sings on the track, clinching the only feature spot on Folklore.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

folklore will have 16 songs on the standard edition, but the physical deluxe editions will include a bonus track called “the lakes.” Because this is my 8th studio album, I made 8 deluxe CD editions and 8 deluxe vinyl editions that are available for one week? Each deluxe edition has unique covers, photos, and artwork. Available exclusively at taylorswift.com

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Jul 23, 2020 at 5:03am PDT

Swift released the track listing for Folklore early Thursday morning and announced that the first video from the new album, “Cardigan,” will premiere later in the day. She also said that filming required several safety measures and some multi-tasking, with the Grammy winner writing and directing the video, not to mention doing her own hair, makeup and styling.“The entire shoot was overseen by a medical inspector, everyone wore masks, stayed away from each other,” wrote Swift in her Instagram post. Swift previously directed the vertical video for her 2018 single “Delicate” and directed all five music videos from her Lover album, working on “Me!” with Dave Meyers and director Drew Kirsch on “You Need To Calm Down” and “Lover.”Always one for symbolism, Swift is releasing eight deluxe CD and vinyl editions of her eighth studio album. Only available for one week (break those sales records, Taylor!), each deluxe edition will feature its own unique cover art, photos and artwork. Deluxe editions of Folklore will also include the bonus track “The Lakes.” Fans can see the cover art for the 16 deluxe editions of Folklore right now on Swift’s website. Each photo was shot by photographer Beth Garrabrant, who has previously worked with Billie Eilish and Gigi Hadid.In addition to the digital, CD and vinyl albums currently available for pre-order on Swift’s website (plus a cassette!), the singer has also made new merch items available, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, a phone case, and yes, a cardigan.[video_embed id='1941372']RELATED: Johnny Orlando’s first concert made him fall ‘in love’ with Taylor Swift[/video_embed]