On August 12, Taylor Swift made headlines by announcing on the Kelce Brothers’ New Heights podcast that she would be releasing her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on October 3rd, which would reflect her life behind the scenes of the Eras Tour. Since then, the excitement has only grown, and now, it is finally here. But is it the smash hit that Swift had declared it to be? 

Based on the album’s chart performance and its record-breaking success, yes. Yes, it is. With the help of the songwriters/producers Max Martin and Shellback, Taylor fulfilled her promise of a catchy, fast-paced, and exciting album. The twelve tracks, which occupied the top twelve spots of the Billboard Hot 100 upon the album’s debut, are a mix of familiarity, with sounds reminiscent of many of her past eras.

“The Life of a Showgirl” opens with the single “The Fate of Ophelia,” the perfect hook to an album that continues to draw you in up until the end. The chorus has an inescapable rhythm that lingers in listeners’ minds hours after the song has been played. It’s upbeat and peppy, and its references to both Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and her fianceé Travis Kelce give the song the perfect story.

Some of the other more upbeat songs include “Opalite” and “Wood,” both of which reflect Swift’s overwhelming happiness in her current relationship with Kelce. They both incorporate infectious melodies and masterfully crafted lyrics. These joyful songs offer easy listening and the perfect dance track.

But Taylor doesn’t just sing about love in this album. Tracks such as “Elizabeth Taylor” and “CANCELLED!” are “reputation”-esque powerhouses, with messages that display Swift’s awareness and embracement of her stardom. These songs, with darker tones and empowering instrumentals, are driven home by her intense and passionate vocals. 

For those of you who prefer more laid-back, sweet songs, you can listen to “Honey,” “Wi$h Li$t,” or “Ruin The Friendship.” These are more instrumentally stripped and calm, but are still equally catchy and enjoyable. Seemingly singing about Kelce in “Honey” and “Wi$h Li$t,” and about a potential crush from the past in “Ruin The Friendship,” these are light love songs that imbue cozy and intimate feelings.

“The Life of a Showgirl” is finished off with a track of the same name. The song features Sabrina Carpenter, who opened for Swift on the Eras Tour. The two singers’ voices complement each other beautifully, making a truly wonderful duet. The lyrics reflect the careers of both singers, explaining that although stardom isn’t what it seems, it is exactly what they wanted, and they wouldn’t give it up for anything. The soft guitar and percussion tie the melodies together, and the ending of the song, where Taylor says goodbye with audio similar to her farewells on the Eras Tour, crafts this song into the perfect closer of an incredible album.