Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets proves she’s the immovable Queen of the music industry

Taylor Swift’s 11th album The Tortured Poets Department proves she’s firmly at the top of her game – with the most clever and savage lyrics of her career so far

 

ON first listen, The Tortured Poets Department could be the first time Taylor Swift’s crown has slipped in years.

However, while there is no immediate “radio-friendly single”, that doesn’t mean her reign as queen of the music industry is over.

This cover image released by Republic Records show “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. (Republic Records via AP)

This cover image released by Republic Records show “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift. (Republic Records via AP)
In fact, far from it.

It’s fair to say most, if not all, the songs are growers which quickly become stuck in the head after a couple of plays with infectious hooks and loops.

Lead single Fortnight, featuring rapper Post Malone, has all the markings to recreate the success of her juggernaut 2022 hit Anti-Hero and then some.

Lyrically, Taylor has never been stronger either.

In keeping with its name, Tortured Poets is essentially the past two years of Taylor’s life retold as poetry.

Peppered with similes and metaphors, the album is easily the most vulnerable, and brutal, Taylor has ever released.

Standout tracks include pop number I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, The Prophesy, So High School and heartbreaking ballad Loml.

The bridge in savage track Smallest Man Who Ever Lived is also one of the best of her career.

As she sings on the final track of the standard edition, Clara Bow: “The future’s bright… dazzling”.

And so her reign continues. I predict a 12th UK No 1 album is just around the corner.

Taylor Swift is set to kick off her record breaking Eras Tour in just a few weeks time

Taylor Swift is set to kick off her record breaking Eras Tour in just a few weeks timeCredit: AFP

Taylor Swift looks set to bag herself her 12th UK No1 with The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift.

Taylor Swift looks set to bag herself her 12th UK No1 with The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift

CPenney confirms it’s closing four anchor locations – as company says it’s working to ‘make every dollar count’

The retailer was saved from bankruptcy by two companies in 2020

JPENNEY has confirmed the axing of at least four anchor locations this year and into the next.

The company announced the closings last week as part of a process to turn around its financial woes and upgrade its remaining 663 stores.


JCPenney is closing four anchor stores across four states

JCPenney is closing four anchor stores across four statesCredit: Getty

The closures will be finalized by 2025 (stock image)

The closures will be finalized by 2025 (stock image)Credit: Alamy
All four closing JCPenney locations are staples in the malls in which they are housed.

Three will close sometime before September 22, 2024, with a fourth shutting its doors on an undetermined date in 2025, according to what a spokesperson for JCPenney told Retail Dive.

The stores also span four separate states and are listed as follows.

Elm Plaza, Waterville, Maine (September 2024)
Shoppes at Bel Air, Mobile, Alabama ( September 2024)
Sikes Senter, Wichita Falls, Texas (September 2024)
Westfield Annapolis Mall, Annapolis, Maryland (TBD 2025)

iquidation sales are underway at some locations.

“Regretfully, we are unable to continue our current lease terms for these store locations and have been unable to find suitable locations in the market,” JCPenney said of the closures.

“We are grateful to our dedicated associates and the loyal customers who have shopped at these locations throughout the years.”

JCPenney added that it would continue to “make every dollar count for America’s diverse, working families” at other brick-and-mortar locations and online