Taylor Swift has officially dropped The Tortured Poets Department – the singer’s anticipated 11th studio album.
The Bad Blood songstress, 34 – who recently teased a ‘timetable’ to her fans ahead of the LP’s release – initially announced the album while attending the 2024 Grammys earlier this year in February.
The title of her latest work had caused fans to speculate that the name was aimed at her ex, Joe Alwyn. And earlier this week, Swift appeared to reference the actor as she shared lyrics from the album on X.
The Tortured Poets Department has a total of four versions, as well as a 16 songs and a bonus track titled The Manuscript.
Hours before the album dropped, Swift revealed that the album’s lead single would be Fortnight featuring rapper/singer Post Malone.
She also released a moody teaser for the song’s music video, which will be released Friday at 8pm EST.
As the album hit streaming platforms Thursday night, Swift published a lengthy statement on Instagram where she described it as ‘an anthology of new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time – one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure.’
Taylor Swift has officially dropped her new album The Tortured Poets Department
It is the Bad Blood singer’s 11th studio album since she burst onto the music scene in 2006
She continued: ‘This period of the author’s life is now over, the chapter closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted.
‘This writer is of the firm belief that our tears become holy in the form of ink on a page. Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it.
‘And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry,’ concluded Swift, as she announced: ‘THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT is out now.’
Along with her thought provoking words, the lyricist shared a slideshow of gorgeous black-and-white portraits as part of the album’s artwork.
Taylor’s devout fanbase quickly flooded social media with their reactions – with many calling TTPD ‘the best album Taylor has made.’
Many admitted that they were ‘crying’ over the songs as they branded it a ‘masterpiece’ and praised her lyricism.
As if the excitement over a new album weren’t enough, fans were shocked to discover that two-hour countdown went live on Swift’s Instagram page immediately after The Tortured Poets Department was released.
It seemingly suggests a potential new announcement or a surprise coming at 2:00. a.m. ET.
The singer has dropped numerous hints in the past days that the 2:00 a.m. hour has a special meaning.
Many fans also speculated that the star might be planning to release her version of her 2017 album Reputation, in the same way she’s been re-recording her former records amid a battle for ownership of her work.
Swift has teased the 2:00 o’clock on numerous occasion in the past weeks. In a teaser video for the release of the album she had a clock on the wall which was stuck at the 2:00 hour.
As the album hit streaming platforms Thursday night, Swift published a lengthy statement
Along with her thought provoking words, the lyricist shared a slideshow of gorgeous black-and-white portraits as part of the album’s artwork
‘Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it,’ she wrote
‘And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry,’ concluded Swift, as she announced: ‘THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT is out now’
The clocks at the library pop-up and in her mysterious Fortnight music video announcement from earlier this week have all been set to 2 o’clock as well.
At her Tortured Poets Spotify library installation in Los Angeles there was a peace-sign statuette.
While taking to the Grammys stage two months earlier, Swift sent Swifties into a frenzy as she revealed that a new album was on the way.
She did so while accepting the award for Best Pop Vocal Album. ‘I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I have been keeping from you for the last two years, which is that my brand-new album comes out April 19th,’ she told the audience.
‘It’s called The Tortured Poet’s Department. I’m going to go and post the cover right now backstage,’ she excitedly concluded.
At the time, she shared a black and white album cover photo – which showed Taylor laying in a bed while sporting a black shirt and shorts. A stream of light could also be seen shining down on her.
In the captioned, she had penned, ‘All’s fair in love and poetry… New album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Out April 19,’ followed by a white heart emoji.
There are three additional versions of The Tortured Poets Department: The Bolter, The Albatross and The Black Dog. Each version – which could be pre-ordered by listeners – also contain an exclusive track.
One day after her album announcement, Swift dropped the official track list to the LP. She also has collaborations with other artists such as Post Malone on Fortnight and Florence & The Machine on the song called Florida!!!
As if 16 songs weren’t enough, fans learned Thursday that Swift included a ‘summary poem’ with the album, where she appears to allude to the end of her and Alwyn’s relationship as well as the fling with rocker Matty Healy that kicked off soon after.
