Reviewing & Revisiting 'Tortured Poets' a Year On

Updated ranking, review and reacting to my predictions! 

 I've been so excited to do this since writing my Ranking Tortured Poets Based on Track Titles post. I haven't looked at that post since then, so I cannot wait to go back and see all of my predictions and how they compare. I was planning on doing this post shortly after the album released, but as you probably know, Taylor released a whole second half to the album hours after release. What an amazing surprise to pull off, but it did mean that the album took a lot longer to become familiar with as we had 31 tracks to digest. A year on, I feel prepared to face the challenge! 

I think the simplest way to do this is to discuss the songs in the same order that I originally wrote about them in, so it's easier to refer back to my old post. I will then post my current ranking order at the end in a list form! So, in no particular order...

Fortnight

I ranked Fortnight at the very bottom so was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it on first listen and still now. It's definitely not a favourite of mine, but I absolutely love what Post brings to the song and how well he complements Taylor, in both writing and in vocals presence. I think that was what I was initially dubious about, an opening track with a feature, but it still feels so authentically Taylor. I should know by now to have my full trust in her! 

Former Spot: 20th (out of 20)

New Ranking: 15th (listen I know this might seem low after what I've just said but let me make this crystal clear: there are no bad songs on this album, just ones I listen to more than others! That's all these positions reflect because every single song is pure brilliance)

Favourite Lyric: and for a fortnight there, we were forever

Down Bad

I am cackling reading my first impressions on Down Bad based on the title alone. As if Taylor would ever go with the obvious. Down Bad is an absolutely genius song, where she flips the meaning to being depressed rather than simply all in for someone in love. She's down bad crying at the gym! She's still pathetically down bad for him (like the original meaning of the saying), but she's also down bad, sad! And also down bad as in, down back on earth after this otherworldly experience!!! The way Taylor plays with language and well known sayings in such clever ways never fails to amaze me. She can spin a definition to fit her context and still have it make perfect sense. and I'm having a hard time even explaining what she does so effortlessly in this song! My absolutely favourite part of this song is the chorus, especially after the other-worldly, cosmic love experience she sings about in the verse, to the sudden contrast when the chorus hits of bleak normality, crying at the gym.  It was just an instant classic from the very first time I heard it and so relatable, humorous and utterly heartbreaking. All at once. This is definitely going to be the biggest climber on my list! 

Former Spot: 19th

New Ranking: 4th

Favourite Lyric: everything comes out, teenage petulance: "fuck it if I can't have him" "I might just die, it would make no difference"

Guilty as Sin?

 I talk a lot about the use of a question mark in the songs title in my original post- I think my original perception of this was pretty damn accurate! Taylor knew she was in fact not guilty as sin, but explores the topic of the judgment that could be brought upon her without context. And the feelings of guilt she holds for being a human with complexed emotions. This one stays at pretty much the same spot as the original ranking, probably one of the only songs to do so! 

Former spot: 18th 

New Ranking: 19th

Favourite Lyric: Someone told me there's no such thing as bad thoughts, only your actions talk

Clara Bow

This song is so beautiful. I want to start by saying the production is a real highlight for me, the guitar in this song is one of my favourite instrumental moments on the album. And the exploration of the double edged sword that is being young and beautiful in the entertainment industry? It also so delicately exposes the manipulation you're exposed to from a young age, and it's so interesting to hear of it from Taylor's perspective, as someone who has been through it but now sees through it all. The names dropped being different women through time who have had that shared experience with Taylor, all leading up the the final verse where the pattern continues onto the next generation after Taylor?! It's fascinating. I'll never forgot hearing her sing her full name and bringing it all full circle! Chills! 

Former Spot: 17th

New Ranking: 7th

Favourite Lyric: it's hell on earth to be heavenly 

The Alchemy 

WOW the whiplash from reading my prediction to the reality of this song being about TRAVIS!!! This is why doing predictions is so much fun, as long as you don't get attached to your silly little ideas. Most of the time they're way off! Another one that is very close to where I predicted it to fall in my rankings. At least I got one thing right (ish!) 

