The Life Of A Showgirl by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift The Life Of A Showgirl

66
ChoruScore
17 reviews
Oct 3, 2025
Release Date
Taylor Swift
Label

Review coming soon...

Critics' Top Tracks

The standout songs that made critics take notice

1

Wish List

1 mention

"That freedom to be basic also colors “Wish List,” the poppiest song here"
The New York Times
2

The Fate of Ophelia

14 mentions

"From the first Fleetwood Mac-inspired drumroll and melancholy keys of “The Fate of Ophelia,”"
Rolling Stone
3

Opalite

15 mentions

"Everything you lose is a step you take. It’s a lesson she even offers her lover in the bridge of “Opalite” when she sings “Failure brings you freedom.”"
Rolling Stone
That freedom to be basic also colors “Wish List,” the poppiest song here
T
The New York Times
about "Wish List"
Read full review
1 mention
73% sentiment

Track Ratings

How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.

View:
1

The Fate of Ophelia

14 mentions
100
03:46
2

Elizabeth Taylor

15 mentions
100
03:28
3

Opalite

15 mentions
100
03:55
4

Father Figure

13 mentions
80
03:32
5

Eldest Daughter

12 mentions
62
04:06
6

Ruin The Friendship

11 mentions
100
03:40
7

Actually Romantic

15 mentions
77
02:43
8

Wi$h Li$t

10 mentions
46
03:27
9

Wood

16 mentions
54
02:30
10

CANCELLED!

14 mentions
35
03:31
11

Honey

10 mentions
65
03:01
12

The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)

9 mentions
84
04:01

What Critics Are Saying

Deep insights from 17 critics who reviewed this album

Beats Per Minute logo
Beats Per Minute
Beats Per Minute
Oct 6, 2025
48

Critic's Take

Best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Elizabeth Taylor”, which the reviewer highlights as standout tracks for melody and cinematic pop ambition. The Fate of Ophelia is praised for Fleetwood Mac–like songwriting, singalong chorus and a memorable bridge, marking it the album’s best. Elizabeth Taylor is noted as a blueprint track with manic speak-singing and cinemascope pop, while Opalite and Actually Romantic receive mixed but specific attention. Overall the reviewer argues the album is unfocused despite a few strong tracks, framing these songs as the clearest highlights.

Key Points

  • The Fate of Ophelia stands out as the album’s best song for its melody, chorus and bridge.
  • The album’s core strengths are a few well-crafted pop-country moments and cinematic production, but overall it feels unfocused and derivative.

Themes

showgirl imagery disillusionment with glamour domestic bliss vs fame interpolations and references country-pop aesthetics
Pitchfork logo
Pitchfork
Anna Gaca
Oct 6, 2025
59

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl, notably “Elizabeth Taylor”, “Wood”, and “Actually Romantic”, stand out for their vivid callbacks and playful references that capture Swift’s pop instincts. The review highlights “Elizabeth Taylor” as emblematic of the album’s celebrity-minded lyricism and “Wood” for its Jackson 5-esque energy. “Actually Romantic” is noted for uncanny indie-pop resemblances that give it a memorable edge. Overall, the reviewer finds a few high points but criticizes the album for feeling predictable rather than a bold new direction.

Key Points

  • “Wood” is best for its throwback Jackson 5-like energy and memorable retro pop hook.
  • The album’s strengths are vivid pop callbacks, celebrity-minded lyricism, and a few standout nostalgic productions.

Themes

celebrity nostalgia pop spectacle romantic memoir marketing/era aesthetics
Slant Magazine logo
Slant Magazine
Jonathan Keefe
Oct 5, 2025
50

Critic's Take

Best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl are led by "Opalite" and the strong opening run, with "The Fate of Ophelia" and the first few tracks singled out as most engaging. The review cites "Opalite" as the standout chorus and praises the album’s opening for matching Midnights-era listenability. However, the critic argues much of the back half is the weakest work of her pop era, blaming uninspired production and a drop in songwriting caliber. Searches for "best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl" should look to "Opalite", "The Fate of Ophelia", and the early sequence for the album's highlights.

