Bowen Yang Discusses Taylor Swift's 31-Song Album 'TTPD': A Deeper Look
Explore Bowen Yang's perspective on Taylor Swift's album 'The Tortured Poets Department,' delving into the intentional superfluity of its 31 tracks and why they were deemed necessary for the project.
Bowen Yang Says Taylor Swift Needed 31 Songs on TTPD for The Lore
Bowen Yang, Taylor Swift. Getty Images (2)
Bowen Yang fully supports Taylor Swift's decision to release a 31-song album, The Tortured Poets Department. According to Yang, the album showcases some of Swift's best songwriting and was intentionally made to be lengthy. He believes that Swift needed to reach 31 tracks for a specific reason, and that the anthology is a reflection of her unique vision. Yang dismisses the idea of editing or shortening the album, stating that it was all part of Taylor Swift's design to challenge the traditional expectations associated with her music. By releasing 31 songs instead of the typical 13, Swift successfully subverted the norm and created a new experience for her listeners.
Yang agreed with Us that the lyrics are lengthy and difficult to analyze, but he believes most of the words are unclear or intentionally vague. He describes the song as poetic, with fluid meter and scansion.
As for his favorite track, the Saturday Night Live star reveals that he has a special fondness for "The Alchemy," which was inspired by his boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
"I absolutely adore 'The Alchemy.' Even though it may not be as popular online, I can't get enough of the lyrics 'When I touch down / Call the amateurs / Cut ’em from the team / Ditch the clowns, get the crown.' It's just so charming and all about Travis. I find it really endearing," Yang shared.
Another track on the album that caught my attention is "So High School," a song dedicated to Kelce. Swift's lyrics in this track go like this: "Truth, dare, spin bottles / You know how to ball, I know Aristotle / Brand new, full-throttle / Touch me while your bros play Grand Theft Auto."
As fans of the podcast "Las Culturistas" hosted by Yang and Matt Rogers are aware, Yang is a huge fan of video games. With this in mind, Us magazine decided to inquire about Yang's thoughts on the lyrics of Grand Theft Auto and if they resonate with Kelce.
Yang enthusiastically expressed his approval of the inclusion of Grand Theft Auto in the song "So High School", noting its relevance to millennials. He jokingly apologized to Gen Z, emphasizing that the song resonates with their generation as well. The combination of American Pie and Grand Theft Auto in the same song is seen as a reflection of modern culture.
In an upcoming episode of their podcast, Yang and Rogers will delve deeper into the topic of TTPD. Yang also had a busy schedule, recently cohosting a Barry's class in Chelsea to promote his partnership with Oatly. The brand's Unsweetened Oatmilk will soon be featured in shakes at the Fuel Bar nationwide.
Bowen Yang Says Taylor Swift Needed 31 Songs on TTPD for The Lore
Bowen Yang. Oatly
The fuel bar is a must-stop for me. I always head straight to it before any Barry’s class," Yang shared with Us. He mentioned that he usually chooses a Green Latifah shake and recently realized he doesn't miss adding milk to it. According to him, the partnership between Barry’s and the fuel bar is a great choice because many people, like himself, find the fuel bar essential to the Barry’s experience. After finishing a workout, he feels the need for something substantial to eat, and he believes it's beneficial for the body.
After his interview with Us, Yang went into the class to lead the 50-minute "workout." The session featured his humorous commentary and unconventional use of Oatly cartons instead of weights. When asked about his preparation for the event, he joked that he doesn't sleep or stretch, and he even hopes to get a Charlie horse during the class.
Editor's P/S:
Bowen Yang's enthusiasm for Taylor Swift's unconventional 31-song album, The Tortured Poets Department, highlights the album's uniqueness and artistic vision. Yang believes Swift intentionally crafted the album's length, with each song contributing to a specific narrative or theme. He dismisses the notion of editing or shortening the album, recognizing its challenge to traditional music norms and providing listeners with a distinct experience. Yang's detailed analysis of the album's lyrics and his personal connection to "The Alchemy" further underscore his appreciation for Swift's songwriting and the album's overall concept.
Yang's involvement in promoting Oatly's partnership with Barry's and his enthusiastic participation in the workout session reflect his commitment to health and fitness. He emphasizes the importance of post-workout nutrition, particularly through the Fuel Bar's shakes. Yang's humorous commentary and unique approach to the workout demonstrate his ability to connect with participants and create an engaging atmosphere. His involvement in these endeavors showcases his versatility as an entertainer and his dedication to promoting healthy living.
