Midnights: Ranking Taylor Swift's 12 Best Songs

Taylor Swift's Midnights, a sprawling album released in 2022, represents a captivating chapter in the career of one of music's biggest stars. From her early country beginnings to her current reign as a pop icon, Swift has consistently reinvented herself, pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide with her deeply personal songwriting. This album, a collection of 13 songs exploring thirteen sleepless nights, is a testament to her evolution, weaving together narratives of love, loss, and self-reflection with her signature blend of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. We've compiled this list to celebrate the captivating soundscapes and emotional resonance found within Midnights, showcasing the album's diversity for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The album explores themes of nostalgia and anxiety with a mature and sophisticated sound, providing a rich listening experience from start to finish.

This curated selection highlights the range of moods and styles within the album, showcasing Swift's unparalleled ability to craft unforgettable melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics. Whether it's the shimmering pop soundscapes or the intimate, confessional moments, each track offers a unique glimpse into the complex tapestry of emotions explored throughout Midnights. This list serves as an invitation to immerse yourself in a collection of songs that resonate with longing, self-discovery, and the bittersweet beauty of midnight memories, leaving you captivated by their intricate storytelling and powerful emotional impact. Prepare to be swept away by the musical journey contained within these unforgettable tracks.

Midnights: Ranking Taylor Swift's 12 Best Songs
SongAlbumListens
1. Anti-Hero209M+
2. Bejeweled Midnights 85M+
3. Lavender Haze67M+
4. The Joker and the Queen52M+
5. Midnight Rain Midnights 48M+
6. Maroon32M+
7. Karma Midnights 29M+

1. Anti-Hero

Does "Anti-Hero" Taylor Swift's lead single from Midnights, resonate deeply because of its unflinching honesty? Released in October 2022, the synth-pop track immediately topped global charts, a testament to its relatable exploration of self-doubt and anxiety. Swift’s lyrics offer a raw and vulnerable glimpse into her personal struggles, navigating the complexities of fame and self-perception. While sparking debate, the song's intensely personal nature ultimately connected with listeners on a profound level, proving that vulnerability can be both powerful and universally understood. Its success highlights the enduring power of authentic storytelling in music.

Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift

2. Bejeweled (Midnights - 2024)

In the landscape of contemporary pop, Taylor Swift's "Bejeweled" stands out as a shimmering testament to her artistry. The song's success, marked by strong chart performance and widespread streaming, reflects a powerful connection with audiences. The music video, showcasing Swift's multifaceted talents as a songwriter, producer, and visual artist, further solidified its impact. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and reflecting themes of self-worth and reclaiming power, "Bejeweled" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a carefully crafted narrative. The strategic inclusion of snippets from earlier hits like "Enchanted" and "Long Live" in the music video underscores the depth of her songwriting evolution and the enduring appeal of her artistry, highlighting her versatility and storytelling prowess.

Bejeweled - Taylor Swift

3. Lavender Haze

"Lavender Haze" from Taylor Swift's Midnights album, instantly captivates with its dreamy, ethereal sound. The song's standout quality is its sonic texture; a blend of hazy synths and a captivating melody creates an atmosphere of blissful contentment and protected intimacy. Lyrically, the song masterfully portrays the shielding effect of love against external pressures, referencing the media's scrutiny of a relationship—a recurring theme throughout Midnights. The evocative imagery, including the repeated mention of "lavender haze" paints a picture of a secure and cherished love, a sanctuary against the chaos of the outside world. Critics and fans alike praise the song's unique sonic landscape and its deeply personal lyrics, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a highlight of the Midnights album, showcasing Taylor Swift's continued artistic evolution and lyrical prowess.

Lavender Haze - Taylor Swift

4. The Joker and the Queen

"The Joker and the Queen" a standout track on Taylor Swift's Midnights, cleverly revisits the narrative of "Everything Has Changed," featuring the original child actors now grown up. This continuation adds a poignant layer of nostalgia, resonating deeply with fans. The song's success stems from its masterful blend of lyrical storytelling and a catchy melody, perfectly showcasing Swift and Ed Sheeran's vocal chemistry. Unique instrumentation complements the emotional depth, creating a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time and evolving relationships. Critics and fans alike praise the song's innovative concept and emotional impact, solidifying its place as a Midnights highlight and a testament to the artists' enduring creative vision. Its clever continuation of a previous narrative and the heartwarming casting choice contribute to its popularity and widespread acclaim.

"The Joker and the Queen" transports us to a realm of enchanting folk melodies, reminiscent of the timeless classics by The Byrds. Just like in "Top 24 best of The Byrds songs ," where the band's signature harmonies weave tales of love and longing, Taylor Swift captures the essence of folk storytelling in this poignant track.
The Joker and the Queen - Taylor Swift

5. Midnight Rain (2022)

"Midnight Rain" a standout track on Taylor Swift's Midnights, captivates with its evocative lyrics and atmospheric production. The song's melancholic melody perfectly complements the poignant narrative of a relationship ending, beautifully expressed in lines like, "He was sunshine, I was midnight rain." This juxtaposition underscores the album's exploration of sleepless nights and past relationships, fitting seamlessly within Midnights' overarching theme of reflection and self-discovery. The track's unique sonic landscape, distinct from other songs on the album, features a driving beat and soaring vocals that create an immersive listening experience. Critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan reception frequently cite "Midnight Rain" as a highlight, praising its lyrical brilliance and emotional depth, cementing its status as a fan favorite.

Midnight Rain - Taylor Swift
  • Maroon
    6

    Maroon

    Taylor Swift

    2024

  • Karma
    7

    Karma

    Taylor Swift

    2022

    Midnights

  • Vigilante
    8

    Vigilante

    Taylor Swift

    2024

  • Mastermind
    9

    Mastermind

    Taylor Swift

    2024

  • Snow on the Beach
    10

    Snow on the Beach

    Taylor Swift,Lana Del Rey

    2024

  • Labyrinth
    11

    Labyrinth

    Taylor Swift

    2024

  • Sweet Nothing
    12

    Sweet Nothing

    Taylor Swift

    2024