Note: This review is number nine in a series looking back at Taylor Swift’s first 10 albums.

Swift’s ninth album, “evermore,” serves as the sister album to “folklore” and released only five months later.

The indie-folk music heard on her previous release simply extends into “evermore.” Swift leans directly into her creative freedom, not concerned with making music that fits a certain mold or what is expected of her.

She truly enjoyed making this album, as she revealed in the accompanying documentary.

On the opening track “willow,” Swift opens with a beautiful, acoustic sound, creating a soft and romantic melody.

The video for this track also provides a continuation of the “cardigan” music video from “folklore,” deepening the connection between the two albums.

The second track, “champagne problems” paints a beautifully tragic story of a woman reflecting on a hopeless proposal.

Swift continues to showcase her storytelling abilities featured on “folklore.”

Swift also pays homage to her grandmother in the song “marjorie,” which even contains old recordings of her grandmother singing in the background. This touching tribute creates an emotional connection between Swift and her fans, especially seen during the Eras tour.

The Swifites started a tradition of turning on the phone flashlights during Swift’s rendition of “Marjorie” on tour. This act of kindness from her fans visibly impacts Swift on stage and keeps her late grandmother’s memory alive.

Swift sings “What died didn’t stay dead,/ What died didn’t stay dead,” and the loving fanbase singing along forever memorializes Marjorie, making the sentiment true.

To start the “evermore” live set, Swift takes on a mythical and witchy vibe. Her dancers, dressed in cloaks with a glowing orb, behind her perform an intricate culty dance. The dance sets play into the stories and lore within the album.

Swift’s powerful and moving storytelling find focus on “evermore,” allowing her to explore passions and try out different sounds.

With “evermore,” Swift began the trend of extending the initial album release as a reward for fans.

Once the previous album “folklore” dropped, rumors of “evermore” began almost immediately. Swift’s speed of production accelerated and continues similarly, as with her “Vault Tracks,” the 3am Edition on “Midnights,” and “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.”

Previous Album “folklore” (2017)| Next Album”Midnights” (2023)