Taylor Swift’s ninth studio album, released December 11, 2020, as a surprise “sister record” to Folklore, continuing the indie-folk storytelling approach just five months after Folklore’s release.
The Surprise Continuation
Taylor announced Evermore less than 24 hours before its release, calling it the “sister album” to Folklore. Recorded during the same creative period with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, the album explored darker, more wintry themes with songs like “willow,” “champagne problems,” and “‘tis the damn season.”
The hashtag trended globally as fans simultaneously processed getting a second surprise album and dissecting new fictional narratives. The HAIM collaboration “no body, no crime” created a murder mystery storyline that spawned countless fan theories.
Commercial Performance
Evermore debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, making Taylor the first artist to debut two albums at #1 in the same year since 2010. Combined with Folklore, Taylor had released two critically acclaimed, chart-topping albums in six months.
The “Folkmore” Era
Together, Folklore and Evermore created what fans called the “Folkmore” era—a cohesive artistic statement that redefined Taylor’s career trajectory and proved her songwriting versatility. The albums’ success during lockdown provided comfort and escape when people needed it most.
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