Taylor Swift - Folklore Album Reaction

[@rachaelc4762]

watching this in 2023 is so fun

[@Some_guy79-]

Yeah I came after the new video

[@Some_guy79-]

I m on my tears ricochet it's soo fun

[@Kpup]

Yesss this

[@Maryb-j5k]

Yes s s for sure! :) Zach is so awesome!

[@PotatoWaffle-sl4xf]

Yeah

[@tragicsimmer]

why am I watching in 2024 and CRYING from nostalgia for when folklore was the new shiny thing... bitch 2020 was yesterday what 😭

[@elliecakepop1419]

sameee it's so nostalgic

[@AlyssaLa]

I was just saying that Taylor needs write a poetry book but then I realize her music is her poetry. Love her so much ugh

[@theswiftologist]

tbh I like folklore much more than the rep poetry mags lmao

[@pinoise]

she need to write a book or start writing for movies or even do movies

[@mohithas960]

@@theswiftologist tbh, I really feel like those poems are the lyrics of some of the Vault songs. Oop-

[@lindsaylarson3662]

​@@pinoiseshe directs her videos...its only a matter of time for more from our queen. She is brilliant

[@lindsaylarson3662]

i love how when this came out we didnt know she was making up characters hehe (Betty abd James) this is so cute watching you be confused!

[@kyll.19]

🤍{folklore timelaps}🤍 1. the one - 1:07 2. cardigan - 2:47 3. the last great american dynasty - 4:01 4. exile (Ft. Bon Iver) - 6:18 5. my tears ricochet - 8:09 6. mirrorball - 9:34 7. ​seven - 11:15 8. august - 12:19 9. this is me trying - 13:40 10. ​illicit affairs - 15:01 11. invisible string - 15:43 12.​ mad woman - 17:03 13. epiphany - 18:43 14. betty - 19:53 15. peace - 22:49 16. hoax - 23:56 🤍i hope this helps🤍

[@ohsleeze]

20:16 "does taylor skateboard...?" i fucking love watching this video. it's so so funny because my reactions were so similar. this woman had me thinking she's a skateboarding alcoholic woman loving real estate agent the first time i listened. 💀

[@AnjeannetteMarie]

I revisit this one over & over, Zach is fabulous. He’s a cynic, a bullshit caller and a diehard TS lover and the way he is overwhelmed / confused / flummoxed by the overwhelming beauty of Folklore is so fun to rewatch. I’m SO glad he captured this on video because that intro??? Chef’s kiss 🫶

[@tiffaniwenger1380]

Coming here In 2024 and hearing “she’s usually on a 2 year album cycle” is HILARIOUS! Bby let me tell you!!!

[@honeymoonhills]

Zach, you are such a true, true fan. Your videos are often coldly analytical, and you point out flaws in Taylor's music and marketing that only a journalist could have spotted. But when the music actually drops you completely lose yourself in it. I can tell by even your first video that you love Taylor and her work so profoundly, even though you have the guts to come out with cutting criticisms and deal with her pitchfork wielding fandom. Can't wait for your 1989 series, and thank you so much for everything you've uploaded. You made me remember how much I love blondies music

[@theswiftologist]

I appreciate you so much!

[@eacolberg21]

Well said honeymoonhills!! Zach, I am so glad you do what you do. You are smart and funny and irresistible! I love how much you love Taylor. I also so admire your skill with analysis and communication. Sending love and positive energy your way!

[@m1yauh]

A diva was born with this video

[@jaikenagivens267]

1:05- the 1 2:46- cardigan 3:58- the last great American dynasty 6:18- exile 8:04- my tears ricochet 9:32- mirrorball 11:10- seven 12:15- august 13:39- this is me trying 14:50- illicit affairs 15:41- invisible string 17:02- mad woman 18:42- epiphany 19:47- betty 22:47- peace 23:55- hoax

[@MermaidCore_]

The 1 is prob my fav opener since Fearless (a perfect opener!)

