Taylor Swift has released folklore, her unexpected eighth studio album. It is an understated work that firmly puts celebrity gossip behind her (there are no who's-dating-who easter eggs to be found). Instead we're gifted Swift's greatest strength: songwriting. The lyrics blur "fantasy and reality." There are imagined teenage love trysts, recreated dynasties ... Show More
Aug 26
The classical rebel who infiltrated pop music
You've heard those shimmering disco strings in Miley Cyrus's "Flowers," the cinematic arrangements on Phoebe Bridgers' Punisher, and the orchestral flourishes across Taylor Swift's catalog, but you probably didn't know they're all the work of one person: Rob Moose. The violinist ... Show More
51m 35s
Aug 19
All roads lead to Pharrell: Tyler, Clipse, and Cardi
The conversation around the new music this summer has been a dour one. Some of the biggest songs in the country right now are downtempo stomp-clap anthems and wistful Cranberries pastiche. Even on this very show, Nate and Charlie have asked: where's the fun? As it turns out, the ... Show More
52m 36s
Aug 12
A brief history of terrible lyrics (with Sam Sanders)
Why do bad lyrics happen to good people? From "suckin' on a chili dog" to "making love to his tonic and gin," even the biggest hits from our favorite artists can feature lyrical turns that make us feel quizzical, offended, or even downright nauseated. With the help of Sam Sanders ... Show More
43m 5s
Jul 2020
Taylor Swift Loves Indie, Too
Last week, Taylor Swift surprised her fans with the announcement of the imminent release of a new 16-track album, entitled folklore. The National’s Aaron Dessner co-wrote or co-produced 11 of the songs, and it also features collaborations with Bon Iver and Jack Antonoff. “Most of ... Show More
24m 31s
Sep 2014
WHAT Are Taylor's Newly Revealed Tracks From 1989 About? - SPECIAL EDITION - Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast - THE Swifty is listening to: Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar
SPECIAL EDITION - Taylor Swift reveals new song titles from 1989 in Rolling Stone, so we do a special edition episode of Taylor Talk! Listen as Adam, Diane, Sami, and guest host Eric (@spielerman) delve into Rolling Stone’s interview with Taylor Swift, “The Reinvention of Taylor ... Show More
1h 24m
Apr 2021
'evermore' | Every Single Album: Taylor Swift
Before we even had time to process 'folklore,' Taylor Swift surprise-released 'evermore' on December 11, 2020. Nora and Nathan talk about their initial reactions to the album and Taylor's most important collaborators on this album; give some love to songs like 'no body, no crime, ... Show More
1h 32m
Oct 2014
Out Of The Woods - Episode 155 - Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast --- Swifties are also listening to Strange Desire by Bleachers
This episode is one day late from our normal schedule… are we Out of the Woods yet? I hope y’all forgive us, because this song is AMAZING! In Episode 155 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, the hosts marvel at the masterpiece that is “Out of the Woods,” a song off Taylor’s ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2021
'Red' | Every Single Album: Taylor Swift
The beat dropped on "I Knew You Were Trouble" and everything changed, Taylor Swift had gone pop. Nathan and Nora break down Taylor's fourth album, 'Red,' and her transition from country to pop. They discuss Max Martin's influence on the album, the importance of songs like "All To ... Show More
1h 12m