Global superstar Taylor Swift released her highly anticipated 12th studio album “The Life Of A Showgirl” on October 3, 2025. Swift describes the album as a look behind the curtain of what was occurring in her life offstage during the 21 month span of The Eras Tour. I waited up until midnight to listen to all twelve tracks and here are my honest thoughts.
Back To Pop
Swift’s last few albums featured much more melancholy songs that included gut-wrenching lyrics and somber tempos. This album couldn’t be more opposite. It’s upbeat, flashy and quite unfiltered. Swift collaborated with Max Martin and Shellback, two artists she worked with on the albums “Red” and “1989”. These collaborators bring out the bluntness of Swift’s writing style. They mix together raw lyrics with an extremely vibrant pop sound. Swift reconnects with her pop writing style on these songs which is her strongest genre.
Standout Tracks
The opening track “The Fate Of Ophelia” is a prime example of Swift’s dominating pop. It’s extremely catchy and groovy. The reference to William Shakespeare’s character Ophelia in the tragic play “Hamlet” is a great addition. I love when Swift uses literary references but changes the ending of the story like in the global hit “Love Story” which was inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy”Romeo and Juliet”. It’s the lead single for a reason.
The third track “Opalite” is also a huge standout. It’s about Swift’s love life struggles and how she’s had to go through several heartbreaks before finding her happy ending. A round of applause for Travis Kelce for picking our girl up off the ground. He brought her shine back, and it’s crystal clear and it’s a great lesson of dusting yourself off after being knocked down. The bridge on this song is everything. It makes me want to get up and dance. The vibes are indeed present in this song.
Where the Album Fell Short
Even though her return to pop is refreshing, some lyrics are lackluster. Songs like “Father Figure” and “CANCELLED!” scream obnoxious millennial. The general public and fans have become accustomed to her heartbreaking lyricism and storytelling abilities; however, the lyrics on these tracks feel cringe.
Overall, though, we are thrilled that Swift is no longer heartbroken. This album is a lot more fun and carefree, reflecting her newfound happiness.
On her fiancee’s podcast “New Heights” Swift stated, “This is the album I’ve been wanting to make for a very long time.”
Let us know if you agree with these takes, and let us know yours in the comments below!
Jemma Cornett • Oct 15, 2025 at 10:24 am
I like this article, it’s critical yet full of praise. Good job on the review! I haven’t listened to the album yet myself, but I know people who have. They either love it or hate it. Though it is controversial, I think it’ll be pretty good! Thanks for giving us your thoughts!
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Thanks a bunch!
Kara • Oct 15, 2025 at 9:00 am
I loved this article! It’s really interesting to see how Taylor Swift writes her music in different genres. I noticed that the vocabulary in this article made it more intriguing to read. I like that it compares some of the songs to each other. I enjoy how it includes some personal interpretations of the songs.
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Thank you new vocabulary words are so fun to use!
Eleanor Y. • Oct 14, 2025 at 12:42 pm
I think that the analysis of some of the songs in “Life of a Showgirl” hit the nail on the head. I love Taylor’s music but I have never been able to pinpoint why I like these new songs so much. I am so impressed with what Taylor Swift had done so far. Usually when artists become as famous as she is, things get… weird, but that hasn’t happened so far! I feel Ike she is the musical equivalent to Harry Potter (Before things got weird, of course). She started small, got super big, and has now become one of my comfort artists. Also, it is so cool to hear your opinions about her as well. Good job Huskies!!
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:17 pm
I agree she’s kept her career on an upward trajectory for almost twenty years! She’s so impressive!
Pressly Atkinson • Oct 14, 2025 at 9:59 am
I LOVE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL!! My favorite song is definitely “The Fate of Ophelia.” I love how she used the shakespeare reference again. “Love Story” has always been one of my favorite songs of her’s. I like how the writing style and vocab contributed to the positive view on her new album!! I also don’t love “Canceled” because it reminds me of something you would hear in an Old Navy commercial. Love the article!!
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:18 pm
I agree it’s such a fun listen!
