As a teenager in today’s society, I wake up every morning and immediately feel the pressure to be someone I am not. So, I put on a mask that the world finds more appealing in an attempt to be what they love. I walk through the day feeling like no one understands me. That is until I put in my AirPods, open Spotify, and hear the lyrics, “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid/So I’ve been scheming like a criminal ever since/To make them love me and make it seem effortless” from Taylor Swift’s song “Mastermind.” Suddenly, I feel like this song has opened my brain and somehow taken my seemingly indescribable thoughts and put them into lyrics. The song from Swift’s newest album brings tears to my eyes, and I know that I have no choice but to listen to the album over and over again.  

On October 21, 2022, Taylor Swift released her tenth studio album, Midnights. Swift describes the album as “the stories of 13 sleepless nights throughout my life.” Each song gives an intimate look into Swift’s mind and life. The album is made of thirteen songs written by Swift and produced by Jack Antonoff. Antonoff has previously worked alongside Swift on her albums 1989, Reputation, Lover, Folklore, and Evermore. 

In the weeks following its release, Midnights has been praised by critics and fans alike. Rolling Stone magazine has deemed the album an “Instant Classic.” Vulture describes the album as “the incremental scaling back of the wants and needs of an entire generation from the dream of picket-fenced, pastoral living to a simpler fantasy: the desire to be truly free.” Apple Music named Midnights the “biggest pop album of all time.” It made Taylor Swift the first ever artist to occupy every top ten spot in the Billboard Top 100. In just three days after its release, the album sold 1.2 million copies. On Spotify, Midnights earned the title of the Most Streamed Album in 24 Hours with 184.6 million streams. 

I am an avid Taylor Swift fan (or Swiftie). I am not afraid to admit that, despite my love for everything Taylor Swift, I had my worries about the album. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that it was going to be a great album but how could it possibly top the already incredible albums Swift has released throughout her career? However, the second I listened to the album, all my doubts faded away. Midnights is truly nothing less than a masterpiece. Every song makes me feel infinitely more connected to my favorite singer and more importantly, it made me feel seen. There’s something in every song that reminds me of an aspect of my own life. It made me feel that I’m not alone in my experiences and problems. The album is a blend of songs that when put together, perfectly encapsulates the human experience. The album covers topics from self-doubt, the feeling of being in love, acceptance, breakups and friendship. Additionally, the album is the perfect mix of sad songs to cry to and pop songs to dance to. There’s something to listen to for any occasion.

Of course, the album has its faults. If I had to change one thing about Midnights I would feature Lana Del Rey more in the song “Snow On The Beach.” The music was advertised as having Del Rey heavily featured on it but when listening to it, I couldn’t even hear her. Upon further inspection, I realized that she was doing the background vocals. While her voice is as hauntingly beautiful as ever, I would love to hear Del Rey sing a verse of the song (which she co-wrote). The blend of Swift and Del Rey’s voices would have made an incredible addition to the album. 

There is no doubt in my mind that Taylor Swift’s newest album Midnights is her best album yet. Purley looking from a statistical point of view, the album is smashing records left and right, but Midnights is so much more than that. It’s an album that can make any listener feel like a part of something. That’s what truly makes it a masterpiece.