Written by Hollee Workman, entertainment journalist
LOS ANGELES, CA — Chances are you’ve at least heard of country star turned pop sensation Taylor Swift.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Taylor Swift has built a solid reputation in the music industry. To the excitement of many of her fans, Swift announced her new album, Midnightswhile accepting the Video of the Year award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2022.
After much anticipation, Swift finally released her album at midnight on October 21. A few hours later at 3 a.m., she released a long version titled Midnight (3am edition).
With a total of 20 tracks, Midnights is a wonderful album about nocturnal contemplations and those secret feelings and sensations you get when no one else is around.
Unlike most of his works, several songs contain strong language. These songs are lavender mist (Track 1)Brown (Track 2)snow on the beach (Track 4)Question..? (Track Seven)Vigilant S–t (track eight) and Karma (Track eleven).
The opening track tells us “Meet me [Taylor] at midnight.” lavender mist is an upbeat song that beautifully captures a honeymoon stage of a relationship. Swift, who has been the subject of public scrutiny since her teenage years, has always been the subject of jokes about her many failed relationships and frequent themes of heartbreak in her discography. lavender mist tells people that she cares more about the love felt by her partner than the hate received when her relationship becomes public.
Track two, Bordeauxreminiscent of early Swift songs Red and To clean. While both songs take a more naive and innocent approach to love, Bordeaux gives a fuzzier insight into the complexity of adult love and that it’s not something right or wrong, or a clear blueprint for how it should be experienced. Bordeaux is a powerful piece expressing what it’s like to be an adult in love.
My favorite song on the album is the third track, Anti-hero. Swift said on Instagram: “Anti-hero is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I really don’t think I’ve delved into my insecurities into this detail before. I struggle with the idea that my life has become unmanageable and me, not to look too dark, but I just struggle with the idea of not feeling like a person. This sums up the tones of the track perfectly. With her lyrics in this song, Swift looks her haters in the eye and laughs in their face, while finding a sense of security within herself. Although there is no harsh language, there are a few lines that tell a darker story.
snow on the beach is a beautiful song about falling in love. It tells the story of a completely unexpected relationship and how beautiful it really can be. Lana Del Rey collaborates on this song, which adds a mystical beauty to the overall track. This track includes a few uses of explicit language, but overall it’s a deep song that’s beautifully crafted by everyone involved in its production.
You’re all alone, kid may not be my favorite track musically, but as far as story goes, there’s no contest between any track on Midnights. Containing the story of a young man falling in love and dealing with the disappointment of being alone, this song ends with an acceptance of ideas of loneliness and even a search for solace. You’re all alone, kid is probably one of Swift’s most self-aware and contemplative tracks.
Track six, midnight rain, has an almost indescribable beauty. In midnight rain Swift talks about breaking up a relationship to pursue her career. In the grand scheme of her career and her song, it might have been the best decision she could have made, but there are underlying regrets. Swift gives us some amazing tracks throughout the album, but this track is one of the best.
On the last twenty tracks between Midnights and Midnight (3am edition), Question..? is what I like least. Swift reflects on a past relationship, asking several questions of an ex-lover. There are several uses of explicit language and this track is immature, almost like Swift hopes her ex hasn’t moved on.
Track eight, Vigilant S–t, is a great revenge anthem, if you’re okay with the use of strong language. There are several theories about the type of person Swift seeks revenge against. There are implications that the man has committed a crime, with lines like “Someone reported his white collar crimes to the FBI”. But with other lines talking about an ex-wife, it’s also possible that this was a cheating incident. Regardless of, Vigilant S–t Reminds me of Carrie Underwood Before he cheats and Two black Cadillacs.
Bejeweled is a waste of a song. The lyrics are good, the music composition is good, but they just don’t seem out of place with each other. There’s a very electro-pop feel to the backing track, but the narrator tells a story of frustration with a lover. That doesn’t make the song bad, of course, but it’s definitely not a favorite. Ultimately, the track tells how Swift is fully aware that she can enchant a room, even if her partner doesn’t feel that for her.
