Earlier this month, millions of music lovers eagerly awaited the release of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift is a master of creating hype for upcoming albums, and the Oct. 3 release was no exception. Her carefully crafted teasers and cryptic social media clues had fans counting down the days till the album’s release. The record is also her first since announcing her engagement to football player Travis Kelce, and finishing her record-breaking Eras Tour. But is “The Life of a Showgirl” worth the wait?
Some fans find its lyrics boring, while others have been charmed with “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Father Figure.” However, what’s clear throughout the album is its focus on romantic love. The record is a soundtrack for those basking in the glow of a new relationship; it’s an ideal pick for engagement parties or bachelorette celebrations.
Yet, the album doesn’t stand out to me, especially considering Swift’s expansive catalog. While its thematic consistency is cohesive, the work comes across as repetitive. Several songs blend together because of similar tones, pacing and overall sound. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it doesn’t make for the most interesting listening experience. If you hit shuffle, you’re bound to get the same vibes no matter what. Frankly, the album feels very safe. At this stage in her career, Swift could easily afford to take bigger creative risks, especially considering she’s already done a full genre shift. She could have experimented with different styles, vibes or pacing– something to spice the album up a bit, but instead, “The Life of a Showgirl” sits comfortably in its repetitive sound.
The focus on romantic love also feels almost overdone. There’s nothing wrong with making songs about love, but a whole album on the subject seems unnecessary and a bit fatiguing. I wish she’d used some of the songs to delve into how she views platonic and familial relationships now that she’s in love. She could have told a story with the album, but instead, it feels like she’s repeating the same sentence.
At the same time, the record is slow-paced and cozy. It’s a good option for a chill night where you want to just curl up with a blanket and enjoy a nice refreshment. It’s a subtle, dance album so if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s the one for you. It’s soft sounding all the way through, and a contrast to her last album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which people still seem to treasure.
Despite mixed reactions, “The Life of a Showgirl” has already broken streaming records within days of its release. As stated, Swift is a master of hype, and she knows her fans very well. There is no doubt this album will top charts for several weeks, as many of her previous albums have before. All in all, this is not a bad album by any means. I can’t really comment on individual songs because they are all incredibly similar and there isn’t a standout to me. It’s perfectly enjoyable if you want a love-filled, slow-paced vibe. While it might not be for me, I know many people are enjoying it at listening parties and streaming the tracks with friends.