The future’s bright, dazzling for music
After hearing a surprise announcement at the 2024 Grammys many fans, including myself, are excited that Taylor Swift has finally released her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department” or “TTPD.”
As another surprise, a second album was released called “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” which is considered part two of the original release.
In comparison to previous works, “TTPD” is one of Swift’s heavier, darker albums which at first listen can be hard to digest, and with 31 songs it takes a bit of time to really process.
However, this album has already made its way into one of my favorites by Swift. Even with its darker theme and moody overtone, I find the album to resonate deeply with me through her impressive use of language.
It’s no secret that Swift prides herself on her lyrical composition skills, and “TTPD” may show this off the best with its use of metaphors.
“Fresh Out the Slammer” describes the feeling of being free from a toxic or bad relationship through metaphors.
The album’s lead single, “Fortnight” which features Post Malone is one of her best choices for a song to represent an album. With its hard-hitting lyrics and stunning vocal production I think it’s a perfect fit for the lead, and Post Malone is the perfect addition to the mix.
One of my favorite songs in this album was “Clara Bow” in which Swift describes the comparisons female artists go through in music.
“That’s how we teach women to see themselves, as like you could be the new replacement for this woman who’s done something great before you,” Swift said in an interview with Variety.com.
To me, it also can tie into the feeling of getting older and knowing that while you are replaceable, your impact isn’t.
“The Black Dog” is another favorite for me, in which she describes mourning a relationship that has ended. The lyrics “I just don’t understand / how you don’t miss me in The Black Dog” tells how she feels forgotten and abandoned by her ex as she knows he’s in the bar they would go to together. She continues later singing “Old habits die screaming” which describes how the end of a relationship can be brutal. I loved her lyricism in this song and how I could feel the dread in her voice.
All in all, “TTPD” is considered a certified classic to me, with its darker theme which is reminiscent of previous albums like “Folklore” and “Evermore,” and pure rawness I believe it will be one of Swift’s most impactful albums.