Then, a journey through all 31 tracks from this brilliant, emotional excavation of an album that turned into something else entirely. I'm sure the NYT will think I, too, need an editor. But f*ck it.
I'm still digesting TTPD (have only listened up to track 18, but have done repeated listens of that) so I will definitely be coming back to your article when I've made more progress, but I really enjoyed reading your thoughts thus far! I've been irritated by quite a lot of reviews around the album, mostly because they were so rushed and this is an album which requires long and close attention. Like many others I have a similar tale (got out of a 6 year relationship and then dove into a painful situationship with an old friend/ flame) which no doubt helps it resonate more, and Red was my favourite album so I obviously like angry Taylor the best 😂 but there's a self awareness and maturity to this album which shows enormous growth, and many of the songs are brilliant. One thing I haven't seen anyone comment on until you, was the sarcasm in many of the songs- they are frequently funny although a darker humour. Two people came to mind for me after listening to it a lot (especially I Can Do It With a Broken Heart) , Bo Burnham and Jerrod Carmichael. Have you seen Bo Burnham's Inside? It's musical comedy (though also confronting and bleak at times) which is very personal and honest. Jerrod also has his new show out, which sees him being honest and confronting with loved ones in his own life. Of course I don't know that they were influences for Taylor, although she does know them both, but this album sees her at her most honest and personal, to the point of it being uncomfortable at times. I'm sure I'll have more thoughts to share and look forward to ploughing on with it all when I have a tiny bit of brain space!
It most certainly warrants all the time you need to take with it! And then it will reveal itself more and more and more over the months and years. But nobody makes the internet like to fire off a hot take more than Taylor Swift, and that's true for anything positive OR negative. I think that's another reason it's really resonating with this demo of the fandom. I am low-key jealous that you're able to make your way through at that delicious pace!!!
I'm a HUGE Red girlie too!!!!! I bet the Venn diagram of TTPD/Red people is large.
And yes, nobody likes to give credit to TS for her humor. Well, except for everyone who actually knows her. "funny" is a common refrain with all. It's one of my favorite things about her and absurd that people think she doesn't have a wicked wit!!! Bo Burnham's stuff has been very much not my thing, which surprised me. But I get what he's doing and have mad respect for it...and so many people I love in my life are super into him. Jerrod I've so enjoyed but need to watch his new stuff. It's on my list!! And yes I realize it seems contradictory to be into one of them but not both lol.
Also, I'm going to go ahead and say there's a good chance they've both been on my ex's podcast but I'd have to look it up!
Are there people who *didn't* have on/off sturm und drang relationships that stretched out for years? That *didn't* drive 2+ hours in the middle of a workday fearing the whole way the person they were racing toward was going to do something drastic and irreversible? I'm glad I grew beyond her, but I'm not sorry to have been her.
You? Legendary. This is incredible. I will be circling back to this with more thoughts but I cried about 13 times reading this. The eldest daughter stuff was particularly 🔪💔 because 🎯. And the White Horse/the Manuscript links too because the former was the song I used (a decade + later) to process how My Matty toyed with me aged 16-19.
I cannot believe (well, of course I can, but you know) the cards you pulled in advance of this release. Just bonkers. Also - thank you again for trusting us with this. It—and you—are a gift, one your future students are so incredibly lucky to receive.
And I imagine that Blondie herself would be so, so touched by this piece. She’d feel seen, and she’d appreciate how you were inspired to produce your own Manuscript.
Stop. I'm crying again. In a cool way. But I am so productive. It's an art ;)
Thank you so much, from the deepest wells of my heart. And for being part of why this space feels safe enough for me—and anyone else—to open up in. OMG I need to get the photo of what I pulled today. You're gonna die dead again.
I have to let myself go back and savor every word because let me tell you that I INHALED THIS. More to come but ohmergerd did I need this and love this. Seattle neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds you!
Thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think I can find a way to work in Grease 2????? I feel like I just came up with a challenge for myself lol. Please submit any thoughts on the matter, as a fellow scholar of the better Grease film.
Circa 1977 eldest daughter checking in for duty and to co-sign all of this 🫡
Welcome to the Department!!!!!
