The Tortured Poets Department (often called Tortured Poets) is the eleventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released on April 19, 2024, by Republic Records. Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dessner wrote and produced the album.

Taylor Swift announced the album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024. She shared the news after winning Best Pop Vocal Album for her previous album, Midnights (2022). Swift started working on The Tortured Poets Department soon after finishing Midnights. She continued to develop it during the Eras Tour, her big concert tour.

Swift described this album as a "lifeline" for her, meaning it was very important to create. The album was released as a double album. The second part, called The Anthology, came out just two hours after the first part. The song "Fortnight" features Post Malone and was the first single released. Another song, "Florida!!!", features Florence and the Machine.

The standard edition of The Tortured Poets Department is a synth-pop album. It also has sounds from rock and folk music. The songs use a lot of synths and drum machines, mixed with piano and guitar. The second part of the album mostly features calm piano songs. The lyrics explore Swift's thoughts and feelings about her life, both public and private. Critics generally liked the album, praising its honest songwriting and detailed music production.

How the Album Started
Making the Album
Album Music and Lyrics
Album Title and Cover
Album Release and Promotion
Album Success
Track Listing
Album Personnel
Release History
Images for kids

How the Album Started

Taylor Swift released her tenth album, Midnights, in October 2022. It was very popular and received great reviews. In 2023, she released two re-recorded albums, Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and 1989 (Taylor's Version). These were part of her project to re-record her older music.

On February 4, 2024, the day of the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Swift hinted at a new album. She changed her social media profile pictures to black and white. Fans thought she might be releasing a re-recording of her album Reputation. Her website also showed unusual messages, which fans figured out were clues.

During the Grammy Awards, Swift won two big awards for Midnights. In her acceptance speech, she surprised everyone by announcing The Tortured Poets Department. She said she had been working on it since 2022. The album was set to be released on April 19, 2024. She also shared the album cover and a handwritten note that said:

And so I enter into evidence / My tarnished coat of arms / My muses, acquired like bruises / My talismans and charms / The tick, tick, tick of love bombs / My veins of pitch black ink / All's fair in love and poetry...

Sincerely, The Chairman of the Tortured Poets Department.

Making the Album

Taylor Swift called The Tortured Poets Department an album she "really needed" to make. She started creating it right after she finished Midnights. She worked on it secretly while she was on the U.S. part of the Eras Tour in 2023.

Swift said that making this album showed her how important songwriting is in her life. She explained, "I have never had an album where I needed songwriting more than I needed it on Tortured Poets." In an Instagram post, Swift described the album as a collection of new songs. These songs reflect her thoughts and feelings from a special time in her life. She said this time was both exciting and sad.

Album Music and Lyrics

Post Malone (pictured, left) sings on "Fortnight". Florence and the Machine (frontwoman Florence Welch pictured, right) sings on "Florida!!!".

The Tortured Poets Department has sixteen songs on its standard edition. It features two guest artists. The American rapper Post Malone is on the first single, "Fortnight". The English indie rock band Florence and the Machine, led by Florence Welch, is on the song "Florida!!!".

Taylor Swift wrote most of the album with her longtime friends Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner. Florence Welch and Post Malone also helped write their songs with Swift. The songs on the album show many different feelings.

Critics said the standard album sounds like synth-pop. It uses a lot of synths and drum machines. Some songs have a simpler sound, focusing on piano or guitar. These songs also have elements of rock and folk music. Swift often sings in a lower voice, sometimes sounding like she's talking or rapping. One critic said the album's sound is a mix of the shiny 1980s pop-rock from 1989 and the quiet, late-night feel of Midnights.

The second part of the album, The Anthology, mostly has piano songs. These songs use acoustic guitar, soft piano, and gentle synths. This second half has a more acoustic and folk sound. It is similar to Swift's 2020 albums, Folklore and Evermore.

Album Title and Cover

The album's official logo features its shortened title.

There was some discussion about why the album title doesn't have an apostrophe in "Poets". Some people thought it should be "Poets'". However, it's used like in the movie Dead Poets Society, where "Poets" describes the department.

A fan theory suggests the title might be a playful reference to a chat group. This group was reportedly shared by actors Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, and Joe Alwyn, called "The Tortured Man Club." It's not confirmed if this theory is true.

