Taylor Swift has recently released her latest studio album, the highly anticipated collection The Tortured Poets Department. The album, a surprise double-album release including 31 tracks, has received mixed reviews—even from some of her invested fans.
“I really like it,” says junior Lily Chort. “I think it’s different.” Chort’s viewpoint is seen by many people—this new album was not what was expected. Even many of the title names seem out of place compared to her past work, such as “Florida!!!”, “imgonnagetyouback”, and “thanK you aIMee”.
Junior Marshall Womer had a less optimistic view of the album. “Personally, I feel like it’s very similar to her recent works of Midnights and folklore with some 1989 mixed in there,” he says. “But I do feel like it’s different. I do have an issue of which song is which because they all sound the same. You know how it is. A lot of them are forgettable.” Womer, the current owner of three CDs of the album and a fan who is able to sing every song on the album by heart, seems to be conflicted on the new album.
Many fans have speculated that much of the album, which has been a work-in-progress for two years, chronicles the singer’s relationship with Joe Alwyn—specifically, its breakdown. However, the album also includes songs about nonromantic relationships and her own mental health struggles. As a whole, the tracks are vulnerable and honest, as Swift continues to maintain her characteristic voice despite sonic differences in her work.
“Fortnight (feat. Post Malone”, the lead single on the album, was a huge success, and its music video dropped at 8pm on April 19.
