RANKING THE SOUNDS OF ‘MIDNIGHTS,’ THE NEW TAYLOR SWIFT ALBUM

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It’s a kind of tradition to rank the new songs off a certain artists album. Today’s task is ranking Midnights, which we all know is the new Taylor Swift album. It’s far and wide known as “the” release of October and social media has lit up with its release and speculation. That album is finally here and if they weren’t already, the speculation and rumors are endless.

LIST | FAVORITE SONG LYRICS FROM THE MANY ERAS OF TAYLOR SWIFT

Each time I put this type of thing together, I have a kind of unwritten rule which is to avoid reading the “notes” about Swift’s lyrics on lyric pages or searching for what the artist says about a song. Sure I see some, but I like to have my thoughts written first before I use some of that to incorporate into what I think in a “first blush” kind of way. Either way, I have been repeat listening to Midnights since its release at midnight on October 21. To start, I screen shot my “First Impression” star rating of each song.

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Honestly, I don’t love this album. It goes ALL IN on Swift’s theme which is an album of “13 sleepless nights” she’s had over the course of her life. It’s all about that kind of hazy, Alice in Wonderland sound. This means the album really does feel like fevered dreams; everything from the vocals to the sound. She also put out a “3 A.M.” edition with seven more songs… all after we’d already preordered albums. Like, WHY!? Even at this, this isn’t an instant favorite that puts out instant favorite songs. In fact, the one I liked best after first listening isn’t one I see anyone loving.

I will say, reflecting on my multiple listens of this album, one thing I’m realizing is how self-reflective Taylor’s music is. She has changed creatively speaking and grown some, both of which I understand and respect. That said, while there is an argument to make that being from one POV means it will be reflective, sometimes it’s too much. This is perhaps why Folklore and Evermore were successful since they are largely storytelling lyrics. All that to say, let’s look at the tracks of Midnights.

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RANKING MIDNIGHTS, TAYLOR SWIFT

ranking is from least to most favorite

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LAVENDER HAZE (TRACK ONE)

Everyone seems to love and adore this song. Prerelease, Taylor says this song is based on one line in Mad Men that describes love as a lavender haze. As a result of this, I get the 1950s line, but it’s also a sad reality of culture and this idea that no one “needs” the “burden” or commitment of sharing life inside of marriage with someone. Modern artists like Swift like to use “commitment” in any way but marriage and liken I dos to something akin to an “oppressed” era, but honestly, grow up, girl! There is an in-between of a girl who is a “one night or wife.” You’re the one not living in 2022 if you think otherwise. Society doesn’t live like the 50s in an “oppressed” kind of way. Just because someone is married and happy at home doesn’t mean this is how YOU would have to shape your marriage with a good man.

VIGILANTE SHIT (TRACK EIGHT)

I know when it comes to art, there’s this kind of license to create and I don’t deny or disagree with this. At the same time, I have to wonder at all the songs that discuss revenge and find that “revenge” look or persona. It seems unhealthy and while you could argue that writing a song is a way to cope and is healthy, it still makes me wonder at the fixation for revenge. Like, are these new people Swift wants to take revenge on or the same ones she’s written about time and time again? If the latter, it’s time to move on and I don’t think the songwriting is doing any kind of healing. I’m also over this culture of using men in a kind of “degradation” (‘draw a cat eye strong enough to kill a man’) way. Are guys jerks at times? YES. But women can be too. Just because it may manifest or “look” different doesn’t mean it’s any less ridiculous. The ‘dress’ line is weird too.

MAROON (TRACK TWO)

Just don’t find this one interesting. It has a lot of “red” or “wine” imagery and spilling things like wine which was a common theme in Lover.

This contains the f-word, though places do offer a ‘clean’ version of the lyrics

BEJEWLED (TRACK NINE)

Way too self-reflecting and self-important for my liking. (Meaning, this one feels like a “bad” self-important story.)

ANTI-HERO (TRACK THREE)

Pre this album release, Taylor posted something to social media about this being her deepest “delve” into “my insecurities.” Everyone is loving this song for that reason, and mostly I think this is because of what Taylor says, and this kind of we-love-this-because-she-told-us-to. Honestly, I don’t see it. Sure, it is a song about insecurities, but it’s also hectic and kind of weird, which can work, especially if you’re outside of some of these insecurities. For me, it’s a fail and honestly, I think she’s been WAY more insecure and vulnerable in tracks from her past. Also, the “sexy baby” lyric is just off. All in all, I think she has lyrics that are weird over poignant this go round.

QUESTION…? (TRACK SEVEN)

This one has some politics in its lyrics, but it’s also… interesting?

This contains the f-word, though places do offer a ‘clean’ version of the lyrics

MIDNIGHT RAIN (TRACK SIX)

Continues the themes of not being a “bride” because of pursuing “my own way.” Feel pretty “meh” about this song. I am guessing this song is either a story or a past relationship.

LABRYRINTH (TRACK TEN)

Like ‘Midnight Rain,’ this one is kind of meh for me. I don’t love the title but the lyrics are pretty in moments and there is good in the song.

KARMA (TRACK ELEVEN)

Don’t like the message of “karma,” but something about this song is likable.

SWEET NOTHING (TRACK TWELVE)

A love song co-written with William Bowery which most know is Joe Alwyn, Swift’s beau these last few years. The song is overall sweet, but I have a gripe or two.

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN, KID (TRACK FIVE)

I love the sound of this one and the lyrics aren’t bad. There is a caveat for this being my favorite. However, if one lyric means what I tend to think it means, I also hate the song. That said, there’s still something about this song I like. And it was the ONLY song after first listen to get a “high” rating which is just three stars.

SNOW ON THE BEACH (TRACK FOUR)

This one is pretty, but its full version has the f-word, and call me whatever, but why!? The song has a pretty, breathless quality that uses pretty imagery about the idea of what true love can feel like (or at least in moments). So, WHY profanity? It ruins the otherwise soft and charming quality.

This contains the f-word, though places do offer a ‘clean’ version of the lyrics

THE MIDNIGHTS (3AM EDITION) SONGS

Honestly, I’m tempted to say these “bonus” seven songs are *better*. There’s just something about them that speak to being Album material rather than an afterthought. There’s lots of ‘war’ imagery (obviously) in ‘The Great War’; romantic storytelling in ‘Paris’; and many are finding comfort in ‘Bigger than the Whole Sky’ as a kind of miscarriage song.

THE GREAT WAR

BIGGER THAN THE WHOLE SKY

PARIS

HIGH INFIDELITY

GLITCH

WOULD’VE, SHOULD’VE, COULD’VE

DEAR READER

You can stream ‘Midnights’ with a Spotify account or you can purchase the Moonstone Edition (Clean) CD on Amazon or the Explicit CD also on Amazon. You can also purchase the ‘3a.m. edition’ digitally on Amazon.

That’s a wrap! What do you think of this ‘Ranking Midnights Taylor Swift’ opinion? Do you LOVE or LOATHE the album? Leave all your thoughts. Let’s chat.

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