The album cover was taken by photographer Beth Garrabrant. It's a black-and-white photo of Taylor Swift lying on a bed. The cover art and title became very popular. Many brands, organizations, and sports teams made funny versions of them. This also led to many internet memes.

Album Release and Promotion

The Tortured Poets Department came out on April 19, 2024. This was during National Poetry Month. The special double album edition, The Anthology, was a surprise release. It came out two hours later with 15 extra songs. Taylor Swift shared the list of songs and guest artists on February 6, 2024.

Four different physical versions of the album were available. Each one had a unique bonus track: "The Manuscript," "The Bolter," "The Albatross," and "The Black Dog." Swift announced the last three versions during the Eras Tour. One special collector's edition CD sold out very quickly online. Physical copies of the album also included a new poem by Stevie Nicks.

The album was promoted on many online music services. These included Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads. Swift created five special Apple Music playlists. These playlists had clues for fans to find new song lyrics. Spotify hosted a special pop-up library in Los Angeles. There were also QR code murals in different cities. These codes led to short videos on Swift's YouTube channel.

Radio stations iHeartRadio and Sirius XM also had special shows for the album. They featured exclusive content from Taylor Swift.

The standard edition of the album was leaked online on April 17, 2024. This was two days before it was officially released. Because of this, the phrase "Taylor Swift leak" was temporarily blocked from searches on X (formerly Twitter). On April 18, Swift announced "Fortnight" as the first single. A teaser for its music video was also released. Following hints from Swift, The Anthology was released two hours after the main album.

Album Success

On April 18, 2024, the day before the album's release, Spotify announced a record. The Tortured Poets Department became the most pre-saved album in Spotify's history. After its release, it quickly became the most streamed album in a single day in 2024. It broke the record for the most streams in one day on Spotify, with over 200 million streams. Taylor Swift's own album Midnights held the previous record.

The album also became the most streamed album in a single day on Amazon Music. It surpassed Midnights to become the most streamed pop album in a single day on Apple Music. Target confirmed that The Tortured Poets Department had the most pre-orders of any music album in their history.

Track Listing

The Tortured Poets Department standard edition track listing
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"Fortnight" (featuring Post Malone)	Swift Antonoff Louis Bell	3:48
2.	"The Tortured Poets Department"	Swift Antonoff	4:53
3.	"My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"	Swift Antonoff	3:23
4.	"Down Bad"	Swift Antonoff	4:21
5.	"So Long, London"	Swift Dessner	4:22
6.	"But Daddy I Love Him"	Swift Dessner Antonoff	5:40
7.	"Fresh Out the Slammer"	Swift Antonoff	3:30
8.	"Florida!!!" (featuring Florence and the Machine)	Swift Antonoff	3:35
9.	"Guilty as Sin?"	Swift Antonoff	4:14
10.	"Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?"	Swift Antonoff	5:34
11.	"I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)"	Swift Antonoff	2:36
12.	"Loml"	Swift Dessner	4:37
13.	"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart"	Swift Antonoff	3:38
14.	"The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"	Swift Dessner	4:05
15.	"The Alchemy"	Swift Antonoff	3:16
16.	"Clara Bow"	Swift Dessner	3:36
Total length:			65:08

The Tortured Poets Department: The Black Dog Edition
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
17.	"The Black Dog"	Swift Antonoff	3:58
Total length:			69:06

The Tortured Poets Department: The Albatross Edition
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
17.	"The Albatross"	Swift Dessner	3:03
Total length:			68:11

The Tortured Poets Department: The Bolter Edition
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
17.	"The Bolter"	Swift Dessner	3:58
Total length:			69:06

The Tortured Poets Department: The Manuscript Edition
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
17.	"The Manuscript"	Swift Dessner	3:44
Total length:			68:52

