Marjorie was Taylor's grandmother who was an opera singer who ostensibly gave up her music career to raise a family. Her voice is sampled near the end of the song when she says, "singing with me now." It's easily in my top 5 Taylor songs, the bridge is probably my favorite piece of songwriting, ever. I never don't cry.
Same. I can't get through it without breaking down. I was a wreck during this part of the movie - Experiencing Marjorie's voice echoing out to a stadium of 60,000+ fans is a moment that can't really be put into words. It made me miss my grandma so much.
I'm soooo so glad that it didn't take you overlong to realize that it actually isn't hype at all. She has earned the super solid backing she gets from Swifties because she really is just THAT GOOD.
I am so impressed that you picked up on the "Bonnie and Clyde"/conartist storyline of Cowboy Like Me. I think it's one of the most clever songs she's ever written (on top of being pleasant on the ears) and so few people actually understand it on first listen... including me haha. It grew on me and now it's one of my favorites of hers.
"I feel like the title might be ironic." You're a quick learner! :) I saw your folklore reaction & I really think you'd enjoy watching the Folklore Long Pond Sessions - she and her producers talk about each song before performing live together for the first time. It's quite good and honestly, I prefer it to the album version. Standouts for me are peace, the lakes, my tears ricochet. august/cardigan/betty are a good combo, too. I've been enjoying your reactions and hope you'll allow the Swifties to lead you on your own personal journey down the TAS Rabbit Hole™. If you're interested in learning more about this album, Zane Lowe does a great interview with Taylor - highly recommend. As far as what next - Between your choices, I would go with Midnights. If you really want to throw yourself for a loop (but learn how versatile she is) go with Reputation. 😂 If you watch I Did Something Bad & Don't Blame Me from the Reputation Tour, you'll understand why she broke Ticketmaster and why her concert film is the highest grossing concert film of all time.💙
Thank you for your review! I think when Taylor released these two albums and non-swifties listened to them, is when she reached another level of popularity. There is no denying that the storytelling and lyrics are another level of genius. Very impactful and I've been a Swifty since the very first album 17 years ago, I am now 68. She crosses over every generation, she is definitely not just for kids, in fact, it's the older generations who appreciate her talent the most. Kids love her happy upbeat bops but she is so much more than that. Now you should listen to Midnight's, very different, although some of them are very dreamy but they are also more sexy? They are very midnight, please read what she says about this album before you start listening as she explains why she named it Midnights, so good! Love how you try to figure out the lyrics, isn't it fun? Oh and Marjorie is Taylor's Grandmother on her Mom's side, she was an opera singer and that was her voice that you hear at the end in the background. Another beautiful song Taylor has written about her family.
There's 3 deluxe songs that are totally worth checking Folklore: the lakes Evermore: right where you left me & it's time to go These songs are beautiful, even if you don't make a video reaction they're still worth listening
Although it's not my favorite song on the album, I love how in "Gold Rush" she compares him to a siren (and his eyes to the ocean) and her voice reflects that with the siren song sounding switch-up in melody.
I recommend doing Midnights over 1989 next. Midnights is a more mature contemplative album. I've been a fan since 2008 and even though I'm older than Taylor Swift I have always enjoyed her writing style and her story telling.
This was wonderful again! Evermore is maybe my favourite album. It feels like she got the polished album she wanted to make with Folklore to try for awards/acclaim/etc, and so afterwards she could play and experiment and be a bit freer with this one. A lot of this album is influenced by literature (Ivy is thought to be about Emily Dickinson and her lover Sue, Happiness has a lot of references to The Great Gatsby, Tolerate It was inspired by Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier). It’s some of her best work. I think Midnights next is the best idea, but make sure you do the 3am version (and I’d suggest adding the bonus tracks Hits Different and especially You’re Losing Me-the latter can only be found on UA-cam at the moment, though, because it was released on limited physicals). Basically she released the short (45 min) standard edition at midnight which is very pop-oriented and then at 3am released 7 extra tracks which are closer to a sort of hybrid between Folklore and Midnights. Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve and You’re Losing Me are career highlights imo.
