Early this month, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, breaking records and setting waves through the music industry. Becoming Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day this year in less than 11 hours, the highly anticipated release was an immediate success.

The Life of a Showgirl comes nearly a year after the end of her record-breaking Eras Tour. With several of the same producers as her hit 1989 album, the new album delves into the vibrant world of live entertainment and life beyond the spotlight with the same glittery energy. Swift, from the first track, takes fans on a journey, combining history and modern references through her storytelling and lyricism.

“The Fate of Ophelia” incorporates timeless themes of fate and love and has a classic, catchy pop tune. As the album’s first single, it has also become the most-streamed song in a single day on Spotify. Swift additionally highlights other “showgirls” like famous 20th century Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor. Through a song in her name, Swift dives into how timeless showbusiness has always been and how perceptions keep celebrities fighting to stay at the top of their game.

She then dives into the present culture, with “CANCELLED!”, which is rumored to be about Swift’s close friend, Blake Lively. Lively’s reputation was largely tarnished following the It Ends With Us controversy, and the song revolves around how there’s some value and knowledge to be gained from getting cancelled.

The album even contains sampled music for some tracks, including “Wood,” which samples “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5. Her interpolation of other songs cleverly makes the album feel like a compilation of what it feels like to be a part of the music industry through the decades.

The title track, which comes at the end of the album, includes a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter. Carpenter was an opener on the Latin American leg of the Eras Tour, and her feature on the album contains audio from their final Vancouver show. The song itself details the challenges that come with a life in show business and encapsulates the carefully curated vibe of the album as a whole.

Compared to some of her past music, including the most recent, The Tortured Poets Department, this album serves as a return to her pop domination. Some of the tracks like “Eldest Daughter” have a calmer tone, but the majority of the songs are high-energy and upbeat.

What sets Swift apart from other artists is the thought she puts into each lyric and every aspect of her songs. “Opalite,” which is about making your own joy, is represented by how opal is a man-made jewel. Her lyricism also continues to be insanely poetic and clever, with lyrics of songs like Father Figure expressing complex themes in simple words and images.

From start to finish, the album is close to perfection. Highlighting historical figures, books of the past, and music that came before and crafting it into a cohesive album displays her distinctive combination of skill and hard work. Be it her lyricism or tunes and production, each component works in harmony and Swift’s dedication and talent definitely shine through.