Staying true to the theme so far, Labyrinth tells a story of falling in love. Unlike the other songs on the tracklist, Labyrinth tells the story of falling in love right after a heartbreak. It’s a good song, but it could have been much better, whether it’s a lyrical decision or a backing track, Labyrinth seems to correspond more to a younger artist, like Olivia Rodrigo. Overall, it’s a pretty decent song.
Karmaas the title suggests, is one of the greatest villain arc songs to date. Karma is a revenge track, allowing Swift to take on her adversaries and tell them they’ll get what they give. Although it contains some swear words, Karma is a great song, perfect for all the girls and boys entering their self-proclaimed “villain era.”
The twelfth track is summed up perfectly in the title. Sweet words is a sweet little song, with music reminiscent of lullabies and a simple story of being grateful for the little things in life. Specifically, Swift expresses her gratitude for the little things in her relationship with her current boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. Alwyn is also a featured producer on this track under the pseudonym William Bowery.
Brain is the last track of the original Midnights editing. This is another great song that talks about her relationship with Alwyn. Theories have swirled around every album since Red, if not even earlier, on how all of Swift’s tracks and music videos are connected. Swift has always had elaborate “easter eggs” in her music, this is more than likely just another addition to her endless repertoire.
Midnights (3am edition) was released a few hours later, introducing seven more titles.
The first of these seven tracks was The Great War. This one details the difficulties of relationships and the trials and tribulations encountered in couples which can sometimes lead to fights. Despite the somewhat morbid tones of the lyrics, the song is ultimately more and more hopeful, like a promise to love each other forever, but despite the hardships.
By far the most controversial song on the album is Bigger than all the sky. So far, Swift hasn’t released a statement on the story behind Bigger than all the sky, but several fans have taken to social media platforms to voice their suspicions of Swift telling the story of a miscarriage. The proof can perhaps be seen in lines like “What could have been, would have been / What you should have been”, “I have much to yearn for / I have much to live without / I’ll never meet” and “You were bigger than all the sky / You were more than a short time.” It caused quite a stir with Swift fans. Some claim she is writing about a miscarriage and have started attacking her via social media assuming details about her personal life. However, many women who have miscarried have applauded Swift and seen themselves in the lyrics. It’s an interesting thought to consider, but one that probably won’t be touched upon. Despite the controversies, it’s a great song that anyone who’s suffered a loss can relate to.
Paris is quite a surprising change in tone after Bigger than all the sky. Midnights ranges from a sad song about loss to an upbeat song about a relationship and being with that person like they’re still somewhere else. Paris is a good song where Swift describes thinking about someone in such an abundant capacity that she doesn’t see things like news or photos. It could involve feeling an almost childish crush on someone else, or a variety of other possibilities.
In high infidelitySwift visits the theme of cheating and infidelity in an unstable relationship. High infidelity takes a look at the deep pain left behind. It’s an interesting song, but has more negative messages because of the subject matter.
In Problem, Swift discusses a relationship that wasn’t meant to be. A type of relationship that started out as a friendship and was meant to stay that way, but the evolution of the relationship was so unlikely it looked like a glitch. It’s a good song, although a bit repetitive.
Could have, could have, should have details Swift’s relationship with John Mayer when she was 19 and he was 32. Could have, could have, should have uses morbid tones to express Swift’s regret for what she did at the time, as the relationship left her traumatized and scarred in ways she hasn’t fully addressed. It’s an intriguing song purely for the story behind it, but the subject matter is somewhat disturbing. Could have, could have, should have is an excellent penultimate piece.
Dear reader is a great closing song. Dear reader complements Swift’s 3am edition of Midnights. Swift gives the listener, or “reader,” life advice in a variety of areas. It’s a deep song and probably contains knowledge that Swift wished she had known when she was younger.
Globally, Midnights is an excellent album with good songs, although the underlying subject matter can get repetitive at times. There are swear words and heavier themes, but given that Swift is a grown woman and most of her fans grew up with her, it’s definitely fitting for this stage of her career.
*Note: This article expresses the ideas and opinions of the author and does not reflect the views of the Bryan Triangle or Bryan College as a whole.
Hollee Workman is a communications major at Bryan College with dreams of becoming an entertainment journalist and traveling the world. Besides journalistic writing, Hollee is a creative writer working on her third short story. I think I’m still lost among other creative projects
Written by Hollee Workman, entertainment journalist
LOS ANGELES, CA — Chances are you’ve at least heard of country star turned pop sensation Taylor Swift.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Taylor Swift has built a solid reputation in the music industry. To the excitement of many of her fans, Swift announced her new album, Midnightswhile accepting the Video of the Year award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2022.
After much anticipation, Swift finally released her album at midnight on October 21. A few hours later at 3 a.m., she released a long version titled Midnight (3am edition).
With a total of 20 tracks, Midnights is a wonderful album about nocturnal contemplations and those secret feelings and sensations you get when no one else is around.
Unlike most of his works, several songs contain strong language. These songs are lavender mist (Track 1)Brown (Track 2)snow on the beach (Track 4)Question..? (Track Seven)Vigilant S–t (track eight) and Karma (Track eleven).
The opening track tells us “Meet me [Taylor] at midnight.” lavender mist is an upbeat song that beautifully captures a honeymoon stage of a relationship. Swift, who has been the subject of public scrutiny since her teenage years, has always been the subject of jokes about her many failed relationships and frequent themes of heartbreak in her discography. lavender mist tells people that she cares more about the love felt by her partner than the hate received when her relationship becomes public.
Track two, Bordeauxreminiscent of early Swift songs Red and To clean. While both songs take a more naive and innocent approach to love, Bordeaux gives a fuzzier insight into the complexity of adult love and that it’s not something right or wrong, or a clear blueprint for how it should be experienced. Bordeaux is a powerful piece expressing what it’s like to be an adult in love.
My favorite song on the album is the third track, Anti-hero. Swift said on Instagram: “Anti-hero is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I really don’t think I’ve delved into my insecurities into this detail before. I struggle with the idea that my life has become unmanageable and me, not to look too dark, but I just struggle with the idea of not feeling like a person. This sums up the tones of the track perfectly. With her lyrics in this song, Swift looks her haters in the eye and laughs in their face, while finding a sense of security within herself. Although there is no harsh language, there are a few lines that tell a darker story.
snow on the beach is a beautiful song about falling in love. It tells the story of a completely unexpected relationship and how beautiful it really can be. Lana Del Rey collaborates on this song, which adds a mystical beauty to the overall track. This track includes a few uses of explicit language, but overall it’s a deep song that’s beautifully crafted by everyone involved in its production.
You’re all alone, kid may not be my favorite track musically, but as far as story goes, there’s no contest between any track on Midnights. Containing the story of a young man falling in love and dealing with the disappointment of being alone, this song ends with an acceptance of ideas of loneliness and even a search for solace. You’re all alone, kid is probably one of Swift’s most self-aware and contemplative tracks.
Track six, midnight rain, has an almost indescribable beauty. In midnight rain Swift talks about breaking up a relationship to pursue her career. In the grand scheme of her career and her song, it might have been the best decision she could have made, but there are underlying regrets. Swift gives us some amazing tracks throughout the album, but this track is one of the best.
On the last twenty tracks between Midnights and Midnight (3am edition), Question..? is what I like least. Swift reflects on a past relationship, asking several questions of an ex-lover. There are several uses of explicit language and this track is immature, almost like Swift hopes her ex hasn’t moved on.
Track eight, Vigilant S–t, is a great revenge anthem, if you’re okay with the use of strong language. There are several theories about the type of person Swift seeks revenge against. There are implications that the man has committed a crime, with lines like “Someone reported his white collar crimes to the FBI”. But with other lines talking about an ex-wife, it’s also possible that this was a cheating incident. Regardless of, Vigilant S–t Reminds me of Carrie Underwood Before he cheats and Two black Cadillacs.
Bejeweled is a waste of a song. The lyrics are good, the music composition is good, but they just don’t seem out of place with each other. There’s a very electro-pop feel to the backing track, but the narrator tells a story of frustration with a lover. That doesn’t make the song bad, of course, but it’s definitely not a favorite. Ultimately, the track tells how Swift is fully aware that she can enchant a room, even if her partner doesn’t feel that for her.
