The highly anticipated release of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, The Tortured Poets Department, has left fans with a tough decision. While the standard version of the album includes 16 songs, Swift has also offered three special editions, each containing its own bonus song. This means fans who want all three bonus tracks would have to purchase the album three times, as there is no option to buy just the bonus tracks separately. With the rise of music streaming services but also a resurgence in physical formats like cassette tapes, CDs, and vinyl records, fans are faced with a multitude of choices on how to collect Swift’s music.
In addition to the standard 16-song version of The Tortured Poets Department, there are three special editions, each with its own bonus track. The basic version only includes the 16 standard tracks, while the editions with The Manuscript bonus track can be found on cassette, CD, or vinyl formats for an additional cost. The Albatross edition, which was available for a limited time, featured its own bonus track, as did The Bolter version, which has also since sold out. Fans are left wondering if these special editions will be made available again in the future, but for now, they remain in limited supply.
Fan reactions to the multiple versions of Swift’s new album have been mixed. While some fans feel taken advantage of by having to purchase multiple copies of the album for just one bonus track, others see it as a smart marketing tactic to generate more revenue. Swift’s previous albums have also offered different versions with bonus tracks, but the sheer number of options for The Tortured Poets Department has raised some eyebrows. Despite the controversy, Swift’s loyal fan base remains eager to hear the new music and will likely find a way to collect all the different versions, even if it means spending extra money.
It’s important to note that none of the bonus tracks have been released yet, so fans are left speculating about what The Manuscript, The Albatross, and The Bolter refer to lyrically. Some fans have expressed disappointment in having to spend additional money just to access these bonus tracks, while others understand that Swift is a businesswoman and is entitled to maximize her profits. Comparisons have been made to other artists who have released different editions of albums with bonus tracks, but Swift’s massive following means that her bonus tracks attract more attention and scrutiny. Despite the controversy, Swift’s popularity is undeniable, and her fans eagerly await the release of The Tortured Poets Department.