Key Points

  • “Opalite” is best for having the album’s most memorable chorus and standout production moment.
  • The album’s core strengths are its strong opening run and moments that recall Midnights-era listenability, but songwriting overall feels diminished.

Themes

persona as artifice authenticity vs artifice songwriting decline pop production references
New Musical Express (NME) logo
New Musical Express (NME)
Kristen S. Hé
Oct 5, 2025
60

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl are highlighted by ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ and ‘Opalite’, which the review singles out as the album’s lead love story and obvious radio single. Tracks like ‘Ruin The Friendship’ and the title track are praised for evocative storytelling and memorable callbacks, making them among the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl. The critic emphasizes Swift’s voice and lyrics over production, noting moments of genuine magic when she simply lets herself be. Overall, the review frames these songs as standout moments that balance playful satire with intimate memory-making.

Key Points

  • ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ is best for opening sweep and emotional payoff.
  • The album’s core strengths are Swift’s storytelling voice and lyric-focused performances.

Themes

romance and recovery celebrity and fame pastoral nostalgia vs. pop production playful satire
Paste Magazine logo
Paste Magazine
Ellen Johnson
Oct 5, 2025
63

Critic's Take

The Life Of A Showgirl’s best songs shine through sharp pop production and catchy melodies, with “Opalite,” “Father Figure,” and “Ruin The Friendship” highlighted as the album’s top tracks. Critics point to “Opalite” as having the most hit potential, “Father Figure” as a moody standout sampling George Michael, and “Ruin The Friendship” as a sleeper emotional centerpiece. While the album is praised for crisp production and unexpected melodies, its lyrical missteps and occasional tone-deaf moments temper enthusiasm. For listeners searching for the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl, start with Opalite, Father Figure, and Ruin The Friendship for the most rewarding moments.

Key Points

  • Opalite is the best song for its shimmery production and clear hit potential.
  • The album’s core strengths are crisp pop production and unexpected melodies, despite lyrical unevenness.

Themes

pop production celebrity life romantic devotion critique of fame lyrical unevenness
Sputnikmusic logo
Sputnikmusic
Sputnikmusic
Oct 5, 2025
70

Critic's Take

Best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include "The Fate of Ophelia", "Elizabeth Taylor", and "Opalite" — highlighted as catchy, melodic standouts driven by flawless production. The reviewer calls The Fate of Ophelia a potential best single in ages and praises Elizabeth Taylor and Opalite as earworms, framing them among the album's most infectious moments. While the record is praised as Swift’s most energetic pop since 1989, its lyrics and celebrity-themed content make emotional connection harder for longtime fans. Overall, the best tracks deliver immediate pop thrills even if the album lacks deeper replay value.

Key Points

  • The Fate of Ophelia is the best track due to its strong melodic virtues and single potential.
  • The album’s core strengths are infectious pop production and polished, energetic songs, despite lacking deep emotional resonance.

Themes

celebrity life overexposure polished pop loss of relatability
Variety logo
Variety
Chris Willman
Oct 3, 2025
92

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include "Opalite," "Ruin The Friendship," and "Wood," which the reviewer highlights as standout moments for their irresistible choruses, emotional punch and daring funk-pop. Opalite is praised as the album’s kinetic kick-start with a "pheromone rush" chorus, while Ruin The Friendship is called one of the prettiest songs Swift has written, balancing heartbreak and uplift. Wood is singled out as an outlier and possibly her most sexual song, giving the record a bold, groove-driven edge. These tracks exemplify why the album is often named among the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl: breezy, confident pop with emotional range and strong production choices.

Key Points

  • Opalite’s rushy chorus and Ruin The Friendship’s bittersweet beauty make them the album’s standout songs.
  • The album’s core strengths are confident, minimalist pop production and a sunny, ebullient focus on realized love with occasional sharp diss tracks.

Themes

love and romance sunny/ebullience revenge/diss tracks minimalist pop production sexuality and eroticism
The Line of Best Fit logo
The Line of Best Fit
Michael Hoffman
Oct 3, 2025
50

Critic's Take

The review highlights a few standout tracks — notably "Wood" and "Actually Romantic" — as moments where Swift’s experimentation and unguarded songwriting succeed. "Eldest Daughter" and "Father Figure" are presented as the record’s weightier companion pieces, though the latter is criticized for diluted impact. Several songs are described as catchy but not sticky, suggesting the album entertains without always landing emotionally. The latter half, including "Ruin the Friendship", is praised for lightness and cohesion, implying the best material lives toward the end.

