Taylor Swift’s 11th album The Tortured Poets Department is already breaking records on streaming platforms like Spotify, where it became the most streamed album in a single day, surpassing 300 million daily streams. Fans speculate that Taylor made TTPD for herself to close old chapters of her life, namely with exes Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy. 

Opinions on the album vary among listeners. Personally, on my first listen I was drawn to some of the songs like Down Bad, but I thought most of them sounded repetitive. However, after multiple listens, it is quickly becoming one of my favorite TS albums. Taylor truly poured her heart into this album and the lyrics reflect that. Right now, some of my favorites are Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me, Down Bad, and Florida!!!

Of course, I asked my Swiftie friends their thoughts on the album. My friend, JT, agreed with me “One of my favorite songs on the album is also Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me.” Meanwhile my friend, Delaney, said “I’m obsessed with Down Bad. The beat is addictive.” She also said “I think I like the original album more than the double album.” 

The double album refers to The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthropology which was released two hours after the original with an additional 15 songs. I like both albums because some of my favorites are on the double album like So High School. While most of TTPD is about heartbreak, this song is about her romance with her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, which brings her back to the feeling of being 16 again.

Despite some criticism, The Tortured Poets Department stands as a testament to Taylor’s unwavering commitment to her craft, inviting listeners to her deeply personal experience with love, loss, and self-discovery.