Here is a veteran Swiftie’s opinion on her newest album, “The Life of a Showgirl”:

Considering the return of pop producers Max Martin and Shellback, I had been expecting a return of the sounds in 1989. However, that synth pop that can be heard on the album are much more similar to Swift’s 2022 album, “Midnights.” The lyrics, however, are entirely different from those of the most recent past albums. The lyrics consist of a more light-hearted humorous, storytelling-take as opposed to the deep and poetic lyrics of “The Tortured Poets Department,” “Evermore,” and “Folklore,” or of the highly introspective prose in “Midnights.” Many however, have found the new spin on lyrics over-the-top, too much and even a bit offensive. Let’s talk about it.  

I have enjoyed the more upbeat sound of this new album and find the light-heartedness refreshing after the emotional and mournful sound of the last album. Songs such as “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” “Honey,” and “The Life of a Showgirl,” all contain the upbeat and happy vibes. On the other hand, tracks such as “Father Figure,” and “CANCELLED!” take on a darker turn, making commentary on the music industry and living in the public eye. Other songs include “Ruin The Friendship,” “Honey,” “Wi$h Li$t,” and “Elizabeth Taylor.” However, I’d like to discuss a song that has been in the headlines recently: “Wood.”

I’m sure many of you have either listened to it or heard about it. The song describes Swift’s need to not rely on superstitions, and dives deep into non-school appropriate innuendos. The song, although light-hearted, is a far cry from the typical deep and profound meaning Taylor laces into each of her songs, taking on an uber-sensual tone and theme.

Although a fan of Swift, I have to say, the song is definitely a least favorite of mine. The corny-cheesiness of the tune may be appealing to some, however, in a world where music can make you think critically and cause you to relate, I just do not find that this achieves that mark. Her song “CANCELLED!” is much more my speed. The song is darker and edgier than its “Showgirl” peers, but it makes a wonderful point on the commentary that it put onto those in the limelight. Swift is stating that she likes her friends “cancelled,” because she is able to really know them, and that she and her group have matching scars. The instrumentals and production heavily mirror that of her 2017 record “reputation.” 

I will say, although not my personal favorite album by her, I definitely think that the album reflects where she is in life at the moment, and that does not always match with fans’ taste. As per my music taste, I would rank the album a 6/10. 

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We as the journalism class thought it would be good idea to show the non-Swiftie perspective on the album, so that is what I’ll be doing. Now, I am not a Taylor Swift hater, her music is not for me. However, I can still recognize her music’s merit.  

I won’t go as in-depth as Riley, but the album leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It’s mediocre compared to the rest of her work. How do we go from “Lavender Haze” and “Cruel Summer” to “CANCELLED!”  and “Actually Romantic?” I’ll be talking about, in my opinion, the worst offenders on the album. 

“Father Figure” is interesting. It’s about her taking on a newer, younger artist and later feeling betrayed by them. The lyrics aren’t great (I had no idea Taylor apparently has a big junk), and the melody doesn’t save it. The ending is abrupt and doesn’t transition well.  

“CANCELLED!” is the worst offender on the album, being filled with millennial cringe, and comes off as way too edgy. This would have popped off on 2020 TikTok; that’s how edgy it is. Taylor, none of us are stopping you from being friends with Blake Lively. All she is doing in this song is beating the dead horse of cancel culture in the world’s most uncreative way.