Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, has divided listeners’ reactions. On Oct. 3, the album debuted alongside a feature film. The album has sold 3.5 million copies worldwide as of Oct. 8.
Reactions among fans and critics have been mixed, despite its commercial success. XFM News hit the halls at Fanshawe College to gather students’ perspectives.
“Not my favourite album, but definitely happy that she’s released a new one,” said one student.
Another student said that it “sounds a lot like her 1989 album.”
Other students gave more positive feedback, praising the album’s catchy melodies.
Swift has publicly welcomed the buzzing discussion surrounding her work.
She said the polarising reactions were both good for the album, while speaking on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show on Tuesday.
“I welcome the chaos,” Swift said.
The album’s release was accompanied by the theatrical release of Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. It is a 90-minute film that premiered Oct. 3–5.
For many, the success of the film and the album exemplifies Swift’s massive influence in pop culture and her ability to create highly anticipated, multi-platform experiences. The debate over The Life of a Showgirl shows no signs of slowing down as discussions continue.
