Taylor Swift adds 4 ‘Encore’ songs. Here’s why they deserve an ovation

Almost exactly a year after the release of her 12th studio album, Taylor Swift tacked a quartet of new songs onto a newly announced deluxe version of the album, "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore."

"Patient Zero," "Cleveland!," "Pink Clouding" and "Babylon" are digitally available now. Unlike most of her material, not all of the new offerings were born from Swift’s personal experiences, particularly "Patient Zero," which offers an omniscient take on a soured relationship.

The songs follow the summer release of "I Knew It, I Knew You," Swift’s sweet, nostalgic ode to friendship for the "Toy Story 5" soundtrack. They’re also her first new releases since that little July wedding to Travis Kelce you might have heard about.

Here's a breakdown of the new songs.

The first single among the freshly minted quad is an atmospheric I-got-you-babe testimony.

Stepping back to observe someone else’s pain, Swift assures that while she "heard somebody say there’s trouble in paradise," she also promises that "my lips are sealed tight."

Her staccato vocal delivery glides over a smooth groove that is augmented by strings in the background, but it's the bridge – it’s always the bridge – that shines.

Her rapid-fire unfurling…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/