Taylor Swift surprised her legion of fans by announcing she will release her eighth studio album, Folklore, at midnight ET on July 24.
Taylor shared the news via social media on July 23, saying, in part: “Surprise. Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my 8th studio album, folklore; an entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into.”
The new album will feature 16 tracks on the standard edition, with a bonus track on the deluxe version.
Taylor shared addition details about the new project via social media, saying: “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore. Surprise. Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. I wrote and recorded this music in isolation but got to collaborate with some musical heroes of mine; Aaron Dessner (who has co-written or produced 11 of the 16 songs), Bon Iver (who co-wrote and was kind enough to sing on one with me), William Bowery (who co-wrote two with me) and Jack Antonoff (who is basically musical family at this point). Engineered by Laura Sisk and Jon Low, mixed by Serban Ghenea & Jon Low. The album photos were shot by the amazing Beth Garrabrant. Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world. That’s the side of uncertainty I can get on board with. Love you guys so much.”
Taylor will release a video for new song “Cardigan” on July 23.
Folklore will follow the 2019 release of Taylor’s seventh album, Lover.
photo by O’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com