(Photo from Spotify)
Bring me a box of tissues and a pair of scissors; I am cutting bangs at this very moment. The one and only Taylor Swift — along with her new hairstyle — is back with a brand-new album.
“Midnights” is the singer-songwriter’s 10th studio album. Written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff, it was released on Oct. 21. The day brought peace to the lives of millions of fans, known as Swifties, who had eagerly been waiting for her new music.
Let me make this clear: I am a huge Swiftie. I can recite the lyrics to all her songs in my sleep; call me crazy, but my comebacks for any situation are probably some of her lyrics. Thus, I pre-saved the album on Spotify and waited for “Midnights” to drop.
Unfortunately, when the collection dropped, Spotify froze on me; my world collapsed because I couldn’t hear the album the second it was released. I went back to bed in tears and woke up to Instagram stories from fellow Swifties who had heard the album. I was finally able to listen to the album on my way to school.
To be honest, I didn’t like the first version of the album. Yes, I can hear your screams and see the dropping jaws. I felt that it was too depressing, although it had some savage lyrics.
I was hyped for a “reputation” or “Lover”-based album, but “Midnights” didn’t satisfy my expectations. Songs like “Anti-Hero,” “Karma,” “Midnight Rain,” and “Lavender Haze” were the best, thanks to their meaningful lyrics. However, I thought that songs like “Vigilante Shit” and “Labyrinth” were not that great. “Snow On The Beach” was so amazing that it even made Lana Del Rey, who was featured on the track, quite literally speechless.
After hearing the album, I went back to listening to other songs by Swift. Then I got an Instagram notification telling me that she had released a new version titled “Midnights (3am Edition).” To which I asked: do I really want to listen to ‘sad bop’ music while I am in school, or do I want to hype myself up by dancing to upbeat music?
But peer pressure led me to listen to the late night edition. When it comes to making good decisions, this one deserved a Grammy. I was satisfied with this version, not only because it had seven extra tracks, but because these new songs were so soothing to my ears.
Songs like “Paris,” “Glitch,” and “Would’ve, Should’ve, Could’ve” were literal gems. “Dear Reader,” the last song on the album, sounded like words of advice for her fans. I am always amazed by Swift’s capacity to make her songs incredibly emotional and relatable.
Swift opens the album with the song “Lavender Haze,” which is funny and strategic because the song’s first lyric is “Meet me at midnight.” Thus, she sets up the album for listeners with an instantly catchy song.
“Maroon,” the second song, is interesting because Swifties are all aware of her obsession with the color red. But she made this song great by introducing beats and a well-developed chorus.
The next song is “Anti-Hero,” which is simply amazing. The lyrics are so heartfelt and show how Swift has accepted her flaws and is perfectly fine with them. I always laugh when she sings, “I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the money” and “she’s laughing up at us from hell.”
The next song, “Snow On The Beach,” features the silence of Del Rey. I first heard this song while I was going to a meeting, and when it ended, I thought “wait, isn’t Lana Del Rey supposed to be in it?” I listened to the song again, but all I could hear was Swift’s gorgeous voice. After listening to this song, I am eagerly waiting for it to snow so that I can go to the beach and post pictures on Instagram with the caption being the title of the song.
The sixth song, “Midnight Rain,” is just… wow. I loved it from the beginning, when the beats and echoes started. The lyric, “He wanted a bride, I was making my own name,” is so touching because in a world with so many fake people, it is better to become independent and make yourself proud.
The music video for the ninth song, “Bejeweled,” gives Cinderella (Taylor’s Version) vibes; Swift looks like a diva with too many diamonds who “polished up real nice.”
Up next is “Karma,” a highly discussed song that contains many references. “Karma is a cat” is the most hilarious lyric. It is one of the most chill and wittiest songs she has ever written.
The 16th song on “Midnights (3am Edition),” “Paris” gave me pop song vibes, making me mentally transport to Paris and just block out all negative vibes. “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” gave me goosebumps when I first heard it. It is a sad bop with the best beats, and it’s just perfect.
“Dear Reader” made me feel that Swift targeted her audience by sharing personal events, making a stronger connection with her fans.
In the end, I thank Swift for releasing an album at such a crucial time for me, when I was struggling in my personal life. I appreciate the amazing lyrics that made me feel better! I love her music and recommend the album to everyone. To all my fellow Swifties, I am always happy to know more about your thoughts on the album.
“Midnights” is a good album, but in my opinion, isn’t as great as “reputation” or “Lover.” So, I’ll rate this album 4.5 out of five crabs!
