Taylor Swift album Tortured Poets Department leaked early?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

Yes, I think that’s fair. I just find it interesting that neither Taylor nor her music have really evolved, especially when her whole thing is writing songs like a diary. She definitely has a market and she’s a phenomenon, but I don’t know- I’m her age and I compare her to someone like Billy Joel, who has albums and albums of diverse songs and themes, and I’m just kind of “meh” about TS now. I liked her early stuff but yes, it seems ive outgrown her music, which to me, has gotten stale - and also kind of sad to be trashing your exes so publicly.

And just to add, is that even in her best business interest? What happens if she falls in love and stays in another long term relationship? What if she gets married? Will she write songs if she’s in a stable relationship? Or just perform old ones? Obviously she never has to worry about money, but I assume she’s like being at the top of her game, and if that is dependent upon heartbreak material, she’ll have to go from relationship to relationship forever, pretending she’s shocked and devestating when it ends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

Yes, I think that’s fair. I just find it interesting that neither Taylor nor her music have really evolved, especially when her whole thing is writing songs like a diary. She definitely has a market and she’s a phenomenon, but I don’t know- I’m her age and I compare her to someone like Billy Joel, who has albums and albums of diverse songs and themes, and I’m just kind of “meh” about TS now. I liked her early stuff but yes, it seems ive outgrown her music, which to me, has gotten stale - and also kind of sad to be trashing your exes so publicly.

Not everyone likes when artists depart from their style and try out new sounds trying to stay relevant. Kelly Clarkson tried it, and it didn't work. Sometimes the new style flops. Some like the tried and true and maybe Taylor is just staying true to herself than trying to evolve. Because why should she? You could just evolve past her and find something else you like more.

[Anonymous]

I am 47 and feel I can relate to this album more than any of her others. I love it so much.

Also she is an artist. Artist types tend to be more esoteric and emotionally immature and crazy. Though I think she is still conventionally so.

She isn't meant to settle down in the burbs with a husband and 2 kids and a boring 'stable' relationship. At least now she found someone who can handle her fame and her height and is also somewhat crazy in a fun way. The emo boys were bad for her.

[Anonymous]

So.Many.Words.

As always, I'm very impressed that she's able to write these complicated, interesting lyrics. But at the same time, it's such a word dump! I love TS but as another poster said, I feel she's really becoming overexposed. How many albums does she need to put out? And the constant revenge/pining theme isn't healthy for young girls to internalize.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So.Many.Words.

As always, I'm very impressed that she's able to write these complicated, interesting lyrics. But at the same time, it's such a word dump! I love TS but as another poster said, I feel she's really becoming overexposed. How many albums does she need to put out? And the constant revenge/pining theme isn't healthy for young girls to internalize.

You're being funny, right?

[Anonymous]

During the 24 hours of April 19th, the songs on the Tortured Poets album were streamed over half a BILLION times. That's the equivalent of 14.5% of the entire world's population tuning in to hear a song.

I guess a couple of people like it?

[Anonymous]

Maybe fans do age out. Many kids watched Sesame Street and enjoyed it. Then one day you think, I have fond memories of this, but I can't keep watching the same ABC/123 themes. Then when your kids are old enough, you come at the same entertainment from a different angle. You've outgrown the performers but are glad the subject matter is relatable to your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So.Many.Words.

As always, I'm very impressed that she's able to write these complicated, interesting lyrics. But at the same time, it's such a word dump! I love TS but as another poster said, I feel she's really becoming overexposed. How many albums does she need to put out? And the constant revenge/pining theme isn't healthy for young girls to internalize.

You're being funny, right?

You’re trolling, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The entire album is about Matty. I know I am in the minority, but I loved them together. They are so similar - tortured poets, musicians who enjoy their booze and are a little chaotic at times but brilliant too. And it’s well known she loves a Brit.

It’s such a tragic album really. It’s clear they both were hot for each other for a long time. They have the same producer and close friend, Jack Antonoff, who helped them stay in touch or reconnect. It is likely she left Joe who she was bored with to be with Matty. Then the fans went feral about Matty being “problematic” and also her tour had just started, so it was probably too much strain on him and the relationship. But yah, those two were pining for each other for over a decade (so many clues!) and would have made the cutest babies…unlike the current jock.

The lyric “I would have died for your sins, instead I just died inside…” She was ready to stick by him regardless of public opinion and her dad’s advice (though was she really going to throw so much away?), but he was probably spooked and wanted out.

All of this. They were so great together.