Former Spot: 16th

New Ranking: 14th

Favourite Lyric: Where's the trophy? He just comes running over to me

My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys

An absolute bop. I've loved this song from first listen and still do a year on! A real instant favourite. The melodies are so strong and so addictive throughout. I can see why the name felt mildly jarring before the track, but with the song it is a natural fit. Conceptually I was accurate with the content of this track, but I was still completely blown away by the way in which she delivered it. And once again, perfect production! 

Former Spot: 15th

New Ranking: 5th 

Favourite Lyric: I know I'm just repeating myself, put me back on my shelf, but first, pull the string and I'll tell you that he runs because he loves me

But Daddy I Love Him

Look, this song definitely has become the poster child for expectation vs reality in regards to getting swept away with theories. Entirely a reflection of us and the worlds we create with almost expectancy when theorising, not on Taylor and her songwriting. We all had our own hopes for what thing song may be in reference to and were universally even more shocked with the world this song is rooted in. In complete transparency, this is the song I listen to least on this album. It's just not my favourite melodically and thematically but its lyrical content is so vast and fascinating that I simply couldn't place it last. She's saying so much in this song, and it's being directed towards an area of her own 'fanbase'. 'God save the most judgemental creeps who say they want what's best for me' - in this song I believe she is potentially the angriest we've ever heard her, despite the whimsical atmosphere. She is setting some real, firm boundaries through music. It is truly one of the most compelling songs in her discography and I applaud her for it! 

Former Spot: 14th

New Ranking: 18th

Favourite Lyric: I'll tell you something about my good name- it's mine alone to disgrace, I don't cater to all these vipers dressed in empaths clothing

loml

I have so much to say about this song. If you saw my first listen post, you'll have seen that I ranked this very low initially. And it stayed that way for a long time, until these last few months where something has just clicked and it's become one of my absolute favourites! I cannot for the life of me understand how I have not always adored this song the way I do now. It's lyrically exquisite, has such a unique, hopeless atmosphere and is accompanied by such a sad, sorry piano. My predictions focused around the mystery of her using an abbreviation rather than words, which is still an interesting conversation to be had. I recently watched a Chats and Reacts video where they discussed naming the song 'Loss of my Life' is far too much of a statement to make for a love that was actually so fleeting and temporary. Something she already looks back on with regret. Naming it 'loml' takes away some of that weight and sincerity and almost trivialises it. I think they're spot on with that and think it also, to me, stands as a sign of Taylor's healing. Because he has not remained the loss of her life. 'It was momentary', to quote the song itself! 

Former Spot: 13th

New Ranking: 3rd

Favourite Lyric: Dancing phantoms on the terrace, are they second-hand embarrassed 

that I can't get out of bed, cause something counterfeit's dead

Who's Afraid of Little Old Me

I am actually so surprised that I ranked this so low! What an iconic song title. I am so incredibly grateful that I was wrong in this song being about a relationship when actually, it's about what the industry has done to her because this might just be one of the most important songs she has ever written. Relationships come and go but her toxic relationship with fame and the industry itself is ongoing and will continue to impact her forever. From the moment I first heard this song, I've considered that it may just be the best song she's ever written. It's so incredibly powerful and despite it being so specific to her story and situation, I find it really resonates on a personal level more than any other song on this album. The telling of someone bringing out the survival instincts in you, just to then turn around and blame you for being what they themselves created... I cannot tell you what her putting this shared experience into words has meant to me. I could continue to go on about this song but I think I'm just going to go and listen to it instead! I advise you to do the same! 

Former Spot: 12th

New Ranking: 1st!!!

Favourite Lyric: You caged me then you called me crazy, I am what I am 'cause you trained me

I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Another prediction that has made me laugh on my revisit! The fact I actually said " I love how positive this sounds. I may look back on this and laugh, maybe it's depressing as hell" is hilarious given the main lyric of the chorus is 'I'm so depressed, I act like it's my birthday everyday'. This song is witty, laced with sarcasm and impressive. It is also, at the bare bones of it, very sad and empty. To think to write a song about the feeling of having to fake her happiness on such a major scale (and at the start of the eras tour) and make it the most upbeat and dancey moment on this album is genius. It's mildly deranged and humorous, at the same time as being so strong and inspiring. What an impressive being she is. 

Former Spot: 11th

New Ranking:8th

Favourite Lyric: All the pieces of me shattered as the crowd was chanting 'more!'

