The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, came out on April 19. The world shook. “Swifites” all over the world eagerly ran to streaming platforms to listen to her brand new music. Before the album was released, many fans had the assumption two albums were going to come out tonight. The assumptions were correct, and at 2 am, 15 more songs were released, titled “The Anthology.” In total, there were 31 songs for listeners to stream. Based on first listening, many people heard hints of similarities to Swift’s most recent album “Midnights” with country hughes. Swift pulled out new tricks from her hat, while still maintaining her incredible lyrics filled with metaphors and imagery.
The original 16 songs released at midnight, mostly produced by Jack Antonoff, had a more synth pop vibe to them. Based on the visuals Taylor released prior to the album, fans anticipated the album to be less heavily produced with a more slow and stripped back sound representing the heartbreak seen in the imagery. The songs included heartbreaking production and lyrics such as “So Long, London,” “loml,” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” Contrary to fans belief, the muse of the album was in fact not Joe Alwyn, Swift’s six year relationship, but instead, Matty Healy, who was a fling.
The lead single on the album, “Fortnight” ft. Post Malone had a music video released the day the album was released. The song gives indie and more chill vibes than others, but it was executed perfectly, and the harmonies between Swift and Malone were heavenly. My only critique of the song is that it didn’t sound like a hit single to me. It sounds beautiful, but the song “I can do it with a broken heart” has a catchy chorus and would have been better in this position. The music video included visuals of Swift in a psych ward. Malone and Swift have an intimate scene, with Malone playing the male interest in the video.
One of the most well received songs from the album, “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” gives similar angry energy as “Dear John” on Swift’s third studio album, Speak Now. The bridge of “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” is a punch to the gut and caught my attention with the first listen. This song might be my number one of the album, but there are a couple ones close to it.
Overall, this album was everything I needed and more. It took a couple listens of the album to truly understand the vibe, but at this point, I cannot stop listening to it. She has broken almost all of the records in the music industry right now, and for obvious reasons. I highly suggest giving it a listen with open ears!
Rating: 9.5/10
