As an experienced Swiftie, I was thoroughly ready for Taylor Swift’s most recent music release, “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.” My roommate and I even stayed up until midnight just so we could listen to the songs the moment they dropped; however, it’s safe to say we were at least a little disappointed by what we heard when we pressed play.
What is “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore”?
Almost a year ago, in October of 2025, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl” (TLOAS). This past week, Swift first announced that a new single, “Patient Zero,” would be dropping. This announcement had many Swifties excited for a new addition to her discography, while critics of TLOAS feared whether their reaction to this new single would mirror the disappointment they felt with her album. Shortly after, Swift revealed that there would be three other songs accompanying “Patient Zero” in the drop, which altogether would form the deluxe edition of TLOAS.
Why are Swifties split in their opinion of TLOAS: The Encore?
Taylor Swift has always categorized her music into three different styles, each defined by the kind of pen she metaphorically writes her lyrics with: a glitter gel pen, a fountain pen, and a quill. TLOAS is no doubt written with a glitter gel pen, while Swift’s other recent music has been written in alternative styles. In particular, TTPD, evermore, and folklore all had influence from both the fountain pen and quill styles.
Because of Swift’s dramatic shift in style, many Swifties and casual listeners may simply not enjoy the glitter gel pen style as opposed to her fountain pen or quill songs, while others really enjoy this style of Swift’s music.
What is my opinion?
Personally, I prefer Swift’s fountain pen and quill songs, but I do really enjoy the carefree spirit of her glitter gel pen songs; however, I found that the production in TLOAS: The Encore was a little off and definitely not my favorite of Swift’s discography, but, after listening a few times, I really started liking the lyrics.
Patient Zero
Patient Zero is the single that came out of this release, but it did not impress me. The instrumentals felt out of place, and Swift’s brief verse of switching up the beat was unnecessary. The lyrics, however, were enjoyable. While repetitive at times, her lyrics were creative and conveyed her experience well. It is sad to think that the song’s production may overshadow the lyrics.
Cleveland!
I probably enjoyed Cleveland! the least out of this release. Of all the songs, I found its lyrics were the least interesting and repetitive. I don’t really have much to comment on, as it didn’t really stand out to me.
Pink Clouding
Pink Clouding was a little confusing to understand at first, mostly because I had no idea what “pink clouding” even meant. Once I understood that it refers to the feeling of euphoria in the early stages of recovery, the lyrics became more digestible, and I could comprehend the message better. I always enjoy how Swift can take certain terms and create a whole song around them with a new meaning, like with Champagne Problems. The production on this one didn’t bother me as much as the other songs either.
Babylon
Out of the entire release, Babylon was definitely my favorite song. I felt the instrumentals and beat were very fitting to the flow of the lyrics and complemented each other. I also really enjoyed the message in the lyrics and her word choice in her storytelling. This song will definitely make it into my Taylor Swift playlist.
Bop or flop?
Overall, I feel like I am undecided on where I stand with Swift’s recent release. I was hoping for more music reminiscent of her folklore/evermore phase, but I suppose that era has ended for her. Maybe after a couple of listens, these songs will grow on me, just like how TLOAS took some time to warm up to. I really enjoyed most of the lyricism of these songs, but the production was not my favorite. I feel like a lot of the amazing lyricism wasn’t taken seriously due to the instrumentals and beat of the songs.
But, if I must give it a rating, I say it’s a future, hopeful bop!