As the clock strikes 12:00 am on October 21st, millions of Taylor Swift fans, also known as Swifties, make their way to streaming services and press play on the highly anticipated 10th studio album from Swift, entitled “Midnights.”

    After an extended two-year wait, the new collection of songs sparked the excitement of Swifties across the globe. The new 13-track album takes Swift back to her iconic pop sound with a blend of her more alternative music, which she has been using on her previous two records, “Folklore” and “Evermore.”

    “My initial impressions of Midnights were pretty positive,” freshman Cassie Maggs said. “I really liked the vibe. I was definitely glad to hear from pop Taylor again.”

      The pop sound of Swift is one of my favorites. She has a talent for making songs that make you want to get up and dance while also maintaining meaning and sharing a story. This style is certainly not left off on the new album. The third track, “Anti-Hero,” details the artist’s insecurities and anxieties that she has dealt with throughout her life, all while carrying an upbeat tempo and unique pop sound.

    Swift’s songwriting is undoubtedly one of the best of our generation. This album perfectly displays her ability to flow words together to send a clear message. She can take something as simple as blushing and describe it with a lot of meaning: “And how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was (maroon).”

    On the fifth track, “You’re On Your Own Kid,” Swift talks about navigating her way through love, friendship, and fame. What sticks out about this song is the detailed lyricism she uses; it makes you feel as if you can envision exactly what she is saying, all while leaving things up for interpretation. “From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / So make the friendship bracelets, Take the moment and taste it.”

    The closing track on the record, “Mastermind,” wraps up the album perfectly. Swift uses all the themes the album had previously shared and throws them together in a song about her resilience, determination, and taking the initiative over her life. “I laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork, the dominoes cascaded in a line / If you fail to plan, you plan to fail / To make them love me and make it seem effortless.”

    It’s not a surprise this album was able to hold all spots on the Billboard top 10, become the highest-selling album of the year, and sell out a nationwide stadium tour in just two days. Swift’s incredible talent is surely spotlighted on this record, and Swifties can’t wait to see what she does next!