Paste magazine recently removed the byline from their review of Taylor Swift’s album “The Tortured Poets Department” due to threats of violence following a previous negative review of one of her albums. The publication prioritized the safety of its staff over attaching a name to the article, acknowledging the potential risks faced by their writers.
The review of “TTPD” was critical of Swift, questioning her songwriting abilities on her 11th studio album and slamming her newly released single “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. The critic described the backing instrumental and vocal harmony as subpar and suggested that Swift’s lyricism on the album was her worst to date. The review painted a portrait of Swift as no longer feeling challenged to produce good music.
Despite the negative review, “TTPD” still managed to make history by becoming the first album to surpass 300 million Spotify streams in a single day. The album contains references to Kim Kardashian and Swift’s past romances, including Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy. Swift herself celebrated this achievement by sharing a personal home video with her fans.
The decision by Paste Magazine to remove the byline sparked a debate among readers, with some questioning the legitimacy of the review, accusing it of focusing on gossip rather than music critique. While some disagreed with the review, they respected the publication’s decision to protect its staff from potential attacks for expressing their opinions on art. The controversy surrounding the review highlighted the delicate balance between transparency in criticism and ensuring the safety of content creators.
Despite the mixed reception to the review, “TTPD” continued to perform well commercially, reaffirming Taylor Swift’s position as a powerhouse in the music industry. The album’s success demonstrated the immense popularity and influence of Swift’s music, despite critical opinions on her artistic direction. The backlash faced by Paste Magazine for their review underscores the challenges of navigating the intersection of artistic expression, critique, and audience reception in the digital age. Ultimately, Swift’s ability to connect with her audience and maintain her relevance in the industry remained unaffected by the controversy surrounding the album review.
