Review: ‘Midnights’ presents a hypnotizing narrative of love, revenge, and truth

Olivia Guy, Editor-in-chief

Taylor Swift picks up where she left off with her brilliantly crafted pop style, but better than ever with a dark, twisted, confessional vibe that resembles a glittering pop album.

‘Midnights’ is Taylor’s tenth studio album, but similar to her other albums is unlike anything ever released by her. The best way to describe it is a perfectly cultivated blend between her previous albums, with an intriguing experimental aspect present in each song.

This much-anticipated album, by the world and myself, did not disappoint, and yet again proved that Taylor can tackle any genre of music she wants.

I loved it when I listened at midnight, and I love it even more as I listen to it on shuffle as I write this review.

The aspect that resonates with me the most is the album’s ability to console me in every situation. I can see myself listening to “Midnight Rain” on late-night car drives, “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” crying in my room (kidding…not really), and “Maroon” on my way to school at 6:45 in the morning, but most notably the entire album is so incredibly versatile that every song can be exchanged for any scenario.

‘Midnights’ reflect a wide range of emotions and I realize that’s why it is so versatile, however, if I had one wish for this album I would love for her to have included one or two more love songs on the album. What can I say I’m a sucker for her songs like “You are in Love”.

Taylor Swift’s marketing team is never short of brilliant, as she kept the world on its toes for weeks, as she had people speculating if the album would go back to her roots with a country song, resemble her most recent two albums, or pretty much anything in between. There’s something about clicking the first track and having absolutely no clue if you are going to need tissues or a party dress.

I’m obviously not the only one who felt this way, as Taylor broke the record for the most-streamed album in a single day on Spotify well before the next midnight was to arrive.

In addition to the 13 songs that were confirmed to be on the album, in “very chaotic surprise” fashion, she dropped seven deluxe tracks that she calls the “3 am edition,” each one adding to her mesmerizing galaxy of passion.

So obviously I am a fan of the album, but for my specific thoughts and feelings toward the songs keep reading.

After releasing the names of the people who would be contributing to each song on the album, the predictable (and amazing) Jack Antonoff was mentioned in almost every song, which was a great sign for me. Antonoff has contributed to masterpieces like “Getaway car”, “Out of the Woods”, and so many others.

However, the first track on the album, “Lavender Haze” grabbed my attention, as it was written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, both of whom I expected. But more unexpectedly “Lavender Haze” mentions numerous contributors who also frequently work with Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick Lamar is also one of my top artists, who always delivers so this was exciting for me. This all contributed to my shock when I heard the first song. Don’t get me wrong it’s a really really good upbeat pop song that will be on repeat, however, it’s not giving me Kendrick Lamar.

In my opinion, the album is a no-skip album; each song is a uniquely excellent story. With that being said some of my favorites (so far) are “Maroon”, “Midnight Rain”, and “Mastermind”. The “Three M’s” if you will.

“Maroon” is the perfect mix between “Delicate” and “Death by a Thousand Cuts” (Both Taylor Swift songs from different albums for those of you who are not totally well-versed in Taylor’s discography). It is so poetically written, with detailed memories of a miss-chance romance and feelings of remembrance with, what I’m calling a hazy pop sound.

“Midnight Rain” is just SO cool. I love the experimental feel of this song, and when I heard the first verse I went through all the different stages of feelings from shock to vibing. It is the perfect song to scream and jam to in the car, with an intriguing idea behind it.

“Mastermind” has really grown on me and I think it’s because the chorus is so fun and catchy. It also yet again has some magnificent lyricism that is so brutally honest.

Each song on ‘Midnights’ flows so well with each other and meshes into a cohesive, slick album. On that note, I don’t understand the people saying each song sounds the same. I dare you to dance the same way you would to “Bejeweled” when you listen to “Bigger Than the Whole Sky”. Does the album have similarities? Yes, of course, it’s not supposed to be an album with 10 different genres.

Midnights will be added to the list of my top favorite albums and will be on repeat for the next week until I can perfectly recite every complex lyric.