When pop superstar Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl" on her soon-to-be-husband's popular sports podcast -- which, by the way, was smart marketing -- her fans, the Swifties, gagged, applauded, and celebrated.
The announcement went viral, with practically everyone in and out of the industry praising Swift for stepping outside the box, particularly the aesthetic of her album cover, which was not typical of the bright, cheery, and dreamy Swift.
Swift's visuals for the album were very Las Vegas, with thighs, hips, smokey eyes, and everything showgirl. The overall style created great expectations among her followers, some of whom referred to it as her "new era."
When the highly anticipated album was finally released, several Swifties and music critics were unimpressed. While the Grammy-winning superstar has always been a radio-friendly artist, the way her new album was visualized was daring, implying a different side of her, but it failed to deliver.
Instead, Swift provided 12 songs, including "The Fate of Ophelia," "Elizabeth Taylor," "Opalite," "Father Figure," and others. Except for "Wish List," all of the tracks sounded rushed and unseasoned, and they did not live up to the album's title.
Her song “Cancelled!” was the only one that captured the “showgirl” energy.
When one says "showgirl," it denotes drama, grandeur, boldness, and confidence. However, it is important to note that Swift added the phrase "the life of" to refer to what happens behind closed doors. It is up to the listeners to find out.
Swift even stated on her album promotion tour that fans should expect bangers. She didn't give bangers, but rather dreamy, which was her original branding and algorithm.
On the other hand, her fans, who appreciate her dreamy and radio-friendly music, will undoubtedly enjoy her latest album. The new album is easy to ingest and digest, much like listening to the 20-year-old Swift.
And maybe that's Swift’s definition of "showgirl" -- more about emotions and feelings. While the album did not impress others, it did demonstrate her honesty — through the words, their meanings, and feelings.
“I’m married to the hustle. And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe. And I’ll never know another. Pain hidden by the lipstick and lace. Sequins are forever. And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe. Wouldn’t have it any other way,” she expressed in the last track “The Life of a Showgirl.”