In a swift follow-up to 'folklore,' Taylor Swift surprises fans with her latest creation, 'evermore,' a folk-pop collaboration with Aaron Dressner of The National, featuring contributions from Jack Antonoff and Justin Vernon, among others.
Continuing her narrative prowess in lyrics and exploring midtempo and ballad compositions, Swift delivers another enchanting musical journey.
While 'evermore' might lack some melodic experimentation initially, the first single, "willow," exudes classic charm and captivation. The track weaves a simple love story against the backdrop of acoustic guitars, violins, and subtle touches of flute and glockenspiel.
The protagonists in this love tale are unmistakably Taylor and her partner, actor Joe Alwyn, credited as William Bowery on 'evermore' but not on "willow." Co-written by Taylor and Aaron Dressner, produced by the latter, and orchestrated by Bryce Dressner, "willow" emerges as the standout "Song of the Day."
The title "willow," associated historically with nostalgia and melancholy, becomes a metaphor for reflection on Taylor's life, intertwining love and fame. The lyrics convey a mix of admiration, dependence, and empowerment, with Taylor expressing devotion ("the more things you say, the less things I know... wherever you go, I follow you, I beg you to take me by the hand") and resilience ("they gave me up over and over again, but I come back stronger than a 90s fashion").
Taylor describes "willow" as a song exploring "intrigue, desire, and complexity" arising from meeting someone you desire. She notes that the song creates a feeling akin to casting a spell to make someone fall in love.
In an ode to the blockbuster music videos reminiscent of the '90s, the visual accompaniment for "willow" is a cinematic spectacle. Set in rural America at the close of the 19th century, the video seamlessly picks up where 'cardigan' left off. Taylor immerses herself in the storyline of her life, abandoning her piano, and ultimately finding love in the arms of Taeok Leek, a former dancer from the 'Red' tour, delivering a captivating historical fantasy.
