The first reviews are in for Taylor Swift ‘s The Life of a Showgirl .

The pop icon’s 12th album released at midnight on Friday is being hailed for the singer’s return to upbeat pop following last year’s melancholy The Tortured Poets Department , with Swift reuniting with Swedish hitmaker producers Martin and Shellback.

Right out of the gate, the album’s reviews are mixed-to-extremely positive. The notices range from glowing and effusive raves to somewhat disappointed takes (and one that’s outright scathing). The early consensus seems to be: The Life of a Showgirl is fun, as you would expect, containing a compelling and diverse array of tracks, and is clear step-up relief from the dour Poets . Swift clearly doesn’t hold back, both musically and in terms of her often-biting

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