New Heights Podcast

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announcing the release of The Life of a Showgirl

On October 3rd, 2025, Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” was released through Republic Records. 

Swift recorded the album while performing on the European leg of her Eras Tour. The album, which was teased through a countdown clock on Swift’s website, was officially announced on Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast.

The album presents new themes within Swift’s ever-evolving discography. Most notably, fans note a shift away from the more depressive topics seen in her last album, “The Tortured Poet’s Department,” toward a more joyful and upbeat tone in “The Life of a Showgirl.” 

“I just have a tendency to like sadder Taylor Swift music,” said Nikki Nesi, an English teacher at Danbury High School (DHS). “It’s upbeat and fun and lively, but it’s just not quite as bubble gum pop.”

However, not everyone shares the same opinion about the subject matter found in Swift’s new album. 

“Taylor Swift is going to continue to try to capitalize on the same idea over and over again,” said Alana Silva, DHS senior. “All of the songs sounded like I was not hearing them for the first time.”

“The Life of a Showgirl” leans into the genres of pop and soft rock, contrasting with the synth-pop and chamber-pop roots found in her previous album. The 12-track album focuses on Swift’s personal life during the Eras Tour, containing love songs seemingly inspired by her relationship with Travis Kelce. 

Nevertheless, a few songs on the album directly relate to Shakespeare’s works — a choice that some listeners find confusing, while others see it as a lyrical sophistication. 

“I really liked ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, just because I’m an English teacher and I love this idea,” said Nesi. “She’s being saved from Ophelia’s fate because she drowns, and that’s the album cover.”

The album cover features a photo of Swift partially submerged in water, wearing a jeweled body suit, and looking directly at the viewer.

While the upbeat and lively nature of her new album might be a pleasant listen for some, others have pointed out the instrumental similarities between several of the tracks and existing popular songs. 

However, others see these similarities as creative experimentation rather than repetition. 

“One of the songs sounds like the beginning of Circles by Post Malone. She’s experimenting, and it’s pretty cool,” said Nesi. 

Nonetheless, some may view the similarities between songs as a definitive negative. 

“‘Actually Romantic’ seems to have the same notes as “Where Is My Mind?” by [The Pixies],” said Silva. “It has the same exact notes, and I don’t really like it.”

Ultimately, “The Life of a Showgirl” has divided listeners, marking a new era in Taylor Swift’s career, both visually and musically. 

“I think there will be haters regardless,” said Nesi. “But, as time goes on, I feel like people will remember this album with the same fondness they have with her other albums.”