( Rolling Stone ) -- `` I went through a few roller coasters , '' says Taylor Swift , reflecting on her relationships over the past two years . She channeled the turmoil into her fourth studio LP , `` Red , '' out October 22 . `` Trying to chronicle each step of the way was challenging , because you go to some really dark places with the lyrics . Then in the next track , you 're talking about how amazing it is to meet somebody new . '' After writing 2010 's smash `` Speak Now '' by herself , Swift veered in the opposite direction , co-writing with pop hitmakers such as Max Martin and Adele collaborator Dan Wilson . She wound up with nearly 40 potential songs ; in between stops on the yearlong world tour that she wrapped in March , Swift joined her writing partners in L.A. and Nashville . `` I felt like an apprentice , '' Swift says . `` They taught me so much about melodic sense , and they let me do what I love , which is the lyrics . '' The result is Swift 's most eclectic set ever , ranging from `` State of Grace , '' a howling , U2-style epic with reverb-drenched guitars , to a sweet acoustic duet with U.K. singer Ed Sheeran . Another key track even features a dubstep-inspired bass breakdown . So far , the new direction is n't hurting Swift 's career : Lead single `` We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together , '' a bitter breakup anthem with a hip-hop-flavored Max Martin beat , has shattered chart records , selling a stunning 623,000 digital singles in its first week . Taylor Swift to Release New 'Red ' Album in October . To Swift , the musical excursions are n't surprising , given how much hip-hop and R & B she listens to . `` I have so many play-lists full of Rihanna , Nicki Minaj , Lil Wayne , Chris Brown , '' she says . `` I love Wiz Khalifa . '' Lyrically , the album is full of Swift 's usual themes of romance and heartbreak . `` I know general things about love , '' she says . `` How to treat people well , what you deserve and when to walk away . Other than that , love is a complete mystery -- and that 's why I like to write about it . '' Taylor Swift : My Fourth Album Is About 'Crash-and-Burn Heartbreak ' Swift has spent much of the summer with her new boyfriend , Conor Kennedy ( the son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ) , in Hyannis Port , Massachusetts . She 's even looked into buying a house near the Kennedy compound . `` That would be so amazing , '' she says . But Swift wo n't be resting for long : She 's already thinking about how to top her last tour , which featured aerialists , costume changes and a mock wedding onstage every night . `` I really want to go out on the road in the spring , '' she says . `` After I write a song , I always end up laying awake at night thinking , 'What are the lighting cues going to be on this ? How big is the pit going to be ? ' I have been thinking of some big moments that are going to happen . '' Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone .
Lyrically , `` Red '' is full of Rolling Stone 's usual themes of romance and heartbreak . Swift co-wrote `` Red '' with pop hitmakers such as Adele and Dan Wilson collaborator Adele . The album , which features ` ` We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together , '' is due out on the spring .