So it seems to me that things like tortured poets department and midnight have been more mellow than her previous albums such as 1989 and reputation. Personally, I don’t like them as well. They are still good. There’s no question about that, but I prefer the more upbeat style she used in reputation, especially.
Edit: Pretty sure my favorite song from Tortured Poets Department is probably “Down Bad”.
I’m actually the same way, it’s been hard for me to listen regularly to TTPD, but Midnights I have on almost daily. You’re right, it almost feels like you have to know here really really well to enjoy this, and I don’t mean that in a good way. It’s less approachable or relatable because it’s so specific to her. Sometimes I like that, a whole album of it though is just… a bit depressing for me.