As if Taylor Swift had not already propelled herself into superstardom, the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” has cemented her status as a revered poet and genius songwriter.
At first listen, it is difficult to dive deep into the album given its melancholia and moodiness. But when you truly sit down to listen and soak up the lyrics, her poetic brilliance shines through.
“It’s more of a dark album. It really gives off ‘Folklore’ vibes,” sophomore Makenna Earp said. “It really makes you think about the relationships you make and how they can impact your life.”
This is especially true considering most fans describe the album as mostly relationship based. She sings of longing, hardships, and the twists and turns that a relationship can take.
On the topic of relationships, fans love living vicariously through her. Her relatable lyrics strike a chord with fans young and old.
“She’s very influential and inspiring as a woman in the music industry. I mean, what can’t she do?,” Earp said.
She’s very influential and inspiring as a woman in the music industry. I mean, what can’t she do?”
— sophomore Makenna Earp
Her Eras Tour began last year sending everyone into a frenzy and even crashing platforms along the way. The tour is estimated to have brought in $2 billion in ticket sales. “The Tortured Poets Department” is set to break numerous records as well.
Along with making history in the musical industry, she has also shattered charts in the film industry when she released “The Eras Tour Movie.”
“The Tortured Poets Department” was released last Friday at midnight with 15 songs. What listeners did not know was she would release 16 more songs at 2 a.m. on a new version of the album “The Tortured Poets Department, The Anthology.”
“‘Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me’ is my favorite song on the album as of right now, because she says how the media is constantly trying to downsize her,” senior Tyana Smith said. “It’s great for her to stand up for herself.”
There are so many key songs in the album that you cannot even pick out a couple. “The Tortured Poets Department” ranges from lots of different topics and people.
Fans speculated that most of the album would center around her six-year love affair with Joe Alwyn, but the lyrics in several of her songs point to someone else entirely, Matty Healy.
Swifties have always speculated a long-running romance between Taylor and Healy, the famously tortured front man of the band 1975. Rumors of the two dating were confirmed with this new album.
She also mentions current boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in a love song of sorts. Even Kim Kardashian is alluded to in the song “thanK you aIMee,” where she cheekily capitalized the letters KIM in the song title on the album.
She really is a great lyricist, and just a relatable person.”
— senior Tyana Smith
“She really is a great lyricist, and just a relatable person,” Smith said.
“The Tortured Poets Department” shows a new side of Swift, a grown up and mature woman who has learned from her naive mistakes. Through the complexity of her lyrics deep word play she has left behind her young self.
With all the ups and downs of her career it still launched her to billionaire status and proved she should be regarded as one of the best in the business. True Swifties care nothing about this. They are simply happy to have a glimpse into her remarkable life and listen to some outstanding music during the journey.