TBH, Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" Is Just Okay

There's a technique called "show, don't tell," where writers' storytelling caters the senses. It focuses on painting a picture. It is driven by action. It elicits emotions. In music, however, artists are expected to do both—show us the story and tell us all about it.

When Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album called The Life of a Showgirl, she rightfully transformed into one. Her visual take on a showgirl is stunning, which excited her fans so much more. Come October 3rd, the curtains were lifted, and the album took center stage.

Mirroring her 12th era, The Life of a Showgirl has 12 tracks—The Fate of Ophelia, Elizabeth Taylor, Opalite, Father Figure, Eldest Daughter, Ruin the Friendship, Actually Romantic, Wi$h Li$t, Wood, CANCELLED!, Honey, and The Life of a Showgirl, which features Sabrina Carpenter, who opened for Taylor during the Eras Tour.

Going through the album for the first time, one will be left confused, wondering if showgirl Taylor even showed up. Sonically speaking, the tracks lack cohesion and are all over the place. Then again, the chorus of the title track goes, "But you don't know the life of a showgirl, babe, and you're never, ever gonna." Clearly, she didn't want us to know.

After multiple listens, it is evident that the album is a departure from Taylor's lyricism, which is a disservice to her legions of fans. It seems as if the pop star just wanted to dress up like a showgirl instead of performing as one.

Despite the aforementioned, the album still has a few hits—The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, and Honey, which coincidentally are all dedicated to Travis Kelce, Taylor's fiancé. Now, if this is the era we're currently in, then let's just be grateful that she is happy and in love, and continues to share where she is in her life.