LOS ANGELES — If there’s one artist who knows how to captivate an audience with both music and mystery, it’s Taylor Swift. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Swift has masterfully evolved from country sweetheart to pop powerhouse, crafting intricate narratives and dropping Easter eggs that keep fans theorizing for years.
So, when Swift announced her tenth studio album, Midnights, while accepting Video of the Year at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, anticipation skyrocketed. And as expected, when the album dropped at midnight on Oct. 21, followed by a surprise 3AM Edition with seven additional tracks, Swifties lost their minds.
With a total of 20 tracks, Midnights takes listeners through late-night musings, heartbreak, self-reflection, and the intoxicating haze of love, wrapped in dreamy synth-pop and introspective storytelling.
The Journey Begins: “Lavender Haze” to “Maroon”
The album kicks off with “Lavender Haze”, an upbeat, dreamy track about blocking out public scrutiny and embracing love for what it is. Swift, who has faced relentless speculation about her relationships since her teenage years, makes it clear she’s done playing into the media’s expectations—she just wants to live in the moment.
Track two, “Maroon”, is an evolution of her 2012 hit “Red”, but with a more mature, soul-stirring depth. Where “Red” was about naïve, passionate love, “Maroon” explores the murkier, bittersweet shades of romance, much like the color itself—a mix of red’s intensity and brown’s muted melancholy.
A Self-Critical Masterpiece: “Anti-Hero”
If there’s one song that stands out, it’s “Anti-Hero”. Swift described it as one of her most personal songs, stating on Instagram:
“I really don’t think I’ve delved this far into my insecurities in this detail before.”
Lyrically, it’s a brutally honest self-examination, tackling self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the absurdity of fame with biting humor. The chorus—"It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me”—has already become a viral sensation, proving that leaning into your flaws is the ultimate power move.
Lana Del Rey’s Haunting Influence: “Snow on the Beach”
The highly anticipated “Snow on the Beach” features Lana Del Rey, whose influence seeps into the song’s melancholic, dreamlike atmosphere. The track explores the surreal feeling of unexpected love, likening it to something as rare and beautiful as snow falling on the beach.
While Del Rey’s vocals are more subdued than fans expected, her presence adds an ethereal quality that perfectly complements Swift’s storytelling.
Heartbreak, Reflection, and Acceptance: “You’re On Your Own, Kid” to “Midnight Rain”
“You’re On Your Own, Kid” is one of Swift’s most reflective songs to date. The track details young love, disappointment, and ultimately, self-acceptance, ending with the realization that loneliness isn’t always a bad thing—it can be empowering.
Then comes “Midnight Rain”, a standout track about choosing ambition over romance. The distorted vocals in the chorus create a haunting contrast, making it one of Midnights’ most sonically unique songs.
A Mix of Revenge and Regret: “Vigilante Shit” to “Bejeweled”
If you’re looking for a vengeance anthem, “Vigilante Shit” is Swift at her most unapologetic. With lines like “Someone told his white-collar crimes to the FBI”, speculation ran wild—who exactly is she talking about? Regardless, this track is a full-throttle revenge fantasy, channeling Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” energy with a darker, slicker edge.
Then there’s “Bejeweled”, a glittering, electro-pop track that celebrates self-worth and reclaiming confidence after being undervalued. While the lyrics express frustration with an unappreciative partner, the production and delivery radiate pure empowerment.
A Soft and Sweet Love Story: “Sweet Nothing” and “Mastermind”
Swift slows things down with “Sweet Nothing”, a delicate, lullaby-like song co-written with boyfriend Joe Alwyn, under the alias William Bowery. It’s a simple yet deeply intimate track, highlighting the joy found in the quiet, mundane moments of love.
The original album ends with “Mastermind”, a playful but self-aware confession about orchestrating her own fate in relationships—because let’s be honest, Taylor Swift never does anything accidentally.
The 3AM Edition: A Late-Night Surprise
Just when fans thought they had Midnights figured out, Swift dropped seven additional tracks at 3AM, adding even more depth to the album.
The Standouts:
“The Great War” uses war imagery to depict relationship struggles, ultimately landing on a message of survival and commitment.
“Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” is arguably the most haunting track, allegedly addressing Swift’s past relationship with John Mayer when she was 19. The dark, regretful lyrics and emotionally charged delivery make it one of the most gripping moments on the entire album.
“Bigger Than The Whole Sky” has sparked intense speculation—many listeners believe it’s about the grief of miscarriage, though Swift has not confirmed this. Regardless, its aching loss and poignant lyrics make it one of the most devastating songs Swift has ever written.
On a lighter note, “Paris” is a fun, upbeat track that feels like an escape from reality, while “High Infidelity” explores the pain and consequences of cheating in a way only Swift can.
Final Thoughts: Midnights is Taylor Swift at Her Best
With Midnights, Taylor Swift delivers one of her most cohesive, mature, and sonically intriguing albums to date. It’s a moody, reflective deep dive into late-night thoughts, heartbreak, ambition, and revenge, proving that even 10 albums in, she’s still evolving.
Sure, relationship themes dominate the tracklist, but Swift’s ability to reinvent them through new perspectives keeps them fresh. And with Midnights (3AM Edition) offering even more insight into her mind, this album is a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
So whether you’re navigating heartbreak, embracing your villain era, or just vibing at midnight, Midnights has something for you.