Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” was released on Friday, Oct. 3. The songs are upbeat, thanks to producers Max Martin and Shellback.

The album was certainly vulnerable. It explored the music industry and also themes that are prominent in her life: hatred, love, fame, and desire. Some parts were also very nostalgic. In the title track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” Sabrina Carpenter collaborated with Taylor Swift.

In the title track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” Carpenter’s experience in the music industry should have been included. The modern slang in “Eldest Daughter” is too timely. The high school lyrics in “Ruin the Friendship” feel immature. The simple lyrics in the album sound unexciting compared to Swift’s previous work, which used better writing techniques for simple lyrics.

In “The Fate of Ophelia,” Swift compares herself to Ophelia, a character in Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet.” In the play, Ophelia drowns in sadness after losing her partner and decides to kill herself. Instead of dying, like Ophelia does in the play, love and hope saves Swift. The song shows how you can overcome pain and heartbreak with the help of the people around you.

“I kind of listen to her, but I haven’t heard the new album,” said Zoey Hamaguchi, a junior at Mark Keppel High School. Hamaguchi also shared, “I heard from others that it sucks, though.”

“I love it,” shared Olivia Rodriguez, a sophomore at Mark Keppel High School. “I think it’s very complex and well thought out.” 

Overall, this album is a solid 7/10. This album certainly had its strengths but also many weaknesses. The album, overall, makes the listener feel her vulnerability. It also helps the listener indulge in her desires and happiness.