If you like these tracks from ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ try these Taylor Swift songs next

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As a huge Taylor Swift fan, I can honestly say her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” is something completely different for her – for better or worse. It really feels like she’s pushing boundaries and trying something unlike anything she’s done before. I’m really excited to dive in and see where she’s taking us with this one – you can find more details about the album here.

I’ve been listening to Taylor Swift’s new 12-track album, which came out on Friday, and honestly, it’s a bit of a surprise. She’s definitely pushing boundaries – more risqué than usual, and it feels like she’s really letting her inner performer shine through, maybe for the first time without holding back. It’s a pop record, of course, but in a lot of ways, it feels genuinely daringly new. Critics are a bit divided, but I’m finding it really interesting – a real departure for her, and I’m here for it! You can find more information about the album here.

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The popular singer builds on last year’s somewhat chaotic album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ with a polished new collaboration featuring Max Martin and Shellback.

Even so, each song on the album contains sounds reminiscent of the 14-time Grammy winner’s work over the years-ranging from the energy of Reputation to the sweet, playful feel of Lover.

Taylor Swift fans (Swifties) will likely be listening to “The Life of a Showgirl” constantly today. However, if it starts to feel repetitive after the 13th listen, here’s a list of similar Taylor Swift songs to check out, chosen based on your preferred song from the new album.

(Some song pairings are based on sound, while others are based on shared themes.)

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Taylor Swift revealed details about her upcoming album during an appearance on “New Heights,” a well-known podcast co-hosted by her partner, Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. For this project, Swift is moving away from frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff and is instead teaming up once again with producers Max Martin and Shellback.

“The Fate of Ophelia”

The first song on “Showgirl’s” has a smooth, sensual rhythm and a slow beat – perfect for a playful late-night drink or the closing scene of a darkly funny show.

You’ll find a familiar and captivating tune with a little something extra in “I Can See You,” a previously unreleased song from the 2023 album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” Plus, don’t miss the music video for “The Life of a Showgirl” – it’s full of the classic Taylor Swift theatrical style you love.

“Elizabeth Taylor”

This song is full of hidden meanings and features the album’s most expansive chorus. It’s driven by Taylor Swift’s captivating lower register and a brilliantly arranged beat that cleverly uses pauses and softer sections to create impact.

“Reputation’s” gradually popular song, “Don’t Blame Me,” employs a similar strategy, utilizing a powerful choral accompaniment to attain the same church-like feel that intricate vocal arrangements produce in “Elizabeth Taylor.”

Plus, both songs share a secret weapon: Swift’s irresistible enunciation of the word “baby.”

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The famous singer announced on Friday that she now owns her initial six studio albums, after a six-year period following Scooter Braun’s purchase of her former record label.

“Opalite”

Immediately recognized as a standout track – inducted into Swift’s “Glitter Gel Pen” song Hall of Fame – “Opalite” is the perfect song for dancing around your kitchen while enjoying a glass of orange wine.

Keep the good vibes going with what many consider Taylor Swift’s most overlooked gem, “Sweeter Than Fiction.” This sparkling song came out in 2013 as part of the soundtrack for the movie One Chance, and it lives up to its name – it’s as sweet as can be.

Worth noting: If you enjoy the sound of a tambourine more than a synthesizer, you might like “Lover”’s B-side, “Paper Rings.” While it’s better suited for dancing than electronic music, it still shares a similar vibe to “Opalite.”

“Father Figure”

A natural fit would be “The Man,” a song where Swift takes on a male character to demonstrate her power and confidence.

I don’t have much more to suggest than revisiting George Michael’s classic “Father Figure” (1987). The song has seen renewed interest recently after appearing in the 2024 film Babygirl. Taylor Swift sampled the song in her own track, also titled “Father Figure,” and the late singer’s estate happily approved the use.

Upon hearing the song, we immediately agreed to this collaboration between two incredibly talented artists, and we’re certain George would have felt the same way,” George Michael’s estate posted on his official Instagram account Thursday.

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I was so touched to see that Taylor Swift received a lovely public thank you from George Michael’s estate! It turns out she cleverly used a hook from his iconic song ‘Father Figure’ in her own track, ‘Life of a Showgirl’ – a really beautiful tribute, and it’s wonderful they acknowledged it. It just shows her respect for music history and her talent for weaving in influences.

