Commentary: The Life of a Showgirl sparks debate, fans calling it her worst album

Album cover of The Life of a Showgirl. (Credits: Taylor Swift via Instagram)

Taylor Swift returns from being a tortured poet to embracing her inner showgirl because “baby, that’s show business for you.”  

On Oct. 3, Swift released her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Personally, the album explores the concept of being any sort of showgirl behind the scenes. It embraces a shimmery and glamorous perspective, which is meant to set a fun and playful tone.  

The Life of a Showgirl is a complete shift from what we have been listening to for the past five years since Folklore was released in 2020.  

In this album, Swift blends pop music with soft rock, which makes the album catchy and addictive, capturing a cheerful and flirtatious energy.  

However, just like the rest of her previous albums, this one faced backlash and sparked controversy among listeners.  

People have been criticizing it for being “too cringe,” “too different” and “not lyrically deep enough.”  

Some even claim her songwriting has declined since dating her current partner and fiancé, Travis Kelce. Many fans base these opinions on Folklore and Evermore, which are recognized as her best records.

I agree that Folklore has been one of her best records, if not the best and it’s also my favourite album.  

However, it’s unfair to measure every new project against one record from five years ago because it only sets unrealistic expectations. 

Ironically, now that she has released a vibrant pop album, people want her to go back to writing sad songs.  

Core Swifties know this isn’t the first time she has reinvented herself.  

We can’t deny that Swift follows trends and she’s clearly leaning into the current pop wave alongside artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae and Chappell Roan. 

But something worth noticing is that Swift has always narrated her albums from the lens of a character. Each era has represented a stage in her life, either growth, heartbreak, healing or happiness.  

This time, she’s telling the story through the eyes of whatever you imagine a showgirl to be. The goal isn’t to be profound but to express humour and sarcasm — it’s intentional. 

Swift is not speaking as herself but narrating the story and thinking through a character’s perspective. 

Throughout the album, you can spot the moments when she’s putting her own thoughts by shifting her tone and using a heavier word choice. 

In “Father Figure,” she sings, “Your thoughtless ambition sparked the ignition on foolish decisions which lead to misguided visions.” 

I doubt an average person can come up with something as clever as that, but people are not actually listening to the album. 

So, just because she’s not writing as she used to, doesn’t mean she’s not a great songwriter. It simply shows she’s in a happier chapter of her life.  

The criticism only proves that people prefer to see her sad because that’s when they think she writes “better” songs. She doesn’t owe anyone the sadness people have come to associate with her music. 

I understood the vibe since the moment I first listened to “The Fate of Ophelia.” Its cheerful beat makes you want to dance and reminds you that life is worth living. 

My favourite songs were “Opalite,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Father Figure,” “Wi$h Li$t” and “CANCELLED!” 

The only two songs I expected a bit more from lyrically were “Eldest Daughter” and “The Life of a Showgirl” (featuring Sabrina Carpenter).  

The more I listened, the more I realized this album isn’t meant to be lyrically heavy but to be humorous, bold and carefree. 

If you've been following Swift’s journey, you know she embraces her millennial side.  

She’s a 35-year-old woman, of course, she’s going to act like a millennial and be a little cringe sometimes.  

People hold her to higher standards and expect her to constantly outdo herself, while still limiting her creativity and freedom to experiment. 

To me, The Life of a Showgirl highlights a version of Swift who isn’t taking things too seriously because she’s just busy living her best life. 

It’s clear the haters just want to see her miserable again. After all, not everyone has what it takes to be a “showgirl.” 

I agree it may not be her best record and not everyone will be satisfied, but that’s okay.  

As a Swiftie, I’m genuinely happy for her and thankful we still get to be mesmerized by her music.