They were listening to Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, (TTPD),which was released at 2pm on Friday. Their focus on each lyric was unwavering,as if they were listening to a particularly convincing sermon at church.
“It’s so meaningful to be able to listen with everyone who loves Taylor Swift,” said fan Dorothy Koay.
But what none of them expected was Swift’s surprise announcement at 4pm:she was releasing a second record,calledThe Anthology. Another 15 brand-new tracks that turnedTTPDinto a deluxe,double album.
Melbourne Swifties applauded,gasped and giggled as they listened to Taylor Swift’s new album at listening party in the city.Jason South
Sydney fan Arshia Vora attended a listening party at Newtown’s Hum on King record store on Friday. She assumed something surprising would happen when a two-hour countdown went live on Swift’s Instagram page shortly after the release ofTTDP,butthe possibility of a double album had not crossed her mind.
“In the past there have been so many theories that Taylor would drop a double album,but they’ve never been true. So,I did not see it coming,” Vora said.
The surprise made it even more exciting,she added,leaving fans awed by the pop star’s ability to multitask. “Both albums are in line with the style of my other favourites – I’m aFolklore andEvermore girlie … And inThe Anthology,the titles are so funny,likeI Look in People’s Windows. It just feels a bit more unhinged. I just don’t know how she gets all this done.”
To celebrate the release ofTTPD,andThe Anthology (even though they didn’t know it at the time),the University of Melbourne’s Swiftie Society arranged a special listening party,replete with life-size cardboard cut-outs of the singer,gift envelopes filled with stickers and friendship bracelets,and top-notch speakers. After hearing just four of the new songs the crowd was already struggling to contain their emotions.
“I was expecting the first four songs to be more upbeat. The fact that they’re already this sad,I’m not sure if I’m prepared for the rest of the album,” Ella Butler said,seemingly on the verge of tears.
Swifties like Lachlan Lim (left) couldn’t contain their shock during some of the singer’s most pointed songs,such as Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?Jason South
Swifties around Australia counted down the seconds until the album’s release. In Sydney,Hum on King played the entire album as soon as the embargo lifted.
This wasn’t the store’s first listening party,said owner Peter Thiele,but it was likely one of the most significant. “This is probably the most anticipated album release of the year,if not the century. Taylor is at the peak of her career off the back of a sold-out world tour,performing to over 600,000 fans in Australia.”
Arshia Vora,Arunima Kumar and Lera Hill celebrated Swift’s new album at Hum on King in Sydney.Flavio Brancaleone
President of ANU’s Swiftie Society in Canberra,Mikayla Simpson,agrees,saying the success of the Eras Tour has added major momentum toTTPD’s release.
“From what I’ve seen on social media,more people are starting to recognise her talent since the tour,and this has encouraged people to start listening more – whether they like her as a person or not,” Simpson said.
Simpson also organised a listening party for Friday afternoon. By listening to new music alongside other Swifties,she said they’re able to pick up on more lyrics and references,adding further depth to their understanding of the songs.
BeforeTTPD’s release – which Swift announced during one of her acceptance speeches at the – fans speculated whether the album title referenced a group chat named,which Swift’s ex,Joe Alwyn,was part of. For those at Melbourne’s listening party,their suspicions were confirmed.
About 140 Melbourne Swifties gathered for a listening party on Friday afternoon.Jason South
“I think a lot of it is about Joe,” Charlotte Field,dressed in a classic Swift cardigan,said. “I still like him,controversially,but most of the songs have definitely been about him. Then there’s also some Matty Healy[Swift’s rumoured ex] and Travis Kelce[her current boyfriend] in there.”
Other fans were less certain. “She’s always told us that it’s up to the fans to decide how to interpret her lyrics,” Raechel Bobby said. “I don’t want to say openly that it’s all about Joe,but even if it is,I think it’s a coping mechanism for her.”
Beyond lyrical analysis,Simpson said listening parties are also a wholesome opportunity to bond over shared interests. “It makes for a more memorable experience,as you’re spending time with friends ... The anticipation and genuine excitement helps to make it a great time.”
Some fan opted for a different approach by hosting listening parties weeks after the album’s drop. Simran Parekh,president of Sydney University’s Taylor Swift Society,said their listening party will take place on May 4,about two weeks after the official release date in honour ofTTPD’sFortnight track.
“To avoid emotional breakdowns from hearing brand-new music for the very first time,we’re allowing the songs to marinate in everyone’s minds and hearts. That way,we can sing along to it when we do get together later,” Parekh said.
Other parties have been planned for Friday evening to allow for more of a dance club atmosphere. Melbourne’s Stay Gold venue will open its doors at 11pm,and Sydney’s Mary’s Underground at 9pm.
As Swifties carefully processed every single lyric,one thing became clear:the anticipated doesn’t appear to have eventuated. Despite her and awkwardly timed album announcement earlier this year,Swift still seems to have a stranglehold on culture,or,at the very least,her legions of fans are loyal enough to ensure her reputation never falters.
“Haters are going to hate,but she’ll just keep shake,shake,shaking it off,” Swiftie Lachlan Lim aptly said. “Taylor’s here to stay.”
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