Album review: The Life of a Showgirl

Do you know the life of a showgirl? Well, after Taylor Swift’s latest album release, I can put together the life of one, but it lacks the storytelling I am so used to in every other Swift album.

The Life of a Showgirl is Swift’s 12th studio album. I have been able to sit on it for a little bit, and while the songs have grown on me, I stand by my decision that this is Swift’s worst album to date.

Before Swifties come after me, know that I am a Swiftie, too. She has been one of my favourite artists for years. She is a global icon, and The Eras Tour proved it. I will always be a fan, but something was missing from her latest album. It lacked the emotional depth that I always expect from Swift’s discography. While she sounded tired on this album, some songs do deserve recognition. 

My favourites include “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite.” “The Fate of Ophelia” is definitely the best song on the album. The beat is catchy and upbeat. It is a song I have on in the background when I am working and blasting in the car on the way to school. This is one of the only songs on the album that hits lyrically. If the rest of the album had this lyrical depth, I would give it a 10/10!

“Opalite” is just a catchy tune. From listening to the song, I know it is about her fiancé and football star Travis Kelce. I appreciate Swift’s vulnerability on this track, while still managing to make the music upbeat and fun. I love that Swift reflects on past relationships that didn’t work out, while also expressing how great she feels in her current one with Kelce. “Opalite” takes the second spot after “The Fate of Ophelia” for the best song lyrically on the album. 

I also love Sabrina Carpenter’s feature on the song “Life of a Showgirl.” How can you not love Carpenter? Her feature on the album was one of the best parts, and that is just me being truthful. 

As for the rest of the songs on The Life of a Showgirl, I will not listen to them again. Lyrically, they were all over the place, and it just doesn’t feel exciting. This is not her best work, and while I appreciate her love for music, this album feels like a miss rather than a hit.

The song “Wood” is the worst one on the album. While it has a catchy beat, the lyrics lack emotional depth. In addition to the fact that anyone could have written this song, the lyric, “His love was the key that opened my thighs,” gave me the ick. While I appreciate Swift opening up about her love life and experiences, this song does not sit right with me.   

Overall, I give The Life of a Showgirl a 5/10 — but know that I am being generous with that score. Compared to her other discography, I did not connect to this album as much as I did with her previous ones, like Red and Folklore.

“The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite” saved the album. Unlike with the rest of Swift’s discography, she is not going to tour this album, which is a good idea. She needs the break, and this album needs a little more time to marinate before it should be considered for a live tour. 

Swiftie for life, but this album can pass!