Taylor Swift recently released her eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on April 19, 2024. She announced the album at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024. It was highly anticipated and many fans were excited for Swift’s new music following the release of her tenth studio album, Midnights.

The album was released on several music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, breaking many records. The album has become the first album to have more than 300 million streams in a single day and is the most pre-saved album on Spotify. “Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone) has also broken Spotify records by becoming the most streamed song in 24 hours.

The album has been met with both praise and criticism from those who have listened to the album. Some avid Swifties love the album, while others are upset over its explicit nature. Some fans have criticized the album and Swift, claiming it is inappropriate for children. Some people feel that the album is too long and repetitive. Despite this, many fans have come to Swift’s defense and continue to support the album.

Here at Point Pleasant Borough High School, some students have shared their opinions on the album.
“I love it! I didn’t really appreciate it until my second listen, but now that I’ve heard it more than once I really understand and enjoy the songs more” says Mia, a senior at PPBHS.

“This album is for fans, not the general public! It’s not a radio sing-along album, it has a lot of emotion and you can miss it if you don’t really listen to the lyrics deeply. A lot of the songs are either upbeat with a deeper meaning, or slow and emotional. Personally, I love it and I can’t stop listening” says Jayna, another PPBHS senior.

Overall, the album has garnered a lot of support from fans around the world. It seems that Taylor Swift’s career is only going up with no signs of slowing down. So, will you listen to Taylor’s most recent era, or wait until her next release?