Taylor Swift dropped “Midnights” at 12 a.m. on Saturday, with additional tracks dropping a few hours later.
As I listened to the entirety of Swift’s 10th album, I transcended. Hearing Swift exclaim such relatable remarks poetically was emotional, to say the least. It was no surprise “Midnights” broke the record for most streamed album in a single day in Spotify history.
This album exemplifies Swift’s evolving style. “Midnights” is uniquely her in a way past projects didn’t grasp completely. It’s raw. It’s quirky. It’s dark. It’s beautiful. Taylor Swift seems to let go of perfection. In turn, “Midnights” possesses a new power.
Lyrics like, “From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this / I hosted parties and starved my body / Like I'd be saved by a perfect kiss,” “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror” and “if you never saved me from boredom / I could've gone on as I was / But, Lord, you made me feel important” from tracks five, three and 19 — “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” “Anti-Hero” and “Would've, Could've, Should've,” respectively — are just a few lines that beautifully encapsulate the complexities of life in renowned Taylor Swift fashion.
Swift touches on the intricacies of growing up in her 2010 track “Never Grow Up” and again in “You’re On Your Own, Kid” off “Midnights.” She portrays her insecurities in 2019 on “The Archer” and gives the listener a new deeper look in “Midnights’” “Anti-Hero.” She is relatable in her commentary about her relationships. Swift does not shy away from discussing the uncomfortable; perhaps this is why she resonates with so many young women.
“Would've, Could've, Should've,” like “All Too Well,” discusses regret and the loss of innocence at the hands of older men as she sings, “Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first” and “I would’ve stayed on my knees / And I damn sure never would’ve danced with the devil / At nineteen.” In an interesting twist, upbeat songs on the album portray her exhausting struggles.
Of course, “Midnights” is relatable. It tells the story of 13 sleepless nights. Tell me you have not tossed and turned over: the inevitable prospect of growing up and entering uncharted territory, the insecurities many stare dead in the eyes but will not seem to fade, relationships that leave dark scars on your heart, or any other theme on this track.
“Midnights” is the antithesis of Swift’s past work. I heard listeners voice their disappointment with this album. I challenge them to return and uncover the intricacies, beauty and power Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” holds by releasing the clutches of perfection.
