As I mentioned in my monthly wrap up, Taylor Swift’s surprise album drop basically made my month, so when I saw this tag that gives combines the songs with books, I just had to do it! If this isn’t your thing, that’s fine, there’s no bad blood, just maybe skip this because (in case you can’t tell) I’m gonna go FULL FANGIRL! But if you are a Swiftie, enchanted to meet you, welcome to Wonderland! We’re gonna be FEARLESS today!
I wasn’t tagged, but thank you to the amazing Ruby Rae Reads for bringing this to my attention and the incredible creator Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink for making such a wonderful tag! (look at what you made me do 😉) Seriously though, check both of those out if you loved this album as much as I did! I know most of you need no invitation, but I used this as an excuse to relisten to the music as I answered the questions 😉 Also, I spent *way too much* time on this post, picking out books for Swifties that match the mood of the songs, so hope you like it 😊 Okay, without further ado, it’s time to freak out about Folkore and the fact that there’s nothing stranger than fiction… are you ready for it? 😉
THE RULES
- Link to the original creator: Ilsa @ A Whisper Of Ink
- Tag at least 3 people.
- Declare the rules and list of prompts in your post
- Thank whoever who tagged you and link to their post
What a catchy one to kick off the album! This tune feels like old school Taylor and I’m digging it!
♫
We Were Liars
I picked this cos it has that retro, buzzy feel to it- even if at the same time it’s technically a bit downbeat.
The second I put this on for the first time, I knew this album would be a favourite! I just wanted to get wrapped up in it. It feels fresh and nostalgic at the same time; it parallels her older music and yet is so much more mature. Listening to it again now, I’m transported to another world and love how Swift once again makes Wonderland references (see what I mean about her links to her older stuff! Ah!!)
♫
Peter Pan
Partly cos of the Peter Pan references, but mostly cos I’m lowkey obsessed with it.
This wasn’t my favourite, but it also gives me vibes from early Swift and is still a strong song. Plus, I love how she’s now telling other people’s stories and tying them into her own life.
♫
Daisy Jones and the Six
I’m stealing Ruby’s answer because it was perfect! I can’t help it! Not only does this book have unconventional characters to match the song, the rock n’ roll vibes also make this feel ALL AMERICAN to me. Plus, if you’re in the mood for some smooth listening, I really recommend this one on audiobook as well!
This is where the album took me off into another plane. Alas, this asks for a book I don’t like, so gonna oblige (with something other people might actually enjoy)
♫
Normal People
Recently, I wish I’d not bothered reading Normal People, because ***there were so many signs*** I wouldn’t like it- after all I didn’t like Conversations with Friends. And while it was an improvement on her previous book, her writing still isn’t for me.
Ahh this song!!! An instant new favourite!! It feels really specific… and yet so personal to me? I’ve no idea how Swift manages to pull that off. I’m haunted by this song and when I’m not listening to it, I still miss it in my bones (damn those are some exquisite lyrics)
♫
Sadie
I’m pairing this with one of my favourites from last year. I’d never really listened to many audiobooks before this one, but Sadie was in a league of its own and made me sob. It also goes with this song *perfectly* imo.
Such a pretty song, it makes me want to spin around the room, and if you don’t like it then hush… 😉
♫
Big Magic
The amazing thing is it’s one of those books that makes so many people it was made just for them.
Oh my god this song takes my breath away. It feels like a folksong, yet has something very modern about it.
♫
Heidi
It’s been years since I read this, yet I’ve still got love for it!
Absolute perfect summer song for this august! I want to cancel plans and just listen to it again and again 😉 Plus I like how reminiscent it is- I get lost in memories when I put it on. What’s great is that the tune feels ostensibly happy, yet wistful, blending in the longing lyrics. I’ve no idea how Swift manages to give her songs multiple meanings, but somehow Taylor gets me feeling all different emotions simultaneously.
♫
I Capture the Castle
Not only does this have that very memorable Midsummer scene, it also has a bittersweet vibe going for it that makes me think of this song.