I’ve loved both of your TSwift reactions, and would like to offer these thoughts as a map to the maze awaiting you as you explore the rabbit hole: I’m sure people have mentioned that a lot of Taylor’s songs are “growers”. About half of the songs on folklore and evermore seemed like “nothing special” to me the first time or two that I heard them but now I’m addicted to practically every song on both albums. You will ultimately need to see her amazing movies and music videos. Seeing her live performances will elevate your appreciation of her music - and her as a performer - by a whole order of magnitude. Now that you’ve heard folklore, for example, watching “The Long Pond Sessions” will blow your mind. I watched that movie several months ago and I’m still finding pieces of brain matter scattered around the house. Also, DON’T FORGET HER BONUS TRACKS on extended/deluxe versions. Some of her most amazing songs are among these semi-hidden gems. One example is “The Lakes” on folklore. I’m not sure if you’ll like that one, but I love it. As for where to go from here, I’d suggest Midnights, and then start working backwards in time. (Or, you could do what I did. I started with Midnights then, after folklore/evermore, I went to the very beginning and worked my way through all 10 albums in historical sequence.) The Reputation album could be tricky. I personally predict that the TV will be announced in a couple of weeks and released in February. You don’t necessarily need to wait for the TV for your review (swifties won’t come after you with pitchforks) but the timing is something to keep in mind. Swifties intensely debate preferences for OG vs. TV. I personally love the TVs, but I’d also say that you are not morally bound to the TVs. (But, as I said, the debates can be intense.) If you are going to switch to single-song samples from each album, you might consider pairing each song you hear with its music video (if there is one) or a live performance video. In other words, listen to the song, then watch the video immediately afterwards. (And don’t necessarily limit yourself to picking the opening song from each album.) Also keep in mind that there are certain iconic performances that are required viewing for any swiftie-in-training. Here are a few: All Too Well (Live From The 56th GRAMMYs 2014) ua-cam.com/video/vQI67092qvI/v-deo.html NPR Tiny Desk Concert ua-cam.com/video/FvVnP8G6ITs/v-deo.html Taylor Swift - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge 2019 (Full Show) ua-cam.com/video/aB_3-8ebkfs/v-deo.html (The music starts at 5:30.) And just for laughs (but a nonetheless mandatory assignment): Taylor Swift Monologue Song - SNL ua-cam.com/video/W2twcSFYlt0/v-deo.html Here is a quick summary of essential movies: Folklore: The Long Pond Sessions (on Disney+) Miss Americana (documentary on Netflix) The Reputation Stadium Tour (Netflix) The 1989 World Tour (on UA-cam) (Notice the jaw-dropping number of fantastic guest appearances in this tour.) ua-cam.com/video/P5JLMp08GC0/v-deo.html Print this map and pin it to your corkboard for future reference.
I loved watching this after your folklore reaction. I'm 46 and grew up on 80s pop, 70s punk, 60s rock, and 90s grunge. Dismissed Taylor until 1989 came out but never listened to another album until 2020. Since then, I've come to recognize that she's as great as any of the greatests. You may not like all her offerings, and some are definitely more evocative or more lyrical than others. But she's a phenomenon. I'm subscribing to see your journey. Interested to see what you think of her pop. My recommendation is Midnights next. Listen to the 3am version, understanding that the first 13 tracks are meant to be seen as a complete album with the additional 7 tracks meant as an addendum of related but not as cohesive work. Thanks for checking her out. She's worth it.
I have been a fan of Taylor's since the beginning, but trying to figure out what to listen to next is going to be difficult. Maybe do one song from each album from the start as a sample and then pick the album that piqued your interest. Great reaction. Welcome to the rabbit hole.
seconding this idea!! at the end you asked if evermore is what made some of us fans. it is probably my favorite album but I’ve been a fan from the beginning and the cool thing about Taylor’s albums is that each has a unique sound and people’s fandoms can be traced to their favorite album/era but also to their lives at the time. revisiting all the albums with the eras tour and the re-recordings, reflects on where Taylor was at that age but also each of us. i think that’s why there’s just so much interest because it’s like every fan can come together to celebrate each time capsule and now you’ll have that too 😊
Oh Damn...Marjorie gets me everytime...such a beautiful tribute to Taylor's grandmother...Evermore, featuring Bon Iver is just a hauntingly beautiful song that is one of my favorites...just came across your reaction, really, really loved it, I look forward to hearing more from you...😊
Great reaction. Like the love story trilogy of cardigan, Betty, and august on folklore- ris the damn season and Dorothea are parts of the same story. Dorothea left her small town for fame in Hollywood and told from the perspective of her old lover. ‘Tis the damn season is Dorothea’s thoughts as she returns home for the holidays.
