Who is Taylor Swift's heir apparent? Her 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl," offers an answer. It's Taylor Swift.

What You Need To Know • Taylor Swift's 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl," shows she's still at the top of the cultural mainstream • The album released Friday features upbeat pop tracks and a return to the fold of Swedish producers Max Martin and Shellback • The album's themes explore fame, perception, love and Travis Kelce's podcast with witty lyrics and catchy hooks • Swift's dense vocabulary shines, though sometimes it feels a bit too much • Overall, the album captures the glitz and glamour of her "Eras Tour" with humor and humanity

Her last album, "The Tortured Poets Department," ended with the cautionary "Clara Bow," an allegory that seemed to suggest her t

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