Rating: 3.5/5
Taylor Swift’s newest album, “Midnights,” tells the story of “13 sleepless nights” throughout her life, according to Swift’s social media. Released on Oct. 21, 2022 at midnight EST, the album features a distinctly modern sound. To the surprise of fans, Swift released “Midnights (3am Edition)” — a version of the album with seven additional songs that did not fit with the final 13 — just three hours later. Aside from “Taylor’s Version” re-releases of her albums “Fearless” and “Red,” “Midnights” is Swift’s tenth studio album and her first since 2020.
The album is an unexpected break from the indie folk sound of sister albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” The contrast between the records provides a reflection of the past few years: many people stuck at home searched for escapism in cottagecore during the peak of the pandemic, but are now being drawn back into fast-paced modern life. Throughout the album, Swift and producer Jack Antonoff experiment with synth tones, reverb, and effects that warp her voice into a lower pitch, contributing to the contemporary sound. The result of these differences is mixed, with some songs that utilize these elements in intriguing ways, and others that feel more empty.
“Midnights” is also highly reminiscent of Swift’s pre-pandemic music, with upbeat choruses and rhythms. Songs like “Karma” channel the themes of revenge found on “Reputation,” while the song “Lavender Haze” calls back to the swooping melodies in the song “Lover.” Songs off of the extended “Midnights (3am Edition)” even have similarities to Swift’s earliest releases; instrumentals on “The Great War” seem influenced by the country music of Swift’s self-titled debut. Different eras converge on the album, displaying Swift’s command of her craft.
Many songs on “Midnights” again cement her as the powerful storyteller she revealed herself to be in her albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” The song “Maroon” describes a story of long-lost love with vivid imagery in lines such as: “The rust that grew between telephones”. “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” heavy with nostalgia, paints a detailed picture of longing and isolation in a small town. However, other songs felt lacking lyrically in comparison. For instance, “Midnight Rain,” still a personal favorite from the album, never seems to fully delve into the narrative it creates. Swift’s songwriting remains admirable, but does not quite reach the level of some of her best works.
Although much of the album does fall into Swift’s traditional pop mold, the tracks still span a range of themes and emotions. Incorporating different styles, she provides her take on the warmth of relationships, past regrets, and self-loathing — feelings that certainly encapsulate many of our midnight thoughts. However, without context, the connection back to Swift’s theme of 13 nights throughout her life is not entirely clear. With the introduction of the album concept, I was given the impression that each song would give clear insight into each of those moments. Instead, many of the songs felt focused on a general feeling and lacked the crucial intimacy and vulnerability that characterize late nights. Beyond storytelling, Swift has the impeccable ability to create music that grows on the listener. At first listen, “Midnights” may feel like an underwhelming set of pop songs. And while not all of the tracks on this album are showstopping, they can all still be fun to listen to. Like many of Swift’s greatest hits, the songs of “Midnights” may one day become favorites to belt out at karaoke, or the soundtracks to our late nights.