I'm still digesting TTPD (have only listened up to track 18, but have done repeated listens of that) so I will definitely be coming back to your article when I've made more progress, but I really enjoyed reading your thoughts thus far! I've been irritated by quite a lot of reviews around the album, mostly because they were so rushed and this is an album which requires long and close attention. Like many others I have a similar tale (got out of a 6 year relationship and then dove into a painful situationship with an old friend/ flame) which no doubt helps it resonate more, and Red was my favourite album so I obviously like angry Taylor the best 😂 but there's a self awareness and maturity to this album which shows enormous growth, and many of the songs are brilliant. One thing I haven't seen anyone comment on until you, was the sarcasm in many of the songs- they are frequently funny although a darker humour. Two people came to mind for me after listening to it a lot (especially I Can Do It With a Broken Heart) , Bo Burnham and Jerrod Carmichael. Have you seen Bo Burnham's Inside? It's musical comedy (though also confronting and bleak at times) which is very personal and honest. Jerrod also has his new show out, which sees him being honest and confronting with loved ones in his own life. Of course I don't know that they were influences for Taylor, although she does know them both, but this album sees her at her most honest and personal, to the point of it being uncomfortable at times. I'm sure I'll have more thoughts to share and look forward to ploughing on with it all when I have a tiny bit of brain space!
It most certainly warrants all the time you need to take with it! And then it will reveal itself more and more and more over the months and years. But nobody makes the internet like to fire off a hot take more than Taylor Swift, and that's true for anything positive OR negative. I think that's another reason it's really resonating with this demo of the fandom. I am low-key jealous that you're able to make your way through at that delicious pace!!!
I'm a HUGE Red girlie too!!!!! I bet the Venn diagram of TTPD/Red people is large.
And yes, nobody likes to give credit to TS for her humor. Well, except for everyone who actually knows her. "funny" is a common refrain with all. It's one of my favorite things about her and absurd that people think she doesn't have a wicked wit!!! Bo Burnham's stuff has been very much not my thing, which surprised me. But I get what he's doing and have mad respect for it...and so many people I love in my life are super into him. Jerrod I've so enjoyed but need to watch his new stuff. It's on my list!! And yes I realize it seems contradictory to be into one of them but not both lol.
Also, I'm going to go ahead and say there's a good chance they've both been on my ex's podcast but I'd have to look it up!
Are there people who *didn't* have on/off sturm und drang relationships that stretched out for years? That *didn't* drive 2+ hours in the middle of a workday fearing the whole way the person they were racing toward was going to do something drastic and irreversible? I'm glad I grew beyond her, but I'm not sorry to have been her.
Still loving and envious of how your work is your passion and your passion is your work.
Thank you thank you, Teri! xx
You? Legendary. This is incredible. I will be circling back to this with more thoughts but I cried about 13 times reading this. The eldest daughter stuff was particularly 🔪💔 because 🎯. And the White Horse/the Manuscript links too because the former was the song I used (a decade + later) to process how My Matty toyed with me aged 16-19.
I cannot believe (well, of course I can, but you know) the cards you pulled in advance of this release. Just bonkers. Also - thank you again for trusting us with this. It—and you—are a gift, one your future students are so incredibly lucky to receive.
And I imagine that Blondie herself would be so, so touched by this piece. She’d feel seen, and she’d appreciate how you were inspired to produce your own Manuscript.
Stop. I'm crying again. In a cool way. But I am so productive. It's an art ;)
Thank you so much, from the deepest wells of my heart. And for being part of why this space feels safe enough for me—and anyone else—to open up in. OMG I need to get the photo of what I pulled today. You're gonna die dead again.
I have to let myself go back and savor every word because let me tell you that I INHALED THIS. More to come but ohmergerd did I need this and love this. Seattle neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds you!
Tiffany. OMG thank you so so so much. I don't even know what to say. That means the absolute world to me on any day, but especially about this one.
Congrats on the class! It is so necessary. Those kids are lucky to have you!
Thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think I can find a way to work in Grease 2????? I feel like I just came up with a challenge for myself lol. Please submit any thoughts on the matter, as a fellow scholar of the better Grease film.
You absolutely can. Something about pop culture underdogs that people loyally rally around?
Yes! And how to have a contrary opinion and make an actual case for it!!!!!
I like it.