After TTPD was released, fans were left stunned as they noticed a two-hour countdown went live on her Instagram page
The Bad Blood songstress, 34, initially announced the album while attending the 2024 Grammys earlier this year in February (pictured)
The Tortured Poets Department has a total of four versions, as well as a 16 songs and a bonus track titled The Manuscript
Taylor’s devout fanbase quickly flooded social media with their reactions – with many calling TTPD ‘the best album Taylor has made’
Titled ‘In Summation,’ Swift makes a ‘plea for temporary insanity’ and admits that ‘it’s the worst men that I write best.’
‘As you might all unfortunately recall / I had been struck with a case of a restricted humanity / Which explains my plea here today of temporary insanity,’ the Grammy-winner begins.
She then talks of becoming a ‘caged beast’ after the end of hers and Alwyn’s six-year relationship and the ‘chaos’ that ensued in the months that followed.
‘And so I was out of the oven and into the microwave / Out of the slammer and into a tidal wave,’ Swift writes.
‘And so I enter into evidence/ My tarnished coat of arms / My muses, acquired like bruises / My talismans and charms / The tick, tick, tick of love bombs/ My veins of pitch black ink.’
Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks wrote a poem for Swift that serves as the prologue on the superstar’s new album.
It’s noted that Nicks poem — titled ‘For T and me…’ — was written on August 13, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
It reads: ‘He was in love with her / Or at least she thought so / She was brokenhearted / Maybe he was too,’ Nicks starts off the poem, which details a relationship between two ill-fated lovers — one ‘way too hot to handle’ and the other ‘way too high to try.’
The song ‘Fortnight’ featuring Post Malone will serve as the album’s lead single. Swift made the revel just hours before The Tortured Poets Department was released.
She unveiled the cover artwork, which is a black-and-white photo of herself and the Texas native, on social media.
‘I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever,’ she raved.
‘I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we worked together on ‘Fortnight’,’ added Swift.
Soon after, the Pennsylvania-born beauty teased the single’s black-and-white music video that stars both Swift and collaborator Post Malone.
‘At this hearing, I stand before my fellow members of The Tortured Poets Department with a summary of my findings,’ she captioned the clip on Instagram.
‘Album tonight,’ added Swift. ‘Fortnight music video tomorrow at 8pm et.’
In regards to the album title, fans were quickly convinced that the name was in reference to her ex, Joe Alwyn – whom she dated for six years until their split was confirmed in April 2023.
Hours before the album dropped, Swift revealed that the album’s lead single would be Fortnight featuring rapper/singer Post Malone
She also released a moody teaser for the song’s music video, which will be released Friday at 8pm EST
The Pennsylvania-born beauty teased the single’s black-and-white music video that stars both Swift and collaborator Post Malone
She appears to be institutionalized in the video, smashing a one-way mirror before being strapped into a bed and wearing an electric contraption on her head
‘At this hearing, I stand before my fellow members of The Tortured Poets Department with a summary of my findings,’ she captioned the clip on Instagram . ‘Album tonight,’ added Swift. ‘Fortnight music video tomorrow at 8pm et’
Back in 2022, the British-born actor explained that he was part of a WhatsApp group chat with close pals Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott called The Tortured Man Club.
Fans and social media users immediately jumped to X to share their thoughts on the inspiration behind Swift’s upcoming album, with one penning, ‘THIS IS THE BREAKUP ALBUM.’
Another added, ‘I hope for Joe’s sake that he still has that group chat. I feel like he’s gonna need it.’
A source had also told DailyMail.com that Alwyn feels that it would be ‘shady’ if Taylor dissed him in The Tortured Poets Department.
‘Joe has not said one word about Taylor or their breakup and has been completely respectful of her. It’s undeniable that the name of her upcoming album is in reference to Joe’s WhatsApp group chat.’
‘Taylor knocked him for the name of this when they were together. She didn’t want people to think that it had anything to do with her, so when he spoke out about it, she was, of course, bothered,’ the insider added.
‘Joe has no reason to believe yet that she is going to diss him or their relationship. She writes about her past using code and points of reference.’
The source continued, ‘It may just be that she is reflecting on their time together and he is hoping it is nothing more.’
‘If it is a diss album, that is shady. He helped her with song writing on her past album so it will really come as a shock to him if she talks about their breakup, as it is something he has not spoken of at all.’
