She has done it again. Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album “Midnights” was released on Oct. 21, and it has left many fans awe-stricken.
In many ways, “Midnights” is a mixture of Swift’s albums “1989” and “Reputation.” The ‘80s beats of “1989” and the dark rhythms of “Reputation” are paired with new melancholic themes.
Swift collaborated on the album with one of her closest friends, Jack Antonoff. They have been working together for close to a decade, creating well-known hits like “Lover” and “Out of The Woods.” They also won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards for Swift’s album “Folklore.” Other writers on the album include Zoe Kravitz and William Bowery (Joe Alwyn).
The album starts with “Lavender Haze” and “Maroon.” “Lavender Haze” is a term used in the 1950s to describe the feeling of love. It has a techno beat with dreamy vocals and lyrics that describe staying desperate to stay in the distraction of the lavender haze. “Maroon” is a messy, honest love story that all started in an apartment.
The most potent love songs on “Midnights” are “Snow on the Beach” (ft. Lana Del Rey) and “Sweet Nothing.” Both of these songs showcase the delicate and soft nature of being in love. “Snow on the Beach” sounds similar to Swift’s eighth album, “Folklore.” It is filled with dream-like imagery and wonderstruck amusement, while “Sweet Nothing” can be compared to a soft lullaby that a parent would sing to their child.
“Karma” and “Anti-Hero” are the easiest songs to dance to. However, don’t let that fool you — these songs are not joyous. “Karma” is a song that romanticizes people getting what they deserve, hence the title. “Anti-Hero” is a self-loathing anthem that dissects the honest thought process that insecurity can create in one’s brain.
The most surprising songs on “Midnights” are “Mastermind” and “Midnight Rain.” The rhythm, lyrics and beat in these songs are a unique combination of soft, dark and sexy.
Swift makes a habit to put her saddest songs as track five, so it was arguably the most anticipated song. The album’s fifth song is called “You’re On Your Own, Kid.” It has an isolated theme with a 2000s pop guitar riff in the background.
“Vigilante Shit” is a song that fantasizes about how satisfying revenge would feel. The simple drums behind the lyrics create a dark, villainous energy throughout the song. “Question…?,” “Bejeweled” and “Labyrinth” all follow a trend of being in a relationship but not feeling aligned with the other person.
Overall, Swift was a mastermind during the creation of “Midnights.” All 13 tracks on this album are filled with poetry, emotion and melancholic vulnerability. The album did not disappoint, and it will be the perfect soundtrack for the upcoming winter season.
Sydney Riddle
Sydney Riddle (she/hers) is the Arts and Culture Assistant Editor at The Statesman. She is a junior Journalism Major with a concentration in Diversity and American Society. She also contributes to the multimedia section and is part of the Stony Brook Media Group.
Swift’s Track 5s are not her saddest but, according to her, her most personal. I would not call “You’re On Your Own, Kid” sad. It’s from a much earlier period of her life. I’d call it wistful.