Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl currently holds a Metacritic rating of 70, based on 22 critic reviews (including one from our own Wren Graves). As it stands, it’s the second-lowest reviewed album of Swift’s career, just behind her 2006 debut (though it’s only a point below reputation at the moment, so the ranking could change). Either way, the consensus (so far) is that The Life of a Showgirl isn’t quite in the same league as some of her more critically acclaimed albums. That said, Swift doesn’t appear too concerned with the early reviews and remains confident that the album will be better appreciated as time goes on.
“I have a lot of respect for people’s subjective opinions on art. I’m not the art police,” Swift said in an interview with Apple Music. It’s like everybody is allowed to feel exactly how they want. And what our goal is as entertainers is to be a mirror.”
“And what I often love seeing my fans say is, ‘I used to be someone who didn’t relate to reputation. And now that I’ve been through some other things in my life, that’s my favorite album.’ Or, ‘I used to be a Fearless girlie, now I’m obsessed with evermore.’ We’re doing this thing for keeps,” Swift added. “I have such an eye on legacy when I’m making my music. I know what I made. I know I adore it, and I know that on the theme of what the Showgirl is, all of this is part of it.”
Taylor saying “I’m not the art police” 😂😭😭 pic.twitter.com/wA3EQ26xac
— That’s So Raven ✨️ (@pnwswiftie_13) October 7, 2025