After a long-awaited reveal filled with easter eggs and word unscrambling, Taylor Swift’s 10th studio album is finally here. Less than a week after the release of Midnights, Taylor Swift is already breaking barriers by having the most streamed album and being the most streamed artist in a single day on Spotify. Lyrics such as “it’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me” and “karma is my boyfriend” are already flooding TikTok trends and for-you pages.
Over the years, Swift’s style (no pun intended) has definitely changed, expanding from country to pop to folk. But the sound of Midnights is something new that might’ve been unexpected. Compared to her two previous albums, Folklore and Evermore, Midnights delivers a fresh pop sound. Tracks such as “Lavender Haze,” “Midnight Rain,” “Question..?,” and “Bejeweled” resemble the mood of songs on 1989 and Reputation with the upbeat pop genre.
However, many other songs on the album offer deep lyricism and give us listeners a glimpse into Swift’s mind. For example, in “Anti-Hero,” Swift compares those around her to a “sexy baby”. This relatable yet comical line shows how Swift feels like a giant and insecure to those around her. The criticism of self in this song is apparent and helps the rest of us feel more at ease knowing someone as idolized as Swift faces the same everyday struggles.
One of my favorites on the album is “You’re on Your Own Kid’.’ This grown-up version of “Never Grow Up,” from Swift’s 2010 album Speak Now, as some have deemed it, shows the reality of change throughout life. As a college freshman, learning to become more independent and dealing with being alone is a huge adjustment. Swift encapsulates this feeling and helps make us college students feel less isolated.
Overall, this album has grown on me with many listens and is great to listen to when romanticizing walks around campus. Midnights offers expressive lyrics that allow fans to identify with their own experiences and validate their emotions. Taylor Swift continues to grow with each album, and it’s evident that her stardom is not slowing down anytime soon.