Paste magazine recently made headlines after removing the name of the writer from their review of Taylor Swift’s latest album, 'The Tortured Poets Department,' citing 'threats of violence' as the reason behind this decision. The publication explained that this action was taken in response to threats received by the writer following a review of one of Swift's previous albums.
In a statement, Paste magazine stated, 'We care more about the safety of our staff than a name attached to an article,' highlighting the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their team members.
The review of 'The Tortured Poets Department' credited to 'Paste Staff' rather than an individual writer, was critical of Swift's songwriting abilities on her 11th studio album. The review specifically questioned the quality of Swift's newly released single, 'Fortnight,' featuring Post Malone, criticizing aspects of the production and lyrical content.
The critic expressed disappointment in what they deemed as Swift's 'worst lyricism to date' on the album, suggesting that the singer no longer feels challenged to produce high-quality work. Despite the critical review, the critic acknowledged that the album is likely to be commercially successful for Swift.
Following the publication of the review, there was a mixed response from readers, with some questioning the focus on personal aspects of Swift's life rather than her music, while others supported Paste magazine's decision to protect their staff from potential harm.
Despite the critical review from Paste magazine, 'The Tortured Poets Department' reportedly achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first album to surpass 300 million Spotify streams in a single day. The album features Swift addressing various topics, including references to Kim Kardashian and reflections on past relationships.
Swift herself celebrated the success of the album by sharing a personal home video with her fans, further engaging with her audience following the release of her latest project.