Evermore is hands down my favourite Taylor Swift album and one of my all time favourite albums. And I grew up LOVING Blink 182, Greenday, Sum 41, Good Charlotte and My Chemical Romance at the same time 😂 I always enjoyed her music on a surface level, but I've been hooked on entire albums of hers since 2019's Lover album came out and started backtracking through her catalogue. The rhythm and pace of her music writing alongside those incredible lyrics is what keeps me HOOKED! Honestly, I could leave Gold Rush and Closure. Otherwise, the deluxe version of this album is perfection to me. And I'm never annoyed when I don't get a chance to skip those two tracks either. It's the grown up sister of Folklore and I have been listening to it frequently since the album was released.
Hello!!! If I may suggest, you may want to start with Midnights first before going to 1989 TV. Midnights has almost the same way of writing as Folklore and Evermore with more pop sounds and pop production. I think it will you a better introduction to 1989 since 1989 was THE pop album. Thank you!!! Enjoyed your reaction to Folklore and Evermore.
You need to listen to Norman Fucking Rockwell! by Lana Del Rey! It’s so good and stated as one of the best albums of the last decade. It has a soft rock/ Americana/ psychedelic tone to it. Lana is also one of Taylor’s favorite artists :)
I’m soo excited and had a feelings you’d like this one slightly more. Another comment suggested you go to Midnights next before 1989. I just wanted to say I agree with what they said.
I don't think you'll respond as well to 1989 as you have to folklore and evermore. It's her most generic album in terms of songwriting -- I don't mean that in a bad way, but she's an artist whose lyricism is so rooted in specificity, and she challenged herself to write a universal, broadly appealing pop album with 1989 -- to great success. Midnights is probably her best and certainly most mature pop album, with the songwriting of folklore/evermore and production of 1989. So, I'd go there next.
Long story short basically sums up the backstory of her relationships that lead into her Reputation album in one song. Such clever and creative way to look back on such a complicated moment in her life with such a succinct pen. I think that’s why it sounds different to the rest of Evermore too. Still fits in with the theme of endings on this album
Loved your video! Based on your 2 reviews I would do Midnights first 🙌🏻 And yes, Evermore is my fav of the 2 sister albums. I’ve been a swiftie since her album fearless ☺️
I like when a person can appreciate the dissonance in Closure. For me, it invokes the inner turmoil one might feel when someone attempts to re-insert themselves into your life for “closure”. No thanks 😂
Marjorie was Taylor's grandmother who was an opera singer who ostensibly gave up her music career to raise a family. Her voice is sampled near the end of the song when she says, "singing with me now." It's easily in my top 5 Taylor songs, the bridge is probably my favorite piece of songwriting, ever. I never don't cry.
Yes! The bridge of this song is something very special, so beautifully written 🥺
I always get emotional during this song! 😭
Same. I can't get through it without breaking down. I was a wreck during this part of the movie - Experiencing Marjorie's voice echoing out to a stadium of 60,000+ fans is a moment that can't really be put into words. It made me miss my grandma so much.
Taylor featured on a National song called "The Alcott" and it is so beautiful.
Love The Alcott - and Renegade!
I'm soooo so glad that it didn't take you overlong to realize that it actually isn't hype at all. She has earned the super solid backing she gets from Swifties because she really is just THAT GOOD.
I am so impressed that you picked up on the "Bonnie and Clyde"/conartist storyline of Cowboy Like Me. I think it's one of the most clever songs she's ever written (on top of being pleasant on the ears) and so few people actually understand it on first listen... including me haha. It grew on me and now it's one of my favorites of hers.
cowboy like me is so underrated it hurts my heart.
