From her early years starting off as a country singer to now a world-renowned pop star, Taylor Swift has made a name for herself in the music industry. On Oct. 20, Swift released her 10th album, “Midnights,” and from then on, it has grown into a sensation, helping people through struggles and providing a deeper insight into Taylor’s personal life. With this album being such a success, it has brought Taylor Swift even more fame with her now being known as the first artist to claim the entire top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100.

Junior Brooke Stivers has been listening to Swift for many years. As a true “Swifty,” Stivers explains how this newer album is a combination of the previous albums Taylor has released.

“This album is a mix between her last two albums which were slower, (“Folklore”/”Evermore”) and her older albums which are more pop, (“Reputation”),” Stivers said.

The first release of the album consisted of thirteen songs. Three hours after the initial release, seven more songs were added in an alternative edition called “Midnights (3 a.m. edition.)” Unlike previous albums, this one focuses on five main themes: self loathing, fantasizing about revenge, what might have been, falling in love and lastly falling apart. 

Self Loathing

Stepping away from the country and the “Folklore”/”Evermore” style, song “Anti-Hero” tells the story of “self-loathing” and the more personalized aspect of Taylor’s eating disorder. Her lyrics through a pop-style genre explores how Taylor is similar to the audience, as she uses music to help cope with her own personal life.

“Mastermind,” is the last song in the first “Midnights” album release, while “Dear Reader” is the last song in the “3am” version. They both reflect Swift’s individual view on self-loathing because of the hatred and unsupportive commentary she has received from critics and non-fans. 

“Mastermind” reflects the view the media has portrayed of Swift as being a manipulator in all of her previous relationships. “Dear Reader” is a song in the form of an apologetic disclaimer where Swift acknowledges how people use her and her music as an outlook for dealing with problems. However, she warns not to listen to her because she is trying to find a way to handle her own problems currently as well.

Junior Anna Evans has grown up listening to Taylor Swift and believes that she is a great role model, for girls especially.

“Taylor Swift is the perfect role model,” Evans said. “She was never involved in any criminal stuff, drugs; she’s a good role model for little girls and girl power. She talks about a lot of good things and to defy the odds.”

“Glitch” remains the last self-loathing song on the album. This one involves Swift’s current longest lasting relationship and how she thinks there appears to be a “glitch” because her past relationships never have lasted as long.

Fantasizing About Revenge

“Vigilante S***,” “Bejeweled,” “Karma” and “High Infidelity” are the four songs that “fantasize about revenge.” These songs have a darker undertone to them and are filled with anger and hurt. 

What Might Have Been

“You’re On Your Own, Kid” has more of a narrative to it where it sets the scene with a girl hopelessly waiting for a boy to notice her. When nothing happens, she runs away to play music and become successful. However, in the meantime she still feels alone. Similarly to “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” reflects on a relationship Swift had when she was nineteen and how she wishes it never happened.

It is unclear who “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” was written for or about, but it reflects loss and the ultimate example of “what might have been.”

Falling In Love

“Labyrinth” expresses a common feeling anyone would experience in a relationship: the anxiety and fear about falling in love, and then the unexpected shock and happiness that occurs when it all works out. “Snow On The Beach” features Lana Del Rey, giving a melancholy feel to it, expressing the joy received when two people are falling in love with each other at the same time. “Sweet Nothing” and “Paris” share similar messages as each are sung about the early stages of relationships.

“The Great War,” with an allusion to World War 1, expresses the battles and rough patches lovers may face in a relationship, yet with commitment, sacrifice and relief, the obstacles can be overcome.

Falling Apart

“Maroon,” a fan favorite, recalls Swift’s past romances and previous failed relationships. “Midnight Rain” connects everyone who has been in a one-sided relationship as well as having to experience a breakup to advance in a career. “Question…?” refers back to a short-lived romance and friendship with Swift and former best friend Karlie Kloss.

Her music has always pulled at audiences heartstrings and let a worldwide connection happen between listeners as they use her songs as therapy. 

“She pours her heart and soul into her music when she writes it,” sophomore Hadley Golden said. “It’s not what she thinks people want to hear she writes what she wants to write.”

“Midnights” is one of those albums that connects people together, to show that everyone has struggles and problems in life (even famous people), and music is just one of the great coping mechanisms. “Midnights” is available for listening on all music platforms.