Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.
Image via Brit + Co
Pink is always a good idea when it comes to decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Image via Brit + Co
Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from The Bachelor season 28 by hosting a marathon viewing party for your favorite rose ceremony show. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)
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Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)
Image viaA Beautiful Mess
Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party. Put out bottles of their favorite polish/color and create a fun playlist of your favorite love/empowerment songs. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)
Image viaTaylor Simpson
Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning/doing. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Our epic Galentine's brunch has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. This gem-inspired brunch is a fun idea too! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party. With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)
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Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)
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You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds too.
Image via Aww Sam
Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the new musical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)
Image viaSasha • Stories
If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!
Image viaKelsey Chance
You and your girls love your wine (the proof is in your Instagram reels!), so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.
Image via Brit + Co
An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!
Image via Brit + Co
If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.
Image via Brit + Co
The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.
Image via Brit + Co
Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.
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What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.
Image via Brit + Co
Keep up your 2024 health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.
Image viaNo Revisions
What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.
Image via Brit + Co
Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh what a night!
A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers ;).
Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "xoxo" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.
Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!
In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.
If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.
Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.
Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room so that's a win-win for us!
Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.
Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.
It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!
Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!
Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape. *Sigh.*
Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.
Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.
If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.
Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.
Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.
Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.
Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.
A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!
Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.
Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!
Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!
We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!
Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas.
Additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Lead image via Brit + Co.
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, falling between April 20th and May 20th. It belongs to the Earth element along with Virgo and Capricorn. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money, rules this sign, which makes this sign notorious for sensuality, pleasure, and the desire for aromatic experiences. Taurus is associated with stability, sensuality, determination, and practicality. Like the bull, it loves to be in calm environments and indulge in the moment with the pleasures of life and luxury.
Taurus is a fixed sign, which means that individuals born under this sign tend to be stable and unwavering. They're known for their persistence, reliability, and resistance to change. Once they set their sights on a goal or a particular way of life, they are unlikely to steer off course easily – it may take a while. This makes them the most consistent sign of the zodiac, enabling them to see through their goals at their unique pace.
Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova / PEXELS
Taurus individuals approach life with a grounded and practical outlook, grounded in their values of stability, security, and appreciation for simple pleasures. They have a fixed understanding that success and fulfillment often come from hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Their practicality allows them to face challenges with resilience and determination. Fleeting trends or impulsivity do not easily sway Taurus individuals; instead, they prefer to take a steady and methodical approach to achieving their goals. They understand the value of patience and persistence, knowing that success is often the result of consistent effort over time.
At the same time, Taurus individuals have a deep appreciation for the beauty and pleasures of life. They take joy in the sensory experiences that life has to offer, whether it's indulging in delicious food, surrounding themselves with luxurious comforts, or immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. Taurus individuals understand the importance of savoring life's pleasures and finding moments of tranquility away from modern-day doom scrolling.
The bull sign approach life with a balanced perspective, valuing both stability and enjoyment. They understand the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their goals, while also taking the time to appreciate the beauty and richness of the world around them. With their practicality, determination, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, Taurus individuals thrive in life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Photo by Samson Katt / PEXELS
A Taurus embodies solidity and reliability, grounded in their unwavering nature and practical approach to life. With a deep-rooted connection to the Earth element, they exude a sense of stability and dependability that others find reassuring. Their personality is a harmonious blend of strength, sensuality, and steadfastness, reflecting the influence of their ruling planet, Venus.
They delight in the sensory experiences that the world has to offer, from the taste of sumptuous cuisine to the feel of luxurious fabrics against their skin. Taurus individuals have an innate ability to find beauty every day, infusing even the most mundane moments with a touch of magic.
One of the defining traits of Taurus is their determination and perseverance. When they set their sights on a goal, they pursue it with relentless focus and dedication, refusing to be swayed by distractions or setbacks. Their tenacity is matched only by their patience, as they understand that true success often requires time and persistence.
Despite their strong-willed nature, Taurus individuals are known for their gentle and nurturing spirit. They are fiercely loyal to their loved ones, offering unquestionable support and encouragement when needed. Taurus can be relied upon in times of trouble to provide a steady shoulder to lean on and a listening ear to confide in.
