Across her musical career, fans have admired Swift as she effortlessly switches between genres. Midnights is no different. To me, this album combines the power and spunk of Reputation with the lust of 1989 and Lover to produce a deep, soft, pop-rock vibe. In other words, this is a genre that has been untouched by Swift, until now. 

According to Swift, “Midnights is a collage of intensity, highs and lows and ebbs and flows. Life can be dark, starry, cloudy, terrifying, electrifying, hot, cold, romantic, or lonely. Just like Midnights.” Let’s dive into five of the songs that stand out to me on this new album. 

Lavender Haze

“Lavender Haze”, Track 1 on Midnights, definitely deserves a spot on this list. “Lavender Haze” itself is a slang term for being in love, and is the perfect song to kick off this album. Anytime Taylor Swift mentions a color, fans are usually in for a treat. While definitely not my top pick on the album, it’s super catchy, has beautiful lyrics, and really sets the tone for the following twelve tracks. 

Rating: 7.5/10 

Favorite Line: “All they keep asking me is if I’m gonna be your bride, the only kinda girl they see is a one night or a wife” 

Maroon 

“Maroon,” directly following “Lavender Haze,” has a dark and mysterious vibe from the start. Colors! Once again, Swift sticks to this “Maroon” theme, continuing to circle back to maroon colored things: rosé, burgundy, blood, rust, lips, roses, scarlet, wine. Another beautiful piece by Swift. 

Rating: 8/10

Favorite Line: “You were standing hollowed-eyed in the hallway, Carnations you had thought were roses, That’s us” 

Anti-Hero 

This is the most beautiful telling of a mental health nightmare I’ve ever heard. In the opening of the song, Swift almost immediately mentions her depression keeping her awake at night, haunting her. “Anti-Hero” definitely requires a second listen to see beneath the catchy surface. 

Rating: 13/10

Favorite Line: “I’ll stare directly at the sun, But never in the mirror” 

Karma

“Karma” is honestly not what I was expecting, but this is why we don’t judge a song by its title. In Swift’s past work, she’s made it clear that she’s not a force to be reckoned with– especially when it comes to revenge, or “Karma.” This song will definitely be added onto my late-night driving playlist. 

Rating: 10/10

Favorite Line: “Karma’s a relaxing thought, Aren’t you envious that for you it’s not? Sweet like honey, Karma is a cat, Purring in my lap ‘cause it loves me” 

Mastermind 

“Mastermind” is the last track on the standard version of Midnights, and it definitely deserves this spot. Not only does this song resonate with her relationships, but also tells the story of Swift’s not-so-easy climb to success to the top of the music industry. If you’re a fan of “Mirrorball” on Folklore, this one’s for you. This is another track that shows Swift’s vulnerability within her songwriting. Taylor Swift is definitely a “Mastermind” over her fans. 

Rating: 9/10

Favorite Line: “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid, So I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since, To make them love me and make it seem effortless, This is the first time I’ve felt the need to confess” 

Now, go stream Midnights to see a whole new side of Swift’s songwriting.