The Tortured Poets Department: A Personal & Lyrical Masterpiece!
Ever since I was nine years old, I have adore Taylor Swift. But I became an official Swiftie after hearing Swift’s critically acclaimed fourth album, Red. So when Swift announced her eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department at the 2024 Grammys, I was thrilled and startled. Counting down the months, I anticipated for the album, especially since it was being released in my birthday month (April 7th😁). Seeing the title of this review, you probably know I enjoyed it, which is true. Since its release, The Torture Poets Department has received mixed reviews, especially from Swifties. When it comes to the group of Swifties that adore this album, I’m part of that group. Hearing reactions, some Swifties and critics complained about The Torture Poets Department sound and lyrics. Listening to the album, I dig the sound as it reminds me of Folklore & Evermore, two favorites of mine by Swift. And when it comes to the lyrics, I feel that some critics and Swifties were confused. Being an English major and poetry reader, I can appreciate, but also comprehend some of the songs lyrics. These mix reactions are familiar because when Evermore was released, some Swifties disliked it for similar reasons.
Before I start to talk about some of my favorite songs, I want to focus on some of the decoding. One thing I’m seeing is that some Swifties believe that musician Matt Healy (The 1975) is the focus of some of the songs off the album. For example, I can see this in “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” which is one of my favorites. In the song, Swift mentions “In your Jehovah’s Witness Suit” and “If rusting my sparkling summer was the goal” (Swift, “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”). I see this a reference since Healy wears suits during performances and Swift and Healy were casually dating last summer. I’ve seen that some Swifties believe that “But Daddy I Love Him” focuses on Healy as well, which I disagree with. I can see why some Swifties believe this, but think about this. Even though Taylor and Joe broke up (British Actor Joe Alwyn), Taylor probably missed and wanted him back. After they broke up though, there were rumors circulating that Joe cheated and that he was the main reason why the relationship ended. Since this may be the case, Taylor’s family and friends wanted her to move on, including Swifties.
These are the only thoughts I’m going to share, since I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole. Now here are five favorites of mine from the album:
1) “Fortnight” (Feat Post Malone)
Listening to “Fortnight” for the first time, I enjoyed the sound, which is described as downtempo electropop/synth-pop. I like how Taylor’s voice sounded on the song, especially the parts with Post Malone. I like Post Malone, so it was awesome that he was featured on the album. Also, the music video for “Fortnight” was incredible! Taylor is so creative with her music videos, so I was excited to see it. And Ethan Hawke’s and Josh Charles’s cameos were 😲😲😲
2) “Down Bad”
When it comes to the fourth song on this album, I also love the sound and Taylor’s voice. The lyrics of this song definitely caught my attention though. For example, Swift sings:
Everything comes out teenage petulance
"Fuck it if I can't have him"
"I might just die, it would make no difference"
(Swift, “Down Bad”)
These lyrics really show that Taylor was upset about the breakup, but she doesn’t care about being overdramatic. Also, all the of the lyrics that refer to space and aliens made the song unique and innovative.
3) “So Long, London”
My next favorite song off the album is one of Swift’s most heartbreaking songs ever. The tragic and expressive lyrics of this song details Swift’s breakup with Alwyn. The lyrics, which are dramatic, caught my attention in so many ways. For example, when Swift sings these lyrics: “I stoppеd CPR, after all, it's no use” (Swift, “So Long, London”). Hearing this lyric reminded me of Swift’s “You’re Losing Me” from the Midnights Era. In that song, Swift sings: “My heart won't start anymore for you” (Swift, “You’re Losing Me”). Those two lyrics, which connect, shows that Taylor had enough and wouldn’t fight anymore.
4) “Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?”
The main reason this song is one of my favorites is due to Taylor’s voice and the sound. I especially love when Taylor screams “Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?” This song is haunting and gives me Reputation vibes! Also, this song hits as well since Swift is calling out the critics and haters.
5) “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart”
Listening to track twelve, I really enjoyed the sound of this song. This song is more upbeat than the others and you can dance to. The lyrics of this song also made me proud and applaud Swift even more. Even though she suffered heartbreak during her massive and breathtaking Eras Tour, she pushed on and performed fantastic shows.
I’m not going to focus on these songs, but I was shook when Swift announced TTPD: The Anthology, which contains a total of thirty-one songs. Two songs so far off the double album that I like are “So High School” and “thanK you alMee.” I really adore that Taylor wrote about Travis (Love Them Together). Also, I’m not going to get into the whole feud thing with Kim, but I’m not mad at Taylor for writing the song about her.
As I finish my review, I do want to mention something. Looking at my Tumblr, I saw a Swiftie mentioning that Swift didn’t write TTPD for fans or critics, but for herself, which I agree with. This was the way for Swift to process what was going on in her life, but she wanted to share it with us. And I know some Swifties may read this review and disagree, but this is my opinion and all Swifties should be respectable. I know that Swift would not like seeing fans getting into arguments over her music, etc. Like I said earlier in my post, TTPD is one of my favorites, especially for the lyrics and music. Maybe some people will change their opinion about TTPD! Afterall, some Swifties did change their minds after listening to Evermore again.
Swift, Taylor. “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.” The Tortured Poets Department. Republic Records, 2024. Transcript of lyrics.
Swift, Taylor. “Down Bad.” The Tortured Poets Department. Republic Records, 2024. Transcript of lyrics.
Swift, Taylor. “So Long, London.” The Tortured Poets Department. Republic Records, 2024. Transcript of lyrics.
Swift, Taylor. “You’re Losing Me.” Midnights. Republic Records, 2022. Transcript of lyrics.
If you reached the bottom of this review, thanks for reading! I hope you subscribe and check out my other posts- Brianna