Taylor Swift has officially debuted her highly anticipated 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, releasing it on Apple Music almost 15 minutes early, ahead of its midnight US schedule. The 16-track collection showcases a moody vibe and introspective lyrics that seem to echo her inner thoughts. Swift described the album on Instagram as an anthology that captures a fleeting yet impactful moment, rife with both joy and sorrow.
Reflecting on her experiences, she noted that this chapter of her life has closed, suggesting that many of her past struggles were self-inflicted. She views the process of expressing sorrow through writing as cathartic, turning pain into what she calls "tortured poetry." The album, which features notable collaborations with Post Malone on the lead single "Fortnight" and Florence + The Machine on "Florida!!!", also includes one bonus track, "The Manuscript."
Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department arrives amidst her record-breaking Eras Tour and is expected to exceed streaming and sales forecasts. Industry experts have lauded the release as a significant pop culture event, one that has already broken Spotify records for pre-saves. Swift previously shared how vital this album became for her during a challenging time, reaffirming the power of songwriting in her life.