Fans further speculated that the 11th LP was a breakup album referencing Alwyn due to one track titled So Long, London.
Since then, she has announced three additional versions of The Tortured Poets Department: The Bolter, The Albatross and The Black Dog
One day after her album announcement, Swift dropped the official track list to the LP. She also has collaborations with other artists such as Post Malone on Fortnight and Florence & The Machine on the song called Florida!!!
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: TRACK-BY-TRACK
Fortnight
A tuneful duet with Post Malone and a song seemingly about a two-week fling. The slow, electronic rhythms set the early tone.
The Tortured Poets Department
Another shimmering melody, and lyrics which suggest that Taylor, modestly, doesn’t see herself at the top table of tortured poets: ‘You’re not Dylan Thomas, and I’m not Patti Smith.’
My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
Written solely by Swift, this song’s dense electronic hum adds forceful notes. ‘Once I fix me, he’s gonna miss me,’ she vows.
Down Bad
‘Everything comes out teenage petulance,’ sings Taylor as she bitterly surveys the fallout from an old relationship.
So Long, London
The first track to be written with The National’s Aaron Dessner brings a change of pace, with a lovely, choral intro. ‘So long, London, you’ll find someone,’ sings Taylor.
This is her first new album since the end of her six-year relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn and, while she doesn’t mention Alwyn by name, speculation will be rife that tracks such as So Long, London are about him. Pictured together in 2019
But Daddy I Love Him
‘I know he’s crazy, but he’s the one I want,’ sings Swift, showing wry humour as she admits to falling for the bad boys. Produced, with real brightness, by Dessner.
Fresh Out The Slammer
Finger-picked acoustic guitar adds folky notes reminiscent of lockdown albums Folklore and Evermore.
Florida!!!
An album highlight, this theatrical duet with London singer Florence Welch is an uplifting song of escape – from small-town life and a bad romance.
Guilty As Sin?
A tale of unrequited love, and a superb slice of 1980s-style soft rock. It even mentions The Downtown Lights, a 1989 single by Scottish band The Blue Nile.
Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?
Big drums, a dramatic arrangement, and more dry humour in another song penned solely by Swift. ‘You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me,’ she snarls.
I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
A moody, stripped-down number worthy of Lana Del Rey, who has also worked extensively with the song’s producer, Jack Antonoff.
The Alchemy: Sporting metaphors aplenty suggest a track inspired by the singer’s current boyfriend, American football star Travis Kelce. Pictured at Coachella this week
Loml
‘You said I’m the love of your life,’ sings Taylor on this warm, resonant piano ballad. In a smart twist, the ‘loml’ ultimately becomes ‘the loss of my life’.
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
More 1980s influences on an electronic pop track that sees Taylor vowing to remain a trouper, despite any romantic strife.
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
‘You didn’t measure up in any measure of a man,’ sings a disdainful Swift on a melodramatic ballad.
The Alchemy
Sporting metaphors aplenty suggest a track inspired by the singer’s current boyfriend, American football star Travis Kelce. ‘When I touch down, call the amateurs and cut them from the team,’ she sings.
Clara Bow
It’s tempting to think Taylor sees something of herself in a closing track inspired by an American actress of the 1920s who lived her life in the Hollywood goldfish bowl.
And earlier this week, while promoting a special ‘phantom clear vinyl’ at Target, she took to X and shared the lyrics: ‘I wish I could un-recall how we almost had it all…’
Back in February, she had briefly opened up about the process of making the new album on her tour stop at the Tokyo Dome, per Billboard.
‘I’ve been working on it for about two years,’ she told the crowd while on stage. ‘I kept working on it throughout the U.S. tour…’
‘And when it was perfect – in my opinion when it’s good enough for you – I finished it and I am so, so excited that soon you’ll get to hear it,’ Taylor said and added, ‘I’ve been working on Tortured Poets since right after I turned in Midnights.’
The Blank Space hitmaker was referencing to her Midnights album that dropped back in October 2022.
Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, also previously revealed that he has heard some of the album and labeled it as ‘unbelievable.’
Before the Super Bowl earlier this year, the NFL star expressed to Extra, ‘I have heard some of it, yes. And it is unbelievable.’
‘I can’t wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops,’ he continued, while later adding, ‘I can’t give you anything. I’ll leave that up to her.’