“Eldest Daughter”

It feels a little uneven to compare these two songs-particularly considering one features Phoebe Bridgers and the other includes the lyric “I’m not a bad b-, and this isn’t savage”-but both “Eldest Daughter” and “Nothing New (Taylor’s Version)” express a similar sadness for the loss of youth, something a woman in her 20s understands well.

If you need a good cry, these two are here for you.

“Ruin the Friendship”

When it comes to powerfully sad nostalgia, this song might seem a little different from the rest of the album, but it’s a truly moving and beautiful piece nonetheless.

If you’re looking for another song that makes you feel nostalgic and a little sad, but without the upbeat tempo, you should definitely check out “We Were Happy.” It’s a previously unreleased track from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and it’s all about the pain of losing a young love. It’s a real tearjerker!

“Actually Romantic”

Although this supposed diss track aimed at Charli XCX might be particularly cutting for Taylor Swift, she’s known for subtly criticizing others. We can see this in the B-side from her album Reputation, “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” – which actually complements “Actually Romantic” quite well.

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For Taylor Swift, love-or what it means to her-has consistently been a safe haven, a way to get away from things, and a source of comfort during difficult times. It’s always felt like a place of protection.

In both songs, Swift doesn’t hold back, playfully delivering a cutting message to her rivals – imagine a beautiful bunch of flowers with hidden thorns.

These songs might not appeal to everyone, but every unusual piece of work finds its audience. And when it comes to “Actually Romantic,” Nicki Minaj appears to be a fan.

“Wi$h Li$t”

Highlighting the album’s more delicate tracks, “Wi$h Li$t”-which Swift has mentioned might be her personal favorite-is a sweet and heartfelt song dedicated to her fiancé, Travis Kelce. It features dreamy synth sounds and gentle singing from a singer who is clearly head over heels.

“I just want you” perfectly captures the feeling of “Glitch,” a catchy and upbeat pop song released in 2022 on the album “Midnights.” Listen to it, and you’ll quickly be moved to gently sway and lost in thoughts about a surprising love that you now cherish and couldn’t bear to lose.

If you’re looking for something a bit more cheerful, consider “Gorgeous,” a fun, upbeat pop song that’s just as captivating as the other songs we mentioned.– It’s a really sweet and enjoyable track.

“Wood”

This raunchy disco track had jaws dropping across the globe upon its release, and for good reason.

Though it might not be as immediately attention-grabbing, Taylor Swift’s “I Think He Knows,” a song from her album “Lover” that doesn’t get as much attention, is just as energetic and emotionally vulnerable. Plus, it’s well-known for having a tempo that’s ideal for confidently walking or dancing. What else could you want in a song?

Television

Taylor Swift appeared on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ and excitedly talked about how Travis Kelce ‘crushed it’ when he proposed. She also revealed that she included a lot more details about him in her latest songs.

“CANCELLED!”

This is the second song in Taylor Swift’s collection to have an exclamation point in the title (we’ll discuss that later), and it’s generally considered not her strongest work.

If you enjoy the energetic vibe Taylor Swift brings to this song, you can find even more of it in her live, rock-infused performance of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” She played this version during her 1989 World Tour, but hasn’t performed it since.

Here’s hoping the country crossover artist has another genre hop in her.

“Honey”

As the title suggests, “Honey” offers a soothing contrast to some of the album’s harsher tracks and sounds remarkably like Swift’s standout song, “‘Slut!’” – complete with its signature energy.

The vault track from “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” similar to “Honey,” playfully uses teasing nicknames to create a loving image of her significant other. While the lyrics aren’t particularly intricate, if the reaction to “‘Slut!’” is anything to go by, “Honey” is likely to become a beloved song among fans.

“The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)”

Finding a song that sounds like “The Life of a Showgirl” is a tall order, if not an impossible one.

If you’re looking for a song pairing based on a specific theme, consider “Clara Bow.” This track ends the first release of The Tortured Poets Department (2024) and offers a sad reflection on how quickly young female celebrities can fade from public view.

You know, as Swift and Carpenter so perfectly put it, “You don’t know the life of a showgirl, babe, and you’re never gonna wanna.” It really stuck with me – it’s a line that just captures something about the hidden realities and struggles, and honestly, sometimes it’s better not to know! It’s a fantastic quote, and I often think about it when I’m watching films that hint at a world beyond what’s immediately visible.

If you enjoy Taylor Swift songs that explore the downsides of being famous, you might also like “The Lucky One” from her 2012 album, “Red.”

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2025-10-04 02:33