My wife, Jennifer, has been looking forward to the new Taylor Swift album since its announcement was made. I’m mildly interested, but I can’t call myself a ‘Swiftie’. I’m a big fan of her song “This Is Me Trying” off of the Folklore album. She’s had a couple radio hits that were catchy as well. I don’t dislike Taylor Swift, I just can’t say that pop music is my go-to. However, I did find The Eras Tour movie to be pretty entertaining.
Jennifer is a big fan, but I wouldn’t call her a die-hard. She’s not interested in the “lore” or Taylor’s personal life, but finds tidbits of what Taylor Swift’s songs are about to be amusing. Since we’re going to stay awake to listen to The Tortured Poets Department tonight, my wife encouraged me to participate in a live listen post, our first ever here on The Jam Files. So without further ado, since it’s midnight now, here are our first impressions of the new album:
Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
Jackson: A catchy introductory tune. Good melody and expected lyrics. Simple in nature, but enjoyable.
Jennifer: “Quiet treason”…hmm. It reminds me of that “Heartbeats” cover by The Knife a little bit. Whenever I hear the word “fortnight” I think of Jane Austen. I’m wondering if this should more appropriately be titled “The Tortured Literary Department”. This song’s not the greatest, but it’s not terrible.
The Tortured Poets Department
Jackson: We are transported to the 80s with the synthetic noise and simple percussion. Again, a catchy tune with familiar lyrical development. I wonder if there's an irony in word choices, as in looking from the perspective of the audience.
Jennifer: I like these opening lines a lot because I’m old school and typewriters are awesome. I like the literary name dropping. I’m liking this track better than the last. It’s lyrically intriguing and the electronic fillers feel magical. I can see myself singing along to this once I learn the lyrics. (That wedding ring line was kind of silly though, sorry.) Kudos for the Chelsea Hotel reference.
My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
Jackson: There is a notable cohesion in the style of each song so far on the album. Similar sound, production, and lyrical advancement.
Jennifer: More synths. She’s in her “synth era” apparently. The bridge has the best lyrics in my opinion.
Down Bad
Jackson: This album certainly transitions away from traditional instruments and showcases Taylor's brand of pop. I don't disagree with the sound of these songs, but don't find the content relatable.
Jennifer: Before the song even started I thought “Oh wow, a dog motif song!” (IYKYK.) I’m feeling this one a lot. I like the beat and the lyrics are really good. “Teenage petulance” speaks to me. “How dare you think it’s romantic/Leaving me safe and stranded”. This one is my favorite so far.
So Long, London
Jackson: The specificity of the story in some of Taylor's songs makes me wonder what inspiration is taken in writing them.
Jennifer: Oooh, here we go. I’m liking the album more as it goes on. This song tells a story and I’m down with that.
But Daddy I Love Him
Jackson: Each song is catchy in its own way. Again, I enjoy the individual sound created for each song.
Jennifer: I was looking forward to this one because I’m a big fan of the movie “The Notebook” and I know it’s a line from it. I also love that this song tells a story. I like how strongly Taylor sings this one.
Fresh Out The Slammer
Jackson: This song, along with the previous two, forms a second act of the storyline of the album. I think it is a combination of darker and deeper emotions.
Jennifer: That opening twangy sound gave me a western vibe. A perfect follow-up to the last song. This sounds like a “classic” Taylor Swift jam. “Swirled you into all of my poems” is sweet.
Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)
Jackson: I think this one is strange, my least favorite so far. Not a fan of Florida. Not sure if Taylor is either.
Jennifer: I lived in Florida for way too long and wow, if this track doesn’t take me back there. I love Florence + The Machine and Florence Welch’s voice is amazing. Taylor harmonizes well with her. “Yes I’m haunted/But I’m feeling just fine.” This one is really speaking to me on a personal level. Wow.
Guilty As Sin
Jackson: At this point on the album the sounds and songs are beginning to feel too similar. I normally wouldn't mind such a strong binding sound that runs consistently, but the timing and feel of each song is hard to separate from one song to the next. I'm beginning to not remember individual songs because they are all too reminiscent of each other.
Jennifer: “I keep these longings locked/In lower-case inside a vault.” Direct reference to Instagram poets who write in their Notes Apps. Prove me wrong. So far, this is the best song melodically in my opinion. “Am I allowed to cry?” I’m seriously asking because this one hit me in a way I can’t describe yet.
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
Jackson: I appreciate the honesty in the writing on some of these songs. Makes the image of Taylor seem more real and tangible. A human like the rest of us.
Jennifer: I like the ghostly lyrics. This is powerful. This is a song I want to know the inspiration for. “I wanna snarl and show you just how disturbed this has made me/You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me/So all you kids can sneak into my house with all the cobwebs/I’m always drunk on my own tears, isn’t that what they all said?” I dig it. The overall tone is haunting.
I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
Jackson: Each song has an interestingly changing arrangement of instruments and sounds being made. Some instances remind me of soundtracks and scores.
Jennifer: Maybe this is the dog motif song? I need another listen to this one. I’m not sure how to feel about it lyrically but the production of the song works well.
loml
Jackson: The melancholy of this song is strangely refreshing. Keeping with the similar grouping in structure of flow and timing, there is an emotional aspect in this song that has not yet been heard on the album at this point.
Jennifer: I’m reaching for the tissue box. This one’s amazing. “I wish I could unrecall how we almost had it all.” Stop doing this kind of thing to me, Taylor. This is the kind of song that I defend my love for you over.
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
Jackson: It's hard for me to know how to feel from listening to this song. The upbeat rhythm combined with the idea of the broken heart is approaching a chaotic outcome and makes me feel a bit lost on the dancefloor.
Jennifer: Okay, I’m kicking my feet now. I can’t stop smiling. This one is definitely for the tortured poets. It pretty much slays.
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
Jackson: This third act of pushing on through what I interpret as feelings of anger and remorse continues in a similar style that feels reminiscent of Taylor. There is a back and forth feeling on the album bridging Taylor's variety of song genres and it works as an identification of her as an artist.
Jennifer: Ouch. I think I actually might know who this is about too. Angry song. It’s Tay-Tay being Tay-Tay. (I catch bits of the lore occasionally.)
The Alchemy
Jackson: This song continues the signature songwriting of Taylor that we have always known.
Jennifer: Football vibes. That is all.
No, really, I like this one too. It’s cute.
Clara Bow
Jackson: I can always tell when a Taylor Swift is playing in the distance.
Jennifer: Aww, I love silent film star references! “Half moon shine/A full eclipse.” Can’t have an album about Tortured Poets without a line like this. Really great melody. I’m in love with the bridge.
Our Final Thoughts:
Jackson: The definitive sound design of this album accentuates Taylor's abilities as an artist and makes her who she is at this point in her career. Although parts of the album approach a different angle of pop that I have not hears from her previously, her familiar lyrics and pacing are heavily featured throughout. I found the album enjoyable and am sure a few songs will manage to stick around in my head.
Jennifer: It didn’t disappoint. I’ll admit I was afraid that it might. I mentioned in my Eras Tour write-up that I didn’t become a full-fledged Swiftie until Folklore. I like this one better than Midnights, which I had to let grow on me. I’m going to listen to it a bunch over the weekend I’m sure. Four out of five stars if I had to rate it right now. A lot of the lyrics aren’t my cup of tea, but then there are some that are stellar. Tortured poet approved.
Jackson Patino is an artist and photographer living in Traverse City. Check out his website at jacksonpatino.com
Jennifer Patino lives in Traverse City and loves music. Visit her blog at thistlethoughts.com