[@just_swiftly_shake_it_off_1989]

His confusion for all the songs is iconic, “does Taylor skateboard. Is this about Joe sleeping with his teacher? 💀”

[@causeimnachoprincess]

the lyrics: "With you I serve/ with you I fall down" zach: "With you I swim/ with you I surf. That's... gorgeous" 19:43

[@theswiftologist]

LMAOOOOO

[@kathalenepatterson7775]

I died when he said that😂😂😂😂

[@tayluvofficial]

No way he was serious about it 😭😂

[@spookey2004]

I remember first hearing this album I was in s really pretentious phase where I thought I was too edgy and cool for Taylor and this album put me in my place.

[@theswiftologist]

I think this record really did that for a lot of ppl

[@emilytusing3062]

my favorite thing about being alive in 2024 is re-watching everyone’s initial confusion when listening to betty for the first time 😂

[@Eolslsososo]

Real lol

[@itsbecky_13]

“Is she making this shit up?!” YES ZACK 😂😂😂😂❤

[@abhinavupadhyay3738]

Re-watching this in 2024, and the mental panic and breakdown on hearing the first note of the 1 was SOOOO ON POINT, reminds me so much of my reaction to folklore after lover in 2019, like None of us saw it coming and the fact that we're probably getting another experimental masterpiece in about a month makes my soul feel blissful asf....also this being your first video? We snakes have really come a long way since then 😭

[@Maryb-j5k]

Watching this in 2024 and I think a lot of these lyrics are about the heirloom turkey… not all of this can be imaginary stories… Zach, thanks for this and all your great videos! You never leave us hanging ❤

[@Iknewit13]

The way he compared her to Stevie. Nix after listening to Clara bow I was gagged

[@Musiclover333-3]

When he said “its very Bon Iver, The National” my jaw dropped. …H-how did he know…

[@lfior]

Still my favourite swiftologist video, the intro kills me every time 😂😱

[@capydara8502]

yup

[@AnjeannetteMarie]

I really think I’ve watched this particular video at least 20x over the past few years. It’s the perfect combo of Swiftian knowledge, delight, confusion, overwhelming emotion all delivered with Zach’s unique voice. I luv it.

[@FrostyAleria]

Seven is probably my favorite song on folklore solely because of the story I imagined around it SO I’M SHARING IT HERE! Taylor (or like the person who’s POV this is.) is friends with this other kid but their father is abusive. Mom has already passed away and the dad is so far into his grief that he’s blaming his child. So the child stays over at Taylor’s house as much as possible, this being set in the summer I imagine Taylor’s mom kind of taking the other kid under her wing. Treating both kids to sweet tea and letting them play on the swing and swim in the lake near their house. While Taylor and her friend imagine of running away together and being happy! Later as she gets older she lost touch with her friend and she sometimes wonders how they ended up and where they are

[@Pipsreader3]

❤

[@vanilla6888]

is so funny to watch this now knowing that half of this songs are about matty healy ( and that we had NO IDEA ) and the swiftologist is the one who most know about this now. lol

[@notreallybob669]

Girl what she didn’t even know matty yet

[@livefast.dieyoungg]

what are u talking about

[@MermaidCore_]

"The Man walked, so Mad Woman could run." #truth

[@timeddie3134]

men can walk. women can only run

[@jamielopez7846]

Not me watching in 2024. I like how you said "wait. Is this where the folklore parts come in?" And turns back on the song and it says "it's finally sinkin' in" 🤣

[@bash6142]

I’m hollering!! This video is hilarious in 2024 😂

[@garliccoffee3535]

Watching this after TTPD and here’s how everything started🪶

[@sophiayou5634]

Listening to Betty: “Did she make this shit up?!?!?” Taylor: well yes, yes I did actually

[@Donna-C]

Or maybe not!

[@julierickert9145]

Folklore is the love of my life. 1989 is my baby. I can listen to the 2 of them for the rest of my life and be happy (or sad lol)

[@Peppermintsssss]

Folklore is my absolute fave album of all, its so beautifully written, and part of me disagrees with everyone who thinks its a made up story album - i honestly believe it weaves very personal things into this "makebelieve" notion, but is secretly very honest

[@inmyReputation-Era]

I completely agree with you. She was clearly giving us hints that there were cracks with her and Joe.

