What makes The Lakes by Taylor Swift notable?

'The Lakes' highlights Swift's ability to craft poignant narratives, achieving significant acclaim for its lyrical depth. The song was praised in multiple reviews, including those from Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, marking it as a standout track that further solidified her position as an influential songwriter in contemporary music. Released as part of the deluxe edition of 'Folklore', 'The Lakes' signifies Taylor Swift's continued artistic evolution following her pivot to indie folk sound. By 2020, she had transitioned from mainstream pop to explore more intimate storytelling, establishing herself as a versatile and critical darling in the industry.

How many songs are on The Lakes?

The Lakes has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

The Lakes

Taylor Swift · 2020

7 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

Ethereal melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a serene escape into the emotional landscapes of longing and reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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the lakes (album version) — This version encapsulates the album's serene atmosphere with its lush production and intimate lyricism, making it a perfect conclusion to the 'Folklore' era.
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the lakes (original version) — The original version provides a rawer take on the themes of escapism and introspection, showcasing Swift's songwriting prowess before refining it for the album release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The song's introspective lyrics and ethereal sound create a unique emotional landscape.

What we noticed

The song features a slow tempo with layered vocal harmonies that create an ethereal atmosphere.
Lyrically, it employs vivid imagery and introspective themes, focusing on longing and reflection.
The arrangement includes soft instrumentation that supports the vocal lines without overpowering them.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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: Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog, but not a primary focus for new listeners.
Themes: serene landscapes· yearning for escape· nature's solace
Career context: Released as part of the deluxe edition of 'Folklore', 'The Lakes' signifies Taylor Swift's continued artistic evolution following her pivot to indie folk sound. By 2020, she had transitioned from mainstream pop to explore more intimate storytelling, establishing herself as a versatile and critical darling in the industry.
Stylistic neighbors: Kacey Musgraves· Halsey· Lorde