Midnights: A Track by Track Review
Taylor Swift released her new album “Midnights” one week ago, and the album is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Since Swift announced its release at the 2022 VMAs in August, I spent two months anticipating its arrival and deciphering every easter egg she dropped. Taylor then released the album last Friday at 11 p.m. CST, which gave me and Swifties worldwide no choice but to rush to our music app of choice and click play.
“Midnights” marks a pivotal yet unexpected return to Taylor’s pop era, succeeding her soft, indie albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” The album gives listeners flashbacks of “Reputation,” “Lover” and even “1989” but with hints of synth notes. According to Taylor herself, the tracklist takes listeners through 13 “sleepless nights” of her life, caused by a combination of love, revenge and even public criticism.
Well, after a much-anticipated listen, it’s safe to say Taylor blessed listeners with sweet dreams for midnights listening to these 13 tracks.
“Lavender Haze”
Starting off the album, this track made my heart flutter. “Lavender Haze” sets the tone for the entire album — a dazzling electronica style — and made clear that Midnights is nothing like the indie-style in her previous albums. I can almost feel the remnants of “Lover” in this song because the track primarily focuses on love that puts her in a “haze.” The upbeat vibe places this song to the top of the leaderboard, earning a rating of 8/10.
“Maroon”
When I say “Maroon” is almost like a calming refresher from “Lavender Haze,” I mean it. The song title immediately reminded me of Swift’s “Red,” and I was ready for it (no Taylor Swift pun intended). Just like “Red,” “Maroon” explains the moments of a relationship with the scarlet color maroon. While it’s not my favorite on the album, I still enjoyed the confessional lyrics and chorus. 6/10.
“Anti-Hero”
“Anti-Hero” is the anthem of every “mirrorball” lover from “Folklore”. With this track, Swift is not afraid to show listeners her relatable and introspective lyrics. I am not a fan, however, of the song’s ending or the chorus. These parts of the track almost sound awkward, but after a couple more listens, I started to get more accustomed. I would give the song a 4/10 because I reserve the skip button on Spotify for this track.
“Snow on the Beach” (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Of all the songs on the album, I was especially awaiting “Snow on the Beach” because of Lana Del Rey’s feature. While I was disappointed Rey wasn’t given a verse on the track, the harmonious melody of the song patched up my unfulfillment. As the biggest Folklore and Evermore lover, this ethereal track is my favorite by far. Each and every part of the song, from the intro to the closing, is as magical as snow on the beach. I highly recommend this track and rate it a 10/10, possibly even an 11/10.
“You’re on Your Own, Kid”
“You’re on Your Own, Kid” reminds listeners of Swift’s original explanation of the album. The track touches on themes of insecurity, people pleasing and so much more, but with a tune of acceptance. I found the song to be reassuring even though the lyrics dived into the depths of the artist’s feelings. It’s almost as if Swift is encouraging listeners to grow and break free from past setbacks with this track, and for that, this song deserves a 8/10.
“Midnight Rain”
The distorted voice in the beginning of this track was the polar opposite of its predecessor, “You’re on Your Own, Kid.” The chorus sounded incredibly familiar, and I realized its companion track was “my tears ricochet” from “Folklore”. Similar to “Lavender Haze,” this track is a return to the album’s electronica vibe. 6/10.
“Question…?”
“Question…?” is an ode to confusion in past relationships with lyrics like “Did you wish you put up more of a fight?” and “Circumstances, miscommunications.” Many fans believe Swift’s song from 1989 “Out of the Woods” is sampled in “Question…?” because many lyrics hint at a relationship referenced. “Question…?” is overshadowed by the other songs on the album, and so I rate it a 4/10.
“Vigilante S—”
One word: powerful. “Vigilante S—” screams revenge on mistaken people, and is the alter ego of its predecessor, “Question…?” which is a hopeful piece of love. Glistening with Swift’s “Reputation” era, it is impossible not to love this song. I would rate this a 10/10.
“Bejeweled”
Contrary to the title, I wouldn’t say this song is the shiniest of all songs on “Midnights.” While the chorus is upbeat and is the definition of pop, I am not a huge fan. Although many Swifties are a fan of the upbeat vibe of the song, I would have to rate “Bejeweled” a 5/10 because the lyrics remind me of a Kids Pop song.
“Labyrinth”
“Labyrinth” is a combination of ethereal lyrics and melody with a synth beat, tying the track back to the “Midnights” theme. The song is a clear love song, with a twist. Swift compares love to getting lost in a labyrinth, hinting that the emotion has the ability to swallow you whole and drown you in its depths. Again, as a lover of “Evermore” and “Folklore,” I am forced to rate this song a 8/10 because I got lost in “Labyrinth’s” beautiful tune.
“Karma”
Just another masterpiece by Swift, this track is for the lovers of revenge and Swift’s golden, sweet lyrics. “Karma” showcases Swift’s brilliant lyric-writing style and use of metaphors as she compares karma’s effects to a queen, god and honey. If you love justice, you will love “Karma,” so I suggest you give it a listen. 9/10.
“Sweet Nothing”
Starting off with a symphony of instruments, “Sweet Nothing” brings to light the airy voice of Swift. The track contrasts the chaos of the world to a comforting significant other who brings a “sweet nothing.” Contrary to the rest of the songs in the album, the song emulates a soft and calming atmosphere. I would rate this a 8/10. If you can spare 3:09 minutes for a refreshing moment, this song is the one for you.
“Mastermind”
Swift’s song “Mastermind” truly is perfection. Its cryptic lyrics have fans thinking that the story behind the song was Swift’s first interaction with her now partner, Joe Alwyn. As the last song of the album, “Mastermind” brings together the essence of “Midnights”: 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout her life. 7/10.
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Akhila Swarna, senior, is the Associate Editor of the Marquette Messenger. She enjoys participating in Speech and Debate, HOSA, and Red Cross. Outside...