[@loisehamann4376]

21:48 "does she make this shit up" the moment Zach knew, im dead why is this literally the description of this album

[@lexiunderwood1594]

What I would give to hear folklore for the first time again

[@absolutetwaddle]

You read my mind

[@Hey_Jamie]

22:07 STOP THIS TIMING COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN MORE PERFECT WTF! Lmao!!!! This is exactly where you figure out she must be writing about imaginary people and not people she knows then you push play and she says “It’s finally sinkin’ in” bahahhaahahahahahahahahaha

[@xmangoxmadnessx5505]

Thirteenth like! 😌

[@mr.icecream7880]

Hilarious 😂😂

[@brandycolmer7052]

The algorithm served this to me in 2024. I’m enjoying 2020 Zach. so fun. Evermore’s about the best up. ❤

[@brandycolmer7052]

Omg, just realized this is your oldest video. It’s so cool seeing your growth on the KZbins. Also, were you actually low key a gaylor back then? I thought I picked up on that when you were talking about Seven.

[@vanessalong3484]

I was also brought here in 2024 😂

[@aloneinmidnight]

it is so refreshing to watch an actual swiftie react to a ts album skfhskhf i love this also your reaction before and after the last great american dynasty is sending meeee

[@theswiftologist]

thank u !!!!!! that song had me doing the mf math

[@irisg6286]

The Last Time RAN SO EXILE COULD WALK, AND BOTH DID SO BEAUTIFULLY 😢

[@allyson6735]

“Is this about RIVERDALE?!” 😅 You are all of us on the first listen 😅

[@chloerzzx3]

13:10 not you predicting the spider-man meme with taylors 3 years ago 😭

[@epohmp4]

i was about to say this

[@tee272]

Watching this two years later and it’s so funny to see a Swiftie try to decode in real time especially knowing now what we do about the songs. She switched up her formulas 😂 I was listening to this on repeat when it came out, not knowing anything about Taylor’s back story or Swiftie lore, so just trying to understand what she was conveying. It felt so emotional and soothing at the time and I really needed it. 💕

[@jacobsed6665]

Watching this is like a freaking time machine… 2020 pandemic era

[@Whyisitsohardtofindagoodhandle]

Zach trying to figure out the plot of betty will always be hilarious to me.

[@IChelseaJ]

The way I sat glued to this in 2024, love it. I want to listen to it again for the first time, preemptively prepping for TTPD.

[@A_O_Leary]

2020 - “Now I send their baby’s presents.” 2023 - “Get the custody case moved to New York then you and the girls can stay at my place.”

[@brunetteXer]

2:39 what could've been, what should've been...... hello from Midnights 3am

[@saimnazir4980]

i thought the same

[@faeriecat444]

right my jaw dropped i was waiting for him to say what would’ve been 😭😭

[@lifeisjustaclassroom]

21:30 "WHO'S JAMES?!?!" OMG HAHAHAH THIS IS WHERE IT ORIGNATED I ALWAYS WONDERED 😂

[@eyeluvyou2]

It's midnight and I just watched this entire video and I laughed so hard I think multiple demons were expelled from my body. Your reaction to "Betty" is my favorite thing on the internet. I feel cleansed and blessed after watching this. Thank you. 🙏♥

[@LaraCrafford]

I've watched almost every reaction to this album on youtube and this is the first time I've seen someone interpret mirrorball the way I have. I think once you look at the lyrics as referring to the pressures of being in the public eye and feeling like you have to perform this role constantly it really adds depth to the song. A lot of the reactors I've seen didn't love this song on the first listen but it's really a masterpiece when you look at it from this angle.

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

it took me a few listens to appreciate it, I love it now. I also didn't get it at first, but now I get it and her trying and trying to keep being interesting to US. And, now that the Long Pond sessions are out and to here her talk about this song.... it puts it all into perspective.