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology
No.	Title	Producer(s)	Length
17.	"The Black Dog"	Swift Dessner	3:58
18.	"Imgonnagetyouback"	Swift Antonoff	3:42
19.	"The Albatross"	Swift Dessner	3:03
20.	"Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus"	Swift Antonoff	3:33
21.	"How Did It End?"	Swift Dessner	3:58
22.	"So High School"	Swift Dessner	3:48
23.	"I Hate It Here"	Swift Dessner	4:03
24.	"Thank You Aimee"	Swift Dessner Antonoff	4:23
25.	"I Look in People's Windows"	Swift Antonoff Berger	2:11
26.	"The Prophecy"	Swift Dessner	4:09
27.	"Cassandra"	Swift Dessner	4:00
28.	"Peter"	Swift Dessner	4:43
29.	"The Bolter"	Swift Dessner	3:58
30.	"Robin"	Swift Dessner	4:00
31.	"The Manuscript"	Swift Dessner
Total length:			122:21

Notes

means a vocal producer.
"Loml" and "Imgonnagetyouback" are written in all lowercase letters.
"Thank You Aimee" is written as "thanK you aIMee".

Album Personnel

Musicians

Taylor Swift – vocals (all tracks), piano (tracks 3, 17), background vocals (17)
Jack Antonoff – synthesizer (tracks 1–4, 6–11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 25), programming (1–4, 6–11, 15, 17, 18, 24, 25), drums (1, 3, 4, 7–10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 24), electric guitar (1, 3, 6–11, 15, 17, 24), acoustic guitar (1, 6–9, 11, 17, 18, 25), piano (2, 4, 8, 10, 13, 17, 18), cello (2, 6, 8, 10, 15, 17, 24, 25), background vocals (2, 6, 15, 24), bass (3, 6, 8–11, 17), percussion (4, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 24), Mellotron (6, 8, 10, 11, 17), organ (7), Rhodes (17), keyboards (18)
Sean Hutchinson – drums (1, 6, 10, 15, 17), percussion (4)
Post Malone – vocals (track 1)
Mikey Freedom Hart – acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar, Hammond B3 (track 2); Mellotron (3), synthesizer (4, 6, 10), percussion (10)
Evan Smith – synthesizer (tracks 2, 6, 10), saxophone (4)
Zem Audu – synthesizer (tracks 2, 6, 10), saxophone (4)
Michael Riddleberger – drums (track 2), percussion (10)
Aaron Dessner – piano (tracks 5, 10, 12, 16, 19–23, 26–31), synthesizer (5, 12, 14, 16, 19–24, 26–28, 30, 31), drum programming (5, 14, 16, 19–24, 26, 28–30), electric guitar (5, 14, 19–23, 26, 27, 29, 30), acoustic guitar (6, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29), keyboards (12, 19–22, 24, 26–28, 30), bass (14, 16, 20, 22, 28–30), percussion (16, 19, 20, 22–24, 26, 27, 29, 30), mandolin (20, 23, 24), synth bass (21, 22, 24, 27, 31), banjo (23, 24), drums (30)
Benjamin Lanz – synthesizer (tracks 5, 19–23, 27, 30), trombone (20, 22, 27), sequencer (22)
Bobby Hawk – strings (tracks 6, 9, 17)
Emily Jean Stone – oddities (track 8)
Florence Welch – vocals, drums, percussion, piano (track 8)
Glenn Kotche – drums, percussion (tracks 12, 16, 19–21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30); snare drum, vibraphone (27)
Oli Jacobs – background vocals, percussion, spoken word (track 13)
James McAlister – synthesizer (tracks 14, 16, 21–23, 26, 27, 30), percussion (14, 16, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30), drums (14, 21, 22), electric guitar (14, 22), keyboards (16, 21, 26, 27), drum programming (19, 22, 26, 27, 31); acoustic guitar, synth bass (23); zither (26)
Rob Moose – viola, violin (tracks 14, 20)
Jason Slota – percussion (track 14)
Abi Hyde-Smith – cello (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Brian O'Kane – cello (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Max Ruisi – cello (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Reinoud Ford – cello (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Robert Ames – conductor (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Chris Kelly – double bass (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Dave Brown – double bass (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Sophie Roper – double bass (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Elisa Bergersen – viola (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Matthew Kettle – viola (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Morgan Goff – viola (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Nicholas Bootiman – viola (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Akiko Ishikawa – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Cara Laskaris – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Iona Allan – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Kirsty Mangan – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Nicole Crespo O'Donoghue – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Ronald Long – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Sophie Mather – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Dan Oates – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Eloisa-Fleur Thorn – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Emily Holland – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Anna de Bruin – violin (tracks 16, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Galya Bisengalieva – violin (tracks 16, 19, 21, 24, 26, 30)
Agata Daraskaite – violin (tracks 16, 19, 26, 27, 30)
Julian Azkoul – violin (tracks 16, 19, 26, 27, 30)
Amy Swain – viola (tracks 16, 19, 26, 27, 30)
J.T. Bates – drums (tracks 16, 20, 21, 26)
Thomas Barlett – synthesizer (tracks 16, 21, 23, 24, 26, 29–31); keyboards, piano (16, 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30)
Marianne Haynes – violin (tracks 16, 21, 23, 24, 29–31)
Jack Manning – piano (track 18)
George Barton – percussion (tracks 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31), timpani (30)
David McQueen – French horn (tracks 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Alicia Berendse – violin (tracks 21, 24, 29–31)
Meghan Cassidy – viola (tracks 23, 29, 31)
Natasha Humphries – violin (tracks 23, 29, 31)
Jonathan Farey – French horn (tracks 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Paul Cott – French horn (tracks 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Patrik Berger – acoustic guitar (track 25)
Max Welford – bass clarinet (tracks 26, 29)
Vicky Lester – harp (track 30)
Bryce Dessner – drum programming, piano, synthesizer (track 31)

