13. Midnight Rain
Favourite lyric: He wanted a bride, I was making my own name
If I was ranking Midnights by the titles of songs, this song would definitely be higher up. And the actual melody also is not bad, it’s just not as catchy as some of the songs below. I like the lyrics, too.
You can listen to the song here:
12. Mastermind
Favourite lyric: I laid the groundwork, and then just like clockwork the dominoes cascade in a line
I didn’t anticipate for ‘Mastermind’ to be this low when I first listened to the album, but on second listen it got pushed down a little to make way for better songs. It does get a place above ‘Midnight Rain’, however, solely for using my favourite word ‘cascade’.
You can listen to the song here:
11. Lavender Haze
Favourite lyric: I been under scrutiny, you handle it beautifully
Like ‘Midnight Rain’, ‘Lavender Haze’ also has an intriguingly pretty title. It certainly sets the mood for the album, being the first track, establishing the equilibrium Taylor has found between her sister albums Folklore and Evermore and her pop album 1989.
You can listen to the song here:
10. Vigilante Sh*t
Favourite lyric: So on the weekends, she don’t dress for friends, lately she’s been dressing for revenge
Reminds me ever so slightly of ‘Ready For It…?’ off of Swift’s album Reputation. It’s upbeat and I instantly upon my first listen knew it had potential to be a single, it’s just not my personal favourite off the album.
You can listen to the song here:
9. You’re On Your Own, Kid
Favourite lyric: I didn’t choose this town, I dream of getting out, there’s just one who could make me stay
Wasn’t really sure where to place this. It may not have a really memorable beat like ‘Vigilante Sh*t’ does, but there was something in its melody every time I listened that I liked a little more than the previous listen. The more you listen to it, the better it sounds.
You can listen to the song here:
8. Labyrinth
Favourite lyric: I thought the plane was goin’ down, how’d you turn it right around?
At first I wasn’t convinced by ‘Labyrinth”s slow tempo, but soon it evolved into a beautiful chorus, and it’s always nice to hear the softer side of Taylor’s vocals. Like a labyrinth, it is a song that you end up getting lost in.
You can listen to the song here:
7. Maroon
Favourite lyric: And I wake up with your memory over me
Took me a second listen to realise that this song has a great feel to it. The melody is subtle, but also tuneful, especially during the chorus. The production and vocals have an equal warmth to them, making it a great song for winter.
You can listen to the song here:
6. Karma
Favourite lyric: Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend
A song that will be loved by fans, as it has that personalised touch, where Taylor talks about cats behind an instrumental that feels like it was made just for her. But at the same time it can be enjoyed by everyone, as it has a cheerful beat and lyrics that are already being analysed by the media.
You can listen to the song here:
5. Anti-Hero
Favourite lyric: I wake up screaming from dreaming one day, I’ll watch as you’re leaving, and life will lose all its meaning
Undeniably single-material, so I see why Taylor chose this as the first single. Good lyricism isn’t as consistent here as it is on some of the other tracks however, so it’s really the production that made me rank it this high.
You can listen to the song here:
4. Sweet Nothing
Favourite lyric: Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors and smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other
Sounds very Sufjan Stevens. Shows off Swift’s vocals perfectly, and has a chorus that has been in my head all day. The lyrics are great too, so there is absolutely nothing that I dislike about this song to be honest.
You can listen to the song here:
3. Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)
Favourite lyric: And it’s fine to fake ’til you make it, ’til you do, ’til it’s true
Like many Lana fans, I was disappointed that Lana didn’t get her own verse on this song. But even so, ‘Snow On The Beach’ is one of the best songs on the album. It truly does create imagery based upon the title, and has a calming quality to it.
You can listen to the song here:
2. Bejeweled
Favourite lyric: So put me in the basement when I want the penthouse of your heart
It was incredibly close between ‘Bejeweled’ and the song in first place. This was one of the songs that I liked immediately, and knew would be in my top three. It has production that syncs with the lyrics, and an overall good feel to it.
You can listen to the song here:
1. Question…?
Favourite lyric: Got swept away in the grey, I just may like to have a conversation
Arguably the most melodic song on ‘Midnights’. It may not have as much single potential as songs like ‘Bejeweled’ or ‘Karma’, but I hope it gets the attention it deserves. The chorus gets better and better with the added production, and the lyrics have that ability to connect with the listener.
You can listen to the song here: