Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day marks a new era for Taylor Swift. She not only captures the relentless stress of overthinking in the solitude of midnight but also reflects on her growth through adolescence, past relationships, and the bliss of true love. Taylor’s vulnerable songwriting speaks to all sorts of listeners as she explores both struggles with self-image in “Anti-Hero”, feeling bold, trusting karma, and learning to enjoy life around her in “Bejeweled” once she’s been put down. 

Taylor, famous for her goosebump inducing bridges, did not disappoint to move listeners. In “You’re On Your Own Kid” she single handedly transforms the feelings of independence from being scary and unworthy of love to to find empowerment in finding who you want to be instead of who you have to be.

“And I saw something they can't take away // 'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned // Everything you lose is a step you take” (You’re On Your Own Kid).

While many people speculated Taylor’s secret announcement announcing Midnights was going to be Reputation (Taylor’s Version), she did bring that energy to this album in “Vigilante Shit” and “Karma.” Some people criticize the chorus of “Karma” saying that the lines “Karma is a cat, purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me” are corny. Taylor has said to have three different writing styles: an antiquated “Quill Pen”, a poetically-twisted modern storyline “Fountain Pen”, or glitzy “Glitter Gel Pen.” These two songs display the carefree energy of Glitter Gel Pen writing as they are true to the beat behind them and use lyrics as a playful way to paint scenes rather than describe everything in illicit detail as she did in “Maroon.”

“Maroon” (Fountain Pen): “The burgundy on my t-shirt // When you splashed your wine into me // And how the blood rushed into my cheeks // So scarlet, it was maroon”

“Karma” (Glitter Gel Pen): “Sweet like justice, karma is a queen // Karma takes all my friends to the summit // Karma is the guy on the screen // Coming straight home to me”

As well as Taylor releasing Midnights, later that night Taylor released a new “chaotic surprise” at 3am. This was Mignights (3am Version) which included seven new songs. These songs are similar to the vault tracks released with her rerecords, presenting a whole new side to her album. These vault track range from speculations on her current relationship as in “Paris” or reflecting on her past relationships in “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve”. Taylor has also released a bonus track that is only found on the Lavender Midnights CD from Target, so if you want to hear “Hits DIfferent” make your way to your nearest Target! 

The one place many Swifties were left wanting more is in “Snow on the Beach”. As Taylor’s only feature on the album, many were hoping that Lana Del Rey would have more presence on the song. Lana Del Rey did help write and produce the song, but many wished that she could of had her own verse on the song as well. In the final production of the song, Lana only sings background vocals and I would have loved to hear more from her. 

Overall, Midnights and Midnights (3am Edition) are both incredible pieces of art that did not disappoint. While many expected Midnights to have the same sound as Folklore and Evermore, her two folk and alternative albums, that could not have been farther from reality. Midnights is an iconic pop album that reflects the production in Reputation and Lover that many Swifties are calling the “daughter of 1989”. However, the place where Midnights and Folklore/Evermore did not differentiate is the lyrics. The sound and lyrics of Midnights make it a truly amazing album which everyone can enjoy, especially at midnight. Whether you’re having an existential crisis these November midnights or need a dance break, Taylor’s got you covered!