The Manuscript

I suppose the gist of my original prediction was fairly accurate with this one, just not about the relationship I was expecting it to be about. I honestly think the fact this is about J*** G********* makes it even more powerful. It really is a blunt and honest retelling of an extremely impactful relationship for her, not just personally, but also professionally. Red and more specifically All Too Well are so quintessentially Taylor Swift and such iconic pillars in her discography, especially with the recent expansion with the ten minute version, that hearing her reflect on it feels almost just as healing for us as it must have been for her writing it. It's also a perspective shift that only time could bring, as she is now closer to the age that he was when they were together. Another highlight is the way the bridge catches you up to present time, moving through the years since him and even referencing the All Too Well short film that Taylor directed in 2021. The final line of The Manuscript is perfection. Just like her speech she used to give before performing All Too Well, she notes how the isn't just about her and her pain anymore. It's taken on a new life of its own as Taylor Swift's most beloved song. It's ours. 'Now and then I reread the manuscript, but the story isn't mine anymore' 

Former Spot: 10th 

New Ranking: 16th

Favourite Lyric: and at last, she knew what the agony had been for

The Bolter

Wow, I'm quite pleased having just read my prediction for The Bolter! I somehow correctly predicted the songs thematic callbacks to Rep era and Taylor's self-proclaimed history of bolting, AKA getaway car! I definitely was off in thinking it would be specific to Joe, whereas this song is completely Taylor focused. A self-aware exploration of her past and patterns. I absolutely love that I was wrong about that. It's another song that has grown on me recently, actually after watching Chats and Reacts breakdown of it, but I've always loved the almost running rabbit like pace of the song and incredible storytelling, particularly in the verses. 

Former Spot: 9th

New Ranking: 13th

Favourite Lyric: Splendidly selfish, charmingly helpless, excellent fun 'til you get to know her

The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

An amazing song to go with an amazing track title. It humours me how I didn't put it in my top 5 in my predictions post purely out of fear of how scathing it sounded, but if I'd have known it was about Matty Healy it probably would have made the number one spot in pure excitement of how scathing it would be. Hahaha. It absolutely did not disappoint, I was floored by it! The way she outpours her confusion, rage and devastation into this song full of accusatory questions and bold statements... it's a chilling moment on the album. At the same time, it's exactly what I'd expect of MH. The description of his character lines up with every opinion I already had of him, so loaded lines such as 'you deserve prison but you won't get time' feel satisfying and deserved rather than harsh and uncomfortable. This song is so incredibly vital to this album. 

Former Spot: 8th

New Ranking: 11th

Favourite Lyric: You kicked out the stage lights but you're still performing 

I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) 

I correctly predicted the use of subtle humour and sarcasm laced throughout this song, which I absolutety adore. The ending of it is such a highlight for me and on first listen brought a huge grin to my face, truly so clever. I also absolutely love this songs dark cowboy energy. It really sets the scene for how this relationship felt for her: gloomy, full of judgement, embarrassment, bargaining and delusion. The production aids her words so brilliantly in setting the scene. Round of applause for not just TSwizzle but of course Sir Jack Antonoff.

Former Spot: 7th 

New Ranking: 9th

Favourite Lyric: The smoke cloud billows out his mouth like a freight train through a small town

The Albatross 

I think my wonderful mother was spot on with her prediction. I am still analysing and interpreting this song as it is written so poetically that it is not obvious on first few listens, but from what I understand about The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (thanks again to my mum for the knowledge), I definitely see its influence quite heavily in this song. I love songs that you need to take some time to sit with to truly fathom because there's so much to unpack lyrically. She truly is saying so much in this song about not just simply fame and its effects on her relationships, but her reputation and the burden she is so often painted to be to significant others. It's a fascinating listen! It also happens to be one of the biggest fallers on this list, but I will say I have firm faith on this rising to new heights in the future. 

Former Spot: 6th

New Ranking: 20th (and yet, still an incredible song. That's what happens when ranking a Taylor Album!)

