By EVAN FERNANDEZ/Staff Writer
Taylor Swift just released her highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” which officially dropped at 12:01 a.m. EDT Oct. 3. The record features 12 tracks and runs for a total of 42 minutes. It includes a feature with Sabrina Carpenter. Making it a compact yet pleasant addition to her expansive discography. This album arrives as the follow-up to her previous record, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which leaned heavily into poetic, melancholic storytelling and emotionally raw lyricism.
With “The Life of a Showgirl,” Swift takes a creative turn, moving away from the somber and introspective tone of her last release and embracing a more upbeat, pop-centered sound that expresses her life during “The Eras Tour,” which fans didn’t see. Early listeners have described the tracks as vibrant, groovy and danceable. Swift’s ability to continually reinvent her artistry while still maintaining her signature style of catchy hooks and clever lyricism. Thanks to producers Max Martin and Shellback, who were also behind many of the hits from her albums “1989,” “Red” and “Reputation.”
That said, the album hasn’t been without its flaws. Some critics have scrutinized her writing and lyricism, noting moments where the storytelling doesn’t reach the same depth as her past work. Parts of the writing come off as a little cringy. Still, the project showcases her versatility and underscores her ongoing impact. This showcases her ability to take criticism, adapt and evolve her musical style.
Track Ranking:
12 – Honey
A light, pop love song where she seemingly reclaims the word honey from her past experience and turns it into something positive. This track falls flat for me due to its basic production and lighter lyrical components. There’s not much replay value since it tends to fade into the background.
11 – Actually Romantic
A more grungy alt-pop sound with some controversial lyrics. Some have speculated that this is a response to Charli XCX’s “Sympathy Is a Knife” due to the lyric: “High-fived my ex and then you said you’re glad he ghosted me.” Charli’s track touches on feeling intimidated by a bigger pop star, which fans quickly interpreted as referencing Taylor when she sang, “Don’t want to see you backstage at my boyfriend’s show.” If this really is a diss toward Charli, it doesn’t land well; the lyrics feel clunky and, for many fans and critics, a little cringey. It will definitely be one of the most talked-about songs on the album, but to me, it’s among her weakest lyrically.
10 – CANCELLED!
The production on this track is what saves it, because lyrically it doesn’t work for me. The song tells the story of finding comfort and friendship among people who’ve been “cancelled.” Unfortunately, the lyric “Did you girl-boss too close to the sun?” kills the vibe. It’s disappointing because the post-chorus at the very end is excellent and nuanced, giving us a sound she hasn’t really explored before.
9 – Opalite
“Opalite” is a breezy, refreshing track that feels like a callback to the lover era with it’s bright and cheerful production. The verses drag a little, but the chorus is so catchy it pulls you in and makes you want to dance.
8 – The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)
This title track tells the story of a young Taylor admiring a showgirl and wishing to be just like her, only to be warned about the reality of that life. By the end, the roles reverse, and Sabrina is the one asking Taylor that same question. I enjoyed the theatrical elements and the Max Martin-style production, plus the clever album closer that is an audio recording of Taylor thanking her band and dancers as she wrapped up the “Eras Tour.”
7 – Eldest Daughter
In the Taylor Swift universe, track 5s are usually her most emotional and vulnerable (think “my tears ricochet” or “tolerate it”). “Eldest Daughter” takes a different approach, reflecting on the pressure and responsibility of being the firstborn, a role requiring resilience and strength. It also doubles as a love song about loyalty and commitment despite past wounds. However, the chorus writing falls flat, with some millennial-sounding lyrics that highlight her age more than her sharpness, which is a little disappointing.
6 – Ruin the Friendship
This track describes a young Taylor in high school, crushing on a friend who eventually disappeared from her life. She paints a picture of regretting not kissing him when she had the chance, even if it would have “ruined the friendship.” Fans speculate the song expands on the same person from “Forever Winter” (“Red”), who tragically died by suicide, making this track even more heartbreaking. Personally, this should have been track 5, since it’s far more raw and vulnerable than “Eldest Daughter.”
5 – Father Figure
Sampling George Michael’s iconic song of the same name, this track explores the complicated mentor-protégé dynamics in the music industry. Given Taylor’s long career and the betrayals she’s faced from industry figures, the song feels both personal and biting. It’s a unique moment on the record, full of personality, and one of the highlights of the album.
4 – Wood
“Wood” is one of Taylor’s most on-the-nose songs ever. It plays on the superstition of knocking on wood while doubling as a cheeky ode to her fiancé, Travis Kelce. Lines like “curse broken by your magic wand” and “I don’t need to catch a bouquet to know a hard rock is coming my way” make the metaphor impossible to miss. While pretty explicit in nature, the 70s-inspired production and playful delivery make it a standout. You can hear Sabrina Carpenter’s influence in the tongue-in-cheek writing, which makes the song both outrageous and addictive.
3 – The Fate of Ophelia
As the lead single and album opener, “The Fate of Ophelia” reclaims Swift’s pop crown with slick Max Martin and Shellback production. The lyrics compare her love story to Shakespeare’s tragic character, Ophelia, only this time, she refuses to meet the same doomed fate, thanks to a partner who saves her. Who is most likely her Fiancé, Travis. With its radio-ready chorus and emotional core, it’s a perfect single choice and a guaranteed hit.
2 – Elizabeth Taylor
A dreamy, cinematic track, “Elizabeth Taylor” is one of the strongest moments on the album. The booming chorus is explosive, and the writing cleverly frames Taylor’s perspective on fame, love and scrutiny through the lens of the iconic actress. By embodying Elizabeth Taylor, she critiques and reclaims the narrative around women defined by their relationships. The infectious chorus cements it as a major earworm.
1 – Wi$h Li$t
The crown jewel of the album. “Wi$h Li$t” blends sharp production, clever writing, and strong storytelling, contrasting material desires with her singular focus on love. It has major “Reputation” vibes, a little biting, a little dark, yet underneath is a sincerity that makes it emotionally rich. Equal parts edgy and heartfelt, it’s the most replayable and layered song of the album.
Conclusion and Final Score.
Overall, “The Life of a Showgirl” stands as a solid, ambitious addition to Taylor Swift’s discography. Tracks like “Honey” and “Actually Romantic” struggled with weaker writing and replay value, but the highs, including “Wi$h Li$t,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” and “The Fate of Ophelia,” showed her pop brilliance at full force. “Father Figure” and “Ruin the Friendship” added depth and personality, even if “Eldest Daughter” fell short of the emotional weight expected from a track five. With its mix of “Red’s” storytelling, “1989’s” polish, “Reputation’s” edge, and “Lover’s” warmth, paired with fresh 70s and 80s-inspired production, the album feels both nostalgic and new. While not flawless by any means, it captures her ability to keep reinventing herself.
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