Earlier this month, Taylor Swift released her post- “Eras Tour” album titled “The Life of a Showgirl.” The 12-track album ranged from sly disses aimed at Blake Lively to love songs about her fiancée, NFL star Travis Kelce.
However, the general consensus among fans was that the new tracks fell short, leaving many disappointed. For example, fans who previously praised Swift’s complex lyricism in the past said the lyrics on the new album were too simplistic. Some joked that the lack of complexity was deliberate so that Kelce could finally understand her songs.
“Some of the songs are catchy, but overall, I was disappointed,” said Jennifer Corley, who teaches social studies at the high school. “By the way it was hyped up, I was expecting a stronger pop sound, especially with Max Martin producing her album.”
“Showgirl” features recycled beats from Swift’s previous releases like “Midnights” and “Lover.” Along with the beats, the new album also includes more explicit lyrics than usual. This has sparked concern among parents and longtime fans, who expressed their outrage on social media, which Swift has not yet responded to publicly.
Detractors of the new album said “Showgirl” also lacked the emotional depth of Swift’s previous release, “The Tortured Poets Department,” and felt scraped together, as if she just wanted to make a pop album about her engagement.
“The new Taylor Swift album isn’t really that good,” freshman Meghana Makhija said. “Many of the songs feel repetitive and don’t tell the stories as well as her older albums. Overall, it does not stand out at all.”
Along with the new album, Swift dropped a music video, which fans seemed to like a little more. Paired with the songs, however, most agreed it also fell flat overall.
Some die-hard Swifties seemed to appreciate the pop-heavy album, however, staying true to their favorite music icon. “I like the album, but it’s not my favorite by her,” junior Julie Dennison said. “Some of the songs are great; others are not. I don’t think she deserves the hate that her album is getting, but it’s definitely not her best.”
Fans have argued that those who do not like the new album would be unhappy with anything Swift produced that departed from her previous style. Others say the detractors must move on and embrace her new era.
Since the release, Swift announced she will not be touring this album, saying the Eras Tour took too much out of her. For once, Swifties were not upset, some even tweeting, “Thank goodness.”
