The Life of a Showgirl: review, rankings & thoughts - Episode 75
If you’ve spent any time online in the last week, you know The Life of a Showgirl is on everyone’s mind.
I went into this album expecting a bold, theatrical pop comeback — a peek behind the curtain of the Eras Tour and something very reputation-coded.
And it delivered in some ways — but it also surprised me.
The Life of a Showgirl feels softer and more reflective in places, exploring love, fulfillment, and the mystery of happiness in a way that feels very Lover-coded. It’s confident, self-aware, and beautifully detailed.
Collaborators Max Martin and Shellback (who helped shape 1989 and Red) returned to work their pop magic, and as The New York Times’ Popcast said, “everything is in its right place — it sounds expensive, sentences end when they’re supposed to, and she’s back to focusing on moments and details.”
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: Chicago vlog is live on YouTube!
What Austen is consuming this week: The Wrong Paris movie starring Miranda Cosgrove on Netflix—cute but predictable
In this episode:
First, here is my track-by-track breakdown:
The Fate of Ophelia
The perfect opening track — a post-Tortured Poets anthem that flips tragedy into triumph.
It’s got a catchy beat, clever lyrics, and a TikTok-ready hook.
“Pledge allegiance to your hands, your team, your vibes.”
Elizabeth Taylor
A cinematic standout inspired by the Hollywood icon herself.
“Under bright lights they withered away, but you bloom.”
This one reflects on fame, resilience, and legacy — much like Clara Bow from TTPD.
Opalite
A glittering, nostalgic bop about remembering old loves and moving on.
“Failure brings you freedom.”
There’s even a nod to Right Where You Left Me where she sings “You finally left the table,” a callback to the lyric “Help, I’m still at the restaurant.”
There’s also a subtle lyrical wink that fans have interpreted as referencing Travis Kelce’s ex. Taylor’s become one of the most famous NFL WAGs in pop culture.
If you loved following that crossover, you’ll also love Episode 69: NFL 101, where I break down football basics, fantasy leagues, and the celebrity side of the game — from Simone Biles to Olivia Culpo.
Father Figure
One of the most powerful tracks lyrically and thematically.
Taylor described this song as being in part inspired by Succession’s Logan Roy, it’s about reclaiming power — personally and professionally.
“They don’t make loyalty like they used.”
This one feels reputation meets The Godfather, and it’s a lyrical standout.
Eldest Daughter
Fans were mixed on this, but I enjoyed it, especially the bridge.
A sharp take on identity, expectations, and resilience — with one of the best bridges on the album.
“We lie back, a beautiful, beautiful time-lapse…”
Ruin the Friendship
An emotional slow-burn about an almost-love that never was.
“Should’ve kissed you anyway.”
Doesn’t totally match the album’s vibe, but it’s a heartfelt tribute to how teenagers feel with an unexpected third act twist.
Actually Romantic
A cheeky diss track with Mean Girls energy — rumored to be about Charli XCX or Olivia Rodrigo.
It’s dramatic, theatrical, and fits under the showgirl umbrella.
Wi$h Li$t
A poppy, Lover-coded track that’s hard not to sing along to.
“Boss up, settle down, got a wish list — I just want you.”
Wood
A superstition-filled bop with playful lyrics and plenty of wink-wink moments. I’m calling this Taylor Swift’s Disco Stick.
“Forgive me it sounds cocky he (ah)matized me and opened my eyes.”
CANCELLED!
Dark, mysterious, and internet-era reflective.
“Good thing I like my friends cancelled — cloaked in Gucci and in scandal.”
It’s reputation-coded, cynical, and confident.
Honey
A song for the glass-half-full girlies.
“Be my forever night stand.”
It’s seriously underrated as far as Spotify plays go, but I loved the jazzy part after the second verse and how the song flips previously negative comments into positive interpretations.
The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)
The grand finale — meta, theatrical, and self-aware.
“You don’t know the life of a showgirl, babe.”
The Broadway-style bridge seals it as one of her best closing tracks ever.
Visual aesthetic & symbolism
Visually, this album is stunning — greens, oranges, vintage glam, and a cinematic energy that feels both modern and timeless.
Each track ties to a color, creating a sensory palette that mirrors her storytelling.
Overall thoughts
The first four tracks are flawless and flow beautifully together.
Thematically, the album’s mix of love, power, and self-reflection stands out — though a few songs (Ruin the Friendship, Wi$h Li$t) feel slightly out of place.
Still, this era’s visuals, confidence, and storytelling easily place it mid-tier among her discography — not her most iconic, but far from her weakest.
My personal song ranking
The Fate of Ophelia
The Life of a Showgirl
Father Figure
Honey
Wi$h Li$t
Opalite
Elizabeth Taylor
Eldest Daughter
CANCELLED!
Ruin the Friendship
Actually Romantic
Wood
My updated Taylor Swift album rankings
Speak Now
folklore
reputation
1989
TTPD
Red
evermore
Fearless
The Life of a Showgirl
Midnights
Taylor Swift
Lover
If you want to see how my full Taylor Swift album ranking has evolved over time, check out Episode 25: Ranking Every Taylor Swift Album — where I re-listened to every previous record in order, scored each track, and broke down my definitive list from Speak Now to Midnights.
Summary
The Life of a Showgirl is a confident, cinematic reinvention — playful, emotional, and meticulously produced.
It bridges the gap between Lover’s optimism and reputation’s bite, closing old chapters while starting new ones.
Whether you’re drawn to the pop perfection of The Fate of Ophelia or the introspective vulnerability of Honey, this album proves that Taylor’s still the ultimate storyteller — just now with a little extra sparkle and sequins.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple