Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album, Folkore, proved to be a huge hit. The album was released in July 24, 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. She was aware of the risks associated with dropping a surprise album during the pandemic, but this album proved to be an outlet for Taylor and her collaborators. She shifted the focus from personal life stories to a world of exploring fictional characters. This transition allowed for Taylor to explore glimpses into other people’s worlds.

Along with the album, Taylor released a film entitled “Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” on November 25, 2020. In this film, Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dessner sit down to talk through the album and play each of the songs. This was the first time that the three had been together in the same room since the artists created the album from their homes. Seeing these performers play music that they are proud of creates an amazing film. I loved watching this film to see how happy the artists are while making music.

Throughout the film, the Taylor, Jack, and Aaron break down each song and dive into the deeper meaning. Taylor, along with the respected collaborator for each track, talked about their writing process and the personal interpretation of each song. By breaking down the songs, it allows for audience interpretation about each track. The trio also talks about the love triangle through the three songs, track two entitled Cardigan, track eight entitled August, and track fourteen entitled Betty. I really enjoyed seeing the artists’ thoughts behind their songwriting, and I loved seeing them talk about songs that they are really passionate about.

On track four, entitled Exile, Taylor Swift collaborated with Justin Vernon from Bon Iver. Her collaboration with Justin occurred from their homes, and he is featured on the film from his home in Wisconsin. I personally love this collaboration, and I loved seeing these two work together.

Another track that I enjoyed the description of included track six, Mirrorball, and track nine, This Is Me Trying. These songs bring on heavy meanings, and watching Taylor and Jack break these songs down exposes the vulnerability of the lyrics.

With the success of Folklore, the authenticity of the Long Pond Studio Sessions give a deeper dive into her personal lyrics. From heartbreak, to betrayal, to fate, to escapism, Taylor Swift encapsulates each topic with incredible depth and detail. The universal topics covered through the album gives each listener an opportunity to relate personally to the lyrics. Overall, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions peel back a layer of Taylor’s music to a very raw and vulnerable form. I love taking time out of my weekend to watch this film, and I highly recommend others to do the same.