Following up on The Life Of A Showgirl, Midnights hasn't exactly illuminated her broad appeal but perhaps such pursuits are an aimless distraction. Its an entertaining record, yet perplexing with its split lyrical directions. Home to my favorite Swift song, the anthemic Anti-Hero, Its introspective maturity and witty sentimentality stand in deep contrast to low point Karma, a spiteful revel in another's misfortune. It plays like a revenge track, harnessing the idea of karma in a rather un-spirited derisive gloat.
This contrast in tone highlights a spectrum of topicality marred by polarization. Taylor grapples with personal battles, fame, stardom and relationship woes from humble points of self critique to then lashing back with jeering ridicules and needling taunts. Fortunately, much of Midnights is the former with Vigilante Shit being a primary example of Taylor slipping into a meaner demeanor. It paints a troubled impression, the drive of emotional weights unable to resolve an anchor in stormy weathers.
That song highlights a reoccurring musical aesthetic of the record, Bedroom Pop, akin to Billie Eilish in my limited range of reference. Its a snug, cozy tone. Stripped back sleepy beats and subtle dreamy synths downplaying melody for dusky twilight atmospheres. Swaying with lunar Electronic tones and Synthpop influences, the music often slips into nocturnal Dream Pop territory with a touch of Ethereal charm. Softened yet modern murmurs of whirling Berlin Synth nestle in the velvet backdrops, playing into a partial minimalism production style as Taylor is given a limelight to shine.
Her singing is quite hit and miss for me. Occasionally striking gold with the whispery mustering magic of Lavender Haze yet much of her deliveries play mediocre. Picking up on more tropes and quirks, the rising vocal inflections at the end of sentences perk the ears. These techniques and others sometimes land but often feel like a bit of a clutch. She can certainly align the stars with impressive magnitude but like on The Life Of A Showgirl, the luminosity sparkles for just a couple of tracks and moments. Her inflections and lyrical cadences seeming like the core chemistry landing inconsistently.
Rating: 5/10