On October 3rd, 2025, Taylor Swift released her twelfth studio album, titled The Life of A Showgirl. One week later, and it has already broken several records. “…The album has surpassed 3.5 million equivalent album units, representing consumption across both sales and streaming.” (Variety) This title was previously held by Adele.
On Spotify, “The Fate of Ophelia” has over 128 million streams, 30 million happening on the day of its release. The album boasts 384 million listens on Apple Music. Both services’ numbers are growing significantly, rising in millions each day.
Musically, the album is a mix of soft rock, disco, and pop with retro (and country!) influences. Bass and synthesizer are prominent.
But what does Tumwater High School think of Taylor’s new album?
“It was okay,” says Makenna McMinneman. “Some previous albums were better.”
A senior, Cassidy Dode, states, “It’s not the greatest but it could be better!”
Molly Olsen, who has listened to clips of songs, agrees: “It was good. But I’ve definitely heard better.”
On the other hand, an anonymous junior has a differing opinion. “I loved it all SO much. This is Taylor’s peak. It’s clear how happy she is.”
Some students had never heard The Life of a Showgirl, and we played short clips of “The Fate of Ophelia,” asking them to rate it on a scale of one to ten, and why they thought that.
Bennett Brown, freshman, gave it a five out of ten. He personally wouldn’t listen to it, but it was okay.
Latryell Locke, another freshman, would give it a seven out of time, for similar reasons as Bennett.
Lastly, junior Isaac Mulder has a strong reaction. He rates the “The Fate of Ophelia” clip a one out of ten, and when asked why, claims it’s because Taylor Swift is affiliated with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Overall, The Life of A Showgirl has impacted many people for different reasons. Go give it a listen and form an opinion of your own!
