It has been roughly a month since Taylor Swift released her twelfth studio album, The Life of A Showgirl, and, like every Swift album, it has broken the music charts yet again. On its release day, The Life of a Showgirl became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day this year (earning that title in less than eleven hours). During its first week of release, it sold more than 3.4 million copies, breaking the record for the most albums sold in a single week in the United States. Even weeks later, songs like “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” and “Elizabeth Taylor” still dominate charts like the Billboard 100 and show no signs of relinquishing.
That being said, in the weeks since release, “Swifites” all over the globe have expressed a wide range of reactions to this album. With the pop star’s exploratory style of songwriting and producing, fans never know what to expect when an album or single drops. With the internet divided on such a massive album release, I took to the hallways of Collinsville High School to find out exactly what local Swift fans have to say about this. I reached out to new and old fans, spanning a wide range of ages, genders, and musical tastes, to gather a diverse set of opinions.
With all the hype surrounding the latest album, a veteran Swiftie, senior Madyson Mitchell, prefers an album from the past, as she grew up listening to the singer with her mom. Her initial reaction to this new album wasn’t positive; in fact, she noted feeling disappointed at the decline in lyrical emphasis.
“A big reason I’m a fan of Taylor Swift is for her lyricism,” said Mitchell.
She did mention that the album has grown on her since its release, as the “light and feathery” feel has appealed to her the more that she’s listened. Mitchell ended with the hope that Swift will focus on her signature poetic lyrics again in the future.
“She is an incredible writer, and has the creativity to put out such substantial works.”
A more recent but still devoted Swifite, senior William O’Boyle, liked the new album but sees why some may think differently.
“I think a lot of people were underwhelmed by it after the lyricism of The Tortured Poet’s Department, but I have always loved a good pop album, so I think it lived up to my specific expectations,” said O’Boyle.
Though he admitted to finding certain lyrics odd, he also noted that in the weeks since the release, he has grown to enjoy and resonate with the music. He also commented on the vibe of this album and praised Taylor’s self-work.
“I think this is the first album I’ve listened to where you could feel the happiness in the music…This era has a truly jolly undertone, and I think we will be hearing a lot more of that in her musical future.”
CHS English teacher Darrin Neuber has been a longtime Swift fan. Similar to Mitchell, Neuber gave the impression that he appreciates Swift for her lyrical talents.
“I think I enjoyed a lot of her earlier works better,” said Mr. Neuber. “I like more folky, or else traditional pop.”
While his initial reaction to The Life of a Showgirl wasn’t quite negative, he stated that his reaction was “neutral to positive,” and that he suspected it would eventually grow on him when he gets used to the “poppy-ness” of it. He does see the brilliance of the “Easter eggs” she places in her music (a great deal of fun for any bored Swiftie) and appreciates her ability to evolve.
“I know what I do not want, and that’s a return to country roots. I am not a country music fan,” said Neuber.
So, what does this research tell us about Swift? The short answer would be not much, as the globally renowned album The Life of a Showgirl will continue to stream on every platform until TS14 comes around. However, in each response, one thing is abundantly clear: there are multiple reasons why Taylor Swift is as popular as she is. Whether it be her musical variety, her lyricism, or her thoughtful production, many factors make up a Swiftie because she provides something for everyone. Each era connects to listeners at different points in their lives, which is why her fanbase is so loyal— she is and has always been relatable. Though some fans like her new work more than others, even at CHS, the fan discourse proves that the love for Taylor Swift isn’t stopping anytime soon, just like her success.