Dear Reader, I know that the drop of Taylor Swift’s brand new album was most likely the biggest pop culture news of the year, being Swift’s tenth studio album, containing co-production by Jack Antonoff, and a feature from Lana del Ray. Taylor knocked it out of the park with marketing this time around, garnering the Spotify record for single-day streams and blessing us with the surprise of the “3 am” addition consisting of seven new songs. Naturally, I had to gush about this release. I am here with a track-by-track ranking and review of the original “Midnights” tracklist for your reading pleasure. 

13. Vigilante Sh*t

  For all of the songs on the list, I like them overall despite their ranking, except this song. I cannot get behind this song. The production feels like a half-baked version of the dark beats FINNEAS puts on a Billie Elish song, and the song is a worse version of “Bad Guy.” The lyrics are cringy and were just not necessary. Swift totally has the ability to write a banger about revenge, like “no body, no crime” and “Look What You Made Me Do,” but this song will be a skip from me. 

12. Bejeweled

  I appreciate the self-love sentiment of this song, but it feels very juvenile and immature. It’s not a horrible song, but the chorus sounds like it is catered to 10-year-olds, while other parts have potential. Some aspects of this song have redeeming qualities, like the jewel-related imagery of moonstones, sapphires, and diamonds, and vocal layering. 

11. Lavender Haze 

  As an album opener, “Lavendar Haze” does its job; setting the mood for the rest of the album. The first lyrics “Meet me at midnight” drives the nighttime glowy sonics that are present throughout the album. The vocal layering is gorgeous, and although much better quality, the production is reminiscent of a forgettable pop song that would be played in H&M. 

10. Sweet Nothing

  “Sweet Nothing” is a cute song about Swift appreciating the small things about her partner in their relationship. I appreciate the simplicity of the lyrics, which really complement the vocals from Taylor. There’s nothing too special about this track, but it is a super “sweet” softer ballad on “Midnights.” 

9. Midnight Rain

  Watch out, everyone! Taylor has re-entered her “Reputation” era. “Midnight Rain” does an amazing job executing the production and tone that Swift seemed to be going for. The lyrics are pretty straightforward. Swift is letting go of a conventionally perfect partner to focus on her career. Nothing stands out too much about this song, but I do wonder who this is about. 

8. Question…?

  Swift reminisces on an old fling, asking her partner a series of questions. Miscommunication is a huge theme of this song, from the good girl to the sad boy, never getting the closure she was hoping for. It’s not bad sonically, or lyrically, but overall doesn’t stand out against the other songs. The chorus is definitely the most interesting, giving the feeling of a spotlight on one person in a spinning room. 

7. Karma

  “Karma” is an addictive listen and one you will definitely want to scream to at the top of your lungs with your friends. Some of the lyrics are questionable, but the song doesn’t take itself too seriously, which I appreciate. This is an anthem for the girls!

6. Mastermind

  This is a great closer to the original thirteen songs on “Midnights.” Taylor put in the work for this relationship and was able to get with the person that she wanted on this track. Swift confesses her talent for getting anyone she wants, but also expresses vulnerability, sharing the root of her need to prove herself. Let’s confess, Taylor is a “mastermind” in more ways than one. 

5. Maroon

  Maroon does a much better job of what “Lavender Haze” was aiming to accomplish. The stark imagery of “blood rushing into my cheeks” and “ rust that grew between telephones” develop the lucid maroon “stain” this relationship had on Swift. 

4. Anti-Hero 

  A classic pop anthem from Swift on “Anti-Hero.” I have to applaud the production of this song, sounding grand while feeling clear and pleasing to the ears. Being the single preceding the album sets up the listener for a typical pop album, but like her other albums, the single is not the best song. Questionable lyrics like “sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby” and “it’s me, Hi” definitely leave something to be desired in the songwriting department. Swift can definitely do better, but sonically “Anti-hero” holds up with her other pop tracks from “1989.” 

3. Labyrinth

  A perfect compliment for nighttime drives or playing with the love of your life, “Labyrinth” has it all. With magical vocals from Taylor and even more stunning production, I am taken to a whole new place whenever I listen to this song. It has the potential to move to the higher spots on this list because of its replay value. Even if you’re not “falling in love” as Swift in this song, it is one of the best on “Midnights” and a must-listen for all Swifties. 

2. You’re On Your Own, Kid

  This starts off with a slow start on the verses, but as soon as the pre-chorus kicks in, “You’re On Your Own, Kid” transforms into the perfect coming-of-age soundtrack. Swift backtracks her life, going through the motions of attempting to fit in, navigating her romances, and experiences as a young adult. I absolutely love the sentiment of this song. Yes, we are all on our own, and life is not easy, but we are still young and have room to make mistakes and learn from them. Transitioning from her battles with life in her hometown, Swift encourages her fans to “take the moment and taste it.” 

1. Snow On The Beach

  “Snow On The Beach” is Taylor Swift at her best. Of course, she knows how to make catchy pop songs, but I feel like, over the years, she has been able to find her sound, which this song perfectly exhibits. The delicate vocals of Swift and Lana Del Rey perfectly complement one another, sonically cohesive with “Folklore” and “Evermore.”

The lyrics on this song are some of the strongest on the album, featuring the glimmering imagery that I associate with Swift’s best songs. Lines such as “Stars by the pocketful” and “Your eyes are like saucers from another planet” take us to the feeling of this relationship that just fell into place, almost otherworldly.