The Fate of Ophelia
Certified banger. Keeps her literary references (Ophelia, but make it a bop), flips them into something upbeat and happy. Feels like the thesis of the whole album: she used to be sad, reflective, drowning in metaphorical rivers, but she’s been saved from her tragic fate. Now we get a pop album to celebrate. Honestly? Shakespeare could never.

Elizabeth Taylor
Solid follow-up. Continues the themes from the opener, production is fun, and the drums are BACK. 

Opalite
So much fun! About creating man-made happiness, just like opalite is man-made (and shoutout to our favorite Kansas Citian, Travis Kelce, whose birthstone this is). 

Father Figure
Taylor sings about buying her masters back like a boss. She doesn’t just own her work — she is the music industry. Scooter Braun is crying somewhere.

Eldest Daughter
Switches up the vibe (maybe necessary after the strut of the last track). Looks at why Swift became who she is. Some say the lyrics are shallow and expected more depth. Personally, my issue isn’t the words — it’s the production which feels kind of boring.

Ruin The Friendship
Meh. Not terrible, not memorable. A filler track you skip after the second listen.

Actually Romantic
Iconic. Should honestly be sung by Reneé Rapp.  People think it’s a diss track aimed at Charli XCX (a response to “Sympathy is a Knife”), which… fair. But Taylor has a long line of haters, from pop girls to the literal President Donald Trump. So this could be about anyone! Either way, it’s deliciously petty.

Wi$h Li$t
I support her dreams, but in this political climate, do I want to listen to Taylor sing about wanting to be a tradwife? Not really. Still, she’s allowed to put “wife and mom” on her vision board. (We all had embarrassing Pinterest boards in 2014, let’s not judge too hard.)

Wood
My favorite track on the album. It’s stuffed with double entendres, and while some people have called lines like “new heights of manhood” cringe, I think it’s hilarious. Let her be goofy! Let her flirt! If we survived “Me!” we can survive her being horny.

CANCELLED!
This one stirred the pot. Critics called it tone-deaf and privileged. And yeah, she is a billionaire. But here’s the thing: she owns it. The song balances her acknowledging unfair criticism while also flexing that her life is actually great. She’s not pretending to be a struggling underdog anymore, she’s saying, “Yup, I’m rich, famous, and thriving, and you still hate me.” 

Honey
Sweet but not a standout. The lyrics are solid though, about how pet names used to feel condescending, but now that she’s in love, they’re actually… well, honeyed. Cute, but not the one I’ll be replaying.

The Life of a Showgirl (Ft. Sabrina Carpenter)
My least favorite. It may be the title track, but it doesn’t capture the themes or energy of the album at all. Sabrina kills the bridge, but the rest? It feels like they cut a Midnights B-side and just slapped it here for marketing.

Key Takeaways

• Taylor Swift is a millennial, which means some lyrics are destined to be “cringe.” (Sorry, Gen Z, she’s not writing exclusively for TikTok captions.)
• She is in love. Like, nauseatingly, hopelessly, Disney-princess-in-the-last-ten-minutes-of-the-movie in love.
• She knows she’s on top, and at this point nothing can stop her (Father Figure, CANCELLED!, Actually Romantic).
• Despite the album’s title, this isn’t really about the gritty behind-the-scenes life of a showgirl. It’s about Taylor winning. In love, in fame, in life. It’s her victory lap, moving from sad-girl reflections to upbeat, sparkly triumph.

Pop and football fans alike were in for the shock of a lifetime last month when the nation’s sweethearts, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, announced that they were officially engaged. The creative caption used to encapsulate this moment was: your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married, and honestly, everybody was ecstatic. The relationship between the football star and the pop star began in the summer of 2023 and took the world by storm. 

Their romance began, as explained on the Travis’ and his brother, Jason, podcast New Heights, when the football player insisted on seeing Taylor at one of her concerts simply because he wanted to meet her. The original plan was for Travis to pass off a signature friendship bracelet, a tradition that became popular at Swift concerts, but instead he walked away with more than just a bracelet. According to Swift on the New Heights Podcast, the football star was enchanted to meet her and blurted out, “I want to date you,” and the rest was history.

Their relationship immediately after the concert took over social media and NFL coverage alike with Swifties losing their minds every time the two were spotted in public. Fast-forward two years after their first meeting and the fan-based dream came true. The proposal took place in a beautiful garden located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and looked as dreamy as one of Taylor’s Eras Tour performances. Flowers surrounded the couple as Travis got on one knee and popped the question. 

The antique ring was an elongated cushion-cut diamond and was handcrafted in 18k gold. No official price for the ring has been discussed, but in an article published by author Brides Benjamin Khordipou, at Estate Diamond Jewellery, estimated the piece to be around $550,000. This ring was just the beginning of the world’s speculations about the wedding. The theories for the wedding dresses, bridesmaids and future drama are the hot topic of gossip sites, even though the couple hasn’t even been engaged a full month.

