Taylor Swift album slammed as 'dull' despite huge success

Taylor Swift fans queue for "The Life of a Showgirl" album release event in New York (Illustrative image) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

Taylor Swift has released her 12th studio album "The Life of a Showgirl," featuring 12 tracks in just 40 minutes. The announcement alone broke records when it garnered half a billion views on Travis Kelce's podcast, surpassing Donald Trump's Joe Rogan appearance. A launch event film has secured theatrical releases in over 100 countries, selling £12 million worth of tickets in its first day.

The album marks Swift's return to working with Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback, her first collaboration with the duo since 2017's "Reputation." Unlike her recent marathon releases, this represents a deliberate artistic shift toward concise songwriting. Swift recorded the album between Eras Tour dates, focusing heavily on her relationship with NFL star Kelce.

Mixed critical reception emerges

Critics have delivered polarising reviews of the new release. The album abandons Swift's recent electronic pop sound for breezy soft rock, featuring acoustic guitars and subtle orchestrations. However, reviewers note a distinct lack of memorable hooks compared to her previous collaborations with Martin and Shellback.

The standout tracks include "Elizabeth Taylor" with its killer chorus and "Ruin the Friendship," which references Swift attending the funeral of high school friend Jeff Lang. According to Metro, Swift flew back to her hometown for Lang's funeral, inspiring the heart-tugging track about romantic regret. "Wi$h Li$t" showcases impressive key changes, though other songs struggle to make lasting impressions.

Celebrity feud reignites

"Actually Romantic" appears to target Charli xcx, responding to her "Sympathy is a Knife" track from the acclaimed "Brat" album. The response came 16 months after Charli's original song, suggesting calculated timing on Swift's part. Critics question whether such feuds represent punching down given Swift's unprecedented global dominance.

"Cancelled!" revisits Swift's 2015-2016 controversies with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, while "Father Figure" targets former label boss Scott Borchetta. Both tracks employ Swift's signature "I-had-the-last-laugh" style, though critics argue the territory feels well-trodden.

Relationship content dominates

The album's primary focus centres on Swift's romance with Kelce, producing mixed artistic results. "Wi$h Li$t" explores domestic dreams that may resonate with Swift's aging fanbase, many now in their thirties considering family life. However, Swift's claims of disinterest in materialism ring hollow when she references £2,000-per-night Parisian hotels and exclusive Hollywood restaurants.

The track "Wood" has drawn particular criticism for its explicit metaphors about Kelce. Critics describe it as weak writing from someone known for sharp, incisive lyrics. Swift's estimated £1.3 billion fortune creates an awkward contrast with her professed rejection of yacht life and luxury.

Commercial success versus artistic questions

Despite pre-saving records on Spotify exceeding five million, the album raises questions about creative fatigue. The rushed production timeline and Swift's exhausting tour schedule may have affected the songwriting quality. Even supporters acknowledge the album falls short of expectations given the assembled talent.

"I'm immortal now," Swift declares on the title track, a boast that seems factual given her cultural dominance. Yet critics wonder whether romantic contentment and commercial pressure have blunted her creative edge, suggesting even immortal stars occasionally need breaks from pop's relentless demands.

Sources used: "The Guardian", "Evening Standard", "Metro", "The i", "BBC", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.