[@anjalishah2925]

it's hilarious to watch this now that we know folklore was a whole fictitious James, August, Betty trio

[@sheyndraws]

the way you described the scene you saw listening to mirrorball was exactly what taylor said during the long pond studio sessions and thats great

[@val3715]

21:35 “IS THIS ABOUT RIVERDALE?” HELP😭😭

[@everex1239]

I don’t blame him. It’s pretty confusing at first

[@agatahyra4949]

Don't blame me

[@brunetteXer]

@@everex1239 but that moment where you make the connection between August and Betty and Cardigan.... aaaaaagh so good! no one gets it the first time.

[@brandon_04]

Cackling cause of how he's so confused with betty 😂

[@dreamchaser7603]

Oh, you look like a baby here… And your take on things has changed so much… You’ve become so much more professional… So much more analytical. It was your fangirl era ))

[@mr.icecream7880]

You know what’s iconic , that this Intro as iconic as it is to this video, it’s literally the intro of your channel and it does a perfect job doing so. Let’s go Swiftologist kingg ✨

[@delotara]

Watching this reaction again and it’s so obvious that there is still so much diaristic writing in the album (and evermore too). It’s definitely not as fictional as she claims it to be, but I love that it opened up her songwriting to new avenues.

[@EmmVee369]

lol Sir. I have just found you this week and I'm binging like your name is Netflix. Killing me. Whomst? Youst. Loving reliving the first listens and the commentary that isn't afraid to be critical.

[@maybememory1]

Who else watching this before TTPD drops? 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@kaylayn1775]

It was so funny when you were reacting to betty and putting the trio together haha. I can't believe this was your first video, glad you are still making videos because your insight is so point on

[@rinarinachan_]

“she went back to someone but whomsttt" then 2024 revealed that it was the rat 😅😅😅😅😅

[@somethingseriouslyserious420]

Could you imagine 2020 swiftologist’s reaction to that tidbit of info? ✋😭 bless him

[@ashton.pittman]

I dont think "hide in the closet" is about being gay. I think it's about a child hiding in the closet while their dad is having a raging, violent outburst. I had friends as a child who had a palette made in their closet for times when they had to hide while their dad was raging violently at their mom. ("Your dad is always mad and that must be why")

[@jaqijarboe3374]

That’s what I get. I used to hide in my closet as a child too and did it into my young adult too and when I first heard that lyric I busted into tears

[@lola4001]

i love the initial confusion bc that was literally me when i heard betty

[@juliebobulie846]

Watching this in 2024 has been a trip. I wanted to scream at you JAMES BETTY INEZ DUHHHH AHHHHGGH

[@ford7372]

I cant believe this reaction just reached 4 years!? 😭❤️

[@OMGolly101]

OMG what are the chances we would both be here within 25 minutes?😂

[@natashared8654]

LOLLLL before you knew about the love triangle. This was adorable.

[@Peppermintsssss]

"is this fanfiction of the movie Dunkirk" had me howling 😂

[@Kpup]

😂😂 honestly exactly my reaction when I first heard it

[@finnyoungman2674]

with you I swim with you I surf was too funny

[@maddietenhouten2276]

i always thought mad woman was a message from taylor to Kim and Kanye "wanting me dead has really brought you two together"

[@anasarracena]

I thought it was about Karlie Kloss (whatever her name is) and Scooter Braun

[@Cclezzgo]

We need a reaction video of this reaction video, an older and wiser Zach

[@timeddie3134]

how meta 🤣

[@ima.ekenes]

That would be hilarious 😂

[@summer-roseknight]

“I was attacked. I was accosted.” “The next. Day.” “I don’t know what to do with that information.” Honestly same reaction at the time.

[@cal_esc]

sorry but, you figuring out that it’s her writing about other people’s stories in ‘betty’ then her immediately singing ‘it’s finally sinking in’ was the BEST thing ever 😂 couldn’t be any more perfect hahaha

[@VivekPatel-ze6jy]

9:54 You were about to speak and then Taylor was just like HUSH! That sent me 😂

[@LPloppG]

lmaoooo

[@rebeccachapman1317]

"Is this fanfiction of the movie Dunkirk?" has me HOWLING

[@Kpup]

Watching this for the first time to get pumped for 1989 re release and i might just watch it once a month for funsies. This was soooo fun to watch.

