Taylor Swift has recently released her 11th studio album titled “The Tortured Poets Department,” which has sparked some criticism and fatigue among fans and critics alike. Following its release, it quickly expanded from a 16-song album to a 31-song, two-hour epic. Some critics have suggested that the album was overstuffed and not her best work, leading to a wider round of complaints about the saturation of Swift’s recent output. Despite this, the album became the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify with over 300 million streams.
While many “Swifties” loved the album or chose to keep their reservations private, others have criticized Swift for selling multiple versions of the album only to double its size after orders were placed, which some have seen as a corporate rollout strategy. Various outlets have compiled lists of the worst lyrics in the album, and some fans have expressed their struggle to like the new album without facing consequences. Criticizing Swift in public has become a risky move, with some writers opting to remain anonymous out of safety concerns for themselves.
Even Swift herself seems to address her militant defenders in the song “But Daddy I Love Him” on the new album, which references her brief relationship with Matty Healy of the 1975. Some fans disapproved of the relationship and are now struggling with the amount of record space Healy occupies on the album. The current situation in Taylor land is described as weird and complicated, with fans having to reconcile their own opinions of the album while still supporting Swift.
Some critics, such as Nathan Hubbard of the Ringer podcast “Every Single Album,” have acknowledged the valid criticism of “The Tortured Poets Department” and the challenges faced by fans who may not enjoy it as much as previous works. While some found the double album to be overwhelming and akin to a hostage situation, others like co-host Nora Princiotti enjoyed parts of the album but believed that Swift could have done more editing and offered something new musically. Princiotti ultimately graded the album a “B,” which in the universe of Taylor Swift, may be considered an all-time low.
Overall, the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” has generated mixed reactions among fans and critics, with some praising Swift’s continued prolific output and others feeling overwhelmed by the album’s size and lack of new musical styles. The album’s unique challenges have sparked discussions about the nature of Swift’s work and the expectations placed upon her by her fanbase. As Swift navigates the aftermath of this release, she faces a new chapter in her career marked by increased scrutiny and the need to balance artistic expression with commercial success.