[Anonymous]

The *entire* album isn’t about Matty. It’s pretty clear which songs are but So Long, London and The Black Dog are about Joe. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me and Clara Bow (which I think is really underrated) aren’t about a man at all; they’re about the pressures and costs of fame. The Alchemy is about Travis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

From the Washington post review:


Who care how you feel? You are a middle-aged man, you’re saying, This music is not for you. The first part is true. But I would argue that pop music is for everyone. You’re here, I’m here, I’m writing, you’re reading, we’re in this listening life together, and it’s probably just fine to wish that the most widely circulated music of our lifetimes might be more imaginative and less self-obsessed. We’re long overdue for a Swift album that feels even a little bit curious about the world she rules.



[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

Yes, I think that’s fair. I just find it interesting that neither Taylor nor her music have really evolved, especially when her whole thing is writing songs like a diary. She definitely has a market and she’s a phenomenon, but I don’t know- I’m her age and I compare her to someone like Billy Joel, who has albums and albums of diverse songs and themes, and I’m just kind of “meh” about TS now. I liked her early stuff but yes, it seems ive outgrown her music, which to me, has gotten stale - and also kind of sad to be trashing your exes so publicly.

And just to add, is that even in her best business interest? What happens if she falls in love and stays in another long term relationship? What if she gets married? Will she write songs if she’s in a stable relationship? Or just perform old ones? Obviously she never has to worry about money, but I assume she’s like being at the top of her game, and if that is dependent upon heartbreak material, she’ll have to go from relationship to relationship forever, pretending she’s shocked and devestating when it ends.

Considering so many of her songs are based on stories and not her real life, which she has been honest about, I don’t think that is a concern. She’s done a really good job of taking inspiration from other things. She’s talked about how a lot of her songs on her pandemic albums were inspired by old movies she watched in lockdown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So.Many.Words.

As always, I'm very impressed that she's able to write these complicated, interesting lyrics. But at the same time, it's such a word dump! I love TS but as another poster said, I feel she's really becoming overexposed. How many albums does she need to put out? And the constant revenge/pining theme isn't healthy for young girls to internalize.

I disagree. I’m 48 and only now getting in touch with my rage as a woman. I was taught to be a real people pleaser, always be glass half full, and I stuffed so much inside and I don’t think that’s healthy. Maybe it’s not healthy to go too far the other way, but I think her generation is trying to balance some of that and I appreciate it.

I mean, look at what is happening in our own country with women’s rights. I think it’s OK for girls to internalize some bad stuff, it’s not sunshine and roses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

From the Washington post review:


Who care how you feel? You are a middle-aged man, you’re saying, This music is not for you. The first part is true. But I would argue that pop music is for everyone. You’re here, I’m here, I’m writing, you’re reading, we’re in this listening life together, and it’s probably just fine to wish that the most widely circulated music of our lifetimes might be more imaginative and less self-obsessed. We’re long overdue for a Swift album that feels even a little bit curious about the world she rules.



So there are now middle-age men who are pissed the Taylor isn’t writing for them? This is just too much and really pathetic. No, artists don’t have to release songs that appeal to everyone, and I argue that 99.9% of artists have never done that.

This is such a bad take, it’s embarrassing that it got published at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are some of you perhaps reading too much into the songs? There's no rule that says every song is a gospel retelling of a specific relationship.

Yes but they will read between every line to try to put her down.

It’s weird.

People did that Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears when they were at the top of their game.

People love to be haters.

The haters seem keenly aware of her lyrics, relationships, age, and other facts about her. It's a bit odd to be so invested in something that's not their cup of tea. Supposedly.

That’s because we’re not haters. We like(d) her music enough and own some of it, but also think the themes and slander of her recent exes on each album is juvenile and has gotten old. It’s like a comedian telling the same joke for 20 years - there’s no range.

I guess you're no longer the target demographic. She's got a fan base and some stick with her, some move on, and some girls may be aging into the angst as tweens who haven't been following her for 18 years. Maybe the music is just not for you anymore.

From the Washington post review:


Who care how you feel? You are a middle-aged man, you’re saying, This music is not for you. The first part is true. But I would argue that pop music is for everyone. You’re here, I’m here, I’m writing, you’re reading, we’re in this listening life together, and it’s probably just fine to wish that the most widely circulated music of our lifetimes might be more imaginative and less self-obsessed. We’re long overdue for a Swift album that feels even a little bit curious about the world she rules.



I think if Swift shifted her focus from her own emotional life to the world at large, everyone would hate it.

She spent much of high school performing and recording. She never went to college. She's travelled the world but only as a pop star. She's been famous, and rich, since she was a kid. She is now a billionaire.

What do you think she has to say about the world? Do people with such limited experience as regular people out in the world often have great insight into big issues of the world and other people? IME, no. Her self-obsession is likely the most accessible thing about her-- no matter how rich and rarified she gets, if she does some naval gazing about her own psyche, she can find something other people will relate to.

I do NOT want a Taylor Swift album about, like, climate change. I think she knows her lane and is smart to stay in it, even if it dies get boring if she's the only artist you ever listen to (something that would be true about almost anyone).