However, Taurus individuals can also be stubborn at times, unwilling to compromise or yield to the demands of others. While their persistence is admirable, it can sometimes lead to conflicts or dead ends in relationships. Learning to balance their determination with a willingness to adapt and compromise is an ongoing journey for many Taurus individuals.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto / PEXELS
Taurus individuals are known for their loyalty and devotion to love and relationships. They seek stability and security in their romantic partnerships, valuing honesty, trust, and dependability above all else. With Venus as their guide, they desire a picturesque yet genuine love story. Showering their lovers with gifts and physical affection is their primary love language. Getting involved with a Taurus can make you experience love in the moment and safe. It is sensual, extrasensory, and at times can feel primal. A Taurus can extend the space for you to appreciate a simple life. There is a catch, the courting phase may take very long.
Taurus individuals are sensual beings who enjoy physical intimacy and the finer things in life. They often express their love through gestures of affection and support. They are patient and committed partners, willing to invest time and effort into building a strong and lasting bond with their significant other. As mentioned before, it takes a lot for a Taurus to make a move or change a pattern in everything – especially in love-related matters.
However, Taurus can also be possessive and stubborn in relationships, sometimes struggling to adapt to change or compromise. Taurus individuals are drawn to partners who share their values and outlook on life, seeking someone who can provide them with a sense of security and emotional fulfillment. A hot, quick affair is not an ideal situation for them – or at least they do not visualize this kind of love as long-lasting. They value stability and may resist upheaval or uncertainty in their romantic lives.
Trust is crucial for a Taurus; once established, they are fiercely loyal and devoted partners. Although a Taurus may take a long time to put a ring on it, the wait can be worth it. If their heart has been broken before, it will likely take them a long time for them to pick up the pieces and begin again or rebuild.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
Taurus individuals have a practical and cautious approach to money matters. They value financial stability and security, often prioritizing saving and investing for the future. While they enjoy indulging in life's pleasures, they are also disciplined when managing their finances, preferring to live within their means rather than succumbing to impulse spending. If this doesn’t apply to you or the Taurus you are dealing with in your life now, this can be a hidden gem of ability if you learn through due diligence.
Typically, Taurus individuals are skilled at handling money and keenly eye for opportunities to increase their wealth. They are patient investors who are willing to wait for long-term returns rather than seek quick gains. However, they can also be possessive of their resources and may tend to hoard or hold onto material possessions. So if you owe a Taurus money or need to give back that sweater you borrowed, now can be a good time to do so.
At the same time, Taurus individuals are generous to their loved ones, often willing to lend a helping hand or provide financial support when needed. They take pride in their ability to provide for themselves and their families and obtain a sense of security and fulfillment from their financial achievements.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS
For Taurus individuals, finding fulfillment in their careers is intricately tied to their values of stability, security, and tangible achievements. They are drawn to roles where they can utilize their practical skills and attention to detail, building something enduring and meaningful. Whether managing finances, cultivating the land, or creating aesthetic beauty, Taurus individuals seek careers that offer stability and fulfillment.
In their career ventures, Taurus individuals exhibit unwavering determination and perseverance. They are willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to achieve their goals, often taking a methodical and patient approach to their endeavors. This sign values tangible results and takes pride in seeing their earnings manifest through financial success, tangible assets, or aesthetically pleasing creations.
While Taurus individuals appreciate the material comforts and financial rewards that come with their chosen careers, they also derive fulfillment from the sense of purpose and accomplishment that their work provides. Whether it's helping clients achieve their financial goals, nurturing the earth and cultivating crops, or creating beautiful and harmonious spaces, Taurus individuals find meaning in contributing to something greater than themselves.
Ultimately, for Taurus, fulfillment in their careers comes from building a solid foundation of stability and security while making a tangible impact in their chosen field. They thrive in roles that allow them to combine their practical skills, attention to detail, and determination to create something enduring and meaningful. They find satisfaction in knowing their hard work makes a difference in the world.
