On April 19 of this year, Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album “The Tortured Poets Department.” That same night, at 2 a.m., she revealed that it was a double album and released the second half of the project on all streaming platforms, adding “The Anthology” to the title.
Swift has finally released physical copies — CDs and vinyl — of this edition starting Saturday, Nov. 30. In addition to this album, she has also created “The Official Eras Tour Book,” which was available the same day. Each of these items are exclusive to Target stores across the country.
According to a social media post written by the singer on Oct. 15, this anticipated book is “…filled with [her] own personal reflections, never-before-seen behind the scenes photos, [and] all the magical memories [the fans] brought every single night.”
Accompanied by a series of images from shows in Toronto, Swift announced how the album and book will be available to international fans starting on Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. GMT and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. GMT, respectively.
Priced at $39.99, the hardcover official book dedicated to the history-making tour consists of over 500 images, “including never-before-seen performance photos from every era,” according to Target’s website. It also features several personal reflections written by Swift.
The first page in the publication is a prologue from Swift dedicated to the fans. She describes and reminisces how The Eras Tour came to be, from her initial idea to the different conditions both weather and health-wise Taylor, the dancers and the crew performed in each night. Swift ends this letter stating, “Here is the official retrospective of the most wondrous tour of my life, my beloved Eras Tour. See you next era…,” concluding it with her famous signature.
The book has 13 different sections, labeled under the table of contents. The first 12 sections are dedicated to each song or “era” showcased each night. Page 232 and beyond exhibits the behind the scenes of the tour such as mics, guitars and wardrobe.
In the “behind the scenes” portion, Taylor reveals a tradition between the dancers, the band and the singer to the public. She describes how each night, they huddle together and someone gives a speech to motivate the others or express what is on their mind. After this, they put their hands in the middle, chant together and start the concert. Swift reflects on this being a “…really powerful part of the tour” and has “helped [them] to get to know each other really quickly.”
“The Official Eras Tour Book” ends with a note to the fans. Swift thanks the fans for coming to the shows, telling them how they were what made The Eras Tour “what it became.” This page features 10 pictures of excited and dressed-up audience members who posted to social media.
The singer reminds readers that their dedication and enthusiasm does not need to end when this tour does. Concluding the book with a vital message, she conveys, “My hope is that you find ways to create these spaces around you in your daily life, your school, your job. That would be a real legacy to leave.”
Swift paired this release with physical copies of her 11th studio album “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” on vinyl and CD — priced at $59.99 and $17.99, respectively. Also found exclusively at Target with different cover art from the standard version, they consist of the original 31 tracks, as well as four acoustic bonus songs: “Fortnight (Acoustic Version) (feat. Post Malone),” “Down Bad (Acoustic Version),” “But Daddy I Love Him (Acoustic Version)” and “Guilty as Sin? (Acoustic Version).” The record includes a never-before-seen 12-inch by 12-inch poster and four marbled translucent vinyl discs.
Created and released for the fans, these greatly-anticipated and in-demand products are selling quickly. However, don’t panic — these are not limited and they are selling worldwide. These could make a wonderful Christmas present to a friend, family member or even for yourself as an act of self care. Head over to Target when you get the chance to read about this historic tour or listen to the record-breaking album!
rross1@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @princesses_gc, X
