What makes Exile by Taylor Swift notable?

'Exile' received critical acclaim, showcasing Swift's versatility and emotional depth while reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's unique blend of genres contributed to the resurgence of interest in folk-inspired music within mainstream pop. By the time 'Exile' was released in August 2020, Taylor Swift was nearing the peak of her artistic evolution. This track marked a significant collaboration with Bon Iver and featured on her eighth studio album, 'Folklore', which represented a departure from her previous pop sound toward introspective indie folk aesthetics.

How many songs are on Exile?

Exile has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Exile

Taylor Swift · 2020

4 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A haunting duet that melds forlorn vocals with atmospheric production, encapsulating themes of heartache and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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exile — The interplay between Swift's and Bon Iver's voices creates a rich tapestry of emotion, capturing the tension and sorrow of a failed relationship.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The song's haunting duet and atmospheric production create a strong emotional impact.

What we noticed

The song features a call-and-response structure where Swift and Bon Iver alternate verses, creating a dialogue that enhances the emotional weight.
The production includes layered harmonies and atmospheric instrumentation, which builds a haunting backdrop for the vocal performances.
The track's tempo remains slow throughout, allowing for an extended exploration of its themes without rushing to a resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in artistic evolution with significant collaboration and acclaim.
Themes: lost love echoes· winter landscapes· intimate heartbreak
Career context: By the time 'Exile' was released in August 2020, Taylor Swift was nearing the peak of her artistic evolution. This track marked a significant collaboration with Bon Iver and featured on her eighth studio album, 'Folklore', which represented a departure from her previous pop sound toward introspective indie folk aesthetics.
Stylistic neighbors: Kacey Musgraves· Halsey· Lorde