Now that The Tortured Poets Department is officially out, here's a new thread to discuss Taylor Swift's eleventh studio album. Any constructive thoughts or opinions about the album, good or bad, are welcome. However, I realize when it comes to Taylor, the haters are gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. If you can't listen to the album objectively and all you're ever gonna be is mean, please take any thread crapping elsewhere.
Listening right now! If the local record store has any copies left on RSD I'll probably pick it up then.
The production on the Antonoff collaborations so far is very reminiscent of the 1989 vault tracks. I have to wonder if they were working on recording those and parts of this album during the same set of sessions. Her vocals on "So Long, London" are absolutely terrific and, wow, that bridge...!
I am neither a Taylor Swift fan or hater. However, I am somewhat familiar with most of her music. Out of curiosity, I skimmed through a few tracks. To me, as a completely detached listener, this album sounds more generic than anything else I’ve heard from her.
The lyrical dexterity is astounding; word play, puns, unpredictable rhymes, storytelling, AP level vocabulary, character development, twists on and perversion of cliches. She's an impossibly talented lyricist.
Let’s get our own forum member (and Variety reporter)’s review posted: 'The Tortured Poets Department' Is Taylor Swift's Most Audacious Album
Unfortunately that review is behind a paywall here. I’m guessing there’ll be lots of others today that won’t be, though.
Billboard weighs in with another positive review: Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' Review
Chris writes great reviews. His knowledge of the artists comes through in his writing. It’s like reading something from one of the most knowledgeable posters on this forum. I’m thrilled “we” have someone in such a prominent position in the biz. You’re a Macca fan; find his review of Paul’s Got Back tour, for example. It’s a treat to read, with humor and knowledge deployed in equal measures.
I am listening to the album right now, so far "Florida!!!" (with Florence and the Machine) is my favorite
I just played the album and her vocals are superb. Probably the best sounding I've heard her yet. I think age and maturity is doing wonders on the vocals, or perhaps it's the range in which she's singing appeals to me. It's a 'nice' album, but pretty middle of the road I thought. I wouldn't say it's filled with hit songs, but it's much more a listening experience which also suits me. I'm not sure how much the younger one's again will get into it, considering it's pretty ballad/drama heavy. My only problem, if you can call it one for me, is the album is too long!! 65 Minutes is too much, she should have cut a few tracks and made a strong 40 - 45 minute album. Some songs didn't stand out to me, but will probably need some repeated listening to absorb. Again, that might only be me, 40 minutes is about my maximum listening interest before I start to lose interest and want to move on. That's OK, I'll just be playing the album in two parts separately. I do wonder with it being pretty ballad heavy, how she is going to utilize much of this material when she performs live. Her last couple albums were similar in that regard, and I think that really 'flattened' the show in the ERA tour segment, and it bored some people that saw it. I feel like the album is missing a couple more catchy 'Pop' hits. That's how I feel after one listen.
Taylor Swift The Tortured Poets Department review: The pop superstar pulls out all the stops on this mammoth undertaking, writes ADRIAN THRILLS | Daily Mail Online
I agree, I don't like long albums. This is really a double album, so good value for money for her fans. My favourite album over the past few years was the latest Harry Styles album, 13 songs and 42 minutes. That is my perfect length album, after that I just get bored.
