Taylor Swift's 'Life Of A Showgirl' Release Party At Riverside County Theaters: Fans Gather, Patch Reviews

TEMECULA, CA — Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” dropped at 9 p.m. Pacific Time Thursday as residents across the county and the country listened solo, gathered in groups, held listening parties and celebrated the much-anticipated release online with Taylor Nation.

Fans of the 14-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter are still listening and gathering at release parties scheduled throughout the weekend in the Temecula area.

A sold-out listening event was held at In Bloom Bookery, Temecula's local romance bookstore.

There, Swifties brought and made fast friends, friendship bracelets and sunglasses and shared their thoughts on the 12 songs released on the Album.

Beyond listening, fans also flocked to local theaters to get a first look at Swift's new music video "The Fate of Ophelia." The film runs Friday through Sunday at AMC, B&B, Cinemark, and Regal theaters, with a runtime of 89 minutes. It includes "making of the music video" behind-the-scenes footage, as well as lyric videos for all 12 songs, and Swift’s never-before-seen personal reflections on her lyrics behind each track on “The Life of a Showgirl.”

In Southwest Riverside County, Temecula Swifties packed the first showing at the Edwards Regal Stadium 15 cinemas.

“Dancing is optional but very much encouraged,” Swift wrote in a post on Instagram.

In Temecula, fans gathered early to dish about their favorite new songs, past Era's Tour experiences and wonder what the video might be like. Others posed in front of the highly Instagrammable lobby display.

Swifties of all ages arrived in sparkles, sequins, concert sweatshirts or just a nod to the orange and aqua album colors.

As we talked, fans traded friendship bracelets. With my own eldest daughter away at school, I was thrilled to run into Swiftie Friends at the theater.

As my eldest daughter was away at school, I was thrilled to run into other moms of college kids at the theater.

The vibe in the theater was consistent with the positivity and easy conversation, reminiscent of the Era's Tour pre-show crowd experience.

The film was worth the watch, and a proper release party celebration.

The full track list includes:

• “The Fate of Ophelia”
• “Elizabeth Taylor”
• “Opalite”
• “Father Figure”
• “Eldest Daughter”
• “Ruin the Friendship”
• “Actually Romantic”
• “Wi$h Li$t”
• “Wood”
• “CANCELLED!”
• “Honey”
• “The Life of A Showgirl” featuring Sabrina Carpenter

Swift first shared about the new album, along with a cover reveal and release date for her 12th studio album, on the “New Heights” podcast hosted by her fiancé, NFL football star Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason.

Although the new album doesn’t focus solely on Kelce, his influence has infectiously touched almost every track. Swift said on the “New Heights” podcast that it does explore public scrutiny surrounding their relationship and “everything that was going on behind the curtain” during her Eras Tour.

Our initial take on the album:

After a few listens, this Swiftie would tell you the album was definitely written primarily in "glitter gel pen," to coin how she says she writes her bubbly love songs. Find verses that feel drawn from her romance with fiancé, Travis Kelce, whom she has referred to as the "Human Exclamation Point" in: "Opalite," "Wi$h Li$t," "Wood," and "Honey."

Still, "The Fate of Ophelia" and "Elizabeth Taylor" definitely have quill pen introspective vibes. For these, Swift pulls out that dictionary to paint vivid pictures, intertwining Shakespearean literature and pop culture, as she has notably done in the past with "Love Story." Swift adds her unique touch, demonstrating how true love can transform "The Fate of Ophelia," and ultimately saving her from drowning. Swift asks marked questions about the scrutiny of her role model, "Elizabeth Taylor," who suffered fame with charm and grace.

What's more, the "fountain-pen" sounding track "Father Figure," named with the blessing of the George Michael Official Music Team, creates its own unique cinema vibe. Here, you'll encounter familiar yet evolved Swift tropes of powerful music executives (think "The Man" on steroids, with lyrics that you'll have to listen to to believe).

"Actually Romantic" offers a grown-up, unbothered version of "Mean." When Swift sings, "Like a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse, that's how much it hurts," it's a laugh-out-loud moment. And we've barely scratched the surface.

What do you think are the best moments, lyrics and songs?