Key Points

  • “Wood” is best for its bold, unexpected vintage-soul energy that succeeds as targeted experimentation.
  • The album’s strengths are Swift’s lyricism and moments of experimentation, but many tracks feel unfinished or lacking cohesion.

Themes

nostalgia theatricality performance and identity unfinished/rough edges
The A.V. Club logo
The A.V. Club
Mary Kate Carr
Oct 3, 2025
77

Critic's Take

Best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include “Ruin The Friendship,” praised as Swift in classic mode, and standout tracks like “Wood” and “Father Figure” for their provocation and bravado. The review identifies “Ruin The Friendship” as the album’s best track for its simple, tender storytelling, while “Wood” is called the most jaw-dropping and sure to be discussed. “Father Figure” is highlighted as an album highlight that revels in bravado. Queries for best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl are likely to find recommendations for “Ruin The Friendship,” “Wood,” and “Father Figure.”

Key Points

  • “Ruin The Friendship” is best for its simple, tender storytelling that recalls early Swift.
  • The album’s core strengths are confident production and moments of vivid bravado, but thematic confusion and imitation weaken many tracks.

Themes

reaction to online criticism identity crisis fame and its costs romantic nostalgia imitating peers
Rolling Stone logo
Rolling Stone
Maya Georgi
Oct 3, 2025
100

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl spotlight Taylor Swift’s reinvention and stadium-sized ambition, with “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” and “Actually Romantic” standing out. The Fate of Ophelia opens with Fleetwood Mac–inspired drums and melancholy keys that set an adventurous tone. Elizabeth Taylor packs scorching sonic choices and quotable lines that underline Swift’s pop dominance. Actually Romantic delivers gritty Nineties-rock energy and sharp lyrics, giving the album much of its edge.

Key Points

  • The Fate of Ophelia is best for setting the album’s adventurous sonic tone.
  • The album’s core strengths are bold reinvention, arena-ready production, and smart blending of eras.

Themes

superstardom reinvention showmanship personal triumph
Clash Music logo
Clash Music
Lauren Hague
Oct 3, 2025
60

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl highlighted by the review are “Opalite”, “The Fate Of Ophelia” and “Father Figure”, praised for catchy hooks, strong production and vocal moments. Reviewers point to Opalite as a radio-ready summer pop gem and The Fate Of Ophelia as the album's creative centre that fuels its themes. Father Figure is noted for letting Swift vocalize and reclaim creative autonomy, despite mixed delivery. These tracks stand out amid an album described as diverse but inconsistent, making them the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl for listeners seeking its strongest moments.

Key Points

  • Opalite is the standout for its catchy, radio-ready hook and bridge showcasing Swift’s upper register.
  • The album’s core strengths are theatrical production and moments of strong songwriting, but consistency and lyrical polish are lacking.

Themes

showmanship misogyny and societal pressure theatricality vs. consistency references to past eras
Consequence logo
Consequence
Consequence
Oct 3, 2025
80

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl center around sharp character and catchy production: “Elizabeth Taylor” stands out for its dramatic keys and grooving bass, while punchy singles like “CANCELLED!” and the biting “Actually Romantic” deliver memorable moments. Listeners seeking the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl will find its highs in those songs, though much of the album drifts into forgettable territory. Production by Max Martin and Shellback yields irresistible melodies but often blunts emotional specificity, leaving only a few truly standout moments.

Key Points

  • “Elizabeth Taylor” is best for its dramatic keys, grooving bass, and earworm quality.
  • The album’s core strengths are irresistible melodies and polished Max Martin–Shellback production, tempered by thin emotional specificity.

