Inside Taylor Swift's 'Midnights': A Review of Her Intimate and Melancholic Pop Comeback

Despite Taylor Swift's career being marked by early chaos — from teenage angst and rapid genre transitions to public feuds and industry battles — she has since embraced a calmer, more reflective phase. Her recent albums, including the Grammy-winning Folklore, its companion Evermore, and re-recorded versions of Fearless and Red, showcase a more serene side.

Midnights is Swift’s fifth album in just three years, a rare pace in modern pop. The album maintains a sense of calm despite its concept of restless slumber. The songs evoke a dreamy atmosphere, with Swift processing memories through a soothing, introspective lens.

The album features themes familiar to Swift’s fans. The opener "Lavender Haze" addresses the obsession with public scrutiny, while "Maroon" continues her use of red-lip imagery. "Anti-Hero" is both self-aware and darkly humorous, portraying a near-death perspective, and "Midnight Rain" reflects on a past relationship with clear-eyed detachment.

Midnights focuses on calming mental noise, with music co-produced and co-written with Jack Antonoff. The album employs bedroom-beat intimacy, electronically enhanced vocals, and maximalist minimalism, creating a distinct sound. While some tracks, like "Karma", stand out for their danceable beats, the overall consistency might feel excessive to some.

Even if the songs on Midnights aren’t the catchiest, they effectively set a mood and convey their themes. Tracks like "Vigilante S----" explore uneasy feelings, while "Sweet Nothing" is a simple, heartfelt declaration of devotion. The album concludes with "Mastermind", blending themes of fate and manipulation with a note of grace.