The Guardian gives Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” a score of 40/100:
“dull razzle-dazzle from a star who seems frazzled” pic.twitter.com/7K6m48LiYu
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) October 3, 2025
The Life of a Showgirl review – dull razzle-dazzle from a star who seems frazzled
The reviewer finds Taylor Swift’s album to be musically forgettable and lyrically obsessed with rehashing old conflicts. Despite a few standout moments, they think the album fails to meet expectations, with its attacks on rivals coming across as tedious and unbecoming.
Taylor Swift’s new album is musically proficient but largely unmemorable, with only a few highlights like the chorus on “Elizabeth Taylor” and the emotional “Ruin the Friendship.” “Actually Romantic,” is criticized for a chord sequence that is nearly identical to the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?”. Lyrically, the album retreads well-worn conflicts with figures like Kim/Kanye and Scott Borchetta and needlessly attacks Charli XCX, making Swift’s focus on conflict seem tired and like she is “punching down.”