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Why Are Folklore and Evermore Lowercase?

Published in Music Album Styling 3 mins read

The consistent lowercase stylization of folklore and evermore is a deliberate artistic choice made by Taylor Swift, reflecting the intimate, raw, and natural aesthetic of these albums.

The Artistic Intent Behind Lowercase Titles

Taylor Swift's decision to present the album titles folklore and evermore entirely in lowercase letters serves as a key visual and thematic element, distinguishing them from her previous, typically capitalized album titles. This stylistic choice is often interpreted as:

  • Conveying Intimacy and Humility: The lowercase evokes a sense of vulnerability, a personal diary entry, or a hushed secret. It aligns with the introspective, storytelling nature of the songs, which delve into fictional narratives and deeply personal reflections.
  • Indie and Alternative Aesthetic: Lowercase titles are common in indie music and literary works, signaling a departure from mainstream pop conventions and embracing a more artistic, less commercialized feel. This resonated with the surprise release of folklore during the pandemic, shifting away from elaborate promotional cycles.
  • Emphasis on Content: By de-emphasizing the grandeur of a capitalized title, the focus is drawn more towards the lyrical depth, intricate songwriting, and acoustic instrumentation that define both albums.
  • Creating a Unified Era: The shared lowercase stylization immediately links folklore and evermore as "sister albums," belonging to a distinct sonic and visual era within Swift's discography.

A Trend in Artistic Album Naming

Unconventional capitalization in album titles is a recognized artistic device used by various musicians to signify a particular mood, genre, or message. For folklore and evermore, it reinforces their distinct sound—an exploration of indie folk, alternative, and chamber pop—and their thematic focus on intricate narratives, escapism, and emotional introspection.

Fan Observations and Speculations

The specific stylization of folklore and evermore has been a subject of interest among fans and observers, especially concerning its potential influence on future releases. Notably, in the credits of The Eras Tour concert film, certain song titles from her album Reputation were presented in lowercase. This mirrors the lowercase presentation of folklore and evermore, leading to widespread fan speculation that when Reputation (Taylor's Version) is released, its tracklist might also adopt a similar lowercase stylization. This suggests a potential pattern where albums with a more specific or distinct artistic identity might be marked by this unique capitalization choice.

Album Stylization Overview

Album Title Stylization Implied Aesthetic & Reason
folklore lowercase Intimate, raw, storytelling, indie-folk departure.
evermore lowercase Sister album to folklore, continued themes and aesthetic.
Reputation (TV) Speculated lowercase Based on Eras Tour film credits; hints at a unique re-recorded identity, similar to folklore/evermore's artistic choice.

This deliberate design choice highlights Swift's evolving artistic control and the nuanced storytelling embedded not just in her lyrics, but in every aspect of her album presentation.