Review Summary: She can sing, she can dance, but her newest album is boring at a glance.
Taylor’s latest is drenched in the Reputation era. Subtle electronics and forgettable beats return to my dismay, and rather than a glorious return to form it is leftovers. The songwriting is strikingly similar to Reputation, barren and laid back verses are coupled with choruses meant to raise the energy level. Rather than that, a large portion of these tunes are dull and tedious. Practically the entire album sounds like a lifeless, flatter version of Reputation. I won’t waste your time and go track by track here, I can’t remember most of the tracks to begin with. Bejeweled is a highlight because the chorus burrows in the brain, nonetheless, the track sounds like Getaway Car part two. Anti-Hero is another success because it’s not completely mundane and has an iota of energy. Unfortunately, it only drops in quality from there.
The passion that I usually expect from Taylor Swift albums appears missing here. The overtly bitter lyrics certainly don’t strike an enthusiastic tone. On the bright side her singing is great, better than Reputation in my opinion, but her vocals have nowhere to go in these zombified tracks with dismal, throw away synths. Likewise, Taylor’s backup singers don’t have much to do, they add some nice harmony but standout features are practically absent. Forget about bangers, Midnights is full of casually enjoyable tunes that refuse to get their hands too dirty. Even in supposed edgier tracks, the instrumentals can’t set much of a mood. Songs fall short of the catchiness I expect from Taylor Swift.
Rather than the excitement of a new direction for Taylor Swift, we’re left with a recycled product. Recyling is fine, but I expected something with a lot more pizazz. Her lyrical declarations are more of the same, and her worship of the Reputation era is too on the nose. Oh the joy that previous fans will receive from gleefully listening to these derivative tracks, yet those getting tired of Taylor are sure to fall asleep. As far as cultural impact, or anything special to say, this one isn’t it. It’s a by the numbers release, playing it as safe as Taylor possibly can. Not exactly an inspiring return for the iconic star.
