After months of anticipation, Taylor Swift released her new album, The Tortured Poets Department on Friday, April 19. Along with her album coming out at midnight, she also surprised her fans at 2 a.m. as she announced a secret double album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.
The Tortured Poets Department features seventeen new songs each with different meanings. One of the songs even regards the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, and Swift’s relationship with him in “The Alchemy.” In “Clara Bow,” she discusses coming to terms with her fame and the situation she faced with Scooter Braun in an account to legally own her albums. “But Daddy I Love Him” discusses the high points of fame and the low points as well. There are many featured artists as well, such as Post Malone on “Fortnight” which was trending on TikTok before officially releasing. The song “Florida!!!” features Florence + The Machine.
In the past Swift has dropped clues to new music for fans. This album was announced at the 2024 Grammy Awards, but other albums such as Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) was announced during the Era’s Tour along with 1989 (Taylor’s Verison). Fans had high hopes that she would release her last album that needs to be re-recorded, Reputation (Taylor’s Verison), but Swift has yet to make any announcements.
Swift announced this new album at the Grammys on February 4, 2024 as she thanked her fans by telling them a secret she has kept for two years. She then announced her brand new album and when it would be released. However, fans were shocked and surprised at the release of the secret double album, The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.
All in all, this album reflects heartbreak and grief with some songs about her ex-boyfriend, British actor Joe Alwyn. It also reflects feelings of sadness but illuminates it in a pop-hit way. She discusses ownership and living a life where the public does not matter to her. Fans have already been talking about this album and it has quickly gained popularity. Without a doubt, it will be the next album at number one.