Themes

celebrity life self-awareness vengeful diss tracks nostalgia theatricality vs. restraint
The Guardian logo
The Guardian
Alexis Petridis
Oct 3, 2025
40

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl are highlighted by ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ and ‘Ruin The Friendship’, which deliver the album’s only truly killer chorus and genuine heart. Reviewers point to Wi$h Li$t’s unexpected key changes and Actually Romantic’s strong chord sequence as other standout moments. Overall, the album favors breezy soft-rock arrangements and personal domestic themes over the fizzing pop hooks of her past. For listeners searching for the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl, start with Elizabeth Taylor, Ruin The Friendship and Wi$h Li$t.

Key Points

  • Elizabeth Taylor is best for delivering the album’s lone indisputable chorus and memorability.
  • The album’s strengths are soft-rock production, intimate romantic themes, and a few standout songwriting moments amid overall unevenness.

Themes

romance and domesticity celebrity and spectacle soft rock production lyrical unevenness
The Telegraph (UK) logo
The Telegraph (UK)
Oct 2, 2025
60

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl are highlighted for their sharp lyrics and distinctive tones: CANCELLED! is praised as the boldest track and a clear standout, while Actually Romantic and Father Figure are called interesting outliers for their tart pop-punk bite and darker persona work. Elizabeth Taylor, Opalite and Wood are singled out for vivid luxury and rescue imagery, making them among the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl. Overall the album rewards listeners who want literate, romantic pop rather than earworm hooks.

Key Points

  • CANCELLED! is best for its sharp satire and lyrical boldness.
  • The album's strengths are literate songwriting, romantic themes and tasteful, mellow production.

Themes

romance showbiz rescue from solitude satire luxury imagery
Los Angeles Times logo
Los Angeles Times
Oct 2, 2025
60

Critic's Take

For listeners searching for the best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl, the review highlights "The Fate of Ophelia" and "Wish List" as standout pop tracks, praising their irresistible hooks and new-wave and electro-trap grooves. The review identifies "Wood" and "Elizabeth Taylor" as notable songs that exemplify the album’s playful eroticism and reflections on celebrity. Overall, the critic frames the album as expertly crafted radio-ready pop that nevertheless falls short of the depth found on her prior LP, making the lead singles the best tracks for casual and chart-focused listeners.

Key Points

  • The Fate of Ophelia is the best song for its irresistible hook and new-wave groove, positioning it as the album's lead pop single.
  • The album’s core strengths are precise pop craftsmanship and radio-ready hooks, though it lacks the emotional depth of her previous record.

Themes

pop craftsmanship celebrity romance hooks vs. depth
The Independent (UK) logo
The Independent (UK)
Roisin O'Connor
Oct 2, 2025
80

Critic's Take

Best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include "Elizabeth Taylor", "The Fate of Ophelia" and "Wood" — they showcase Swift’s strongest storytelling, dramatic orchestration and bravest sonic turns. Reviewers praise "Elizabeth Taylor" for its orchestral sweep and vivid Hollywood parallels, and call opener "The Fate of Ophelia" a sublime literary twist. "Wood" is highlighted as the album’s most outrageous and funky moment, while "Honey" and "CANCELLED!" provide compelling stylistic variety. For listeners wondering about the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl, these cuts are repeatedly singled out as standout moments that define the record.

Key Points

  • “Elizabeth Taylor” is the best song for its orchestral drama and vivid storytelling.
  • The album’s core strengths are adventurous sonic experimentation and sharp storytelling about fame and love.

Themes

experimentation celebrity scrutiny romance and vulnerability revenge and vindication nostalgia/throwbacks
The New York Times logo
The New York Times
Oct 2, 2025
80

Critic's Take

The best songs on The Life Of A Showgirl include “Actually Romantic,” “Wood,” and “Opalite,” which showcase Taylor Swift’s frisky songwriting and pop craft. “Actually Romantic” and “Wood” are highlighted for their bold, lustful lyrics and ecstatic guitar hooks, making them standout tracks. “Opalite” is praised as a classic Swift-Martin song with Fleetwood Mac hints and girl-group harmonies. These tracks demonstrate why the best tracks on The Life Of A Showgirl balance intimacy with pop oomph.

Key Points

  • “Actually Romantic” is best for its bold, leering lyrics and confident pop execution.
  • The album’s core strengths are intimate songwriting, pop clarity, and a balance of moving forward while settling scores.

Themes

moving on celebrity and fame romantic rebirth settling scores