Taylor Swift released her 10th studio album on Oct. 21. With a wonderful pop style, “Midnights” is a record breaking album. There were high expectations from fans for this highly anticipated album, and it did not disappoint. “Midnights,” is one of Swift’s best albums yet.
This pop album is, “The story of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life,” according to Swift via her Instagram. The album features a variety of different styles of songs from upbeat and fun to slow and somber.
The album had a double release, with “Midnights (3a.m Edition)” coming out just three hours after the original release. The 3 a.m edition includes seven extra tracks at the end, making the total number of songs on the album 20. Swift says the 3a.m tracks complete the picture of the album and add a, “mystifying mad hour,” to the album. The 3 a.m tracks add to the experience of listening to the album.
The songs had a record breaking release, with some of the most popular songs being “Lavender Haze,” and “Anti-Hero.” Many fans can also agree that “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” is one of the best songs on the whole album. From the 3 a.m tracks, Swift’s song, “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve,” is an amazing addition to the album.
The opening track, “Lavender Haze,” was a great way to start off the album. The song encapsulates the vibe of the album and the era perfectly. Swift wrote this song about speculation in her relationship and how she ignores it and just wants to be in a “love spiral.” She also mentions how she doesn’t want 1950s standards posed on her love, she just wants to be in love. The song has a wonderful beat and music track in the back with lyrics that create a 70s haze feel.
Her song, “Anti-Hero” has broken numerous records since it has been released. The song broke Spotify’s record for biggest chart debut in history, with 17.39 billion streams. It is one of Swift’s most successful songs surpassing her smash hit “Blank Space.” The single is easily the most popular track off of “Midnights,” however Swift didn’t think this song was going to be a hit. She picked it as the first single for “Midnights,” because it is, “one of my favorite songs I have ever written.” This is a deeply personal song that explores Swift’s insecurities and anxieties. She describes it as, “really honest.” The song is upbeat and fun, but the lyrics are just the opposite. The polar opposites of the lyrics and the music is a creative way to make a deep, meaningful song something for everyone. The upbeat background makes this the perfect song of the summer.
“You’re on Your Own, Kid,” is a favorite of the album for a good reason. It explores many different points in Swift’s life that are relatable to her audience. It explores the feeling of growing up, being on your own, and all the trials and tribulations that life brings. This song also feels deeply personal as there are parts of the song that explore Swift dealing with an eating disorder after her rise to fame. This song truly feels like you are growing up with Swift. It excites not only fans that have been there since day one, but is also relatable for many others. “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” is a beautiful, inspirational song that makes the listener feel seen and not alone.
A fan favorite of the additional tracks is “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve.” The song has an amazing bridge along with lyrics that truly portray a heartbreak. This is definitely one of the best songs on the whole album.
The album also included a song with a feature from the talented artist, Lana Del Rey. “Snow on the Beach,” is the fourth track on the album. The song is not the best on the album, but it is by all means not a bad song. Lana Del Rey’s feature in the song is small, but if you listen closely, you might be able to hear her. The best part of this song is the enchanting lyrics about falling in love and realizing that the feeling is mutual. Swift really displays her songwriting skills in this song. Though the lyrics are great, the song itself is overshadowed by the other songs on the album, but it is still a great song.
Swift announced the release of this album in August at the MTV awards while accepting her award for Video of the Year for, “All Too Well: The Short Film.” After announcing the album, Swift also came up with a clever way to get fans excited for the release. On her Tik Tok account, Swift would randomly post videos that were part of a series she called, “Midnight Mayhem with Me,” where she announces the track titles one by one. These videos would drop at midnight eastern time, but there was no particular schedule, leaving fans eagerly waiting for when the next track title would be revealed. She used a bingo cage to give her a number, and whatever number came out is what track title she would reveal. This made the release of the album all the more better because of all of the excitement around the release.
Both “Midnights,” and “Midnights 3a.m Edition,” are available on all major streaming platforms. Both are a great listen for longtime fans or new fans of Swift.