Staying true to the theme so far, Labyrinth tells a story of falling in love. Unlike the other songs on the tracklist, Labyrinth tells the story of falling in love right after a heartbreak. It’s a good song, but it could have been much better, whether it’s a lyrical decision or a backing track, Labyrinth seems to correspond more to a younger artist, like Olivia Rodrigo. Overall, it’s a pretty decent song.
Karmaas the title suggests, is one of the greatest villain arc songs to date. Karma is a revenge track, allowing Swift to take on her adversaries and tell them they’ll get what they give. Although it contains some swear words, Karma is a great song, perfect for all the girls and boys entering their self-proclaimed “villain era.”
The twelfth track is summed up perfectly in the title. Sweet words is a sweet little song, with music reminiscent of lullabies and a simple story of being grateful for the little things in life. Specifically, Swift expresses her gratitude for the little things in her relationship with her current boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. Alwyn is also a featured producer on this track under the pseudonym William Bowery.
Brain is the last track of the original Midnights editing. This is another great song that talks about her relationship with Alwyn. Theories have swirled around every album since Red, if not even earlier, on how all of Swift’s tracks and music videos are connected. Swift has always had elaborate “easter eggs” in her music, this is more than likely just another addition to her endless repertoire.
Midnights (3am edition) was released a few hours later, introducing seven more titles.
The first of these seven tracks was The Great War. This one details the difficulties of relationships and the trials and tribulations encountered in couples which can sometimes lead to fights. Despite the somewhat morbid tones of the lyrics, the song is ultimately more and more hopeful, like a promise to love each other forever, but despite the hardships.
By far the most controversial song on the album is Bigger than all the sky. So far, Swift hasn’t released a statement on the story behind Bigger than all the sky, but several fans have taken to social media platforms to voice their suspicions of Swift telling the story of a miscarriage. The proof can perhaps be seen in lines like “What could have been, would have been / What you should have been”, “I have much to yearn for / I have much to live without / I’ll never meet” and “You were bigger than all the sky / You were more than a short time.” It caused quite a stir with Swift fans. Some claim she is writing about a miscarriage and have started attacking her via social media assuming details about her personal life. However, many women who have miscarried have applauded Swift and seen themselves in the lyrics. It’s an interesting thought to consider, but one that probably won’t be touched upon. Despite the controversies, it’s a great song that anyone who’s suffered a loss can relate to.
Paris is quite a surprising change in tone after Bigger than all the sky. Midnights ranges from a sad song about loss to an upbeat song about a relationship and being with that person like they’re still somewhere else. Paris is a good song where Swift describes thinking about someone in such an abundant capacity that she doesn’t see things like news or photos. It could involve feeling an almost childish crush on someone else, or a variety of other possibilities.
In high infidelitySwift visits the theme of cheating and infidelity in an unstable relationship. High infidelity takes a look at the deep pain left behind. It’s an interesting song, but has more negative messages because of the subject matter.
In Problem, Swift discusses a relationship that wasn’t meant to be. A type of relationship that started out as a friendship and was meant to stay that way, but the evolution of the relationship was so unlikely it looked like a glitch. It’s a good song, although a bit repetitive.
Could have, could have, should have details Swift’s relationship with John Mayer when she was 19 and he was 32. Could have, could have, should have uses morbid tones to express Swift’s regret for what she did at the time, as the relationship left her traumatized and scarred in ways she hasn’t fully addressed. It’s an intriguing song purely for the story behind it, but the subject matter is somewhat disturbing. Could have, could have, should have is an excellent penultimate piece.
Dear reader is a great closing song. Dear reader complements Swift’s 3am edition of Midnights. Swift gives the listener, or “reader,” life advice in a variety of areas. It’s a deep song and probably contains knowledge that Swift wished she had known when she was younger.
Globally, Midnights is an excellent album with good songs, although the underlying subject matter can get repetitive at times. There are swear words and heavier themes, but given that Swift is a grown woman and most of her fans grew up with her, it’s definitely fitting for this stage of her career.
*Note: This article expresses the ideas and opinions of the author and does not reflect the views of the Bryan Triangle or Bryan College as a whole.
Hollee Workman is a communications major at Bryan College with dreams of becoming an entertainment journalist and traveling the world. Besides journalistic writing, Hollee is a creative writer working on her third short story. I think I’m still lost among other creative projects