@@IvyCowboyI swear I’ve been bumping that song for the past few months. Definitely grew on me too.
@@dinglesworld it's such a gorgeous song. It's like listening to a hot toddy.
Midnights is a better transition from the Sister Albums. Once you're done with Midnights, then listening to 1989 (Taylor's Version).
Agreed
Agreed X 2
"I feel like the title might be ironic." You're a quick learner! :) I saw your folklore reaction & I really think you'd enjoy watching the Folklore Long Pond Sessions - she and her producers talk about each song before performing live together for the first time. It's quite good and honestly, I prefer it to the album version. Standouts for me are peace, the lakes, my tears ricochet. august/cardigan/betty are a good combo, too.
I've been enjoying your reactions and hope you'll allow the Swifties to lead you on your own personal journey down the TAS Rabbit Hole™. If you're interested in learning more about this album, Zane Lowe does a great interview with Taylor - highly recommend.
As far as what next - Between your choices, I would go with Midnights. If you really want to throw yourself for a loop (but learn how versatile she is) go with Reputation. 😂 If you watch I Did Something Bad & Don't Blame Me from the Reputation Tour, you'll understand why she broke Ticketmaster and why her concert film is the highest grossing concert film of all time.💙
Thank you for your review! I think when Taylor released these two albums and non-swifties listened to them, is when she reached another level of popularity. There is no denying that the storytelling and lyrics are another level of genius. Very impactful and I've been a Swifty since the very first album 17 years ago, I am now 68. She crosses over every generation, she is definitely not just for kids, in fact, it's the older generations who appreciate her talent the most. Kids love her happy upbeat bops but she is so much more than that. Now you should listen to Midnight's, very different, although some of them are very dreamy but they are also more sexy? They are very midnight, please read what she says about this album before you start listening as she explains why she named it Midnights, so good! Love how you try to figure out the lyrics, isn't it fun? Oh and Marjorie is Taylor's Grandmother on her Mom's side, she was an opera singer and that was her voice that you hear at the end in the background. Another beautiful song Taylor has written about her family.
Agree with this - also please do the 3am version of Midnights - some of the best songs on the album are bonus tracks.
There's 3 deluxe songs that are totally worth checking
Folklore: the lakes
Evermore: right where you left me & it's time to go
These songs are beautiful, even if you don't make a video reaction they're still worth listening
Agreed! The bonus tracks are just as good as the album tracks!
Although it's not my favorite song on the album, I love how in "Gold Rush" she compares him to a siren (and his eyes to the ocean) and her voice reflects that with the siren song sounding switch-up in melody.
I recommend doing Midnights over 1989 next. Midnights is a more mature contemplative album. I've been a fan since 2008 and even though I'm older than Taylor Swift I have always enjoyed her writing style and her story telling.
I think you would really like the two bonus tracks. Honestly they are in my top 10 favorite Taylor Swift songs ever.
This was wonderful again! Evermore is maybe my favourite album. It feels like she got the polished album she wanted to make with Folklore to try for awards/acclaim/etc, and so afterwards she could play and experiment and be a bit freer with this one. A lot of this album is influenced by literature (Ivy is thought to be about Emily Dickinson and her lover Sue, Happiness has a lot of references to The Great Gatsby, Tolerate It was inspired by Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier). It’s some of her best work.
I think Midnights next is the best idea, but make sure you do the 3am version (and I’d suggest adding the bonus tracks Hits Different and especially You’re Losing Me-the latter can only be found on UA-cam at the moment, though, because it was released on limited physicals).
Basically she released the short (45 min) standard edition at midnight which is very pop-oriented and then at 3am released 7 extra tracks which are closer to a sort of hybrid between Folklore and Midnights. Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve and You’re Losing Me are career highlights imo.
That edition of that album will def be next, thank you for the insights 😊
I’ve loved both of your TSwift reactions, and would like to offer these thoughts as a map to the maze awaiting you as you explore the rabbit hole:
I’m sure people have mentioned that a lot of Taylor’s songs are “growers”. About half of the songs on folklore and evermore seemed like “nothing special” to me the first time or two that I heard them but now I’m addicted to practically every song on both albums.
