BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Taylor Swift has never released an album without months of build-up, single releases and anticipation — until now. On Thursday, July 23, the global superstar announced her eighth studio album folklore would be dropping at midnight, along with a self-directed music video for the first single “cardigan.”

Swift’s newest work crashed unexpectedly into the world, but artistically, it is her most delicate work. The 16-track collection made with Aaron Dessner of The National is a love letter to songwriting, showcasing her best lyrical work woven into stripped-down melancholy melodies composed of mostly guitar and piano. We can’t get enough.

Here are our five favorite tracks from folklore.

“mirrorball”

“Mirrorball,” which comes midway through the tracklist, personifies Swift as a glimmering glass ornament that reflects the good and bad of those around her. Musically, it shimmers. The whispery vocals and romantic guitar-driven melody are reminiscent of a school dance from decades ago. It embodies the beauty and the awkwardness of growing into the person you are.

“exile (feat. Bon Iver)”

The only collaborative track on folklore is with Bon Iver, which should tell you almost everything you need to know about the nature of this new indie-pop Swift. “Exile” is reminiscent of “The Last Time,” Swift’s duet with Gary Lightbody from her fourth album Red, with traded verses and a call-and-response bridge. But this track is more mature, with lyrics so sorrowful it forces us to give it our full attention.  

“invisible string”

Despite its general sad, reflective tone, Swift love song devotees can still get their fix with folklore. Though Swift’s social media posts about her journey to create the album explains many of the stories told through her lyrics are fabricated, “invisible string” seems to be a very personal narrative. The sweet tune is an ode to her serendipitous meeting with boyfriend Joe Alwyn and the trials and tribulations on the way to him.

“august”

“August” is a tale of young love and heartbreak. It chronicles the dizzying nervousness of a loss of innocence and the hopeful sadness of hanging onto someone who will ultimately leave. The nostalgic longing of it feels like a sad smile. Although it’s impossible to choose the best, it features some of our favorite lyrics from folklore: “And I can see us twisting in bedsheets / August sipped away like a bottle of wine. / ‘Cause you were never mine.”

“peace”

The only other happy ending from folklore is a proposal and a vow all in one. With “peace,” Swift promises love for better or worse, even on her most difficult days. She also asks if that devotion could be enough, even if it doesn’t bring peace. Swift has always seemed hyper-aware of her baggage, crooning about the difficulties that come with being her partner. But here, she lays it all bare for her lover. Rather than asking for forgiveness for it, she asks for help carrying it.