The Tab sits down with Cambridge’s Taylor Swift Society on the Midnights album

Favourite tracks, vinyl cover captions, recommendations, personal confessions, and more!


If you took a walk down the corridors of a Cambridge dorm on the 21st of October, you would probably hear an anthem of alarms at 4:55 AM. Because yes, even tired Cambridge students wake up for Taylor Swift’s Midnights album drop—at least according to *some* members of Cambridge’s very own Taylor Swift Appreciation Society (CUTSAS).

The Tab talked to five CUTSAS officers about their reactions, confessions, and thoughts on the Midnights album—and here are some notable responses:

Credits to @CUTSAS on Instagram

Anticipating the drop

Officers at CUTSAS unanimously agreed that the Midnights album was one of the most highly anticipated albums this year. As it has been about a year since Taylor’s last album, Red: Taylor’s Version, a fresh set of tracks was long awaited.

Different officers went ahead and shared how they prepared for this long-anticipated album drop at 5 AM. Alex (Secretary, a 13-year Swiftie) was the most committed of all, sharing, “I slept but had set my alarm for 4:55am!” Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie) took the runner-up, adding, “I woke up at 8am for the chaotic ‘3am surprise’ and was rewarded with an extended album.” Interestingly, Molly (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swifte) admitted, “I actually thought it was coming out on the 21st of November so I was fast asleep” in the hours leading up to 5am!

Reactions to the album

The five officers interviewed from CUTSAS rated the album very highly. On a scale of one to ten, they rated the Wowness element 7.9, Vibe element 8.8, and the Drama element 8.4—three consistently very high scores reflecting their enjoyment of the album.

A few officers also sprinkled a bit of creativity to their responses and used one line of lyrics from Taylor’s song to describe their reaction to the album. Keira (Events Officer, a 10-year Swiftie) used, “happy free confused and lonely at the same time,” explaining that a rush of emotions ensued after listening because “TS hits you in all the feels.” Alex (Secretary, a 13-year Swiftie) used, “I wake with your memory over me, that’s a real fucking legacy to leave” and Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie) used “Best believe I’m still bejeweled.”

Favourite tracks

Bejeweled took the lead as the most popular song amongst the five CUTSAS Officers. Molly (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie) noted it as her favourite, saying that Bejeweled “goes really well with the jewel tones of the album art. It’s quite a fun cycling song, it went straight on my erg playlist. Also, the lyrics are very clever and relatable – great for singing along too.” Charlotte (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie) echoed this sentiment, commenting, “I’m loving Bejeweled because I feel like it’s the happy version of Mirrorball, which is one of my favourite Taylor Swift songs. It has Taylor’s characteristic pop rhythms and some of the catchiest lyrics I think she’s ever produced.”

However, other tracks were shared as favourites too. Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie), for instance, answered Karma: “Lyrically it’s been mocked on Twitter but I think that people are just not appreciating the effortless beauty of this song. I am proud of Taylor to be so happy and carefree because she *knows* karma will befall those who have wronged her. It’s a life philosophy I hope to embody.”

Recommendations

Part of the role of the CUTSAS is to encourage the appreciation of Taylor Swift—hence why the society is called Taylor Swift Appreciation Society. These officers shared some recommendations for people just beginning to give Taylor Swift a try.

Some recommended that you start with a song. Keira (Events Officer, a 10-year Swiftie) recommended You’re On Your own, Kid, perfect “if you’re going through a breakup or just need a boost in self-belief.” Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie) advised listening to “Lavender Haze on the way to 9am lectures in winter when the sun has started to rise and it is foggy.” Charlotte (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie) suggested Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve for whilst you’re hiding under John Mayer’s bed!”

Others shared why the Midnights album is so worth a listen. Alex (Secretary, a 13-year Swiftie) shared, “I just did more reading in one sitting in the library than I had so far this term because I had Mastermind on repeat and the production just made me focus. So listen if you want to get some work done!” Charlotte (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie) called this “an album for overthinkers, narcissists, burnouts and hardcore swifties” (so basically the entire Cambridge population) as well as anyone who “wants to listen to a painfully relatable album or just to hear Taylor Swift say sexy baby.” Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie) summarised this conversation, saying that Midnights is “Pop’s finest concoction of lyrical genius and catchy tunes, Taylor Swift is back with a bang. Learn all the words quick before the CUTSAS listening party to look like a pro!”

So follow the advice of these CUTSAS officers who have spent more than half their life following Taylor Swift and give the Midnights album a listen—and if you enjoy it, don’t forget to stop by Hiddens Room on November 4th for CUTSAS’ Midnights Listening Party!

Bonus: Witty vinyl captions from CUTSAS officers:

Molly (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie): Falling asleep mid essay 

Keira (Events Officer, a 10-year Swiftie): When you’ve come back from a night out and stare at one point on the wall to try and stop the room spinning

Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie): Me lying in bed at 8:45am realising that I can no longer make my 9 AM lecture

Molly (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie): Ringing your supervisor asking for an extension 

Alex (Secretary, a 13-year Swiftie): About to tell some white-collar crimes to the FBI 

Charlotte (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie): Post-supervision overthinking 

Molly (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie): Realising Mainsbury’s closes at five on a Sunday

Basma (Co-President, a 14-year Swiftie): Me when I have four supervisions due tomorrow but I’m still doing reading

Charlotte (Socials Officer, a 12-year Swiftie): Rumboogie anxiety 

Featured image credit: CUTSAS Instagram Page

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