I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for just about as long as I can remember. This past August, I excitedly took photos of my computer screen like a proud mom while Taylor accepted the Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Naturally, when she then announced a new album coming on Oct. 21st, I was thrilled.
I decided to partake in a fun game I had seen other people playing on my fan account timelines: I predicted my “Midnights” track ranking with nothing to go on but vibes and numbers. I did it again when all the track names were out. I did it once more after my first listen to the album—alone, lights off, headphones on, door closed, which is how I always listen to Taylor’s albums for the first time.
I expect that after I’ve inevitably played this album more times than I can count, my favorite tracks will shuffle around. Until then, here are my first three track rankings of “Midnights” by Taylor Swift.
Based on Track Number:
- Track 13
- Track 7
- Track 9
- Track 1
- Track 8
- Track 12
- Track 5
- Track 2
- Track 3
- Track 11
- Track 4
- Track 6
- Track 10
Taylor often assigns track numbers to similar kinds of songs (Track 5’s are notoriously deep and vulnerable). “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is one of the main reasons I put Track 13 in the top spot here. It’s such a fun bop and encapsulates the spirit of “reputation” well, so I assumed Track 13 would sum up “Midnights.” I also have a history of being especially fond of album closers (“evermore,” “Daylight,” “Clean,” “hoax,” “Begin Again” and “Long Live” are my personal favorites). No disrespect to Track 10—it was simply the last track I hadn’t yet ranked when I got to the end of the list.
Based on Track Names:
- Mastermind
- Anti-Hero
- Lavender Haze
- Midnight Rain
- You’re On Your Own, Kid
- Bejeweled
- Labyrinth
- Maroon
- Sweet Nothing
- Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)
- Karma
- Vigilante Shit
- Question…?
Taylor definitely is a mastermind, so it’s only fitting that this title goes at the top of the list. Interestingly, I had already ranked this one at the top even when I only knew its number! Based on Taylor’s explanation videos, I had a strong feeling I’d love “Lavender Haze” and “Anti-Hero.” For some reason, I wasn’t as intrigued by the Lana collab or the rep-esque titles (“Vigilante Shit” and “Karma”) as I thought I would be. “reputation” often sits at the top of my album ranking, but it changes daily.
Based on My First Listen:
- Anti-Hero
- Karma
- Maroon
- Vigilante Shit
- Lavender Haze
- You’re On Your Own, Kid
- Midnight Rain
- Question…?
- Sweet Nothing
- Bejeweled
- Mastermind
- Labyrinth
- Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Just as I suspected, I loved “Anti-Hero” and “Lavender Haze.” “Maroon” moved up a few spots as well—I thought its production was enchanting. Though I didn’t love their track names as much as some of the others, “Karma” and “Vigilante Shit” were two of my absolute favorites due to their interesting subject material. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” followed its Track five predecessors in having a heart-wrenching bridge, which I adored. “Mastermind” dropped on my list because it wasn’t as upbeat as I thought it would be, although I still really like it. I always feel bad putting tracks at the bottom of the list because I love every song Taylor puts out and they’re all special to me in different ways. I would say “Snow On The Beach,” the last on my list, is akin to “mirrorball” with its tender and charming vocals.
Next, I’ll have to rank the 3 A.M. Edition of the album. I’m not surprised at all that I love Midnights. I think I’ll always love anything Taylor puts out. I’m forever grateful that she chooses to share her work with us.
Author’s note: At the time of publishing, my list has changed yet again. It’s impossible to pick favorites when the songs are all so good!