The leading theory is that the couple will participate in an intimate ceremony with the hopes of not drawing attention. However the question remains: will this be possible with the wedding being the most anticipated event of the year? Many are beginning to refer to it as the American version of a royal wedding, and it doesn’t seem too far from the truth. As Swifit’s song is titled, this relationship is truly “So Highschool” in the sense that it’s a classic love story from start to finish, and fans can’t wait to see what happens next. 

Photo by Gustavo Spindula via Uplash.

Redesigning Pop 

At the core of this resurgence is how pop stars have fundamentally redesigned the genre, blending sounds and aesthetics from various subcultures and expanding its reach. Charli XCX, often regarded as a pioneer in this modern iteration of pop, has embraced chaotic, experimental elements to produce songs that are simultaneously mainstream and subversive. Her 2022 mixtape CRASH, often labeled “bratty pop,” challenged the polished image of female pop stars. Charli XCX’s blend of rebellion, humor and irony in her work offers a counter-narrative to the notion that female pop artists must conform to a certain image to succeed.

The concept of “brat summer” tied to Charli XCX’s work has become emblematic of a new kind of feminism in pop culture: one that embraces imperfection, loudness and a certain unapologetic messiness. Interestingly, the aesthetic and themes surrounding “brat summer” have also made their way into political campaigns. Politicians, especially women, have adopted elements of this rebellious, punk-like pop persona to stand out and challenge patriarchal norms in the political sphere. 

The Queer Pop Renaissance

The rise of openly queer pop artists has been another significant aspect of this pop resurgence. Singers like Renee Rapp and Chappell Roan are not only making waves in the industry but also creating spaces for queer identities to flourish in mainstream music. These artists embody a growing acceptance of fluidity in both gender and sexuality, pushing the boundaries of traditional pop narratives.

Renee Rapp, who started in musical theater, brings an emotionally charged authenticity to her pop music, blending personal stories of queerness with universal themes of love and heartbreak. Her music resonates with young listeners who are navigating their own identities, offering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Similarly, Chappell Roan, known for her flamboyant performances and unapologetic queerness, brings joy and celebration to her music, making queer identity not just something to fight for but something to celebrate on grand stages.

These queer pop stars are flipping the script on how women, especially queer women, are perceived in the music industry. Historically, female pop stars have been hypersexualized and scrutinized under a misogynistic lens, but these artists reclaim their narratives, pushing against harmful stereotypes and asserting autonomy over their music, image and message.

Taylor Swift: A Global Force of Change

One cannot talk about the modern pop landscape without mentioning Taylor Swift, whose world tour in 2023 became more than just a musical event; it was a cultural phenomenon. What makes Swift’s resurgence so powerful is how she has managed to wield her platform to speak against misogyny and double standards in the industry. From reclaiming her master recordings to writing songs that address the public’s obsession with her dating life, Swift’s career has been a testament to perseverance in an industry that often seeks to tear women down. Her Eras Tour in 2023 became a symbol of empowerment, showcasing the various phases of her career. 

Swift’s influence also sparked conversations about gender disparity in the music industry. The fact that her tour became the highest-grossing by a female artist in history was not just a commercial success, it was a significant cultural moment that pushed back against the narrative that women in pop are disposable or merely trend-chasers.

Rising Voices, Challenging Norms

Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter represent another facet of pop music’s resurgence. Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR was a massive success, largely because of its raw, unfiltered portrayal of teenage angst, heartbreak, and identity. Rodrigo’s songwriting taps into the universal experiences of young women, amplifying voices that are often dismissed as “hormonal” or overly emotional. By doing so, she challenges the industry’s tendency to devalue the voices and stories of young women.

Sabrina Carpenter, often caught in the media whirlwind surrounding Rodrigo, turned the attention into an opportunity to showcase her own talents and complexities. Carpenter’s music has evolved from her Disney roots to something more mature, reflecting the struggles young women face when trying to carve out their own identities in a world that seeks to define them.

Both Rodrigo and Carpenter navigate the complexities of modern femininity and womanhood, using their music as a platform to confront misogynistic tropes. Their success underscores a broader trend in pop music where young female artists no longer feel the need to adhere to industry expectations. Instead, they are shaping their own paths, with full control over their voices and images.

Pop Music in Economic Uncertainty  

Another aspect that has pushed forward this pop resurgence is the idea of pop as “recession music.” Pop music, compared to other forms of entertainment, is relatively affordable and accessible. Even in difficult financial times, people can listen to music on the radio, through streaming services or via social media. This low-cost access to music makes pop a go-to form of entertainment during recession.

In times of economic uncertainty, people often turn to accessible forms of entertainment to escape the stresses of daily life. Pop music, with its infectious hooks, glittering production and uplifting energy, offers an immediate sense of relief.

Conclusion

The resurgence of pop stars and the redesign of pop music during the current economic recession reflects both cultural and economic realities. Pop stars like Charli XCX, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and queer artists like Renee Rapp and Chappell Roan are not just dominating the charts—they are redefining what pop music can be in a time of crisis. Their ability to blend themes of empowerment, escapism and rebellion with accessible, emotionally resonant music has made pop the perfect soundtrack for a generation grappling with economic uncertainty, societal shifts and personal challenges.

