Taylor Swift announced her 12th studio album a couple of months before its release. Given the album’s title, The Life of a Showgirl, many fans began comparing it to Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo. This reignited the feud and comparisons between the two artists. The beef goes way back to 2009, when the American rapper interrupted the Pop singer’s acceptance speech at the VMAs. West’s 2016 album, The Life of Pablo, takes a dig at the pop star. Fans speculated that Swift’s new album is a final clap back to the rapper.

The Emperor Grapevine decided to listen to both albums and compare both projects to see which album takes the throne.

Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl 

The Life of a Showgirl was released on October 3rd of this year. Before its release, fans and non-fans were making speculations about what the album would sound like. Some social media users poked fun at the idea that it would have a “generic white girl” sound like all her other music. 

The theme of the album is in its title. It revolves around what it is to live life in the spotlight. The cover art, for example, shows Swift “behind the scenes” rather than in full showgirl mode, indicating the album’s focus on her inner life during the Eras Tour. The album consists of only 12 tracks.

The album is a pop album like all her other works, a genre in which she shines. Even though it’s a pop album, it has hints of theatrical and grunge.

Furthermore, the whole album was produced by Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback. The instrumental sounds of the album include drums, bass, guitar, and other instruments that make a signature Taylor Swift song. What was really unique about the creation of this album was that it was produced in Sweden while she was on her Eras tour.

In The Life of a Showgirl, she had only one track that features another artist, but that was with someone who is a notable figure – Sabrina Carpenter, who has risen to fame herself these past years. The track she featured on was “The Life of a Showgirl.” To Taylor, Sabrina was the embodiment of resilience, which is why Taylor felt she was the best fit for the song. Even though Taylor stated clearly to the public why she chose Sabrina, some people online speculated otherwise. The claims are that Taylor picked Sabrina as a way of slapping back at pop artist Olivia Rodrigo, with whom she had a legal mess. Ironically, all the rumors and blackflash reflect back to the main theme of the album. The truth of the music industry that hides behind a curtain.

Through the album, she explores fame, relationships, and identity lyrically. For instance, in track #4, “Father Figure,” she explores themes of power dynamics in the music industry and profit. This track also pays respect to the late George Michael, from whom she used the melody. The song brings us from the perspective of the mentor taking care of their protégé, the opposite of George Michael’s version. The lyrics speak for themself, “You remind me of a younger me,” “I saw potential, I’ll be your father figure”.

In track #6, “Actually Romantic,” she talks about a particular relationship with an individual who has a one-sided hatred. Ironically, Swift doesn’t take the hate as hate, but rather a form of affection. She shows this when she sings, “It sounded nasty, but it feels like you’re flirting with me.”  To her, it’s combating that hate and seeing it from a new perspective. Many people speculate that this song might be about artist Charlie XCX. As the opening line says, “I heard you call me ‘Boring Barbie’ when the coke’s got you brave.” As Charlie XCX has party drug-related music where she mentions said substances. People say she wrote this song as a comeback to Charlie’s song “Symphony is a Knife,” which mentions her. 

The public’s opinion on the album was heavily scrutinized. Many believed this album was nothing but mediocre. Swift’s fans expressed their disappointment with the long-awaited album. Social media users took a dig at the pop singer for being too “corny.”

Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo

The Life of Pablo, released on February 14, 2016, is Kanye West’s seventh studio album. The album explores details about West’s personal life. The message of the album title signifies the three Pablos that he resonates with: Pablo Escobar, Pablo Picasso, and Saint Paul (Pablo). The Life of Pablo encapsulates the rapper’s faith, controversy, and artistry, with features of Rihanna, Young Thug, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, and many more.

Tracks like “Ultralightbeam,” “Lowlights,” and “Saint Pablo” illustrate Kanye West’s faith and spirituality. These songs perfectly reflect the religious theme by incorporating a gospel choir and samples.

Songs like “I Love Kanye,” “FML,” “Real Friends,” and “30 Hours” are some of the most vulnerable songs on this album. The rapper opens up about his self-identity, family struggles, and relationships. This depicts his inner struggles and the challenges he faces due to his fame. 

“Famous,” “Feedback,” “Freestyle 4,” and “Facts” are songs that capture ego, lust, sin, and controversy, including the infamous incident with Taylor Swift on the track “Famous,” where he deliberately expresses that he is the reason for her celebrity status. These tracks explore the obstacles West faces as he seeks to live as a man of God.

Tracks like “Ultralightbeam,” “Saint Pablo,” “Real Friends,” and “No More Parties in LA” quickly became fan favorites. “Saint Pablo” and “No More Parties in LA” show West’s rapping ability, despite critiques about his flows.

Sonically, The Life of Pablo sounds like a mix of Kanye West’s past musical styles, with producers like Cashmere Cat, Chance the Rapper, Charlie Heat, Kanye West, Madlib, Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, and others. The music is messy and jumbled on purpose, just like the album’s themes of conflict between religion and fame. Many songs have big, wide sounds with echoey electronic instruments and drums. This project touches a sensitive level of lyricism, making this one of his most profound albums released during this time in his career.

Final Thoughts

Overall, both albums show the duality of being a public figure. Both artists have their own struggles despite the fame. While The Life of Pablo explores West’s faith, fame, and family, The Life of a Showgirl shows the behind-the-scenes of the performer’s life during Swift’s Eras Tour. 

The Emperor Grapevine decided that West’s The Life of Pablo stood stronger than Swift´s The Life of a Showgirl. West’s album shows a new level of vulnerability. He opens up about his struggles, allowing the public to see him as more of a human than simply a rapper, revealing a transitional period in his life.

Although Kanye West’s album is heavily loaded with his outspoken personality and controversial lines, the public and his peers can’t help but respond to his work, proving his impact and relevance. Swift’s artistic choices confirm that Kanye’s creative vision shapes the pop music conversation, even from the sidelines, regardless of public opinion or controversy.