Favourite Lyric: Devils that you know raise worse hell than a stranger

The Tortured Poets Department 

I actually still feel I don't entirely know the answers to the questions I raised in my predictions post. But having listened to the whole album and the stories she's telling throughout, it certainly is the perfect album name! It's so interesting that it's actually not in reference to what everyone thought it was. A common theme of this album release- nothing's what we expected! I love that about ttpd, and Taylor in general. She surprises us all the time. Talking about surprises, this album contains arguably the strangest and most jarring lyrics in her discography, which made for such a perplexing first listen but is obviously intentional because that's what the relationship was, and Matty himself- unexpected and jarring. That's why it's so genius and humorous but unfortunately a lot of casual listeners fail to comprehend that, resulting in this song being chronically misunderstood. Oh well, it's their loss! I also adore the pop culture references littered throughout. It's something Taylor doesn't do too often, but always does well. 

Former Spot: 5th 

New Ranking: 17th 

Favourite Lyric: This ain't the Chelsea Hotel, we're modern idiots

Fresh Out The Slammer

I had completely forgotten how much I loved this track title until I re read my predictions. This song actually fell super low on my first listen ranking but again, has recently shot up. The flow and lyrical rhythm of this entire song is impeccable! It's possibly rhythmically one of my favourites. It's so satisfying but with incredible lyrics to match. I do however always drop off towards the end when the whole pace of the song changes. It works so well with the storytelling but in terms of casual listenability, takes me out of it a bit. 

Former Spot: 4th

New Ranking: 10th

Favourite Lyric: (no stand out lyric for this one, just how it all flows together so well) 

The Black Dog

I was completely wrong in my prediction on this one, despite being so sure on it!!! I did however get my wish for one lyric I can sing to my black dog, Bob! 'tail between your legs, you're leaving'! This song has been an absolute favourite since my very first listen. I actually think I have a softer spot for it than my #1 spot song, but Who's Afraid of Little Old Me has to claim the top spot because it is simply the best song she has ever written. The Black Dog's lyrical content is so vulnerable yet powerful, it's production is so delicate yet intense, it's about a pub called the black dog, it has one of the most gorgeously devastating bridge to chorus builds in any Taylor Swift song... IT WAS MY MOST WANTED SURPRISE SONG AT ERAS TOUR AND THEN I ACTUALLY GOT IT. THE LIVE DEBUT OF IT AS WELL. What a moment that was! Also, one of my favourite things is the way she ends the song whispering the final word 'screaming' because she's got nothing left to give, she got all the screams out, all the pain out, all the rage out finally by the end of the song. It's so brilliant because that is what she has said songwriting so often is for her, even more so than usual on this album, letting out and getting out those emotions to help her be free of them. Just brilliant. 

Former Spot: 3rd

New Ranking: 2nd

Favourite Lyric:  Now I wanna sell my house and set fire to all my clothes, 

and hire a priest to come and exorcise my demons, even if I die screaming.

and I hope you hear it

Florida!!!

The fact that this song was the final push to book my holiday to Florida (one of the best experiences of my whole life) makes this song forever superior. It's also an atmospheric murder bop by two extremely talented women whose musical styles comes together flawlessly on this song. It's such a great moment on Tortured Poets with its explosive, punchy chorus and Florence's verse really shines so brightly with its wit and venting and insanity. It's an impressive feat to hold your own and so vibrantly on a Taylor Swift track. 

Former Spot: 2nd

New Ranking: 12th

Favourite Lyric: Well, me and my ghosts, we had a hell of a time

So Long, London

Oh what a devastatingly beautiful song. The clever references to London in both lyrics and production, the way the song just keeps going and giving us more, the anxiety inducing pace of the production, one of the most vulnerable and heartbreaking bridges in her discography, the fact it's one of the few songs actually about J** on this album... It's everything I thought it would be. It's a track 5 through and through. 

Former Spot: 1st

New Ranking: 6th 

Favourite Lyric: You say I abandoned the ship, but I was going down with it

So here you have it, my Tortured Poets Department ranking a year on:

1. Who's Afraid of Little Old Me

2. The Black Dog 

3. loml

4. Down Bad

5. My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys

6. So Long, London

7. Clara Bow

8. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

9. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)

10. Fresh Out The Slammer

11. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

12. Florida!!!

13. The Bolter

14. The Alchemy 

15. Fortnight

16. The Manuscript 

17. The Tortured Poets Department

18. But Daddy I Love Him

19. Guilty As Sin

20. The Albatross

If you want to revisit my predictions post and original ranking based on track titles alone click here

If you want to read my ranking after very first listen click here

If you've made it this far, make sure to comment your favourite TTPD track down below!

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