It’s not folklore: Taylor Swift is indeed dropping a new album.
In a series of social media posts that rocked Swifties ’round the world, the country-pop singer and proud LGBTQ ally unveiled her plan to drop a surprise album at midnight tonight (Thursday, July 23).
“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,” Swift tweeted at 8am this morning. “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 whims, dreams, fears, and musings into.”
Surprise Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my 8th studio album, folklore; an entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. Pre-order at https://t.co/zSHpnhUlLb pic.twitter.com/4ZVGy4l23b
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 23, 2020
“Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release music at the ’perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed,” she continued. “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.”
The woodsy-looking record, which was “recorded in isolation,” according to Swift’s announcement, features collabs with indie rock legend Bon Iver and superstar producer Jack Antonoff, among others. Its 16-song track list is as follows:
1. the 1
2. cardigan
3. the last great american dynasty
4. exile (ft. Bon Iver)
5. my tears richochet
6. mirrorball
7. seven
8. august
9. this is me trying
10. illicit affairs
11. invisible string
12. mad woman
13. epiphany
14. betty
15. peace
16. hoax17. the lakes (a bonus track on the physical album)
Swift is also releasing the music video for “cardigan,” which she wrote and directed, tonight.
The music video for “cardigan” will premiere tonight, which I wrote/directed. A million thank you’s to my brilliant, bad ass video team – Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, producer Jil Hardin, executive producer Rebecca Skinner, AD Joe ‘Oz’ Osbourne pic.twitter.com/2hNXnzFbwY
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 23, 2020
The surprise record comes a year after her last full-length, Lover, which included “You Need to Calm Down,” her pro-LGBTQ rights anthem.
folklore hits the corporeal plane at midnight tonight, meaning the release date is technically July 24 (7/24, 7 + 2 + 4 = 13, Taylor’s favorite number. Her mind!) Until then, catch us with our heads in the clouds.