Taurus souls bring a unique blend of traits to the table that define not just their personalities but also their entire approach to life. Grounded in the Earth element and influenced by Venus, they seek stability, security, and tangible achievements in everything they do. With their unwavering determination, keen appreciation for life's little pleasures, and steadfast loyalty to those they hold dear, Taurus individuals navigate their journeys with purpose and fulfillment. From indulging in sensory delights to building lasting bonds, managing finances wisely, and finding success in their chosen careers, Taurus individuals embrace life's adventures with a balanced outlook, cherishing stability, and joy along the way.
After you're done reading up on this zodiac sign, catch up on this month's Taurus horoscope. For a fuller look at your year, check out our astrologer's 2024 Taurus horoscope predictions.
What do you think of your May horoscope for 2024? Maybe it’s written in the stars, or maybe it’s... just a coincidence. Our resident astrologer is weighing in on *all* of YOUR big questions, from your career and personal development to your wellness and love life. Fill out this form to get the expert advice you’ve been dreaming of in an upcoming astrology feature!
It’s time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!
Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine’s Day brunch. We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.
Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.
Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.
For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!
First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.
Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!
All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.
Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!
You’ve got mail!
I see more mail in the future. <3
Check out how cute these cards are!
I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….
These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.
Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.
Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!
Mmm, delightful!
Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!
Brunch babes!
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This post has been updated.
Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation (don't worry, though, he's returning to the stage this year for Romeo & Juliet!), while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.
Image via Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel
While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm Spider-Man 4 is officially on its way, the movie is definitely in the works. Producer Amy Pascal tells Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."
It might feel like this report conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)
However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere that he's “been having meetings” about the next installment. If he's on board, I know it's going to be a great film!
Image via JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel
With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 is delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally plausible Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.
Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!
Fast & Furious director Justin Lin and OG Spider-Man director Sam Raimi are two names rumored to take on the new movie.
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
Spider-Man 4 will reportedly begin filming in September or October 2024, according to The InSneider. Based on the fact that Spider-Man: Far From Home began filming in July of 2018 and premiered in July of 2019, it's safe to assume we could see Spider-Man 4 as early as fall 2025!
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:
What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!
Lead image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
We are now two for two on expecting Taylor Swift to announce Reputation (Taylor's Version) during an acceptance speech and getting an album announcement instead. After showing up to the 2022 VMAs in a "Look What You Made Me Do"-inspired outfit and announcing Midnights, Taylor Swift wore a black and white ensemble on the 2024 Grammys red carpet before telling the world her new album The Tortured Poets Department is coming this spring!
And while accepting the 2024 iHeart Radio Music Award for Artist of the Year, Taylor also promises the rest of 2024 will be just as exciting as 2023. "We have so many exciting things ahead of us," the 1989 (Taylor's Version)singer says after thanking iHeart and the fans. "Most importantly, I have a brand new album called The Tortured Poets Department, which comes out on April 19. I cannot wait to share it with you...I just can't wait to keep having fun with you guys because we have a lot of exciting things coming up."
One of those exciting things includes a music video, which Taylor revealed in a "TTPD Timetable" Instagram video. This first music video premieres April 19 at 8PM EST, and if I had to guess, I'd say it's for the title track: "The Tortured Poets Department." Here's everything else we know about the new Taylor Swift album. (And everything you need to know about Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) too ;)).
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
Taylor Swift has spent years talking about her anxiety, her sleepless nights, and her emotions. "My muses, acquired like bruises / My talismans and charms / The tick, tick, tick of love bombs / My veins of pitch black ink," she writes in her official Instagram post. "All's fair in love and poetry." My guess is that The Tortured Poets Department features a bunch of artists who all feel very deeply and have a similar ethereal, larger-than-life approach to their music.
As far as the name, it looks like The Tortured Poets Department could be referencing her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn's group chat name — "The Tortured Man Club" with Paul Mescal (who starred in Normal People while Joe starred Conversations With Friends. Both series are based on Sally Rooney books).
