As the days count down to April 19th, the excitement among swifties at SNU is apparent, all thanks to the upcoming release of Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album, “The Tortured Poet’s Department.” Swift, a household name in the music industry, has been known for her ability to captivate audiences with her unique blend of storytelling and catchy melodies. So, grab your passports and my hand, because this will be a trip into our SNU Swifties’ expectations for Taylor’s new masterpiece.
Taylor Swift is no stranger to keeping fans on the edge of their seats with iconic teasers and cryptic easter eggs. The buzz around campus is contagious, as students try to decipher the hidden meaning behind Taylor’s media posts and whether she’ll surprise us with a new sound or perhaps a throwback to her country roots. Speculations rise, making the album’s imminent arrival feel like the finale to a mystery novel. The aesthetic of the album also has everybody in shambles, wondering what type of musical style she will embark on in this project. 
Photo by José Ramos from the Eras Tour Movie
Swift’s music evolution has been nothing short of spectacular, and students at SNU are buzzing about what genre she’ll conquer next. From country icon to pop superstar, she has seamlessly transitioned between styles. Long-time Swifie Ashley Finch states, “I feel like the new album will give a folklore vibe, kind of calling Joe (her ex-boyfriend) out.” Kadee Tiner comments that she expects a “synthpop” or “alternative” style, like Radiohead or Nirvana, affirming that it would be different and cool to hear something like this from her.
The upcoming album is composed of 16 tracks plus a bonus track named “The Manuscript.” While opinions are quite diverse, most of our SNU Swifties are dazing over track no. 11, “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can),” as well as “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” and “But Daddy I Love Him.”
Photo by José Ramos from the Eras Tour Movie
Excitement reached new heights regarding Taylor’s collaborations on this album—none other than the chart-topping Post Malone and the ethereal Florence and the Machine. The news sent an electrifying shockwave throughout the community.
When asked to describe the expectation for TTPD in three words, Finch commented, “Exciting, scary, since I think this album will be sad and will wreck me, and awing.” Tiner added, “She is a mastermind; all the songs will talk about different topics but at the end, it will all tie together.” Emma Dilbeck on the other hand states, “I would say poetic, real/raw, and clever.” As we can see, every Swiftie on campus expects different things from this new coming album. Speaking on what to expect, Dilbeck also mentions, “Some of the names of the songs seem to pay homage to one of her exes, and it’s going to be interesting since we thought Midnights was the breakup album because this might be the real one.”
Photo by José Ramos from the Eras Tour Movie
At the moment of this masterpiece being released, our fellow Swifties prepare to listen to the project and see what she has to offer. Finch explains how she talks about what her favorite songs are, posting her favorite songs on social media. Dilbeck hopes to host a streaming party with her dearest friends and sing the night away at her house.
As the calendar pages flutter toward April 19th, the Swiftie spirit on campus is so contagious, creating a melody of excitement and joy. This date is swiftly approaching, as we will not only get an album drop but a moment where we will all be dancing to beats we will come to know all too well. So, fellow Swifties, buckle up for a whimsical ride through Taylor’s lyrical wonderland, where each track is a love story and every note is an enchanting memory lane. Get ready to jump into a musical adventure that will undoubtedly leave our emotions delicate and our hearts full of change.
Photo by José Ramos from the Eras Tour Movie
Featured Image by José Ramos from Dallas Night Two of the Eras Tour