[@heartwormwood9251]

It is sooo fun to watch you trying to guess the meaning of each song knowing now that this is all fantasy. New subscriber from Spain. Huggs💜

[@bronwyn117]

Yea, she only writes songs about breakups…..child abuse, addiction, illicit affairs, female rage and more!

[@karenabianca]

my favourite video to rewatch once in a while

[@xoxAshh137]

LOL “centennial park is in AUSTRALIA?!?!” I cackled God I wish I could listen to this album for the first time again

[@gelifilms]

IM LAUGHING SO MUCH (especially at Betty) 😭😭 Zack being confused for the whole entirety of this video is me on my first listen of Folklore 🤣

[@dataalive3281]

Love to see this on 2023. God, folfklore is her best record, i dont think anyone can convince me otherwise!!

[@kosaiie9630]

Hahaaha! That part where you said “Is this where the folklore part comes in? Talking about other people’s stories?” And there you unpaused the song where Taylor sang ‘Finally sinking in’ had me choking xD

[@owenpsteve2]

"Its not confessional writing?" "...Its finally sinking in" PERFECT TIMING 😂

[@catsmeow19]

20:22 - "Does Taylor skateboard?" MY EXACT REACTION WHEN I HEARD IT FOR THE FIRST TIME😭😭😭

[@calliea3336]

“IS THIS ABOUT RIVERDALE?!” got me 🤣

[@monetclau]

i love how we're all collectively going thru your old videos 😂 anyway i'm excited to watch this!!!

[@drewveflin2842]

YOU ARE SO WELL-SPOKEN I- THE WAY YOU DESCRIBE THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY

[@theswiftologist]

omg thank you !!!!

[@riverhalorix4203]

seeing you talk about potential gaylor things is absolutely shocking lmao

[@burgundy16]

15:25 that GLITCH killed me😭😭😭

[@Hey_Jamie]

Omg it wasn’t just my tv? Lmfao that’s crazy! Bahahha

[@mr.icecream7880]

DEAD

[@SaraIsFangirling]

23:06 LMFAO I’m super late to this video but that almost makes it even better. This is my favourite part because it reminded me of when I heard it for the first time. 😂😂😂😂

[@justink5000]

3:56 "if this is about the Kennedys I am going to kill myself" 💀

[@BrunetteGiant]

watching in 2024 for clear skin

[@alyssataylorsversion13]

same boo

[@soitgoes1982]

Going back and watching your old videos since I'm a new subscriber. "Is this fan fiction of the movie Dunkirk?" made me actually laugh out loud and wake people up.

[@little_N_mixx]

I'm 4 years late

[@IlyRecordare]

When you just had a cardigan on hand lol. Just found your videos and it’s making for a fun evening 🍷

[@husupremacy4129]

girl really said august was a stand out track, 2024 swiftologist would never

[@anormalswiftie13]

Lol

[@torch9802]

I was just thinking that, after watching a recent video after the opinion had changed!

[@brunetteXer]

The Last Time is one of my FAVES and you are so right, Exile is the sequel.

[@meebsbeans]

I love right when you realize it’s her writing from another perspective and when you play it again taylor says “now it’s sinking in”

[@clementrondepierre3402]

Not Zach doing the Zurich wave during betty 4 years in advance

[@lindaodlander886]

I sometimes get scared by how accurate his predictions are 🥲 🤩

[@lindsaylarson3662]

i just came across this video, 3 yrs later, I love it!😂❤ Folklore is probably my fave album i loooooooooove it and loved seeing your reaction after vibing with this album for 3 yrs.

[@stewshare2642]

"So betty isn't the teacher, I'm a dumbass." -Zach (The Swiftologist), 2021

[@anasarracena]

It's amazing how the same person who wrote The Man wrote Mad Woman only one year later. I love her lyrics in Folklore

[@thomasbiore]

Rewatching at 2024. You are iconic! 🫶

[@inkstainedlips]

"does Taylor skateboard?" I actually died.

[@joanchanmd]

This video is one of my happy places on the internet

[@Nicolettpd]

I love everyone in the comments correcting you and giving you the story 4 years later lol as if you haven’t figured it out yet 😂