Taylor Swift is also making major connections to the "poetry" aspect of TTPD because ahead of the album release, you can visit the limited library installation pop-up! From Tuesday, April 16 to Thursday, April 18, you can head to The Grove in Los Angeles to see all kinds of surprises that will tease Taylor Swift's newest era.
Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Tortured Poets Department is dropping April 19, 2024. It looks like ahead of the release, Taylor Swift is sending fans on a scavenger hunt to gather clues about the album. @eurosweetheart on TikTok points out that on Apple Music, certain song lyrics from Taylor's discography feature random capital letters. But when the letters are strung together, they form words! So far, we have "Hereby" and "Conduct." Are we getting an announcement? Are these Tortured Poets Department lyrics? Taylor does love to reference games in her lyrics so this should come as a surprise to no one ;).
At the Eras Tour shows in Tokyo, Taylor Swift explained when she started working on TTPD. “I’ve been working on Tortured Poets since right after I turned in Midnights,” she said onstage. “So, you turn in an album months in advance…and I’ve been working on it for about two years. I kept working on it throughout the U.S. tour and when it was perfect, in my opinion, when it was good enough for you, I finished it.”
"Soon you'll get to hear it, soon we'll get to experience it together," she continued. "I'm over the moon about the fact that you guys care about my music...Everyone’s like, ‘Why do you make so many albums?’ And I’m like, ‘Man, because I love it! I love it so much! I’m having fun, leave me alone.'”
The brand new album follows Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and 1989 (Taylor's Version). When Midnights was announced after Fearless (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version), I wondered whether she'd have a two rerecordings, one new album pattern and it looks like that's what we're getting!
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
Taylor Swift's new album (which is also referred to as TS11) is called The Tortured Poets Department. Taylor Swift announced the album while accepting the award for Best Pop Album at the 2024 Grammys. While we don't know the exact vibe of the album, over the last year, we've gotten quite a few clues about what we can expect! Just like "Daylight" at the end of Lover sets up Midnights, I think "Dear Reader" sets up The Tortured Poets Department.
And in honor of the eclipse on April 8, Taylor Swift posted the first lyrics from TS11! "Crowd goes wild at her fingertips // Half moonshine // Full eclipse," the lyric post reads. While some fans think this could be a line from "Florida!!!" (which we're expecting to reference her Florida Eras Tour shows), others say it could be from "Clara Bow."
"The first line makes you think of someone who’s famous (Clara Bow was an actress) and...moonshine was a type of alcohol that was popular during prohibition during the 1920s which is when Clara Bow was famous," one comment reads.
Taylor's official announcement features even more beautiful language that evokes the same emotion "The Lakes" does, which makes me believe TTPD will be similar to Folklore and Evermore (maybe it'll even serve as the third sister album Swifties thought we'd get in 2021?). Some fans are also convinced TTPD connects to Reputation, and TBH, I'm hopping on this train!
"I think the two albums are sisters albums, but in like an opposite way," one Reddit user says. "Reputation is all black, this one is going to be all white and softly coded." Another agrees: "Reputation is presented as a dark album but is truly a love album...This one is presented as soft and white but I bet the lyrics will be devastating."
I'm expecting TS11 to have the same lyrical prowess as songs like "Would've, Should've, Could've," The National's "The Alcott" (on which Taylor's a featured artist), and "You're Losing Me." Taylor is all about looking past appearances and telling a complex story, and The Tortured Poets Department will be no different. Just like Reputation is an edgy, glittery, emotionally-charged version of the beginning of her relationship with ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, I totally agree that TTPD could look grounded, airbrushed, and dreamy from the outside, but the lyrics will be SAD.
There's also been some discussion that TS11 could be another pop album that's even more nuanced than Midnights. Well, during her Eras Tour show in Sydney, Australia, she played another round of suspicious surprise songs. While sitting at the piano, Taylor Swift takes her earpiece out and calls attention to the keyboard. "Do you hear that?" she says (via TikTok). "My damn keyboard's playing a synth sound." She then does what she almost always does when dropping an Easter egg: she smirks.
"That sound is how the album starts, mark my words," one comment reads. Another says, "That smirk tells me everything I need to know."
