Taylor Swift: fans and critics react to ‘catchy’, ‘goofy’ and ‘joyful’ The Life of a Showgirl

Swift’s new album has been praised for upbeat songs with a tighter focus and funny lyrics – though one track about Travis Kelce’s ‘magic wand’ has divided opinion

• The Life of a Showgirl review – dull razzle-dazzle from a star who seems frazzled

Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl, has arrived, with critics mostly praising the singer for releasing a tighter, funnier and more upbeat album than her previous.

On Friday the pop superstar said she was “so proud” of her album, writing on Instagram: “I can’t tell you how proud I am to share this with you, an album that just feels so right.”