In the early hours of October 21, 2022, 21 eager members of the Theta Nu chapter of Kappa Delta met in the Alcove to listen to the brand new album, Midnights, by none other than Miss Taylor Alison Swift. This highly anticipated, middle-of-the-night album is the culmination of songs written throughout the midnights of Taylor’s life. She was set to release just the 13-song album with some music videos to supplement, however, the Swifties were pleasantly surprised with an extra seven songs released at 3 a.m. The chalkboard was decorated and the popcorn was made, all there was left to do was take in whatever this album could bring. With some twists, turns, and fun bright sounds, I was able to gather some of my thoughts and here they are for all of you! The world’s most famous cat lady began the album with two different color songs. One was an interestingly intense pop song that was quite contrary to what the Swifties were expecting the song to be. The inaugural track’s title comes from a term used in the 1950s to explain the feeling someone has when they are just so in love they see everything with a “lavender haze”, according to Swift. Because of this explanation of the title, most fans were expecting a slow and romantic track, but that was not the case. “Lavender Haze” was quickly followed by “Red”’s mature older sister, “Maroon”. A song that uses different shades of the primary hue to outline a relationship. A fairly straightforward style of song for the 32-year-old pop sensation. Coming in for the next track, Track 3, we have “Anti-Hero”. A song about the all too familiar most humans struggle with–the idea that you are your biggest critic. With a whirl win of emotions ranging from thinking everyone hates her, to not knowing who to listen to, to thinking of her own funeral where her children fight over her will, it is clear that Swift has not had an easy life in the spotlight, but continues to persevere for the fans and the love she has for the art of songwriting. This song was also the first to release a music video in addition to the 13-track album. A camp interpretation of the midnight depression terrors Swift had in mind for this album. She is also credited as the director and writer of the video. After great success with her 2021 All Too Well: Short Film, Taylor has found her new hobby with directing and writing visual additions to her albums. The fans (know of) one more music video to come, but the fan base is fully aware we could get some super secret surprises. After sitting and listening to the album for the midnight hour, most of the Theta Nu Swifties decided to go to bed, but a few stragglers made it to the highly anticipated 3 a.m. “special chaotic surprise” that Swift hinted at on a calendar published on her official fan account. Most fans believed this would be the announcement of her speculated tour, but it ended up being an extra seven songs to add to the album, filling out the rest of the concept Swift envisioned. Fans on different social media platforms were quick to respond saying that they believed these seven songs were their top songs out of the entire album…all I can say to that is Tay-Tay knows how to satisfy her fans! Songs like “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” and “Dear Reader” add a slow pace that the album was missing, as well as, “Paris” and “The Great War” have a fun, upbeat sound that matches and flows with the rest of the album. Overall, I would have to give this album a solid 4.5 snowflakes-on-the-beach out of 5. My only flaw is that my musical mother, Taylor, had me stay up until 3:45 a.m. on a school night, but maybe I should stop listening to my parents anyway! Along with giving it an outrageously high score, I am also proud to say that this album made it into my top three Taylor Swift albums right behind Red (Taylor’s Version) (2021) and 1989 (2014). Good work, Taylor…you have never been the “anti-hero” to me
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