In conjunction with the release of "The Life of a Showgirl," Swift released an 89-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album that only played in theaters from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5.

Swift's 12th studio album returns to her pop roots, with lots of love-struck lyrics and upbeat melodies. But it's also a warning about the darker side of an industry she has battled — and bested.

Another Taylor Swift album, another poignant Track 5 to listen to on repeat.After The Life of a Showgirl officially dropped at 12 a.m. ET on Friday, Swifties quickly went to work attempting to dissect the meaning behind the lyrics of each and every song on the 12-track pop extravaganza.

Taylor Swift challenges the idea that she's about to quit music to become a wife and mom, calling the fan-sparked theory 'a shockingly offensive thing to say.'

Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

The kaleidoscopic videos blend into each other, and Swift's introductions to the songs can't give them the hooks that only "The Fate of Ophelia" has.

The Official Release Party of a Showgirl’ set records—and tested workers’ patience—when Swifties descended for the three-day celebration at AMC Theatres.

Melber said one of Swift’s most talked-about new songs, “Actually Romantic,” could describe “Trump’s fixation” with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In one of the more dramatic business developments in pop music history, Taylor Swift has purchased her catalog of recordings that were initially released through Big Machine Records, after six years of transfers and turmoil.