Find something to sit on now, Swiftites, and sit down: Taylor Swift announced on Instagram that she will release her eighth studio album, "folklore," tonight at midnight. Swift usually takes at least two years to release a new album, but "folklore" comes less than a year after her last album, "Lover". Moreover, while she is usually a fan of dropping carefully crafted hints and clues for her fans to decipher, it is hard to believe that even the most dedicated Swift fan was expecting this to happen this time around.

"If it had been before this year, I think I would have overthought when the 'perfect' time to release this song would have been. My gut tells me that if I make something I like, I should put it out there." That's the aspect of uncertainty that I can get behind."

"I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that," he said.

Swift said on Instagram that she wrote and recorded the album independently. She also revealed three of her collaborators on the album whom she calls her "musical heroes": the National's Aaron Dessner, Bon Iver, William Bowery, and Jack Antonoff of the Bleachers.

The first music video from the album, "cardigan," was also released tonight, written and directed by Swift herself.

Swift also released the album's 16-song track listing, revealing that the deluxe CD version will include the bonus song "the lakes." Track 1, appropriately titled "the 1," appears to be a tribute to boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

Well, Swiffies, you're off to a good start this Thursday!