The best ‘Midnights’ tracks, according to her fans at WHS

On October 21, 2022, at Midnight, Taylor Swift released an album that broke the charts. She unveiled the tracklist on a Tik-Tok series called “Midnights Mayhem with Me” from September 21 to October 7, 2022. This album broke the Spotify record for most single-day streams of an album. It opened with over 1.5 million units and became 2022’s fastest and best-selling album: logging the largest vinal sale in a week of the 21st century. Midnights has filled all top 10 spots on the Billboard Top 100 in the United States – with her song “Anti-Hero” staying at number one. Not only did she top the charts in America, but she is topping the charts in 14 other countries. These countries include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Midnights is the story of “13 sleepless nights” scattered throughout Taylor Swift’s life. This album includes 13 original songs by Taylor Swift, with Lana Del Ray, featured on her 4th track “Snow on the Beach.” Her third track “Anti-Hero” and her Ninth track “Bejeweled” are the only two songs that have music videos as of now. Both songs have also become TikTok trends and popular sounds to use. The album artwork is also something that has become a trend. Midnights has different album covers and when you turn them over they have numbers on them. Interestingly enough, when you put all the different album covers together, it makes a clock. There are many different reasons why this album is so special, but it is mainly because Swifties are hardcore, meaning they are committed to increasing the popularity of their favorite artist. 

We are lucky to be in the presence of so many Swifties at our school, including some of your favorite teachers. If you walk down the English hallway on Fridays you can always count on a Taylor song blasting in your ears on your way to class. One of the unique things about this album is that Taylor released it at Midnight. So many people stayed to listen to it as soon as it was released. Some students stayed up till Midnight to hear it first, while teachers planned on listening to it on their way to work the next day. Across the board, people were excited about this album and knew it was going to be a masterpiece. Junior Kjersten Spenner shares her devotion, “I was very excited as it’s been a long time since she has released new music besides for movies/shows or re-records and I did stay up until midnight and two AM for the announcement.” 

While this album is a new religion for some Swifties, Taylor is known for crossing musical genres and having different phases. Everybody has their favorite phase of Taylor. For example, some love her pop era, while others love her “reputation” era. English teacher Mrs. Vogt shares her thoughts about what era she thinks Midnights falls into. “If I were to categorize this album it is a 1989 hybrid with Reputation and lyrical notes of Evermore and Folklore”, explains Mrs. Vogt. English teacher Mrs. Chia also shares the same opinion. Sophomore William Bower explains, “I think this is her best album mainly because it is the only album I have listened to all the songs and it just gives off a really good vibe.” Junior Kjersten Spenner also gave a hot take: “This album is different because it’s a concept album, it’s all about the things that have kept her up at night throughout her career and then the 3 am songs are there too I think it’s just a very cool idea for an album and I love the message and vibe of all the songs” 

And finally, here are the 13 tracks from Taylor Swift’s Midnights ranked from worst to best. 

13. Sweet Nothing

12. Snow on the Beach 

11. Labyrinth

10. Vigilante S**t

9. Question…?

8. Anti-Hero

7. Midnight Rain

6. Karma

5. Bejeweled

4. Maroon

3.You’re On Your Own, Kid

2. Lavender Haze

1. Mastermind

* Bonus #1: Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve 

While this is the official ranking of the Waukee High School, everyone has their favorite. Especially with Taylor, everyone loves to belt her songs in the car and cry to them at 3 AM. Waukee’s favorite song to belt to from this album is “Bejeweled” and the best one to cry to is “You’re On Your Own, Kid”. This album is truly a masterpiece and a work of art. Most people agree that Midnights is Taylor Swift’s best album, so the fans love it as well as the people that this album dragged in through social media. This album means a lot to many people, even though it is just a pop album. Taylor will now be going on “The Eras” tour in the spring. In effect, ticket websites have blown up over how many people want to go. So to Taylor Swift, Waukee High School loves you and can’t wait to see what you do next!