By William Kinard

Cover art “midnight” by William Kinard

Taylor Swift’ is probably the greatest lyricist working in music today. Or, at least, in the top five. Her tenth album, Midnights, demonstrates just this. In my opinion, this album is in the same vein as seventh album, Lover, in that it gives her fans more pop. However, it’s like she merged Lover and Folklore to create a kind of syntho-pop lof-fi album that has strong elements of Folklore in it. And it is just lovely. 

These are just my impressions of the songs on this album. 

“Lavender Haze”

The words, “Meet me at Midnight…” open the first song on Midnights. It’s a greeting to for this album, and the opening to a song that expresses a desire for escape from being pulled in different directions by different people’s expectations. It also talks about how you don’t want to care about what other people say, but also do care. 

“Maroon”

The opening that talks about cleaning incense off a vinyl, and it reminds me of the previous song. It meditates on buyer’s remorse within a lover’s relationship. Haunting and surreal.

There’s probably several academic articles that can be written on Swift’s use of colors in her songs and albums. This song should definitely be a part of any such papers.

“Anti-Hero”

I like this opening. It asks if you’re actually getting wiser with age, or if you’re just bull-shitting. I can’t help but feel that this is a song that dwells on depression and how it makes you think you’re your own worst enemy. Revenge is also another theme that is twisted into this song. “Anti-Hero” has barbs. 

“Snow On The Beach” (Featuring Lana Del Ray)

This one reminds me of Cinderella. 

I feel like the love she talks about in this song is like a dream. You don’t think about it when you’re in it, but after you wake up you realize it was surreal and disjointed. You try to assign meaning after the fact while acknowledging how strange it was.

Lana Del Ray’s hand can definitely be seen in this song. But I also am reminded of Birdy’s single, “Wings.” Birdy is definitely worth listening too if you like this song.

“You’re On Your Own, Kid”

This one is a throwback to the old Taylor Swift, albeit a bit more melancholic. That said, it’s like Swift is giving a reply to Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun,” and I’m grateful for that.

“Midnight Rain”

Just like “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” this one is an heir to the Lover album. If “Snow On The Beach” described a form of escapism this one confronts the reality of the different expectations two people can have in a relationship. 

“Midnight Rain” thinks back to such a relationship, set in a town that echoes suburbia, at midnight, long after said relationship is over.

“Question…?”

I don’t really know what to make of this one. It just doesn’t resonate with me. It “sounds” good, but it just doesn’t leave an impression on me.

“Vigilante Shit”

This one is an heir to “Bad Blood.” It’s saturated with the theme of revenge and the femme fatale. I don’t really care for it, but I will say that it is better than “Bad Blood.”

“Bejeweled”

If there is a wholly “pop” or. “syntho-pop,” song on this album it’s this one. It boasts confidence, a positive mindfulness, and confident self-image for the singer and listener alike. It’s a favorite of mine, but I feel like it will divide her fans. They’ll either love it or hate it – just like Swift’s song “Starlight.” 

“Labyrinth”

A meditation on love, regret for love, and the expectations have on you being in love. It’s a gentle, “uh-oh, here we go again.” Soothing to listen to, but kind of forgettable, after the fact.

“Karma”

This is probably the worst song on the album. It just doesn’t have any depth, and is only memorable in just how forgettable it is.

“Sweet Nothing”

A gentle song. It reminds me of lo-fi, and the audio-only version would be great to fall asleep to.

“Mastermind”

I’ve talked a lot about how some of these songs are heirs to other songs – well, here we go again. This one is an heir to “Love Story.” But unlike “Love Story,” the woman is not a passive player depending on her would-be-lover to get with her; rather, she’s in control of her own fate and love. 

Whereas “Love Story” is upbeat, this one is gentle. I love that.

Conclusion 

I really like the lo-fi feel this album has. It’s gentle, stern, and tempered all at once. It’s not a tame album, but it is consoling.