Overview
Taylor Swift surprise-released folklore on July 24, 2020, and evermore on December 11, 2020—two indie-folk sister albums created during COVID-19 lockdown. folklore debuted at #1 with 846,000 units and won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammys, making Taylor the first woman to win the award three times.
Pandemic Pivot
With her Lover Fest tour canceled, Taylor collaborated remotely with Aaron Dessner (The National) and Jack Antonoff. The albums abandoned pop maximalism for indie-folk storytelling, piano, and fictional narratives.
folklore Critical Acclaim
folklore received near-universal praise (88 Metacritic) for its maturity and restraint. “cardigan” debuted at #1. “exile” ft. Bon Iver showcased harmonies. “betty” referenced the “teenage love triangle” with “august” and “cardigan.”
Long Pond Studio Sessions
Taylor released folklore: the long pond studio sessions on Disney+ (November 2020), featuring acoustic performances and creative commentary with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff. The documentary demystified her songwriting process.
evermore Expansion
evermore explored darker themes: murder ballad “no body, no crime” ft. HAIM, cheating “champagne problems,” and sisterhood “marjorie” (about Taylor’s grandmother). “willow” debuted at #1, making Taylor the first artist to debut atop both Hot 100 and Billboard 200 simultaneously twice.
Grammy History
folklore won Album of the Year (2021), making Taylor the first woman to win three times (joining Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra). She later won a fourth time for Midnights (2024).
Cultural Impact
The “cottagecore” aesthetic of folklore dominated pandemic culture: cardigans, forests, cabin vibes, and handwritten lyrics. “invisible string” became wedding song material. The albums proved Taylor’s artistic range beyond pop.
Commercial Success
folklore sold 1.3 million copies in 2020 and spent 8 weeks at #1. evermore debuted at #1 with 329,000 units. Both albums won critical and commercial acclaim in the streaming era.
Legacy
The folklore/evermore era redefined Taylor’s artistry and influenced pop’s shift toward indie aesthetics. The albums remain fan favorites and showcase her storytelling evolution.
Source: Grammy Awards 2021