Is Taylor Swift Still This Generation’s Greatest Songwriter?

A review of Swift’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department”

Taylor Swift’s most recent offering, The Tortured Poets Department, presents a formidable challenge to listeners with its extensive double album format, clocking in at over two hours with 31 tracks. Notably, TTPD marks Swift’s first departure from single-word album titles since 2010, reflecting its ambitious scope. However, despite its considerable length, the album lacks both the catchy hooks and emotional resonance that defined Swift’s earlier records. TTPD falls short of capturing the passion of Red, the whimsical charm of Speak Now, the infectious melodies of 1989, and the introspective vulnerability seen in evermore and folklore.

Swift’s attempt to delineate her career into distinct “eras” with unique sounds doesn’t bear fruit with TTPD. It treads familiar ground without recapturing the enchantment of her previous work. Perhaps Swift’s prolific output — 10 projects in just four years — has taken its toll.

Without a doubt, Swift’s devoted fanbase, the Swifties, will obsessively analyze every lyric and find enjoyment in their ability to decipher the album’s intricate backstory. TTPD may even secure the Grammy for Album of the Year based on popularity alone, much like…