Swift, Taylor: Evermore (2LP) [REPUBLIC]

*Evermore* is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released unexpectedly on December 11, 2020, by Republic Records. This release came less than five months after her previous album, *Folklore*. *Evermore* emerged from Swift’s continued collaboration with Aaron Dessner, her *Folklore* partner, and was primarily recorded at Dessner’s Long Pond Studio in the Hudson Valley.

Swift described *Evermore* as an extension of the "folklorian woods" concept introduced with *Folklore* during the COVID-19 pandemic, viewing them as sister albums. *Evermore* combines elements of alternative rock, indie folk, and chamber pop, characterized by fingerpicked guitars, melancholic pianos, rich strings, and minimal percussion. Its lyrics feature impressionistic storytelling and mythopoeia, delving into themes of love, marriage, infidelity, and grief, offering a deep exploration of human emotions. Guest artists include Bon Iver, Haim, and the National.

Critics widely praised *Evermore* for its character studies, experimental production, and Swift's nuanced vocals. It was often considered a companion piece to *Folklore*, with several publications including it in their year-end lists for 2020. The album received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, marking Swift's second consecutive nomination in this category after winning the previous year with *Folklore*.

*Evermore* achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Greece, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It sold over a million copies worldwide in its first week, marking Swift’s eighth consecutive number-one debut on the Billboard 200, where it spent four weeks at the top. The album also saw notable success with singles like "Willow," which became Swift’s seventh Billboard Hot 100 number-one and her second of 2020, making her the first artist to debut simultaneously at the top of both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 charts twice. *Evermore* was recognized as the best-selling alternative and Americana album of 2021 in the US and the UK, respectively.