Because of the retro aesthetic being marketed;midnight'', Taylor Swift's tenth studio album, and rumors online, many thought the record had a '70s vibe. fleetwood mac– Sounds like. Many people, myself included, were initially disappointed when the Swifties listened to this album and realized that it was yet another Jack Antonoff synthpop record.
To appreciate Midnights, I had to let go of my expectations and appreciate this great album for what it is.
There were similar rumors before the release of “.tortured poet sectiont” (TTPD). Fans agree that the vibe of her latest album is “red” and “folklore” This raised my expectations again.
On TTPD, released on April 19th, synth sounds are inevitably present, but they're not as aggressive as on Midnights.
It's hard to fully process a song or album when you first listen to it. It usually takes multiple listens to decide whether you like a song or not. While that's certainly true of some of TTPD's songs, others were instantly unanimous between her two friends and I, who listened to the album together from 9pm to midnight on the day of its release. He was 10/10.
Swift has a pattern of making the fifth song on an album particularly heartbreaking, sad, or emotional. For example, the now widely knowneverything is too good' was Red's fifth song. TTPD is no exception to this tradition, with “So Long, London” quickly becoming one of my personal favorite tracks of his.
This song begins with an angelic chorus that makes me feel like I'm ascending to heaven.
Expectations were particularly high for this song, as it would be comparable to Swift's “''.london boy“From her album”mistress” was clear. The song pays tribute to Swift's ex-boyfriend Jo Allyn, whom she dated for about six years before their relationship ended in 2023. The British actor was the inspiration for “London Boy,” in which Swift confessed her love for the city and her man. I was loved.
“So Long London” features beautiful and tragic lyrics. Additionally, at the end of the song, Swift uses the title to cleverly switch between lyrics.
“And I'm really pissed 'cause I've loved this place/For so long, London.”
Another example of Swift's clever lyrical changes is on “loml.” “LOML” is widely known as a word that means “love of life.” Throughout the song, Swift sings, “You said I was the love of your life,” but the true meaning of Swift's “LOML” isn't revealed until the song's final line. yeah. life. “
“Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)” also received a unanimous 10/10 and quickly became one of my favorite collaborations Swift has ever done. Hearing the powerful chorus for the first time was a moment I'll never forget, the moment when Swift's voice merged with that of lead singer Florence Welch. Florence + The Machine, it's exquisite. This song has a strong youth vibe that is different from the other songs on the album.
Less memorable is Swift's collaboration with Post Malone on the album's first single, “Fortnite.” At first, I thought I might have enjoyed this song more if it wasn't a collaboration. But as I had more time to process the songs, especially with the release of the “Fortnite” music video, collaboration became more important to me. The video's psychiatric ward setting further contributes to the album's dark and distressing themes.
Other consistent themes throughout the album are religion, marriage, and death. The use of these themes contributes to the record's mesmerizing and mystical energy. Additionally, countless marriage references have left Swift wondering if Alwyn and Swift were married, engaged, or even planned to get married. On “loml,” Swift sings, “You said shit to me under the table/Talkin' ring and talkin' cradle.”
Additionally, in “So Long London,” Swift sings: / I died on the altar waiting for proof. ”
For longtime Swift fans, the similarities to other albums within TTPD are obvious. For example, on “loml,” Swift sings, “You said I was the love of my life/About a million times.”AdulteryFrom “Folklore,” Swift sings, “But they lie, lie, lie/A million times a little bit at a time.”
Another example is when Swift sings, “You think it's romantic/Leave me safe” on “Down Bad.”new romantics” from “1989Swift wrote, “Leave me stuck, it's so romantic.”
These similarities struck me to the core as the connection is undeniable and the difference in tone between the lyrics is jarring.
The similarities Swift makes highlight her songwriting ability and the fact that she does nothing without intention.
At 2 a.m. ET on the day the album was released, Swift surprise-released an additional 15-song track, “The Tortured Poets Division: The Anthology.” However, many Swifties suspected that this double release would take place at 2 a.m., as Swift incorporated the number 2 in her posts, teaser videos, captions, and more. Easter eggs like this have been popular since Swift first announced her album by showing a peace sign (two fingers) at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
“The Anthology” includes a not-so-subtle diss track about Kim Kardashian, “thanK you aIMee.”
The song's capital letters spell out “Kim” and the song details the story of the enemy, who is like a high school bully. Swift exclaims, “It wasn't a fair fight, it wasn't a clean kill/Every time Amy stepped on my grave.”
Ultimately, the song conveys the message that Swift has finally recovered from her illness. ongoing feud And the pain she experienced. Additionally, although Swift spends a large portion of her song disparaging Kardashian, she credits her gratitude for the drama that led Swift to where she is now and helped her grow. It ends with a switch.
Another song from “The Anthology” that left an impression on me was “imgonnagetyouback.” This song and Olivia Rodrigo's “Please bring him back!” is an undeniable opinion. Both songs use the title as a play on words. For example, in Rodrigo's version, the chorus goes like this:i want him back / I want to make him really jealous, I want to make him feel bad / Oh I want him back / 'Cause I miss him again and I'm so sad / Oh, I want sweet revenge and I want him again. ”
Swift sings during the chorus: “I haven't decided yet whether to be your wife or break your bike, but I'm going to take you back, curse you and kick you out, or take you home.” / But I will definitely take you home.”
I don't know if this is a coincidence, an accident, or a blatant plagiarism, but it's an interesting role reversal since Rodrigo is always aware of it. accused of copying Quick.
While the track “Clara Bow” didn't feel like the album's strongest ending, “The Manuscript”, which concludes the entire anthology, provided a perfect conclusion to the entire record. “The Manuscript” is set to a slow piano melody, perfectly accompanied by hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Swift insiders say the anthology's conclusion is actually about Swift's 2010 romance with Jake Gyllenhaal, and that it will sit alongside Swift's older songs about Gyllenhaal, such as “All Too Well.” They theorize that they have a theme.
The night I spent listening to The Tortured Poets Department was one I'll never forget, and Taylor Swift made the emotional moments worth it. I know that as time goes on, I'll understand this album more and more and like it more and more.
Rating: 9/10