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Album: Midnights
Artist: Taylor Swift
Sub-Genres: #BedroomPop #DreamPop
Label: Republic
Non-Airable Tracks: Lavender Haze, Maroon, Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey), Question…?, Vigilante Sh*t, Karma
Description:
As a certified pop princess I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, Midnights. Suspense was built as she rolled out her songs beginning in September on TikTok. Its October 21 release date, she surprised us with the drop of seven additional songs. As her past two albums have been more folk-inspired, fans were surprised to see Swift return to pop roots. I find the transition extremely welcome. Taylor Swift knows how to deliver a perfect sad song you can still dance to. I personally am eternally grateful to Swift for single-handedly carrying the pop genre on her back. Today’s pop albums sound somewhat monotonous, but I found each song from Midnights to be unique in sound and message - despite conveying a similar melancholia. Has she stuck the landing and cemented herself as a queen of bedroom pop? Absolutely. Midnights is deeply confessional and honest supported by Swift’s vintage-inspired melodies and beautiful vocals. Synth works particularly well in songs like the heartbreaking, "Labyrinth." Swift's vocals convey her pain and vulnerability so well on this song. The synth gives it a vintage sound, but Swift's vocals bring a contemporary edge. This song is haunting and definitely one of my favorite songs from the album. Perfect for your next "sad girl autumn" playlist.
My personal favorite is undoubtedly "Karma." The song lyrics may be a bit whimsical, even silly at first, but the song is a pop classic in the making. This song reminded me of Taylor Swift's 1989 and Lover pop eras: upbeat and very danceable. It is a feel-good song and probably my favorite pop song to emerge from October. This is a song for when your confidence returns and you feel like your best self. Karma is a recurring motif in Swift's songs, but this song is refreshing and fun. What's not to like? Highly recommend if you are motivated by your haters.
"Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana del Rey)" is your newest winter listen. The lyrics of this song are some of my favorite of the entire album. Swift takes us to an intergalactic love with twinkly sounds and dreamy vocals. When I heard that Lana was going to featured, I was elated. All said and done, Lana was more of a background singer. For a feature, Lana was barely audible: she whispered in the background where a verse may have vastly improved the song. A personal favorite, "Sweet Nothing" is definitely worth a listen in my opinion. The song brings us back to Swift's Cardigan era. It contrasts from the upbeat pop songs which precede it with its gentle vulnerability, which allow Swift's delicate voice to shine. Her melancholy depiction of love sticks with you and beautifully wraps up the album. Lastly, Swift's lead single, "Anti-Hero" (while corny at times) is extremely relatable to the self-critical girlies (me). Swift gives us insight into her struggles with societal pressure and self-hatred. Twinnie! This song is definitely a strong single and gives me Reputation vibes, but with a maturity and honesty that I look forward to hearing again.
Sounds Like:
beabadoobee
Phoebe Bridgers
Clairo
Recommended Tracks:
Lavender Haze
Labyrinth
Karma
Sweet Nothing
Maroon
Reviewer’s Name: Sophia Troetel
Date of Review: November 16, 2022
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