The New York Times:

Swift has been inescapable over the last year. With the release of “The Tortured Poets Department,” her latest (very long) album, some seem to finally be feeling fatigued.

I’m enjoying the album. But I think we are spoiled. For her next album, Taylor Swift should go back to basics: 10 tracks, no music videos, no special editions, vinyl only. After abundance, we need a reset.

Bob Wertz

"Vinyl only." Can you imagine the rush to manufacture enough turntables? The increase in cost of quality used turntables and stereo systems?

Manton Reece

@bobwertz Yes, it would be insane. We actually just bought a new turntable over the weekend. I thought about saying cassette-only but that seemed too extreme. 🙂

Sam Davies

Back to basics is needed across her line. For my 14yo's birthday in the past week, we preordered the new album during the Grammys after she announced it. We had to wait in a digital line like 2 hours to order it.

And Turns Out™ that's not the “real” version of the album. We learned our lesson.

Love Taylor, but yeah, simplify!

Pratik

NYT is resorting to its antics of providing hot takes for baiting Swifties. I see this album as lyrically beautiful and showcases more of her songwriting talents. It has great songs but perhaps falls short of being a great album. But true Swifties will be listening to it for a long time.

Manton Reece

@pratik Agreed. I also think it's hard to judge an album so soon after release. The great songs will reveal themselves in time.

Bob Wertz

I agree about pivoting for the next release, though. I told my daughter yesterday that she was lucky that her favorite artist is so productive at a time when she can listen to it all... Personally, I think Taylor should release an album of covers.

Manton Reece @manton
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