Taylor Swift has also consistently used her wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the lives of her fans, workers and peers. Some examples include paying off fans’ student loans, donating to sick families and individuals suffering through economic hardships, providing significant financial support for local food pantries, lending aid following natural disasters and giving massive bonuses for her truck drivers. Swift is also widely credited for encouraging approximately 35,000 Americans to register to vote in a single day following a post made to Instagram by the artist. As such, fans look to Swift not only as an artist but also as a role model.

However, in 2024, an increasing amount of attention has been focused on whether or not Taylor Swift’s private jet usage is ethical, dividing and conflicting fans. The controversy stems from the environmental impact of private jets, which contribute to climate change through the release of CO2 emissions. While all flights are collectively responsible for the release of more carbon emissions than any other form of travel, flights in private jets are five to 15 times more polluting than flights taken via commercial aircraft. A private jet is capable of emitting two tons of CO2 in just an hour. For context, the average person emits about 16 tons of CO2 in an entire year, equivalent to just eight hours in a private jet by the previous figure. 

In 2023, Taylor Swift utilized her two private jets, a Dassault 7X and a Dassault 900, to keep up with a demanding tour schedule. Jack Sweeney, a college student at the University of Central Florida who previously angered Elon Musk by tracking his private jet usage, began releasing similar information regarding Taylor Swift on the popular social media platform, X (previously known as Twitter). Elon Musk has since banned Sweeny’s account for exposing what Musk referred to as “assassination coordinates.”

According to the data collected from Sweeny’s private jet tracker, Taylor Swift flew approximately 178,000 miles in 2023, resulting in an estimated 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions. This included a 34-minute flight from Hollywood to Las Vegas and what Sweeney suggests are likely “maintenance flights” such as one 8-minute flight from Missouri to Illinois that Google Maps estimates would take 21 minutes by car. Swift’s representatives have noted that the artist is likely not in the aircraft during the shorter flights that have been a point of mockery on social media platforms. Representatives have also noted that at least one of the jets is regularly loaned out to other individuals.

Taylor Swift’s legal team has since threatened legal action against the UCF student, stating that they would have no choice but to pursue “any and all legal remedies” if this were to continue. Sweeny received a cease and desist letter in which Swift’s attorney, Katie Wright Morrone, claimed that his behavior was “threatening” and could only be attributed to intent to “stalk, harass, and exert dominion and control.” Further, Morrone argued that there was “no legitimate interest in or public need for this information.” Sweeny’s attorneys maintain that the student has done nothing unlawful, and Sweeny stated that he believes in the importance of transparency and public information.

In compiling my research, I decided to poll students at William Jewell College to learn how Taylor Swift’s private jet usage impacts their perception of the artist. Of the 34 students who completed my anonymous survey, 76.5% answered that they view Taylor Swift in a more negative light because of her private jet usage. Additionally, 32.4% of students answered that they felt less inclined to listen to Swift’s music, and 47.1% answered that they were less likely to purchase merchandise and concert tickets from the artist.

The remaining percentages  (23.5%, 67.6%, and 47.1% retrospectively) consist of students who stated Taylor Swift’s private jet usage did not change their perception of the artist one way or another for reasons such as little interest to begin with or an already negative perception. Also included are students who were unbothered by the private jet usage altogether. In the survey, no student stated that they viewed Taylor Swift in a more positive light after learning about her private jet usage. Likewise, no student stated that they would be more likely to listen to her music, purchase merchandise or attend her concerts after learning of her private jet usage. 

When interviewed directly on potential solutions, students suggested a variety of options to explore. Proposals ranged from systemic approaches such as higher taxes on luxury aircraft, investing in renewable energy and exploring net zero carbon solutions, to more direct approaches such as decreasing her entourage on flights by hiring local artists, minimizing usage by planning geographically efficient tours, and reducing usage altogether, especially when traveling locally for tour dates within the same region. 

While some suggested that traveling first class would be sufficient or that no change is necessary at this time, many who expressed concern suggested that private travel itself is not the issue and is a reasonable choice on account of the safety risks celebrities face. However, students highlighted factors such as abuse of privilege, perceived carelessness and a general lack of transparency as reasons for their frustration. Swift’s use of her private jet to attend the Super Bowl was cited as a primary example regarding abuse of privilege and perceived carelessness. 

One of Swift’s two luxury aircraft, her Dassault 900, appears to have been sold or transferred as of Jan. 30, 2024, according to Business Insider. Taylor Swift’s team has since continued to do damage control by releasing statements regarding her private jets. As of the time of this writing, no direct statements have been made by the artist herself based on the information available to The Hilltop Monitor. 

Taylor Swift has an overwhelmingly positive track record with appeasing fans and using yielding power to help spread positive change. Currently, Swift faces the challenging task of regaining support by finding innovative solutions to an important matter that impacts everyone she shares the planet with. A commitment to sustainability would provide a chance to regain trust amongst fans and act as an example for public figures around the world.