From boom to backlash: has Taylor Swift lost her touch?

In this episode of The Guardian's "Today in Focus" podcast, host Nosheen Iqbal discusses the backlash surrounding Taylor Swift's new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," with Alexis Petridis and Laura Snapes. They delve into the mixed reviews, the album's lyrical content, and Swift's marketing strategies, including releasing multiple versions of the album and hosting a cinema release party. The conversation explores the album's themes, Swift's evolving image, and her impact on the music industry, including her influence on songwriting, her business savvy, and the broader implications for other artists and fans. The panel also touches on the hyper-engagement of Swift's fanbase and the potential for misogyny in the criticism she faces.