As of February 2024, Taylor Swift was ranked as the number one most streamed artist in the world with 26.6 billion streams on Spotify. So, it was no surprise that upon the release of her latest album “The Life of a Showgirl”, on Oct. 3, her songs were No. 1 on global charts. What was surprising was that Swifties were divided on whether they loved or hated this new era.
Taylor Swift explored how it has been to live a life under the spotlight since she started releasing music in 2006. The album followed the theme of an autobiography, where Swift was inspired by her life playing the role of multiple people at once. The main topic was exploring relationships when all aspects of her life have been documented for people to see, judge, adore, or pick apart.
It’s no secret that most of her relationships, friendships and even partnerships with music agents and producers have been documented in the media and have even sparked controversy. Her love life has also been breaking the internet before social media became what it is today. For example, Swift’s engagement post to Travis Kelce quickly gained the media’s attention and is now ranked as one of the most liked posts in Instagram’s history with 37 million likes.
“The Life of a Showgirl” aligns with recent events in Taylor Swift’s life–specifially finding her true love. Some songs were dedicated to Kelce, such as “Opalite” named after his birthstone, or “Wood” where she talks about knowing a “rock” was on the way referencing an engagement ring. Fans could assume she got what she had been looking for all along as she said, “I made wishes on all of the stars, please, God, bring me a best friend who I think is hot,” in her song “Wi$h Li$t.”
Romance wasn’t the only topic explored in the album. With songs like “Father Figure,” “CANCELLED!” and “Actually Romantic,” Taylor Swift talks about her relationships in the entertainment industry, with either producers who took advantage of her when she was younger, or her friendships with other artists as her career has progressed.
“Wrote me a song sayin’ it makes you sick to see my face. Some people might be offended, but it’s actually sweet. All the time you’ve spent on me, it’s honestly wild. All the effort you’ve put in it’s actually romantic. I really gotta hand it to you, no man has ever loved me like you do,” Swift’s lyrics read in her song “Actually Romantic.”
No matter how high the stage is, there would be no showgirl, if there was no audience. Swifties have been supporting Taylor Swift throughout many phases of her life, however, this past week Swifties have taken to social media to share their thoughts about this latest era.
Priscilla Alfaro has been a Swiftie since the “Reputation” era eight years ago.
“I first connected with Taylor when my father used to play songs from her first album while driving me to school,” Alfaro said.
Swift has adapted to different musical styles throughout her career, from country to pop and “Life of a Showgirl” is no exception.
“I think this album is something different from some of her previous albums, but I really liked how it represents the point of life where she is at,” Alfaro said.
Many people have been interested in Swift’s music because of the way she connects the stories to her real life. Other fans have fallen in love with her music because of her lyrics. Alessandra Rodriguez has supported Taylor Swift’s music since 2020 and the release of “Folklore.”
“What really made me connect with her was the depth of her lyrics and the way she communicates through storytelling and literary devices,” Rodriguez said. “I think it also had to do with the fact that I was in my peak teenage years and it was during the pandemic, so her music became a safe space for me.”
Rodriguez, like many listeners online, had mixed reviews about the album.
“Honestly, it wasn’t what I was expecting. I usually look for the deeper layers in her work, and this album didn’t really give me that. I was definitely expecting something different, even assuming it would be a happy and empowering album, I still couldn’t find the kind of depth or lyricism she’s known for,” Rodriguez said. “Another reason I didn’t connect as much is because of expectations. For example, with ‘Eldest Daughter,’ I think everyone expected something super deep and emotionally moving, but in the end it didn’t really touch me, maybe because of the word choices, which sometimes felt a bit basic or trendy, like things people say on social media just because they’re popular.”
Regardless of the songs, what hasn’t changed is the support for Taylor Swift by her fans. Many hosted listening sessions or even attended “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” at movie theaters. The experience consisted of the “The Fate of Ophelia” official music video premiere, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos.
“It was something really amazing going there with my friends and being able to experience that with people that appreciate her music as much as I do, and being a part of the community is great because it is people that understand and love her and her music like I do,” Alfaro said.
Swifties can be sure that no matter what, they can find comfort in the deep lyrics of older eras, or upbeat songs of this new era. Fans panicked at the thought that Taylor Swift might be closing the curtain after this album, however in a recent interview on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Swift made it clear she’ll stay in the music scene.
“Oh, I know, they love to panic sometimes, but I love the person that I am with because he loves what I do, and he loves how much I am fulfilled by making art and making music,” Swift said.
Fans can get excited about the future albums to come as Swift steps into this new and joyful era of her life. Whether loved or judged, Swift’s storytelling will continue to capture her fans.
Vivien G. Noe C., is a Staff Reporter, at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
