Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD), has received a mixed reception from critics since its release on April 19th. The album, which includes a surprise companion album titled TTPD: The Anthology, has broken several Spotify records and garnered widespread acclaim from the music industry. Rolling Stone magazine hailed it as an “instant classic” while The Independent awarded it a perfect five-star rating.
However, not everyone has been as enthusiastic about the album. Critics have taken issue with Swift’s lyrics, production, and overall aesthetic. NME described the album as “surprisingly flat and, at times, cringeworthy,” while The Guardian criticized its “unnecessarily verbose” lyrics and “confined” production. The NYT found that Swift’s lyricism “starts to feel unrestrained, imprecise and unnecessarily verbose,” while Paste Magazine went so far as to say that “Sylvia Plath did not stick her head in an oven for this!”
Despite the criticism, TTPD has been a commercial success. It has topped the charts in several countries and sold millions of copies worldwide. Swift’s fans have also been supportive of the album, with many taking to social media to defend it against its critics.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy TTPD will depend on your own personal taste. If you’re a fan of Swift’s previous work, you’ll likely find something to appreciate on this album. However, if you’re looking for something new and innovative, you may be disappointed.
Here are some of the specific criticisms that critics have leveled against TTPD:
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NME:
“Swift’s 11th studio album is surprisingly flat and, at times, cringeworthy”*
The Guardian:
“Taylor Swift’s new album is about a reckless kind of freedom. If only it sounded as uninhibited”*
The NYT:
“On The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift could use an editor”*
