Editor’s Note: In honor of Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” breaking all types of records, we had not one, but two writers write a review. You can read the other review here.
“The Tortured Poets Department: is the 11th album by Taylor Swift. After dropping, TTPD sold 1.5 million copies in the US in its first three days.
“Tortured Poets Department,” is an absolute masterpiece that showcases her evolution as an artist and her ability to captivate listeners with her storytelling.
From the moment you press play, you’re transported into a world of emotion, depth and vulnerability.
One of the most interesting aspects of this album is Swift’s expressiveness and variety of complex themes. She fearlessly delves into the intricacies of human relationships, heartache, resilience and self-discovery.
Each track is like a journey, guiding us through the highs and lows of life with her captivating lyrics and emotive vocals. Musically, “The Tortured Poets Department” is a work of art.
Swift effortlessly blends genres, incorporating elements of pop, folk and alternative to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The production is lush and atmospheric, drawing listeners in and creating an immersive listening experience.
Standout tracks that were loved by many fans like, “I Can Do it With a Broken Heart,” “But Daddy I Love Him,” and “The Black Dog” showcase Swift’s songwriting as well as her deep, and sometimes haunting lyrics.
She has an ability to craft melodies that linger in people’s minds. Each song feels like a glimpse into Swift’s soul, as she bares her heart and lays her emotions out for all to see. Often her songs are very relatable.
However, I do feel like Swift announcing her new album at the Grammy’s was not the best idea. It felt like the equivalent of announcing your pregnancy at someone else’s wedding.
Bigger artists like Swift seem to like to slip little messages and secret codes that turn social media platforms into a war zone for theories and random conspiracies. In the song “But Daddy I Love Him” Swift managed to carry out a prank that suggested that she was pregnant. Shortly after, she then announced her joke, “No, I’m not, but you should see your faces.”
Overall, “Tortured Poets Department” is proof of Taylor Swift’s status as one of the most talented and influential artists of her generation. It’s a deeply personal and introspective album that resonates on a profound level, making it a must-listen for fans old and new.
Swift has once again raised the bar, delivering an album that is sure to stand the test of time.