The football player added, ‘She’s unbelievable. She’s re-writing the history books herself. I told her, ‘I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too.”
On Wednesday, as the count-down towards the album’s release neared, Taylor revealed the ‘timetable’ for The Tortured Poets Department.
In regards to the album title, fans were quickly convinced that the name was in reference to her ex, Joe Alwyn – whom she dated for six years until their split was confirmed in April 2023; seen in February in London
And earlier this week, while promoting a special ‘phantom clear vinyl’ at Target, she took to X and shared the lyrics: ‘I wish I could un-recall how we almost had it all…’; seen in March in Singapore
Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, also previously revealed that he has heard some of the album and labeled it as ‘unbelievable’; couple seen earlier this month at Coachella
The football player added, ‘She’s unbelievable. She’s re-writing the history books herself. I told her, ‘I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too”; seen in January in Baltimore
She notably shared a promotional video for the album to her Instagram – sending fans wild.
The clip began in a ’70s-inspired room, reminiscent of the Midnights era – her last album to be released.
In the room there were bits of crumbled-up paper on the floor and a series of records as well and a clock set to the time of 2 o’clock.
The camera then leads viewers down a white corridor and into a room with the name The Tortured Poets Department on it.
Inside there are empty white desks with typewriters on as well as coffee cups, before the camera then zooms into a bulletin board on the wall.
On the wall the date April 19 was starred along with the words, ‘The Tortured Poets Department Release Day.’
Underneath was a note that read, ‘8 p.m. ET. Music video release!!’ – as well as fourteen slashes. She simply wrote in the caption: ‘The TTPD Timetable.’
It comes shortly after Taylor unveiled a pop-up library in Los Angeles earlier on Tuesday as she geared up for the new LP.
The Karma hitmaker’s fans waited in line for upwards of five hours in order to attend a pop-up poetry library.
On Wednesday, as the count-down towards the album’s release neared, Taylor revealed the ‘timetable’ for The Tortured Poets Department
The clip began in a ’70s-inspired room, reminiscent of the Midnights era – her last album to be released
In the room there were bits of crumbled-up paper on the floor and a series of records as well and a clock set to the time of 2 o’clock
Fans were seen lining around the block for the special event, sponsored by Spotify, starting at five in the morning, just to gain some insight into Swift’s upcoming album.
The singer is known for surprising her fans with Easter Eggs, and she continued on in the tradition, putting up a large bookshelf with clues about her new body of work.
This is the first album from Swift where she has not released a single ahead of the album, which added to fans’ eagerness to learn any new information about what’s to come.
The display was located right across the street from Cheesecake Factory at the Grove, where Swift’s longtime nemesis Kanye West frequently dines with wife Bianca Censori.
Among the carefully curated items fans sifted through and later discussed on social media was a clock stuck on ‘2:00 PM’ – like in the new promo video -, a tambourine, a notebook with the words ‘US’ scribbled on the back, a fountain pen, and a perpetual calendar set to Friday, December 13.
There was also a small statue of Diana of Ephesus (the goddess of childbirth and fertility and the goddess of the moon).
One fan noted that ‘The original statue of Diana crumbled while waiting to be shipped to London in the 6th century due to years of neglect, succumbing to the passage of time and the elements.’
The singer is known for surprising her fans with Easter Eggs, and she continued on in the tradition, putting up a large bookshelf with clues about her new body of work (seen above)
It comes shortly after Taylor unveiled a pop-up library in Los Angeles earlier on Tuesday as she geared up for the new LP
One fan noted that ‘The original statue of Diana crumbled while waiting to be shipped to London in the 6th century due to years of neglect, succumbing to the passage of time and the elements
Swift is currently on break from her record-breaking The Eras Tour; seen in March 2023
Fans took this to be a dig at Swift’s ex, British actor Joe Alwyn, 33.
One item pictured on the bookshelf at the mall was an old-fashioned typewriter with a page featuring Swift’s track list. One part of the bookshelf had a number of books, a jar with puzzle pieces, and an hourglass.
There was a book titled ‘The Manuscript’, with the author listed as Swift herself, along with another book called ‘The Black Dog.’
There were other tomes which featured the names of some of her songs on the upcoming album while a gold birdcage was perched among the books.
