During the Aug. 13 episode of the “New Heights Show,” co-hosted by her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason, Swift revealed that her new album, “ The Life of a Showgirl ,” will be released on Oct. 3. She also unveiled the cover art and a tracklist that features Sabrina Carpenter on the title song.

The singer’s 12th album is being teased as a pivot back to pop bangers. On Popcast, we break down why (and why she announced it the way she did).