The Life of a Showgirl; Taylor Swift's 12th Album

Ashlynn Morgan
Social Media Manager
  On October 3rd, 2025, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift's twelfth studio album was released, with the album having more of a Reputation mixed with 1989 sound to it. The release generated polarized responses from Swift's dedicated fan base as well as casual listeners. The album drew in non fans and fans analyzing lyrics and songs to find out more about Swift's vision for this album. The album left some fans disappointed, while others were ecstatic and supported the album wholeheartedly. People online had pointed out the album's continuous sampling, with songs such as “Cancelled” sounding like Lorde's “Yellow Flicker Beat”, or “Actually Romantic” sounding like “Where is My Mind” by the Pixies. Bonneville Swifties were asked questions about her new album, with one Swiftie, Ava Falter, having opposing opinions compared to the public.
  Ava Falter, a junior who has been a Swiftie for as long as she can remember, had a positive outlook on the album, “it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that is a matter of perspective.” Falter shared that every album normally has this backlash, with it being too pop or too dark. The album has also been controversial for the supposed diss track “Actually Romantic,” that is speculated to be about Charli xcx. Some people believe the song was an overreaction, feeling that Swift's tone sounds more like teenage drama than mature commentary. Falter completely disagreed, explaining that the song has a "come at me" energy that demonstrates the strength she has gained from all her experiences.
  Before the album was released, no one had any idea what it was going to sound like with there being no singles beforehand with Swift releasing the single and music video the same day as the album. Swift being engaged also scared Swifties because they were worried that her being in love would ruin the music due to the fact that most of her music has been about past relationships and how they ended. Falter enjoyed the album, stating, “I honestly don't remember what I assumed this album was going to be about but after all it didn't bother me when hearing this fantastic album.” Regardless of individual preferences about the album, Swift has still managed to secure top 100 chart positions for her songs and albums, even amid the backlash.