You will ultimately need to see her amazing movies and music videos. Seeing her live performances will elevate your appreciation of her music - and her as a performer - by a whole order of magnitude. Now that you’ve heard folklore, for example, watching “The Long Pond Sessions” will blow your mind. I watched that movie several months ago and I’m still finding pieces of brain matter scattered around the house.
Also, DON’T FORGET HER BONUS TRACKS on extended/deluxe versions. Some of her most amazing songs are among these semi-hidden gems. One example is “The Lakes” on folklore. I’m not sure if you’ll like that one, but I love it.
As for where to go from here, I’d suggest Midnights, and then start working backwards in time. (Or, you could do what I did. I started with Midnights then, after folklore/evermore, I went to the very beginning and worked my way through all 10 albums in historical sequence.) The Reputation album could be tricky. I personally predict that the TV will be announced in a couple of weeks and released in February. You don’t necessarily need to wait for the TV for your review (swifties won’t come after you with pitchforks) but the timing is something to keep in mind. Swifties intensely debate preferences for OG vs. TV. I personally love the TVs, but I’d also say that you are not morally bound to the TVs. (But, as I said, the debates can be intense.)
If you are going to switch to single-song samples from each album, you might consider pairing each song you hear with its music video (if there is one) or a live performance video. In other words, listen to the song, then watch the video immediately afterwards. (And don’t necessarily limit yourself to picking the opening song from each album.)
Also keep in mind that there are certain iconic performances that are required viewing for any swiftie-in-training. Here are a few:
All Too Well (Live From The 56th GRAMMYs 2014)
ua-cam.com/video/vQI67092qvI/v-deo.html
NPR Tiny Desk Concert
ua-cam.com/video/FvVnP8G6ITs/v-deo.html
Taylor Swift - BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge 2019 (Full Show)
ua-cam.com/video/aB_3-8ebkfs/v-deo.html
(The music starts at 5:30.)
And just for laughs (but a nonetheless mandatory assignment):
Taylor Swift Monologue Song - SNL
ua-cam.com/video/W2twcSFYlt0/v-deo.html
Here is a quick summary of essential movies:
Folklore: The Long Pond Sessions (on Disney+)
Miss Americana (documentary on Netflix)
The Reputation Stadium Tour (Netflix)
The 1989 World Tour (on UA-cam) (Notice the jaw-dropping number of fantastic guest appearances in this tour.)
ua-cam.com/video/P5JLMp08GC0/v-deo.html
Print this map and pin it to your corkboard for future reference.
This is an EXCELLENT “syllabus”!! Yes, yes, yes…. Except maybe do debut last…
I’d recommend doing midnights 3am edition next & then diving into the re-recordings w/ the vault tracks (Fearless TV, Speak Now TV, Red TV, & 1989 TV)
I loved watching this after your folklore reaction.
I'm 46 and grew up on 80s pop, 70s punk, 60s rock, and 90s grunge. Dismissed Taylor until 1989 came out but never listened to another album until 2020. Since then, I've come to recognize that she's as great as any of the greatests. You may not like all her offerings, and some are definitely more evocative or more lyrical than others. But she's a phenomenon. I'm subscribing to see your journey. Interested to see what you think of her pop.
My recommendation is Midnights next. Listen to the 3am version, understanding that the first 13 tracks are meant to be seen as a complete album with the additional 7 tracks meant as an addendum of related but not as cohesive work.
Thanks for checking her out. She's worth it.
I have been a fan of Taylor's since the beginning, but trying to figure out what to listen to next is going to be difficult. Maybe do one song from each album from the start as a sample and then pick the album that piqued your interest. Great reaction. Welcome to the rabbit hole.
