Ding, ding, DING. The clock has struck midnight, and with it comes Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, Midnights, which includes 20 of her most introspective songs thus far (seven of those 20 were previously unannounced).

From flowery love songs to dark anthems of revenge, Midnights tells the story of Swift’s most intrusive late-night thoughts, or, in her words, “the stories of 13 sleepless nights.”

Midnights, according to Swift, was influenced by five heavy topics: self-hatred, revenge, “wondering what might have been,” falling in love, and falling apart.

Sonically, Midnights is a low tempo, nocturnal feeling synth pop concept album.

It was largely co-written and produced by Jack Antonoff of Bleachers, and there is also a collaboration with pop star Lana Del Rey.

Additional credits go to producers Aaron Dessner, Sounwave, Jahaan Sweet, Braxton Cook and Keanu Beats.

“Anti Hero,” the lead single and one of Swift’s most vulnerable and honest songs, is by far the most popular song from the album (so far). It delves into Swift’s own insecurities and self-hatred and visits a very common theme in her discography: growing up, or lack there of.

The opening line says, “I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser,” which seems to be a reference to her 2019 song “The Archer,” where she laments, “I never grew up/it’s getting so old.”

Swift started gaining fame in 2006 at just 16 years old. She has talked in the past about how she struggles to be seen by the public—and by herself—as a serious artist. “Anti Hero” and other songs on the album seem to touch on that concept.

Some other strong standout songs on Midnights include “Midnight Rain,” a more experimental, gloomy ballad, “Maroon”, a colorful and heartbreaking parallel to Swift’s 2012 album Red, and “You’re on Your Own Kid,” a nostalgic, vulnerable song with a strong bridge which is something Swift is famous for.

As far as the deluxe version, of the seven bonus songs, “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve,” “Paris”, and “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” stand out most. “Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve” is a scathing and religious recounting of a previous relationship in which Swift was young (fans speculate the song is about John Mayer, who was 32 when he dated 19 year old Swift.)

Midnights rates an 8.5/10. It is a very musically cohesive album, which some deem repetitive, but it should be seen as a sign of a mature and developed artist. The album has a strong concept and deep but also entertaining lyrics. There were a few forgettable or awkward sounding songs, I was disappointed by “Vigilante S*” and “Karma”. However, it is an overall strong album.