By Alyviah Sanchez
The Tortured Poets Department is a highly anticipated album written by Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dressner. Swift’s newest album was released on April 19, 2024. This marks Swift’s 11th album in her discography and it has already broken many records. Within the first day of its release, it sold over 1.4 billion copies in album sales.
Swifties were more than eager for this album, however, has received mixed reviews from many, fans included. This album is definitely different compared to her other ones in the previous years. It’s definitely for more of Swift’s older audience to fully grasp and understand the album.
As many of us know Taylor Swift is one of the biggest music artists in the world. She has won numerous awards and has a very large fan base. I talked to a couple of Taylor Swift fans at El Diamante about their thoughts on the album, and the feedback on the album has been received. This interview contains questions and answers from avid Swift fans: Kaydence Camin (Kadi), Callie W, and Ellie Beck.
Why were you excited about the album? What made it seem so appealing?
Kadi: I was very excited about the album drop as a reader and lover of poetry because the album is the ¨Tortured Poets Department ¨ and also because I love everything Taylor Swift, but most of all I love sad music.
Callie: I love poetry and I was excited to see Taylor take a deep dive into poetry, especially since she already writes such beautiful lyrics.
Ellie: I was so excited because when she announced the album, I was watching the Grammys live. I also love how powerful words can be and I think poetry just exemplifies that. I was really looking forward to that aspect.
After listening to the album, what was your favorite song and why?
Kadi: After listening to the album my favorite song is “The Prophecy” because it is very deep in lyrics, and sad, and reminds me of Harry Potter.
Callie: I love “I Hate It Here” because I’m a reader and the song makes me think of escaping into a book.
Ellie: I love “So Long, London” because she uses the phrase “So Long London” as the chorus throughout it only three times but she uses it to tell a story about how Joe Alwyn left her. I love it when she gets so creative with her lyrics.
Many fans have said that this is her best album. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Kadi: I do love this album very much but as an old fan my heart belongs to 1989 as my number one album, especially since it was the first concert I went to, which makes it extra special.
Callie: I don’t agree, it’s good, but not her best. I think “Folklore” aptly captures her writing style and storytelling process.
Ellie: I don’t necessarily agree. I do think it is a good album. I think Reputation or Folklore would be some of her best work.
What do you have to say to those who feel like this is her worst album?
Kadi: Personally, I would say to those people that they lack good taste and I would question their ability to understand the lyrics and meanings behind Taylor’s songs in the album.
Callie: I can see why some fans may not like it, especially younger fans. I think this album is for the older crowd because of the content.
Ellie: I can understand those who may not be able to relate and therefore not understand it.
A lot of Swift’s songs have a sort of lore or information behind them. Do you feel like the album can be enjoyed by those who don’t understand the lore in a majority of the songs?
Kadi: I do think this album can be enjoyed by those who don’t understand Taylor’s personal lore because of the good beats and vibes. For example, many Harry Potter fans have been enjoying the songs and connecting them to the characters.
Callie: Yes of course! Even as a big Swiftie, I don’t know all the lore and that’s okay!
Ellie: Of course! That is the beauty of Taylor Swift’s songs. She has such a diverse audience of listeners that it doesn’t just apply to a specific group of listeners.
Is the backstory and lore needed to enjoy Taylor Swift’s music and in particular this album?
Kadi: I do not think you need to know Taylor’s lore to understand this album or any other albums. As a child, I wasn’t aware of Taylor’s social life because I didn’t have social media but I still loved her songs. I never paid attention to Taylor’s Boyfriends or social life till recently anyway and still don’t really care about it but, I love her songs regardless.
Callie: You don’t need the backstory to enjoy the music. I think without Taylor’s lore, the songs feel more personal and you see your own experience when listening, which I honestly prefer.
Ellie: I think it can help but anyone can just listen to it and enjoy the music how they want.
The opinions of those in this interview are not meant to persuade you to love Taylor Swift’s new album. Music is supposed to be subjective; others will like music that you don’t like and that’s okay. If you’ve never listened to Swift, this may not be your first foray into her music, but you should definitely listen to some of her other music.
The Tortured Poets Department is now available on all music platforms.