When I hear the first few notes of this song I’m just YES! All in! Again, it feels like she’s taken her old style and elevated- she’s not just trying, she’s succeeding (and smashing it)
♫
Secret Garden
Yes, it deals with loneliness and sadness, yet it’s ultimately uplifting!
Not gonna be so popular with my opinions on this one, but I have some mixed feelings about this one, cos I love the storytelling, though not the story as much. That said, I’m sold on the bridge… a million little times!
♫
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
I’ve not had one of those in a while, so I’ll just go with Tess, because I vividly remember every book hangover Hardy gave me!
Another new favourite! Upbeat and beautiful, it’s just so pretty to think there’s a golden string tying me to this song 😉 The lyricism is luscious and the story gorgeous. I felt fated to fall in love with it.
♫
Memoirs of a Geisha
I feel like that about so many books- but I’m going with this one because, not only did it heal a broken heart once, it also goes well with the music.
The piano in this is crazy good and I’m loving the mad woman in the attic vibes.
♫
Vasilisa from Bear and the Nightingale
When you think about the story, especially from Girl in the Tower, this feels fitting for the song as well!
This gives me chills. It steals my words.
♫
Rebecca
Much like the song, my love for this atmospheric read often takes my breath away.
I really do like how she embodied different characters for this album- it adds to the genius of her storytelling
♫
Achilles and Patrocles from Song of Achilles
This is another book that will leave you a puddle on the floor…
Really calming and definitely brings me peace (even if it says “never bring me peace”)
♫
Lazlo from Strange the Dreamer
Not much of a peaceful character, but I’d die for him just the same!
The melody for this is just exquisite. Personally, I get to this song and feel like it’s carried me back to the feelings I had at the start… so I have to go back to the beginning and listen again (it’s cyclical, so it’s really not my fault!)
♫
Lonely Hearts Hotel
This comes down to miss-marketing, cos it couldn’t live up to the promise of “being like the Night Circus”, because, well, it’s nothing like that. Instead of being fantastical and whimsical, it’s gritty realism (with a hint of lyricism)- which wasn’t for me. It’s a shame, because the author is so talented, I still wish I liked it.
Tagging…
Okay, well I’m not sure who is a Swiftie, so I’m just tagging Meggy and Kat directly (cos I think they are!) And of course any other Swiftie that wants to do it!
And for a ***bonus track*** before I go, I’m gonna …
RANKING THE SONGS!!
Obviously, this is not going to be an objective list (and probably not even my final opinion), it’s just gonna come down to my personal taste at the moment. On the plus side, there’s not a single song on this album I dislike… On the downside, that made ranking these nigh on impossible! After choosing the ones I listen to on repeat, I had to play songs off against each other to figure out which ones I liked more (which wasn’t exactly a chore 😉). Anyhoo, here’s my ranking:
Invisible String- because this song makes me happy
My Tears Ricochet- because this song makes me sad (and I don’t even care if these are not technically the “best” on the album, they’re the ones that move me the most, ya know?)
Epiphany- this song is just magic to me.
Exile
Cardigan
Hoax- I really struggled with where to put this, cos I wanted it to be higher but couldn’t put it above the others!
Seven- this song is too pretty! Like a lot of the songs, the bridge steals the show.
Mad Woman- I love this more and more with every listen.
Illicit Affairs- this was so hard to place, because I think I prefer the One overall, but this bridge is *insane*!!!
The One- though this would never take the number one spot, on any other album this would be so much higher
August- erm I have no justifications at this point, cos I love this song and I (almost) wish I didn’t prefer the others so it could be higher!
Peace- I’ve no idea how this is so low down the list- it’s just that I love the others so much? Same goes for the next two.
Mirror Ball
This is Me Trying
Betty
Last Great American Dynasty
I just know this is going to change haha! But that’s what I’ve got for now! Are you a Swiftie too? What are your favourite songs on the album? Let me know in the comments!
the orang-utan librarian 