Isabella Vlosich • Oct 14, 2025 at 8:51 am
“Life of a Showgirl” is my favorite album from Taylor Swift! I haven’t really liked her music but this album changed my mind! I do agree that “The Fate of Ophelia” is one of the best songs in her album. I could listen to that song for hours on repeat. In my opinion I love the song “CANCELLED!”, but I do agree that “Father Figure” is a little bit obnoxious. Overall I love this article and how you highlight her new album and hit songs!
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Thank you so so much! We all can agree “CANCELLED!” isn’t the best.
Olivia Bartel • Oct 13, 2025 at 9:07 pm
THIS ARTICLE IS SO FUN!!! I am a big Taylor Swift and do like her new album. The pop albums are my favorite because it makes you want to dance and lightens the mood. My favorite song on the album is Opalite because she finally found Travis Kelce. I do agree with “Father Figure” and” CANCELLED” sounding like an obnoxious millennial but overall I still like the songs. She is known for her great lyrics, but in this album some of the lyrics are not so great…. Overall I like this new album, but it’s not my favorite.
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Completely agree with these takes!
Hadlea Sheltman • Oct 13, 2025 at 2:52 pm
I absolutely love “The Life of a Showgirl”! It is my new favorite album for sure! I totally agree that it is a drastic change from the Tortured Poets Department. My favorite songs are “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Elizabeth Taylor”! I do agree that “Father Figure” did fall short. I prefer the upbeat pop songs and that one was a little sad. I also love all the literary references she makes because it just adds to the depth of the story created in the song! Such a great read!
Savannah Henson • Oct 15, 2025 at 12:23 pm
The acoustic version of “Elizabeth Taylor” is chef’s kiss. Thank you for your comment!
Emma Chown • Oct 13, 2025 at 1:51 pm
I love her new album! I love her new pop style as well. I love how through the lyrics it shows how the life of a showgirl comes with hardship and the expectations of the industry. I love listening to “Opalite” because I agree that it really highlights her struggles in her love life. I love how the new album has a variety of moods on it as well. Her song “Father Figure” and the “Fate of Ophelia” seem to be almost complete opposite moods to me. I do agree that “Father Figure” and “Cancelled” lacked good lyrics in the album, but I do think that she made some good hit songs in the album as well! I loved reading this article! It was so enjoyable and fun!
McKenna Williams • Oct 12, 2025 at 9:24 pm
Taylor Swift is one of my absolute favorite artists. “The Life of a Showgirl” is my favorite album that she’s written. Songs like “Opalite”, “Wood”, and “Wi$h Li$t” are fun to hear because I know exactly who they are about. I’ve invested in Taylor and Travis’ relationship since the beginning. I’ve watched the football games only to see if Taylor was there, and it’s just fun to see them as a power couple. I’m really excited that Taylor can get her happy ending.
Savannah Henson • Oct 13, 2025 at 12:12 pm
We’re all so happy she’s happy! Thanks a bunch for your comment!
Emmerson Moxley • Oct 10, 2025 at 10:10 am
I really love Taylor Swift’s new album “The Lift of a Showgirl,” so I loved reading this article! I loved how it showcased her insight into artists’ evolution. The author does an excellent job of capturing the uniqueness of the album, highlighting its vibrant pop sound and the departure from Taylor’s recent album, “The Tortured Poets Department”. I definitely agreed with “The Fate of Ophila” being a prime example of dominating pop. I really liked the way the author incorporated where the album fell short. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this article as a Taylor Swift fan!
Savannah Henson • Oct 10, 2025 at 1:12 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed thanks a million!
Zoey Chao • Oct 10, 2025 at 8:54 am
awesome review!! idk if this is weird to say but I love your vocabulary. it’s very flashy and fun
Savannah Henson • Oct 10, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Thank you I really appreciate it!
Laney Houser • Oct 9, 2025 at 7:03 pm
Oh my gosh, I love her new album. I agree with “Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite”, but I’d also like to add “Wi$h Li$t” on there. That song is just a bop. I actually like CANCELLED, but “Father Figure” is definitely a no for me. Her songs are all so amazing. Another one I don’t like is “Eldest Daughter”. It doesn’t match the vibes very well.
Savannah Henson • Oct 10, 2025 at 12:13 pm
Wi$h Li$t is a certified bop! Thank you for this comment!