‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Has Already Broken Records

Just how hyped are people about the release of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, which dropped at midnight on April 19? Even before the album’s release, Swift’s latest effort had already broken records, and it’s poised to smash many more during its first week out. 

According to Forbes, Spotify said Thursday that Tortured had become the most pre-saved album countdown in the streaming service’s history. And within days, Swift will likely tie with Jay-Z for the all-time record for most solo No. 1 albums. How has the 34-year-old accomplished these incredible milestones? You can credit rabid fans, the success of the Eras tour, a much-discussed relationship with a Super Bowl champion and, not least, Swift’s enviable business savvy in building her brand.

What Is The Tortured Poets Department?

The LP is the latest release from Taylor Swift, who announced the new album while accepting her 14th Grammy earlier this year. She has since dropped lots of hints on social media about the album’s content, which focuses on the stages of heartbreak.

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What Records Has Tortured Poets Department Broken?

She broke the Spotify presave record following the launch of the Tortured Poets countdown page in late March. The page counted down the seconds until the album’s release. The streaming service also wisely tied it to a display it put up in Los Angeles related to the album, taking advantage of Swift fans’ love for puzzling out the meaning of her songs and her online and musical actions.

This comes after the Eras tour generated more than $1 billion, making it the most successful tour of all time. She also set a record for most-attended concert by a female singer with the opening night of Eras, which drew more than 69,000 people.

And the Eras movie released last fall grossed more than $100 million and became the highest-grossing concert movie ever. Its digital release boosted the film to Disney+’s most-streamed music movie of all time.

She has more Billboard chart appearances than any other female artist, and the first single from Tortured Poets Department, which is “Fortnight,” recorded with Post Malone, will extend her record. The only question is how high it will go—but again, she’s got the most top 40 appearances ever.