Who called Taylor Swift’s “august” the closest thing to a pop song on Folklore?

Aaron Dessner called Taylor Swift’s “august” the closest thing to a pop song on Folklore.

Dessner made the observation while discussing the track’s place within the album. Although Folklore is widely associated with indie folk and subdued storytelling, “august” uses a more expansive and pop-oriented arrangement, with shimmering textures, prominent guitars, strings, keyboards, and a large closing climax.

Dessner was one of Folklore’s principal collaborators, but he did not write or produce “august.” Swift and Jack Antonoff wrote the song and produced it with Joe Alwyn. Dessner’s comment is therefore a critical description of its sound, not a songwriting or production credit.

The contrast helps explain why the track stands out while still fitting the album’s fictional world. Its bright summer atmosphere and increasingly full arrangement support the song’s emotional movement from hopeful romance to disappointment.