The New York Times released an article about Taylor Swift fatigue the same day she released her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. The article reflects what a lot of people may be feeling: they’re sick of hearing about Taylor Swift. The past year she has been inescapable with her world tour, re-release of Speak Now and 1989, and dating the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce. As someone who has been a Taylor Swift fan since I was a child, I must say I am also sick of hearing about Taylor Swift . . . but not in the way you may think.
I first became a fan after hearing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” on the radio. My dad was able to buy official 1989 merchandise at Target. I stayed up until midnight with my best friend when a snake appeared on her Instagram in 2017 and “Look What You Made Me Do” was released. I even defended the Lover album when people called it corny (the album is arguably good; she just chose horrible singles to promote it). And throughout all of this, Swift was never at the level of fame she has now achieved. Of course, the higher she rises, the farther she has to fall.
It makes sense that everyone and their mother has an opinion on the most recent album. The Tortured Poet’s Department has been met with either zealous enthusiasm or boredom and disappointment. I will admit I was underwhelmed when I first listened to it, but after a second listen I can conclude it is nothing like she has released before—maybe not sonically, but lyrically. In my opinion, these lyrics are some of her most vulnerable and witty yet. Swift has been criticized before for childish songs and lyrics; now she’s receiving criticism for using “big” words to distract from a mediocre album.
If you are a newer fan, this album may be difficult to digest. Or maybe you’re a longtime fan and you dislike it. Both are fine. I and any other normal fan will not try to force someone to like this or any other album, for that matter. If this is not your jam, that’s okay. Say your piece and move on. What I and other fans find frustrating is that we hear as much hate about Swift as we hear about the weather. It seems like no one else lives as rent-free in people’s minds as Taylor Swift. Some people have valid critiques of the singer — her private jet use, the number of vinyl editions she releases for one album, or simply that this recent album is similar to what we’ve heard before.
What becomes difficult is separating valid criticism from people (boys) who hate on her simply because of sexism. While they may not see it as such, any woman who has been on this earth long enough can see right through it. The classic, and factually incorrect, “she only writes about boys” applies to several beloved male artists. But say it is. So what? Since when does every piece of music or art have to be a think piece on existentialism? People enjoy her music. People of all ages and genders find it relatable. It makes people feel seen. Isn’t that what art is for? So here’s my advice for Swifties and Anti-Swifties alike, advice that I myself could benefit from. Don’t take it personally when someone dislikes her music. Don’t spend all of your time and energy hating on her either. Enjoy her music or don’t. Critique her music or celebrity status, that’s fine. Just don’t center your entire world around it, because that’s when she’s got you beat.
