By Laura Molloy
At the beginning of the month, Taylor Swift released her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. While there was much anticipation for the release, the reaction to the album has been far from positive. Many fans have described Swift’s new songs as cringey, like something you’d hear on TikTok, or just simply not good.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions when it comes to music. I personally was not a fan of THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT, which many Swifties cherish. However, this album has gained criticism not only in relation to the album’s music, but also to the album’s muse.
Many fans are blaming the quality of the album on the lack of Joe Alywn’s involvement. It’s hard enough to get over an ex, but it’s even harder when your fanbase credits him for your success in your career.
Many people have been debating since the album’s release that if good music can only be written when the artist is sad. Unfortunately for Taylor Swift, she recently got engaged which apparently means the end of her career. Comments have surfaced suggesting that her fiancé is “her Jeremiah” (a reference to the love triangle in the show The Summer I Turned Pretty).
At the end of day, the quality of the music an artist releases is down to them. No romantic partner should be taking the credit or blame for this. Taylor’s album may not be the same sad girl paino vibe fans were expecting, but it’s still her. Just as Taylor moves on with her life, so does her music.