Taylor Swift has done it again! Two years after the release of ‘evermore’, Taylor Swift has dropped her 10th studio album Midnights, and it has taken the world by storm. The synth pop album, filled with upbeat songs about love, revenge and everything in between, has fans all over the world going absolutely crazy. And it’s safe to say their excitement is infectious, for even I, a die-hard indie rock fan, has listened to and reviewed the entire album. So, without further ado, here’s my definitive ranking of Midnights.
13. Vigilante S-t
Now, I will give Ms. Swift the benefit of the doubt and assume she’s being satirical with this song. If she isn’t, then I have several questions to ask: the first of many being “why?” Not only is the beat very basic but the lyricism is disappointing as well. She speaks of drawing her “cat eye sharp enough to kill a man” and it’s just corny and upsetting because she is a fantastic lyricist. Taylor Swift has proved that she can do the revenge and femme fatale aesthetic very well; better yet, write music that portrays the feelings of being betrayed, under appreciated, and overlooked. ‘Reputation’ was great example: she had the edge, the moodiness, the drive. The album had multiple songs that embraced and exuded the feelings of a woman whose reputation has been dragged through the mud. Which is exactly where I think Taylor went wrong. The songs on ‘Reputation’ fit because the album was curated to be a song about her mistreatment. ‘Midnights’ is not that. It’s dream pop, with bright colors, not a film noir about getting paid back in blood.
12. Snow on the Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)
When I heard that Lana Del Rey was going to be doing a song with Taylor Swift, I was excited. I’m not going to lie: I am a huge Lana Del Rey fan, and I was curious to see how their voices would blend together in a song. Perhaps, this could be my conversion into the Taylor Swift fandom. It was not. I listened to the song about three times before I realized that all Lana did was sing harmonies over the chorus. Disappointed doesn’t even begin to describe it; I had never felt so cheated. OK, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic but the point still stands: Lana Del Rey whispering for less than a minute is not a feature, it’s a crime.
11. Question…?
Can I ask you a question? What makes this song special? Because I don’t understand. It’s not that the premise of the song is bad; it’s rather interesting. Reflecting on whirlwind romances and being able to question what went wrong and why would be so useful. The perspective of a man who let a great girl get away is thought-provoking, but it’s done so monotonously. There isn’t excitement or feeling to it. And perhaps it’s a reflection of a colorless life after losing someone you really loved which I hope it is. That would make it compelling. If not, it’s boring and forgettable.
10. Sweet Nothing
The lull of love flows strongly through this song, and it truly is beautiful. There is something so very serene about writing a love song of appreciation and admiration for your lover, and Taylor Swift is one of the best to do it. When she gets personal and gives a glimpse into her relationship with her boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, it usually comes out lovey-dovey and swoon worthy. I rather enjoyed this song; it wasn’t my favorite, but I think that’s the point. The song wasn’t for fans, it was for him. A beautiful moment of safety inside the arms of the only person who matters to you, free from judgement and opinions.
9. Mastermind
The song left me perplexed. There is a certain commendation for being able to snag a man you’ve had your eyes on, but on the flip side, it’s a little weird. Manipulation in relationships is a horrible thing and I don’t think that what Taylor is doing throughout it, but it is a little strange in an endearing way. I mean we can all admit to wearing a cute outfit or switching seats in class so you could be a little closer to someone you had a crush on and that’s perfectly fine. So, in a way, the song is oddly…cute.
8. Labyrinth
Perhaps, I’m just a sucker for love songs, but I really enjoyed “Labyrinth.” I’m a huge fan of synthesizers and the breathy voice over the entire track really pushes you into this dream like state of falling in love. However, what I really appreciate is the conjoining of two very different emotions: the post break up blues and the erratic feeling of falling in love again. The swell at the chorus that mimics that feeling of realizing you’re in love is just perfect, but the beginning vocals and lyricism is so tentative, like healing after a breakup. It’s also interesting to note how the song is called ‘Labyrinth’ and it copies the feeling of being confused in love as one would be in a maze. It’s detailed and exciting, but also a little scary. Just like a labyrinth.
7. Maroon
When I first listened to this song, I thought it was another love song, but it’s not. Sure, there’s love in it but it’s the story of a mutually destructive relationship and the feelings that arise after. Similar to ‘Question…?’ but this time we have both perspectives. The first love feeling of seeing what you want to see in a relationship is the main focus of the song and it’s done quite beautifully with a vivid lyricism. The reference to the “carnations you had thought were roses” being the picture-perfect relationship they thought they had was good, but it was really the song title ‘Maroon’ that blew my mind. Throughout the song, I was thinking about how odd of a choice it was to refer to a relationship as Maroon. It’s a subset of red, just darker, and more muted. But then it hit me. “So scarlet, it was maroon.” Similar to the carnations, one doesn’t realize how problematic a relationship is until after it’s over. The relationship was never a bright, burning red. It was maroon, and it always had been.
6. Midnight Rain
The chorus in this song was stuck in my head for a solid week. The voice distortion was really what sold it for me. If there is one thing Taylor Swift does well, it’s making a convincing and catchy hook. I was everywhere; in class, at work, in my dorm singing the song over and over again. I also thought the meaning of the song was rather interesting as well. It’s not often people, let alone celebrities, will admit to being in the wrong. Especially someone like Taylor, who has been the main target for misogyny regarding her relationships. It’s actually quite brave to be able to admit that sometimes she was the issue and I commend her for that.
5. Anti-Hero
I have a secret. I am obsessed with mall pop. I think it’s great daydreaming music and it’s just so electric, bubbly and fun. It also makes dressing room outfits feel like a montage and who doesn’t love that. ‘Anti-Hero’ has the perfect balance of mall pop realness and satire for me to enjoy it. The humor in being able to make fun of yourself and the labels that everyone else puts on you is so freeing, it’s great. It’s the perfect length and just whimsical enough for it to seem like she doesn’t care at all, but there is a brief self-realization in the song that I think is really profound.
4. Lavender Haze
It’s poppy and upbeat and perfect for a fun Saturday night with your lover. The way she describes just pure bliss that comes from just being with her boyfriend is down right envy-inducing. Taylor has made a few songs on the album about Joe but this one is just as sweet. The lavender haze that only he can induce is straight out of a romance novel, and the fact that it starts off the album tells you everything you need to know about the album. You can tell she’s in love with him and it’s actually so adorable.
3. You’re On Your Own, Kid
Realizing that your most important supporter is yourself is so very crucial. And I think that’s what Taylor has realized in this song. People will tear you to pieces and the world is very unforgiving, you will get knocked over time and time again and you have to know how to build yourself up. Taylor explains it perfectly. You are own your own sometimes, but knowing that you will make it through is all that matters; that comes from you more than it comes from anyone else. It’s a hard but important lesson to learn.
2. Bejeweled
Gaslight. Gatekeep. Girlboss. Taylor said that I have not been diminished! This song may very well be her crown jewel. It’s upbeat, a power ballad and so much fun. It exudes confidence and demands recognition, not to mention it’s the second song to receive a music video. She talks of being in love but still being the best and brightest there is. The duality of woman.
1. Karma
When I tell you this song has been on repeat for days! There is so much going on in this song, that it’s hard to single out a singular part. The song talks of love, revenge, growth, and confidence. The hints to Scooter Braun, her notorious manager who cheated her out of her masters, are evident and well heard. The whole song is a nod to her resilience regarding him, the world and their opinions, the hate and everything else under the song. It’s respectfully telling us that she Does. Not. Care. Karma will sort itself out with each and every person that has wronged her and she won’t trouble herself with those who don’t matter, and I think it’s amazing.