The countdown to Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department is on, with fans eagerly decoding clues leading up to the album's release. In Chicago, a mural featuring a QR code and cryptic messages sparked curiosity among Swifties. The mural, located at 33 W. Grand Avenue, displayed lowercase 'ttpd' letters and the number '13,' reminiscent of Swift's promotional typewriter aesthetic.
Scanning the QR code revealed a hidden video on Swift’s YouTube page, showcasing an ink-smudged paper with the words 'ERROR 321' slowly typed out. This mysterious error code had previously appeared on Swift’s website before the album announcement, adding to the intrigue surrounding The Tortured Poets Department.
Swift has been dropping hints through various channels, including Apple Music lyric pages and playlists. Fans uncovered hidden messages within the lyrics, speculating on the album's themes and tracklist. The rollout of TTPD has prompted fans to reexamine Swift's relationship with actor Joe Alwyn, particularly after she released playlists reflecting stages of grief, with tracks possibly alluding to their past relationship.
As the anticipation builds for The Tortured Poets Department, Swifties remain vigilant for any new clues or announcements from the pop icon. With each cryptic message decoded, the excitement surrounding Swift's latest musical endeavor continues to grow.