Let the Showgirl era begin: Taylor Swift’s new album is almost here

Swift has said to expect “bangers” on the 12-track Showgirl, and her reunion with Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback – responsible for her infectious Shake It Off and 22 – certainly suggests a pop-heavy outing.

Fans were excited about what Swift has called her “Portofino orange” theme.

The 31-year-old Kutek, who was attending a promotional event in the massive run-up to the release, said the colour was “very loud” and “gaudy”, but “in a good way”.

His friend Sydney O’Shaughnessy, 28, said she believed the colour signified a sound that would be “bang, bang – very upbeat”.

The album is the most pre-saved album ever on the Spotify streaming platform, breaking the record set last year by… Swift’s last album, The Tortured Poets Department.

COLLECTIVE TREASURE HUNT

In Swift’s scant description so far, Showgirl represents a departure from her recent work – the folksy pandemic-era Folklore and Evermore in 2020, the pensive Midnights in 2022 and the introspective Tortured Poets last year.

Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who opened for Swift on some Eras Tour dates, will feature on the title track.

Swift’s promotional shots depict her in a variety of glam and glittering stage costumes, with orange the key colour.

As usual, the album is sure to feature “Easter eggs” – coded words and phrases in songs or album notes that could reveal things about her life or future projects. Fans will quickly join the hunt.

“That kind of long-term storytelling builds suspense, rewards loyalty, and makes every release feel like a collective treasure hunt,” said Robin Landa, a professor who studies advertising and branding at Kean University.

“Fans aren’t just consuming her art; they’re participating in it, which deepens the bond.”