A mere year and a half after the release of The Tortured Poets Department, singer and songwriter Taylor Swift re-entered the music scene in October 2025. Her 12-track album The Life of a Showgirl (TLOAS) sparked strong reactions in the music industry. The album was heavily criticized by the general public, even by her own fanbase: the “Swifties.”
The album manages to shine in its production, thanks in part to Swift’s long time collaborator Max Martin. It blends retro-pop samples and addictive beats that are rather pleasant. The overall sound of the album combines pop rock, synth pop and early ‘00s pop backings that support Swift’s smooth vocals.
A major issue that many have with the album is its lackluster lyricism. Songs like “Wood,” “Actually Romantic” and “CANCELLED!” are all examples of how the album’s lyrics are much less elaborate and meaningful than those of her previous songs, such as “loml” from The Tortured Poets Department. Sofia Maheras Matthews (I) notices a “clear change from her other songs” when comparing them to new tracks like “CANCELLED!”
In “CANCELLED!,” Swift seemingly attempts to connect with a younger audience through lines like “Did you girl-boss too close to the sun?” The dated vernacular, however, causes her to struggle in this endeavor, and in fact, seems stuck in the past.
In “Actually Romantic,” Swift uses many adjectives to fit the rhythm and meter. This practice is a far cry from the previously succinct and clever lyricism on works from her album 1989, for example.
Swift’s shortcomings on TLOAS stand out even more when compared to works such as “loml,” where Swift poetically sings the line, “When your Impressionist paintings of Heaven turned out to be fakes.” She describes the sad realization of a previous relationship and how it crumbled before her eyes through symbolism and metaphors. This innovative and relatable writing is notably absent in her newest release, leaving many fans disappointed.
Many argue that songwriting has historically been Swift’s greatest strength. Some additionally note that many of Swift’s most lyrically impactful albums came from places of great despair and loss. With her recent engagement and massive success on tour and in the music industry, Swift has many more celebratory topics to cover. Discourse surrounding the album has also sparked the debate of whether her fanbase only appreciates work from when she is at her lowest, and if they are still able to accept the constant adaptations that have always been present in her career.
A shift that longtime listeners are adjusting to is the apparent change in Swift’s target audience. While her music has always had an appeal to younger audiences, she is often celebrated for her wide range of listeners. In her previous albums, she tended to play into this. Certain songs on the new album, however, such as “Wood” and “Elizabeth Taylor,” are clearly catered toward more mature audiences. This has led many to consider whether she has lost her touch with younger fans. Elle Sullivan (III) states, “I don’t think it has her best songwriting ability, and she’s losing a bit of respect for it.”
Despite criticisms, The Life of a Showgirl was record-breaking. It achieved the most album sales in a single week in U.S. history and is the most pre-saved album on Spotify and the most streamed album in a single day. While the album demonstrates how Swift’s writing abilities have shifted, it still received acclaim from many. It demonstrates that Swift’s influence will continue to persist and that many will continue to appreciate her work.
