Whether you love, dislike, or are indifferent to Taylor Swift, there is no denying she is a powerhouse in Pop music. Beginning in Country music in 2003, Swift flirted with Pop music starting in 2007 with singles like “Teardrops on My Guitar,” but in 2014 reached a new level with the mega-popular crossover album 1989. Since that time, it has been over a decade of complete dominance in music, making Taylor Swift a bona fide superstar. Something no one can deny, now Taylor Swift returns in 2025 with a brand new studio album called The Life of a Showgirl.
Announced back in August, The Life of a Showgirl arrived on October 3, 2025, through Republic Records and is the twelfth overall studio record from a performer who will not even be thirty-six years old until late December of this year. It is truly remarkable to see what Swift has accomplished thus far, and The Life of A Showgirl explores life as an artist, as well as its ups and downs.
A total of twelve songs, the concept album begins with “The Fate of Ophelia,” which tells the tragic story of the William Shakespeare character, all wrapped in catchy rhythms and smooth vocals. It continues at a slightly slower pace and is melancholic yet rhythmic, with “Elizabeth Taylor” about the movie icon. This is while “Opalite” continues catchy and thriving, talking about love and joy. Then you have “Father Figure,” which switches roles and reminds us of George Michael’s 1987 hit, “Father Figure.” However, it is essential to note that this is not a cover, but rather a homage to the late, great George Michael that interweaves pieces of his original hit.
Moving along, “Eldest Daughter” is slow and very personal, while “Ruin the Friendship” tells a sad story. However, on the opposite side, “Actually Romantic” is a song you might find yourself swaying along to. Thereafter, “Wi$h Li$t” talks about dreaming of fame and success, “Wood” is a catchy piece with lyrics that leave room for your own interpretation, and “CANCELLED!” is a rhythmic dance club song that is almost hypnotizing. With a lovely piano intro, “Honey” grabs you before morphing into an R&B tune that discusses the critical and loving versions of being addressed as ‘Honey.’ This leads us to the finale and title track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring another mega star, Sabrina Carpenter. A great closer, it is the tale of the showgirl “Kitty” with a mellow mood that leaves you drifting off into thought.
Overall, The Life of a Showgirl is a relatively smooth and thoughtful album, featuring pretty personal lyrics. While it might lack the usual dance floor hymn, it includes quite a few theatrical pieces, though. Some moments can easily fade into the background, while others bring along more intensity and will catch your attention. Check it out and decide for yourself, but no matter what, Swift’s worldwide following of “Swifties” will adore it. As it is, Cryptic Rock The Life of a Showgirl 3,5 out of 5 stars.
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