The singer’s latest album is neatly compacted into focusing on where she is now but also with a few reflections on her past experiences, showcasing a nice introspectiveness.
This twelfth and eagerly anticipated album from Taylor Swift has plenty going for it – even if it feels slightly less ambitious than The Tortured Poets Department which saw her in a very different place in life and musically.
On The Life Of A Showgirl, the singer reflects on the nature and impact of her success as well as her romantic life that keeps the listener enthralled as to see how she reflects on both sides of her life to date. It is a clever technique and works extremely well given the level of press that it has already generated since its release.
Already the lyrics are being analysed but the cleverness of them as with other previous Swift releases – they will always be open to interpretation to each individual listener.
Album opener ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ once again shows her fascination with the works of Shakespeare (as already highlighted on ‘Love Story’ with its references to Romeo & Juliet) and just like that renowned playwright she has a way with words to get to the heart and depths of emotion – even in a contemporary and different way to him. In this track alone, the listener sees how Swift is able to put herself in the position of a character and relate to it on her own personal basis. It is a clever album opener.
There are plenty of highlights on the album including ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ that focuses on the complex nature of fame, ‘Actually Romantic’ that has a particular bite to it that is really unexpected and ‘CANCELLED’ that highlights her experiences of being cancelled over the years in a variety of scenarios.
Perhaps overall, it feels that the album is slightly less ambitious, but on the other side of this it also feels more focused and direct that you sit up and pay attention, particularly when listening to songs such as ‘Opalite’ and ‘Eldest Daughter’ which give a real sense of just how much the singer puts of herself into her songs.
In terms of the most unexpected song on the album – that belongs to ‘Wood’ which is potentially the most risqué song that she has performed and written to date. The lyrics, filled with innuendo, certainly leave little to imagination. It is cheeky, it is playful and is definitely surprising.
But it is all still done with no need to go completely over the top. The focus is again on the lyrics, while musically it all works in perfect harmony with the way in which the stories of the songs unfold.
Overall, it is a fascinating and enjoyable album from the singer that once again proves that she can delve deep into emotional depths to create songs that people will continuously want to listen to.
By Emma Clarendon
The Life of a Showgirl is out now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️