Taylor Swift surprised fans today with the release of her latest studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, which appears to address her brief relationship with The 1975’s frontman, Matty Healy. The album comes in the wake of Swift’s breakup with British actor Joe Alwyn in April 2023, sparking rumors of a fling with Healy that reportedly ended after only a few weeks.
Fans have been buzzing about the album, particularly in light of Swift’s collaboration with Ice Spice and various references in her songs that suggest a connection to Healy. Songs like “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and “The Black Dog” are being closely analyzed by fans for any hints at the relationship.
The album delves into themes of endings and self-reflection, with tracks like “Guilty as Sin?” and “But Daddy I Love Him” appearing to directly address Healy. While some fans have praised Swift’s storytelling and the album’s collaborations with Post Malone and Florence Welch, others have expressed disappointment at the focus on Healy over Alwyn.
Critics have also weighed in, with The Independent’s Helen Brown giving the album five stars and commending Swift’s storytelling abilities. Physical copies of the album even include an original poem by Stevie Nicks.
Overall, The Tortured Poets Department is shaping up to be another hit for Swift, with fans eagerly dissecting its lyrics for clues about her past relationships and personal growth.