Image via Taylor Swift's official store/UMG
Before The Tortured Poets Department's release on at midnight on April 19 (we're less than a month away!), go ahead and pre-save it. It'll make streaming the album a little bit easier because when you pre-save, the album will pop up for you as soon as it drops! Go to Taylor Swift's official website and click on the "Pre-add/Pre-save" button. It'll take you to a new page where you can save it on Spotify or Apple Music (depending on which service you use), and you can also pre-order at stores like Target!
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
Taylor Swift dropped The Tortured Poets Department song list February 5, and we already have theories about what each track could reference. IMO, "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" is totally referencing Taylor Swift's performances of "Lover" following her split from Joe Alwyn (you can see her crying during the set), while there's a good chance "Florida!!!" is referencing her first Tampa concert, which was the first show she performed after the breakup became public knowledge. Taylor Swift's dad Scott Swift recently told fans he's most excited for Swifties to hear the title track and "Florida!!!" Here's the full tracklist for TS11:
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
There are 7 explicit songs on The Tortured Poets Department: "The Tortured Poets Department," "Down Bad," "But Daddy I Love Him," "Florida!!! (feat. Florence + The Machine)," "loml," "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart," and "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived."
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
During one of her Eras Tour shows in Sydney, Australia, Taylor Swift announced a new version of The Tortured Poets Department featuring exclusive bonus track "The Albatross." This new album already has some crazy track titles — all with pretty noteworthy meanings.
According to Collins Dictionary, if you call someone an Albatross, "they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do," while a Bolter could refer to someone bolting out of a relationship (or bolting from a restaurant to a car like in this viral clip 🤨).
Meanwhile "The Alchemy" refers to the continual process of trying to turn something into gold — remember how Taylor Swift spent 6 years saying her relationship with Joe Alwyn was golden? Buckle up Swifties, TS11 is going to be a wild ride.
Image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
At first glance, the twelfth song on The Tortured Poets Department, "loml," means "love of my life." Some fans were wondering if the song was a nod to Harry Styles since his Harry's House finale track is "Love of My Life" (the album also features a track named "Daylight" which is another funny connection to Taylor Swift). But Bonnie & Emily from ChatsAndReacts have got me thinking about the track in a whole new way.
Emily says that while Taylor might sing about the love of her life at the beginning of the song, she also has the potential to switch it up each verse. "Lie of my life" and "loss of my life" are HEART WRENCHING, and totally something Taylor would write.
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You can pre-order a bunch of different versions of The Tortured Poets Department on Taylor Swift's website right now, includingThe Tortured Poets Department CD + Bonus Track "The Manuscript", The Tortured Poets Department CD + Bonus Track "The Manuscript" andThe Tortured Poets Department Cassette + Bonus Track "The Manuscript".
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Yes, The Tortured Poets Department will feature Florence + The Machine on the song "Florida!!!" and Post Malone on the song "Fortnight." And after Taylor Swift teased a variety of collaborations by posting handwritten lyrics from artists like Harry Styles and Lorde, Swifties are wondering if The Tortured Poets Department will be the "collab album" we never got.
Another clue that leads me to believe this is true is the fact that the title of this album is so much longer than her other titles — and she refers to herself as "Chairman" of the department. Who are all the constituents?! Are they all the same artists who left Scooter Braun's management last year? Only time will tell, because as far as I'm concerned, surprises aren't out of the question until the TS11 era is over!👀
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Throughout her stay in Sydney, Australia for the Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has been dropping lots — and I mean lots — of twos. @v_swiftie_ points out that in addition to holding up the number two while announcing The Tortured Poets Department, she's been playing more surprise song mashups than normal, and Taylor Nation has been posting Instagram stories featuring the number 2 instead of the number 13. Suspicious, Tay, very suspicious.
Are you excited for The Tortured Poets Department? What kinds of collabs or songs are you hoping for? Let us know in the comments and check out these Taylor Swift Disney Movie Posters Inspired By Her Songs for more fun content!
Lead image via Taylor Swift/Instagram
