The anticipation lasted two months. Fans all over the globe started countdowns and expressed excitement to their friends. To many people, it felt like the day could not arrive soon enough. Finally, on Oct. 21, Taylor Swift released yet another instantaneously popular album.

Class of 2022 graduate Kerrigan Edwards said she was backstage for a theater production when Midnights started streaming on music platforms. Once the production was finished, she rushed back to her dorm room to eat dinner and listen to the album. When Swift’s new album opened with “Lavender Haze,” Edwards’ initial thoughts were “this isn’t Folklore.” She noticed a lot of fans were expecting something very similar to Folklore, and as a result they didn’t like the album. However, she disagrees. 

“I think that ‘Lavender Haze’ really emulates what her pop era was, and I think that this variety is what gives Taylor Swift her prominence in society,” Edwards said. 

She added that she remembers having a bad week leading up to the release, but knowing Midnights was coming soon helped get her through the rough patch. Edwards said she considers the album a work of art. 

“The album is not what I was expecting, but I think it’s what I needed,” she said. 

CMR senior Emily Houltzhouser agrees. She emphasized the raw emotion behind Swift’s lyrics and what they meant to her personally.

“I cried. It was so amazing. I listen to it at least three times a day.

I wish I was exaggerating,” she said. 

She also applauded the musician for her portrayal of feminism in the new music. 

“What can I say? I support women knowing what they want and going after it,” she said. 

One of my fellow Stampede staff members, Jack Sparks, sees Taylor Swift’s new creation in the same light as Houltzhouser. He said he spent a majority of his listening experience in tears due to how relatable he found the lyrics. Sparks proudly stated that “Taylor is still going strong,” and I have to say that I agree with him.

To me, the Midnights journey was a wild ride filled with serotonin, strong emotions, and life-changing songs. Just when you start to think you understand the vibe of the album, the song changes and you are caught entirely off-guard. This is a talent that very few artists hold, and it only makes sense that Taylor Swift is one of them. Midnights now holds a very special place in my heart, and will most likely continue to do so for the rest of my life.