Taylor Swift has released her 12th studio album, and despite fears that her love life would result in music that's somewhat less spirited, The Life of a Showgirl is not a romantic album.

Swift, who announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs NFL player Travis Kelce on social media, has delivered an album that's instead described as "fun", but not as poetic as her previous outings.

Fan culture researcher Georgia Carroll says, however, that the beats and the production on the album almost make you forget that the lyrics aren't up to scratch.

Swift announced the new release on her fiancé's podcast.

"It's not an album full of happily-ever-after songs," Dr Carroll says.

There will be cinema release parties from 5am AEST Saturday. Global audiences are promised a look at the music v

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