On Friday, Oct. 21, Taylor Swift gifted us her tenth studio album. Comprised of thirteen songs, “Midnights” reveals reflective layers we haven’t seen before. It bends genres through a combination of synth-pop, electronica and dream pop. The piece is a classic creation from Swift and Jack Antonoff, who mostly co-wrote and produced the album. Other collaborators include Lana Del Rey, William Bowery (😉), Zoë Kravitz, Mark Spears, Jahaan Sweet and Sam Dew. Lyrically, Swift recounts 13 sleepless nights of contemplation throughout her life. In that way, I consider it to be a beautiful arrangement. Upon the first few plays, I didn’t see it as a cohesive album sonically. Just like any album, it makes first impressions. On the other hand, it can grow on you with each listen.
- “lavender Haze”
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Kicking off Side A, the production of this song immediately enveloped me. So far, it’s my favorite. I feel it’s the perfect introduction and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. With sultry, raspy vocals, it conveys the intensities and complications of love.
My Favorite Lyric: “Get it off your chest, get it off my desk.”
- “Maroon”
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The album continues strongly with this second song. I am reminded of her lyric in “Daylight,” “I once believed love would be burning red.” I am fascinated by the comparison of colors to such visceral experiences. Except in this memory, it’s so deep that it’s maroon. Sonically, I am reminded of the slower “King of My Heart” and “Dress.”
My Favorite Lyric: “And how the blood rushed into my cheeks. So scarlet, it was maroon.”
- “anti-hero”
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For the sake of honesty, this is not a preferred track of mine (so far). I think it’s catchy and I appreciate the message; I just am not sold on the delivery. However, I did enjoy the music video, and I am hoping it’s the first of many in a potential visual album.
My Favorite Lyric: “I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror.”
- “snow on the beach” Feat. Lana Del rey
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I knew this would be golden the moment I found out it was happening. Swift and Del Rey are some of my favorite lyricists of all time. Put them together with Antonoff, who both regularly work with, and it’s bound to be a natural masterpiece. I adore the idea of being so perplexed by a love unfolding before you, it’s rare like snow on the beach. The whimsical production sounds like snow gently falling. My only note is that I wish Del Rey had more vocal features. Even her harmonies are a blessing in themselves, though.
My Favorite Lyric: “You wanting me tonight feels impossible. But it’s coming down, no sound, it’s all around.”
- “you’re on your own, kid”
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As the Track five, it follows the former songs by being a song of deep meaning. I interpret it to be about the struggles of her journey to fame and the wounds acquired along the way. Once again, I am in awe of her storytelling abilities through lyricism.
My Favorite Lyric: “Everything you lose is a step you take.”
- “midnight rain”
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I wasn’t big on this track at first, but I can’t get enough of it now. I thoroughly enjoy the production with its unique ebbs and flows. I’m a huge fan of the pitched-down voice throughout the song. To me, it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of reminiscing something with soft, distant sadness because it was so long ago. You rarely think of it, but when you do, you do.
My Favorite Lyric: “I broke his heart ’cause he was nice. He was sunshine, I was midnight rain.”
- “Question…?”
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Starting Side B, this track has a more upbeat tone. I think the lyrics are beautiful, grasping the need for answers in the lack of closure. Sonically, I think it captures the yearning for these explanations. She shows a conversation in the bridge through the inflection in her vocals, which is always something I enjoy.
My Favorite Lyric: “’Cause I don’t remember who I was before you painted all my nights a color I’ve searched for since.”
- “Vigilante Sh*T”
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I was immediately swept away by this one. This song makes me feel indestructible. I am stunned by the bluntness of the beat and the power in her words, especially as she wrote them alone. Prayers to who is on the receiving end of this. After all, there is nothing she does better than revenge.
My Favorite Lyric: “I don’t start sh*t but I can tell you how it ends.”
- “Bejeweled”
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I’m not super attached to this track. I see it as a catchy break-up between deeper topics. It’s a fun and empowering record. The way she says “shimmer” scratches an itch in my brain.
My Favorite Lyric: “And I miss you, but I miss sparkling.”
- “Labyrinth”
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This track feels like the comedown of the album. It’s peaceful, but also a little lackluster sonically. Lyrically, it’s stunning, of course. I really love the softness of the chorus and her harmonies in the final chorus.
My Favorite Lyric: “You know how much I hate that everybody just expects me to bounce back just like that.”
- “Karma”
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I am most proud of Swift for this track. When I saw the title a few weeks ago, I was expecting to hear from the mad woman. I adore the simplicity in the comparison to what karma is for her. After everything she’s been through, she finds peace. That’s the true happy ending. It’s an indication of where she is in her healing, and she’s earned her contentment. The song is representative of the closure this album brings.
My Favorite Lyric: “Don’t you know the cash ain’t the only price?” and “Sweet like justice, karma is a queen.”
- “sweet nothing”
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This track is a sweet lullaby that pays homage to the peace you find in someone. When the world is hectic, the little moments we share can be the most meaningful. I can feel the adoration between the co-writers Swift and Bowery. It’s a simple, lovely ode to the one you love.
My Favorite Lyric: “To you, I can admit that I’m just too soft for all of it.”
- “mastermind”
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To conclude the album, this track is a happy ending. It’s also telling of her true nature — a mastermind. Although, I’m not huge on this song. I find the verses to contradict the bridge and I’m confused about the concept. But, this bridge is my favorite on the album. I think it’s one of the most transparent she’s ever written. I need a follow-up record based on it.
My Favorite Lyric: “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid, so I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since.”
With “Midnights” arguably being her most raw album, she didn’t disappoint lyrically. Collectively, it feels like closure for many storylines throughout her life. Sonically, it feels familiar. It’s hard to say it lacks originality when she is working with the same person who produced “reputation.” I find it to be really similar to the former album. I am a rep girly, tried and true, but I always enjoy experiencing new facets of Swift as a musician. I still respect the distinction of the two as their own pieces. I am learning to understand the ebbs and flows of the album and remain open to the inevitable new understandings I’ll adopt when spending more time with “Midnights.”