“the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life.”
Taylor Swift’s tenth studio-album Midnights, was released on October 21, 2022. It’s a concept album inspired by sleepless nights of the songstress’ life, about nocturnal contemplations, written and produced by her with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.
Midnights, includes topics of anxiety, insecurity, self-criticism, self-awareness, insomnia, and self-confidence. The subject matters were inspired by self-hatred, revenge fantasies, falling in love, falling apart, and the what ifs, should’ve been. . . The candid lyrics and vocal cadences are accompanied by instrumentation of a synth-pop experimental sound including experiments of electronica, dream pop, bedroom pop, and chill-out music styles. The tracks have a distinguished mood with subtle grooves, vintage synthesizers, drum machine, and hip hop and R&B rhythms.
The opening track ‘Lavender Haze’ refers to the state of being in love. The electro pop and R&B infused instrumentation with elements of hip hop, alongside the lyrics discussing the online and tabloid scrutiny she faced around rumors regarding her relationship.
‘Maroon’ is a R&B-tinged that has a complimentary dream pop and synth production with poetic lyrics. There’s an ambient and moody atmosphere as Swift reminisces on a past relationship. It’s sonically a superb track.
The lead single ‘Anti-Hero’ has a synth-pop sound over the pop rock driven instrumentation with lyrics discussing anxiety, depression, and self-loathing. The insecurities bare on the confessional and heartfelt lyrics create an infectious mood alongside the earworm hook.
‘Snow on the Beach’ featuring Lana Del Ray is a dream pop ballad. The track demonstrates the dream-like state of falling in love with someone at the same time as they fall in love with you. Both songstress’ vocals accompany one another’s in a beautiful and delicate way alongside the upbeat and endearing instrumentation.
Track five has always been an emotional roller coaster for Swift. And ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid’ is no different. The heartwrenching lyrics, delicate vocals, and ‘90s-alt-rock-tinged beat add extra flavour alongside the sense of isolation on the track. The song gives reassurance one didn’t know they needed as she sings, “Everything you lose is a step you take. So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid.”
‘Midnight Rain’ is an aesthetically pleasing addition to Midnights, with Swift’s edited vocals adding exceptional flavouring. The cool delivery on the level of distortion and synth showcase a new interpretation of her music.
‘Question…?’ has an emotional version of Swift left wondering if she could have done things differently with an ex-lover. The torture feeling of staring at the ceiling for hours sums this particular song up perfectly. Along with the etching feelings, she learns they’ve moved on as she sings, “And what’s that that I heard, that you’re still with her, that’s nice. I’m sure that’s what’s suitable, and right.”
‘Vigilante Shit’ is a femme fatale anthem, which has a musical beat with swirling synths, snare drums, and industrial elements, with a declaration of vengeance. Swift takes aim at the enemy, while encouraging other women to do the same.
‘Bejeweled’ is a bubblegum pop song driven by synth-laden disco and synth-pop. It’s a symbolic track with the recognition of self-worth. Swift notes for romantic subjects to pay attention before it’s too late. She presents herself as the prize. The unapologetic production along with the feel-good melodies, mean that this tune is meant to be played loudly.
“It only hurts this much right now, Was what I was thinking the whole time,” Swift opens on ‘Labyrinth’ which is a beautiful song. The delicate transition of remembering life before this new love hits incredibly deep. It’s highly emotional with her soothing vocals that sounds like she’s crying. She sings, “Uh oh, I'm falling in love, Oh no, I'm falling in love again, Oh, I'm falling in love,” in realising she’s opening up again to love. The hope she expresses upon the fascinating production makes this a stand-out track on, Midnights.
‘Karma’ hears a twinkle in her voice as she sings, “Karma’s a relaxing thought. Aren’t you envious that for you it’s not?” It’s a lighthearted sing-along song over the synthpop track production. It describes the culmination of her ‘good karma’ over the sleekest production as Swift sings in metaphors, comparing karma to everything from her boyfriend to a cat to a god.
‘Sweet Nothing’ is one of Swift’s most beautifulest tracks she’s ever created. She describes the calmness within her relationship, compared to the hectic life within her career and the outside world. Musically, it's a ‘70s-inspired ballad driven by a saxophone and electric piano, closing out the track with some horn stings.
‘Mastermind’ is a breathtaking closing track to the album. She reveals that her life is no happy accident. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” she sings, noting that everything is calculated and gained from her putting in the work. As she highlights vulnerability, it’s an endearing thirteenth track to Midnights.
Midnights, finds Swift refining her music catalog, rather than a reinvention. It’s a cohesive record revealing many of her truths, fears, and more as she confronts her intrusive thoughts of her own career with fame, and herself.
The album has broken many commercial records globally, making Midnights, a testament to Taylor Swift’s musical catalog.
Words by Danielle Holian