opinions on taylor swift's "midnights"

I wouldn’t call myself a Swiftie, but when there is good music to be heard, I would be the first person to indulge in a new album of a recognized pop star. Aside from the famous and overplayed classics “Bad Blood,” “22,” and “Love Story” I had never done a deep dive into her music let alone listened to a Taylor Swift album in its entirety. That album cover had me freaked out from the start, but I soon found myself entranced by her album, who some Youtube commenters astutely describe it to having the “unwavering happiness of 1989, the depth of Folklore and Evermore, the heart of Lover, and the middle finger of Reputation.” I can’t say I fully understand any of those references. 

So, here’s my Midnights (including the deluxe “3am” edition) album tier list and review. 

Let the musical journey begin:

tier s - the best of the best

(I had to make a new tier because there were too many in the tier below)

If I had to pick three of my favourites from the tier below, they would be...

• Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve

• Karma 

• Glitch

Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve

A rock song, pop song, and love song sandwiched all into one for 4 minutes of musical goodness. I really like the longer songs as they never seem to end. 10 /10.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Unpopular opinion: this is the best song of the album"

Karma

What separates this song from the Tier 1 list is that it never gets old. It’s a revamped version of bejeweled with a better chorus that separates the two in this ranking. So good.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This song is a total bop, I've listened to it on repeat constantly this past week."

Glitch

An underrated track that is one of my favourites on the album. I love the dramatic pause toward the end that leads into a triumphant final corus.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This is a certified taylor swift classic."

• The lofi vibes I’m getting in this one makes me understand why Taylor chose this song to be part of the 3am edition because I remember being obsessed with listening to lofi music at this time of night

tier 1 - elite

(These songs make me want to get out of my chair and vibe)

All of these songs will be added to my personal playlist shortly as they can be listened to over and over again without getting old. This shows just how many good songs there are on this album that makes it an all-time classic for “casuals” and Swifties alike.

Lavender Haze

This song has a vibe anywhere, at any time, and for any occasion. It truly works anywhere and everywhere and makes me want to get out of my chair and dance. 

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This is so different from her usual style, I (choice word) love it."

Sweet Nothing

I completely forgot about this song until the end of making this list but as soon as I remembered its lubally-like feel and dreamy vocals, it deserved a spot in this tier.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "It's fascinating how her songs over time have shown the growth from an immature concept (high stakes) of love to mature love (peace, security)."

High Infidelity

A kind of revenge song that piqued my interest - I can’t stop listening to it now.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This song hasn’t even been out for a full day yet and it’s already one of my favourite songs ever."

The Great Wall

One of the best of the entire album with its poignant lyrics and marching band inspired bridge that takes the song to the next level.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Low-key one of the best written songs off the album."

Anti-Hero*

* I would recommend the Anti-Hero Illenium remix over the original track because of the beat drop and reduced backings throughout the piece (simple and playful beat brings out the vocals and enhances the song). What else is there to say about this one, it’s a good song!

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This song made me realize I was a Swifty! Too bad I can’t get tickets to see her!"

• All of these songs will be added to my personal playlist shortly as they can be listened to over and over again without getting old. This shows just how many good songs there are on this album that makes it an all-time classic for “casuals” and Swifties alike.

• *Casual - A person, often when referring to gamers or any other target, that isn't really into it and only does this activity on an infrequent basis.

tier 2 - solid

(Nothing bad to say about these ones)

You’re on Your Own Kid

A harsh message with a beautiful ending message coupled with a magical intro and first verse make this a contender for the best song in this tier.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Can we just appreciate how empowering and inspiring the ending is after such a sad song?"

Bigger Than the Whole Sky

Poignant lyrics and magical tune make it a song to remember (this song would make for a killer backing track in any movie).

Certified Youtube Commenter: "One of her best songs, imo. So beautiful, heartbreaking, haunting. You can interpret it in a few different ways. This is the power of music."

Labyrinth 

4 minutes and 16 seconds of amazingness. The backing track is elite and carries the song to this tier.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Taylor’s lyrics HAVE taught me how to critically analyze verses better than my entire literature degree."

Mastermind

“It was all by design because I’m a mastermind.” A little bit of dark messaging but I don’t mind the chorus.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This song deserves its own movie, imagine the plot!"

Midnight Rain

This is a really good song but after listening to it too many times, it doesn’t keep me interested. It could, however, make a really good soundtrack to a romance movie.  Note from editor - Scratch that, this song is good. Up a tier it goes.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "One of the best from Midnights, I legit was shocked when this played because it sounds different. This song is perfect for late night drives."

Snow on the Beach ft. Lana “Ghost” Del Ray

Other than the fact that Lana Del Ray’s feature vocals are non-existent, the song builds and builds to an enjoyable peak.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Lana was so impressed with the song that she was speechless!"

• This tier is filled with some of my favourites on the album that were simply outclassed by the songs above. Labyrinth’s computer techno backing track and the messaging and playful feel of You’re on Your Own Kid were so close to that final tier. They certainly deserve honourable mentions and your listening time because you will not be disappointed.

tier 3 - mid

(I could vibe to this, just not right now)

Bejeweled

I initially loved this song for its fairy-like feel and disney princess turned rogue vibes and soon found it to be repetitive. Close to a solid song, but couldn’t put it higher.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "People can hate all they want but you can't deny her skills 🔥"

Question…?

Other songs are simply better. The bridge is very nice and some of the musical production underneath is attractive. The chorus ,“Can I ask you a question,”  is underwhelming.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "I like the oboe & clarinet sounds, and the full harmony backing vocals."

Dear Reader

It’s a really good song and I was tempted to put it higher, but it’s a little too long and slow. Not sure if it packed the concluding punch Swift was expecting.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "Am I the only one who thinks that Dear Reader is actually one of the best songs on the album?" Note from the editor - Yes, you are.

Paris 

How does this one go again? Unmemorable. The Chainsmokers' version is better.

Certified Youtube Commenter: "I want to walk around Paris at night surrounded by twinkling lights listening to this song."

• All of these tunes could have been placed in the tier above, but were outclassed by the other songs in this album. I could enjoy these songs and still do, but after listening to them a few extra times, they become repetitive and I lose interest.

tier 4 - bad

(I wouldn't subject anyone to listen to these songs)

Maroon 

Certified Youtube Commenter: "The harmonies in this song get into my soul." Note from editor - In a bad way!

Vigilante S**t

Certified Youtube Commenter: "This song shocked me when I first heard it and still catches me off guard every time." Note from editor - In a bad way!

• Honestly, these songs shouldn’t have been included in an otherwise phenomenal album. Maroon is too slow and lacks any “wow” factor to make the song enjoyable, while Vigilante S**t sounds like an angry rant with subpar production and vocals. They didn’t even deserve their own mini-captions, that’s how much these songs are subpar.

These opinions are subject to listener’s opinion and by no means come from a certified Taylor Swift fan, also known as a Swiftie ©.

What I love about Midnights is that there are so many songs that go all too well.