That's a good idea about the first track sampling.
seconding this idea!! at the end you asked if evermore is what made some of us fans. it is probably my favorite album but I’ve been a fan from the beginning and the cool thing about Taylor’s albums is that each has a unique sound and people’s fandoms can be traced to their favorite album/era but also to their lives at the time. revisiting all the albums with the eras tour and the re-recordings, reflects on where Taylor was at that age but also each of us. i think that’s why there’s just so much interest because it’s like every fan can come together to celebrate each time capsule and now you’ll have that too 😊
Oh Damn...Marjorie gets me everytime...such a beautiful tribute to Taylor's grandmother...Evermore, featuring Bon Iver is just a hauntingly beautiful song that is one of my favorites...just came across your reaction, really, really loved it, I look forward to hearing more from you...😊
Great reaction. Like the love story trilogy of cardigan, Betty, and august on folklore- ris the damn season and Dorothea are parts of the same story. Dorothea left her small town for fame in Hollywood and told from the perspective of her old lover. ‘Tis the damn season is Dorothea’s thoughts as she returns home for the holidays.
Right where you left me is a masterpiece deluxe track to this album!!! Can’t leave it off 😃
Evermore is hands down my favourite Taylor Swift album and one of my all time favourite albums.
And I grew up LOVING Blink 182, Greenday, Sum 41, Good Charlotte and My Chemical Romance at the same time 😂 I always enjoyed her music on a surface level, but I've been hooked on entire albums of hers since 2019's Lover album came out and started backtracking through her catalogue.
The rhythm and pace of her music writing alongside those incredible lyrics is what keeps me HOOKED!
Honestly, I could leave Gold Rush and Closure. Otherwise, the deluxe version of this album is perfection to me. And I'm never annoyed when I don't get a chance to skip those two tracks either.
It's the grown up sister of Folklore and I have been listening to it frequently since the album was released.
Hello!!! If I may suggest, you may want to start with Midnights first before going to 1989 TV. Midnights has almost the same way of writing as Folklore and Evermore with more pop sounds and pop production. I think it will you a better introduction to 1989 since 1989 was THE pop album. Thank you!!! Enjoyed your reaction to Folklore and Evermore.
You need to listen to Norman Fucking Rockwell! by Lana Del Rey! It’s so good and stated as one of the best albums of the last decade. It has a soft rock/ Americana/ psychedelic tone to it. Lana is also one of Taylor’s favorite artists :)
I’m soo excited and had a feelings you’d like this one slightly more. Another comment suggested you go to Midnights next before 1989. I just wanted to say I agree with what they said.
I don't think you'll respond as well to 1989 as you have to folklore and evermore. It's her most generic album in terms of songwriting -- I don't mean that in a bad way, but she's an artist whose lyricism is so rooted in specificity, and she challenged herself to write a universal, broadly appealing pop album with 1989 -- to great success. Midnights is probably her best and certainly most mature pop album, with the songwriting of folklore/evermore and production of 1989. So, I'd go there next.
That said, there are some songwriting highlights on 1989 (Clean, Blank Space, You Are In Love, Is It Over Now?)
Love Taylor reactions❤
Long story short basically sums up the backstory of her relationships that lead into her Reputation album in one song. Such clever and creative way to look back on such a complicated moment in her life with such a succinct pen. I think that’s why it sounds different to the rest of Evermore too. Still fits in with the theme of endings on this album
Loved your video! Based on your 2 reviews I would do Midnights first 🙌🏻
And yes, Evermore is my fav of the 2 sister albums.
I’ve been a swiftie since her album fearless ☺️
Majorie is her grandmother ❤️
You should check the bonus track! One of them called “right where you left me” its one of my favorites
Watch this space.
I like when a person can appreciate the dissonance in Closure. For me, it invokes the inner turmoil one might feel when someone attempts to re-insert themselves into your life for “closure”. No thanks 😂
I think you might want to check out Midnights next. It makes sense 💜
You got a Darth Vader and a Void on your background!
Nice reaction!
What’s the song in your intro?
'Serve the Servants' - Nirvana
love this! you should check out the boygenius record if you haven't, I think you'd enjoy it
I have and I love that band! Not checked out the new EP though
do i spy merseyrail on that intro?? hahahah
..maybe 🙄
big up lpool! if you rock with taylor the swifties rock with you - hope you’re prepared for her other 8 albums😁