The Smashing Pumpkins frontman can't fathom criticism over the lengthy album, praising Swift's artistic vision while urging fans to embrace the concept of listening to music on their own terms.
- June 5, 2024
AceShowbiz - The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has come to the defense of Taylor Swift's double album, "The Tortured Poets Department", describing her as "one of the most gifted pop artists of all time."
Corgan, 57, told the Irish Times in an interview, "How is it a bad thing that she's releasing more music? I can't follow that. You can go on Spotify and just skip it."
Citing his band's own lengthy record, "Atum", released in 2023, Corgan said he can empathize with Swift's experience of facing criticism about her long albums.
"People complained about the length of my last album," he said. "I thought, 'Well, just go make your own playlist. Just listen to the record one time - rag over the six or 10 songs you like and make your own record.' Why is this such a strange concept?"
Corgan also drew inspiration from the late Sinead O'Connor, emphasizing that people should embrace lengthy projects as positive endeavors. "Would it be a bad thing if somebody turned up tomorrow and said, 'Hey, I just found this tape, and there's enough for 20' - or 30 or 50 - 'Sinead songs.' Would that be a bad thing?" he asked.
Despite the length of "The Tortured Poets Department", Swift praised her fans for their enthusiasm. "Everyone asks, 'Why do you make so many albums?' It's like, 'Man, because I love it so much. I'm having fun. Leave me alone,' " she told concertgoers on the "Eras Tour".
Corgan's support for Swift aligns with her recent announcement that she will be releasing a surprise double album. The album, titled "The Tortured Poets Department", features 31 tracks and is a testament to Swift's creative vision and her enduring passion for music.
