Like many current college students, I grew up knowing Taylor Swift (not personally, obviously, but I wish). I distinctly remember reenacting the “You Belong With Me” music video in my room, singing “Love Story” with all my classmates when our teacher let us listen to the radio in elementary school, jamming to “22” in line in the freezing cold for the One Direction pop up store in Faneuil Hall, and listening to the newly released 1989 in my headphones while sitting on the floor in my high school hallway. I’ve always liked the music of hers that I knew, but I have never considered myself a “Swiftie,” as they say.
Over the last year, my little sister, Veronica, has become a big fan of Taylor Swift. She’s almost eight years younger than me, and I love to see her forming her own musical interests. It’s also really nice to see Taylor Swift’s continued success as her fanbase expands across decades. I’ve realized lately, as Veronica goes back to listen to all of her albums, that I want to do the same and become a better fan in general. So, when I found out on Thursday that Taylor would be releasing a surprise new album at midnight, something made me stay up that night. Since I couldn’t sleep, I listened to the whole thing until the wee hours of the morning. These are my four favorite songs off of evermore, in no particular order.
- “marjorie”
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I did not expect to be in tears at 1:38 a.m. on the Thursday night after my last day of classes for the semester, but I couldn’t stop myself from breaking down when I heard “marjorie.” Track 13 on the album is a heartbreaking song about Taylor’s grandmother, who passed away in 2003. My Nana was named Marjorie as well, and she passed away when I was six years old. Hearing Taylor Swift sing this deeply personal song about her connection with her own grandmother Marjorie, I could not help but think of my Nana, who I miss every day. I don’t think I’ll be able to listen to this song a lot, but it is so beautifully written and performed. I would say it is definitely one of the best on the album.
- “‘tis the damn season”
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The titular line of “‘tis the damn season” is going to come into my head every Christmas from now on, that’s for sure. I’ve already listened to this song several times, and I like it more each time. It’s simultaneously sad, relaxing, and catchy — very much reminding me of the way Ed Sheeran’s music makes me feel. Taylor’s layered harmony with herself gives the song a particularly pleasing sound.
- “no body, no crime”
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This song with HAIM really gets back to Taylor’s country roots. Her voice suits this style brilliantly, and the murder mystery storyline is engrossing. It’s hard to explain, but “no body, no crime” feels like a music video. It’s a song I would listen to when I pretend I’m in a movie.
- “dorothea”
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This one gives me goosebumps. Taylor paints such a clear picture of what it feels like to lose a friendship but still wish the best for that friend and know you would welcome it back despite everything. There’s something about the way she sings, “the stars in your eyes shined brighter in Tupelo,” that is totally charming. I can see “dorothea” ending up on my Spotify Wrapped 2021, especially since I played it on repeat while writing this description.
This album does not disappoint. There’s a familiarity to the music, which has allowed the artist to dive deeper into her soul. I highly recommend checking it out!
I cannot wait to catch up on any of Taylor Swift’s music I’ve missed over the years. folklore, here I come…
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