So, where do I fall? Well, I loved it. I've never been tied down to specific music genre, especially when it comes to Swift, so the return to classic pop wasn't jarring to me. My favorite albums are Folklore, Tortured Poets, and 1989, if that gives you an idea. I love poetry, depth, sadness, yearning, and allegorical lyrics. But I also love to shake it to a simple pop song.
As someone who watched Swift go from country to pop to folk to bedroom pop, I wasn't upset that Showgirl was a true pop album. If anything, it felt like a return to classic pop. Danceable beats, simple lyrics, and a short list of songs. The sound is consistent and upbeat, making it feel like a cohesive album for the person who likes to shake it while bragging about their partner's... impressive tree. Above all else, Showgirl is fun, and I can get behind an album that's just fun.
Here's my track-by-track breakdown:
The Fate of Ophelia:
I can see why this was the single. The lower register makes it singable and the themes are a little more poetic to ease the newer Swifties into the classic pop style. The music video is gorgeous as well. I loved getting to see her Eras Tour dancers return after appearing in the Karma music video. Frankly, this song is one of my favorites on the album, and I don't really have more to say about it than that.
Elizabeth Taylor:
I didn't expect to like this song. To be entirely honest, I thought this one might end up being my least favorite when I first peeked at the track list. The thrum of bass at the start of the chorus captured my heart and whisked it back to the first time I ever heard Reputation, and from that moment, I knew Elizabeth Taylor was my favorite on the album. If you want to hear this songwriting trio at their best, this is your track.
Opalite:
Cute, cute, cute! This song, which is the most Christmassy a non-Christmas song can sound, is one that I put on whenever I feel down. Something about it tickles my brain in just the right way - most especially the layered harmony on "love" right before the final chorus.
Father Figure:
So many people I know that loved this album don't like this song. I think that's rather unfortunate, since this is definitely one of the more poetic ones in the lineup. Maybe I'm biased because it reminds me of my Halcyon character (Persephone Morningstar). Either way, this is a great song. I think it's a very clever song, especially when the chorus switches to exclude the character she's speaking to after promising to protect them; I love a good betrayal song.
Eldest Daughter:
In my opinion, this one is the weakest. I expected a song with more of a gut-punch commentary on the overlooked eldest daughter. Instead, I got a song that talks about the cruelty of the internet and the desperation to fit in when you're nothing like the people you're trying to fit in with. I just didn't love this song.
Ruin the Friendship:
Yikes. This one hurt. Frankly, this song should've been track 5. For those who don't know, Swift has a history of putting her more heartfelt (and often sad) songs as the 5th track in an album. In this case, I think Ruin the Friendship has a stronger heartstring tug than Eldest Daughter and deserved the slot. Regardless, this is another one of my favorites off the album. It's catchy, powerful, and thankfully in my range.
Actually Romantic:
I thought this song was hilarious. It's very purposely nasally and carries a mocking tone that makes it all the more biting. Was it her best diss track? No, I still think that title belongs to This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things. Still, it's a lot of fun to blast with your girls down the highway with the windows down.
Wi$h Li$t:
Again, a very cute song. I was expecting something a bit more like The Man or You Need To Calm Down, and I enjoyed myself despite the shock. Her love for Travis is contagious and that certainly comes through in this song.
Wood:
Hilariously, this is my second favorite song on Showgirl. I know so many people were put off by the subject matter and I've been told I'm "wild" for loving this one so much, I just think it's funny to sing about your man's magic wand. She's living her best life, let her live it. It's catchy and clever and quickly rose to the top on my playlist for its ability to get stuck in my head all day.
CANCELLED!:
Close enough; welcome back Rep TV.
Honey:
I love Honey's formula break by starting with the chorus, but other than that, I have very few thoughts about it. It's a basic love song about a pet name he uses for her. Very precious.
The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter):
This is one of the more brilliantly written songs on the album. It manages to work great for both of their voices and sound like a song Sabrina Carpenter herself would write while still being cohesive with the rest of the album. Although I still wish Carpenter collaborated on Actually Romantic or Wood, this is a great song for the both of them and I want a remix yesterday.
Top Five Songs:
1. Elizabeth Taylor
2. Wood
3. Ruin The Friendship
4. The Fate Of Ophelia
5. Father Figure
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