This is the TTPD review I've wanted to write but never got around to! I think you nailed it. When this album first came out, the music critics were either wildly unkind or bafflingly praising. Ultimately, it's a mixed bag. Songs I love in general will have one line or a bridge that is unfathomably ear-grating, or songs I never listen to will have one line that's just really well said.
I say this as someone who loves Swift's work and thinks she's a once-in-a-generation talent, at some point before Midnights released, she seems to have lost sight of intentionally building her discography rather than expanding it as much as possible, as fast as possible. All artists will make bad or average records, but for someone who's been so careful until now, it's a bit of shame to see.
For example, with Lover, which is a great album but had a comparatively weaker impact, it was still a complete vision, true to where she was in life. Midnight and TTPD feel comparatively more clumsy and hasty even when she's writing some of her best songs (You're on your own kid, would've could've should've, the bolter). So, it really makes one wonder what was the point of publishing everything in the drafts and calling it an album? You said well with, "This album, like Midnights before it, is too comfortable existing as a diary that it forgets to exist as a work of music."
OK clearly, I can drone on about this but I'll stop there. There's also a lot to be said about Swift's near pathological pursuit of "winning" but I'll refrain from stating that on the record for now.
Thanks so much for reading!! And yeah, I agree with everything you said - Taylor is so generationally talented, it just feels like she dropped the ball on this release.
I will be coming for Jack Antonoff when he inevitably strips Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) of everything I hold dear (its over the top drums)—but she is in the drivers seat so I can’t even be mad!!
Great autopsy report! I also became a fan during folklore, bought far too much merch, and felt disillusioned by TTPD. You said it all perfectly. Exhaustion and endless output are the death knell of a great artist. For someone who calls herself Miss Americana, I think she falls perfectly into that capitalistic belief of constant growth. Artistry is about disappearing, experiencing something new, and rediscovering yourself as you tell that story. I hope she’s been napping, she deserves it. And I believe she’ll learn from this one. When firing on all cylinders, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Editors are underrated
im a huge swiftie and tbh i view ttpd as a kidney stone or like a really big gas bubble ... girl needed to get that out and move on .... but it had to be done imo
to be completely honest, i read this the day you published it, and was in shock at how much i agreed considering ttpd is my favorite taylor album (and i didn’t like in disappointment of myself - but im back and ive liked because you are so deserving of it) i really appreciate your analysis of the musicality of the songs as well as understanding the context - this made for an incredible read (and i will be going on to stream ttpd later)
This is the TTPD review I've wanted to write but never got around to! I think you nailed it. When this album first came out, the music critics were either wildly unkind or bafflingly praising. Ultimately, it's a mixed bag. Songs I love in general will have one line or a bridge that is unfathomably ear-grating, or songs I never listen to will have one line that's just really well said.
I say this as someone who loves Swift's work and thinks she's a once-in-a-generation talent, at some point before Midnights released, she seems to have lost sight of intentionally building her discography rather than expanding it as much as possible, as fast as possible. All artists will make bad or average records, but for someone who's been so careful until now, it's a bit of shame to see.
For example, with Lover, which is a great album but had a comparatively weaker impact, it was still a complete vision, true to where she was in life. Midnight and TTPD feel comparatively more clumsy and hasty even when she's writing some of her best songs (You're on your own kid, would've could've should've, the bolter). So, it really makes one wonder what was the point of publishing everything in the drafts and calling it an album? You said well with, "This album, like Midnights before it, is too comfortable existing as a diary that it forgets to exist as a work of music."
OK clearly, I can drone on about this but I'll stop there. There's also a lot to be said about Swift's near pathological pursuit of "winning" but I'll refrain from stating that on the record for now.
Thanks so much for reading!! And yeah, I agree with everything you said - Taylor is so generationally talented, it just feels like she dropped the ball on this release.
I will be coming for Jack Antonoff when he inevitably strips Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) of everything I hold dear (its over the top drums)—but she is in the drivers seat so I can’t even be mad!!
Love Jack but if he dares to touch Our Song...
There WILL be hell to pay!!!
Great autopsy report! I also became a fan during folklore, bought far too much merch, and felt disillusioned by TTPD. You said it all perfectly. Exhaustion and endless output are the death knell of a great artist. For someone who calls herself Miss Americana, I think she falls perfectly into that capitalistic belief of constant growth. Artistry is about disappearing, experiencing something new, and rediscovering yourself as you tell that story. I hope she’s been napping, she deserves it. And I believe she’ll learn from this one. When firing on all cylinders, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Editors are underrated
im a huge swiftie and tbh i view ttpd as a kidney stone or like a really big gas bubble ... girl needed to get that out and move on .... but it had to be done imo
This is such a good way of putting it👏
to be completely honest, i read this the day you published it, and was in shock at how much i agreed considering ttpd is my favorite taylor album (and i didn’t like in disappointment of myself - but im back and ive liked because you are so deserving of it) i really appreciate your analysis of the musicality of the songs as well as understanding the context - this made for an incredible read (and i will be going on to stream ttpd later)
Thank you for coming back, glad you enjoyed the read!! :)
ofc <3 thank you for writing :)
thanks for the mention 🥰 incredibly well written and argued as always
Love you most xo