Technical

Randy Merrill – mastering
Ryan Smith – mastering
Serban Ghenea – mixing
Bryce Bordone – mix engineering
Laura Sisk – engineering (tracks 1–4, 6–11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 24, 25), vocal engineering (7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15)
Oli Jacobs – engineering (tracks 1–4, 6–11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 24, 25)
Sean Hutchinson – engineering (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 17)
Michael Riddleberger – engineering (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 17)
David Hart – engineering (tracks 2, 6, 10)
Evan Smith – engineering (tracks 2, 6, 10)
Mikey Freedom Hart – engineering (tracks 2, 6, 10)
Zem Audu – engineering (tracks 2, 6, 10)
Bella Blasko – engineering (tracks 5, 6, 10, 11, 14, 27, 28, 31), additional engineering (16, 19–24, 26, 29, 30)
Jonathan Low – engineering (tracks 5, 6, 10, 11, 16, 19–24, 26–30)
Aaron Dessner – engineering (tracks 5, 14)
Benjamin Lanz – engineering (tracks 5, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30)
Ben Loveland – engineering (track 8)
Joey Miller – engineering (track 10), engineering assistance (13)
James McAlister – engineering (tracks 14, 16, 19, 21–23, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Rob Moose – engineering, recording arrangement (track 14)
Jeremy Murphy – engineering (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30)
Thomas Bartlett – engineering (tracks 16, 21, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30)
Maryam Qudus – engineering (tracks 20, 23, 24, 30)
Jack Antonoff – engineering (track 24)
Pat Burns – engineering (track 27)
Louis Bell – vocal engineering (track 1)
Christopher Rowe – vocal engineering (tracks 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 20)
Beau Sorenson – additional engineering (track 14)
Bryce Dessner – recording arrangement (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29–31)
Jack Manning – engineering assistance (tracks 1–4, 6–11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 25)
Jon Sher – engineering assistance (tracks 1–4, 6–11, 13, 15 17, 18, 25)
Lauren Marquez – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 13)
Jesse Snider – engineering assistance (tracks 7, 8, 10)
Joe Caldwell – engineering assistance (tracks 10, 13, 18, 24)
Rḗmy Dumelz – engineering assistance (track 11)
Laura Beck – engineering assistance (tracks 16, 19, 21, 23–27, 29–31)

Release History

*The Tortured Poets Department* release history
Region	Date	Format(s)	Edition(s)	Label
Various	April 19, 2024	Cassette CD digital download streaming vinyl LP	Standard	Republic
		CD	Collector's deluxe
		Digital download streaming	The Anthology
United States		CD vinyl LP	Target-exclusive
Japan	April 20, 2024	CD	Standard Japan deluxe	Universal Japan

Images for kids

The Tortured Poets Department The Anthology.png

The Anthology album cover

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