Taylor Swift’s musical journey has been developing over the past few years. She released two albums during the global pandemic that were well-received by fans and music critics. Her audience also became aware that her music label gave an executive the ability to purchase the master recordings of several of her albums, without giving her the chance to own them. As a result, she has been re-recording and re-releasing previous albums-calling them “Taylor’s Version.” As she wrapped up this process, she is excited to release more new music.
Midnights is her 10th studio album that was originally teased during her acceptance speech at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. The inspiration for creating the work is “nocturnal contemplation.” She also wrote and produced the album with collaborator Jack Antonoff.
In a recent interview, Swift expressed that she was most excited for her fans to hear “Anti-Hero.” While she thinks the fans will like the entire album, she feels that the messages within “Anti-Hero” project the ideals she wants her fans to hear. It is the first single released on Midnights and it has generated quite the buzz within the music industry.
Before diving into the music, it is important to raise the question-what is an anti-hero? It refers to someone who is a central character who lacks heroic attributes. When we think about our lives, isn’t it true that we are all anti-heroes in some way? Swift would answer yes, and her single’s lyrics and music video underscore this idea that sometimes we seek perfection within ourselves rather than accepting who we truly are and sharing the gifts we have with the people who matter most.
Lyrics
I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser
Midnights become my afternoons
When my depression works the graveyard shift
All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room
Many people would agree that time moves so quickly throughout life. However, it can be said that the reason why we experience so many moments is in order for us to learn from the past and move forward into a better future. Sometimes on the journey, we lose sleep and midnights could literally feel like an afternoon. Sometimes we have insecurities that can be present in both day and night. Our decisions can weigh heavily on our minds. Swift’s lyrics are relatable, and most listeners will be able to empathize.
I should not be left to my own devices
They come with prices and vices
I end up in crisis
Tale as old as time
When a person is in isolation and has a bunch of racing thoughts, this can be a difficult situation. These types of thoughts often lead to frustrating circumstances. A person can literally experience a crisis that may appear throughout life on an ongoing basis. Swift aims for these lyrics to inspire anyone who is experiencing these types of thoughts. Even though reality has its difficulties, the good news is that it is most likely only temporary and we have the ability to change our circumstances for the better.
I wake up screaming from dreaming
One day I’ll watch as you’re leaving
‘Cause you got tired of my scheming
For the last time
These lyrics are an example of “nocturnal contemplation.” The central character is concerned that one day she will see her partner leaving. However, she is also an anti-hero and does not yet realize that she should accept who she is, share that with the world, and connect with people who won’t leave and instead love and appreciate her.
Vocals
“Anti-Hero” features Swift singing a pop-style vocal on the track. While she got her start singing country music, she has perfected the vocals for it and the pop genre. Ever since her album 1989 her recording mastery has been on full display.
Instrumentation
The auditory anatomy of “Anti-Hero” is based on a combination of drum machine and synthesizers. The song has a contemporary top 40 type of sound that is similar to Swift’s previous works. It is a good introduction to the sounds on the rest of the album.
Performance
Based on the sound, “Anti-Hero” will be an excellent song choice for Swift to perform live. The song was released six days ago and has not yet been performed live.