Hi all! 

Today I am ranking/breaking down the deluxe version of Taylor Swift’s: The Life of a Showgirl – The Encore. Last week, fans learned they were getting 4 additional songs to celebrate the chart-topping success of her most recent album. Not only that, the music video for her lead single: Patient Zero, would debut at the VMA’s. As a die-hard Swiftie, I was absolutely thrilled. I’m never going to say no to more music from Taylor. Having said that, the tracks haven’t even been out a week yet and the absolute hate they’ve been getting is astronomical. I cannot open a single app without seeing a scathing critique. There is an opinion and then there is an onslaught of vitriol. I simply cannot understand it. I have them all on repeat! They are so fun and catchy. Not to mention, the music video is incredible. I’m here to spread some Tay-positivity. If you’re expecting a hot take, you’re not going to find it here. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

1.) Babylon 

In first place, I have Babylon. Not only is it my favourite track on The Life of a Showgirl now (sorry Elizabeth Taylor), it has also entered my top 50 favourite Taylor Swift songs of all time. Yes, I keep a list. For context, Evermore is my favourite album, so it stands to reason Babylon would resonate with me. It sounds like so many different tracks from that record (Long Story Short, Cowboy Like Me, Champagne Problems, It’s Time To Go, Right Where You Left Me etc). For those that want to argue her songwriting chops have expired, go listen to it. It’s so lyrically dense and poetic. I love everything about it. The verses, chorus, bridge, melodies, storytelling and central point she’s trying to make. Do I know who she’s singing about? No. Do I understand the message? Absolutely. Essentially, it’s about a man who doesn’t realise what he has until it is gone. He’s never present, nor satisfied – the grass is always greener. This life lesson – similar to the one shared in Ruin The Friendship – is super important to absorb. I am forever thankful Taylor gave it to us. 

Favourite lyric: “The self-harm of never being where you are.” 

2.) Patient Zero 

In second place, I have Patient Zero – the lead single. The song was great by itself. The music video (starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell), enhanced its excellence even more (see below). Taylor said the idea for the track came from fantasising about what would happen if her ex-partner’s girlfriend contacted her for information. It’s a storytelling prompt that inspired her to revisit The Tortured Poet’s Department, where some things were left unsaid. There are different theories as to who it’s about but I think the lyrics “free solo social climb” and “someone who had him and walked away” are very telling. In essence, the relationship was one of a toxic nature. It made her metaphorically ill. She is a guide for this new woman, advising her on what to and what not to expect. That opening fiddle and her smooth lower register are heavenly. Even my daughter wants it on repeat! 

Favourite lyric: “I know it seems like he shines so bright, but he’s bathing in your reflected light.” 

 

3.) Pink Clouding 

In third place, I have Pink Clouding, which is growing on me with every listen. In my opinion, it has the best production of the four. It feels like a cross between a 1989 vault track and a Lover outtake. I believe Taylor is reflecting on her past romantic endeavour with Tom Hiddleston. You could call it the sequel to Getaway Car. All these years later, she still feels remorse over how she treated him; genuinely concerned over his mental health. With breathy vocals and a killer metaphor, you cannot go wrong with this song. The only reason it’s lower on my ranking, is because I wish she slowed down in the bridge. She sings a touch too fast for me. Other than that, it’s a dreamy pop bop.  

Favourite lyric: “I wake up scared that I left scars on a good person.” 

4.) Cleveland! 

Last, but not least, we have Cleveland! – the song that is currently breaking the Internet. She wrote a song mocking her haters and guess what happened? The haters took the bait! Who is the real fool here? She wouldn’t have to write a track like this if she wasn’t on the receiving end of such misogynistic, scathing critiques. You cannot poke a bear continuously and then get mad when the bear bites back. Those that have been following Taylor since the beginning (like myself), know this isn’t her first diss track. She wrote Mean in 2010, as a response to a journalist declaring she couldn’t sing. This is the same girl that released London Boy, ME!, Stay, Stay, Stay and more. That signature sense of humour has returned. The difference is, she’s genuinely happy now with her husband. If you cannot see that this is a tongue-in-cheek laugh at herself and her critics, I can’t help you. It may be in last place but I’m singing “my baby likes what he likes” at the top of my lungs. Try it sometime. You might just find yourself in on the joke. 

Favourite lyric: “Now I’m wearing white, so hate all you like.” 

Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank The Encore? 

Peace & Love xoxo