Taylor Swift is primed to release her highly anticipated record “The Tortured Poets Department” on Friday — the 11th studio album from the megastar who is already having a blockbuster year. Swift announced the album’s release at the Grammys in February, a night that saw the 34-year-old billionaire win a record-breaking fourth Album of the Year prize. In this article we talk about The Countdown is On- What to Expect from Taylor Swift’s New Album Release.
And with the album set to drop in the United States, the artist could be on track for a fifth. Since her bombshell announcement, her loyal legion of Swifties have been working around the clock shelling out fan predictions — dissecting the tracklist, the guest appearances, and the hints. Here’s everything you need to know about the new album.
Release Time
After an intense promotional spree, Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, is scheduled to drop at midnight (ET) in the US, (9 p.m. Pacific Time) on Thursday. The buzz around the album began with Swift’s cryptic “April 19” announcement back in February, hinting at the album’s arrival on the East Coast.
Tracklist
The songstress unveiled the tracklist for her latest musical venture through an Instagram post on Feb. 5. Comprising 16 titles, the tracklist offers a glimpse into the thematic depth of the album. However, there is no indication of which genre this album will drop.
Take a look at the tracklist below:
“Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone)
“The Tortured Poets Department”
“My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys”
“Down Bad”
“So Long, London”
“But Daddy I Love Him”
“Fresh Out the Slammer”
“Florida!!!!” (feat. Florence + The Machine)
“Guilty as Sin?”
“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”
“I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”
“loml”
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
“The Alchemy”
“Clara Bow”
Themes and Inspiration
Speculation suggests that “The Tortured Poets Department” revolves around Swift’s former flame, British actor Joe Alwyn, with whom she was romantically involved from 2016 until their separation approximately a year ago.
Song titles like “But Daddy I Love Him” and “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” suggest Swift is diving deep into her past relationship, with her signature confessional songwriting style. This wouldn’t be the first time the star has mined her personal life for creative inspiration.
Fans have also noted possible references to Alwyn in the album announcement video Swift released in March. Eagle-eyed viewers spotted a nod to one of Alwyn’s film roles when the camera focused on a bowl of cherries, as the actor starred in 2018’s critically acclaimed The Favourite.
Swift is known for dropping Easter eggs about her music. So it’s possible the album’s title, cover art and track names offer additional clues for fans to unpack.
Sound and Style
Based on a preview of the first single, “Down Bad”, it seems Swift is returning to the pop/electronica vibe that characterized her last two albums, “Lover” and “Folklore.” Co-written with Sam Smith and produced by Aaron Dessner, “Down Bad” has a driving, moody electronica sound paired with quintessential Swiftian romantic angst.
And the album’s title indicates Swift may be embracing a darker aesthetic, evolving from the cottagecore vibes of “Folklore” and its sister album “Evermore.” The featured Florence + The Machine collab also suggests some baroque pop and haunting melodies.
As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Swift has shown her ability to reinvent herself, surprising fans with each musical era. So there’s no telling exactly what genre or style she’ll tackle with this latest artistic endeavor.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have emphasized Swift’s raw emotion and vulnerability on the new tracks. Music critics have called it her most personal album yet, praising her songwriting and risk-taking. Select publications have heard advanced copies ahead of the album release.
The Guardian said Swift “wears her heart on her sleeve, coloring outside the lines when it comes to conventional song structure.” Spin called the collection “a cathartic musical purge.”
While The Los Angeles Times noted Swift’s growth, saying she “allows herself to be truly seen, scars and all, a marked evolution from the young country songstress America was first introduced to years ago.”
Of course, Swifties have taken to social media to share their excitement, counting down the moments until the album drops at midnight. Expect rave reviews from her loyal fanbase, who have propelled Swift to the top of the charts time and again.
Performance Predictions
Industry experts expect “The Tortured Poets Department” to enjoy staggering commercial success, predicting possibly Swift’s biggest debut yet.
And her Midnights lead single “Anti-Hero” enjoyed a 10-week reign atop the Hot 100 last fall. So anticipation is sky-high for Swift’s latest offering.
Swift made history with her surprise quarantine albums “Folklore” and “Evermore,” which she recorded entirely in isolation. So a full studio release of new material has Swifties waiting with bated breath.
The Verdict
It seems certain “The Tortured Poets Department” will be another feather in Swift’s cap as she continues her reign as a cultural icon and musical powerhouse. With her candid songwriting, diverse sound and devoted fanbase, she’s poised to dominate both charts and conversations with her latest confessional pop release. I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this “The Countdown is On- What to Expect from Taylor Swift’s New Album Release” article.
