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Song of the Day #5,265: ‘The Invisible Man’ – Elvis Costello

‘The Invisible Man’ is a track from Elvis Costello’s 1983 release Punch the Clock, his eighth studio album. Costello teamed up with pop producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley to deliver his most commercial album, hoping for chart success that had largely eluded him to that point.

It worked, to a degree. Punch the Clock was his best-selling album in several years and produced a modest international hit in ‘Everyday I Write the Book.’ That song became his first Top 40 single in the U.S., and one of only two in his entire career (bonus points to commenters who can name the second).

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Song of the Day #5,264: ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’ – Taylor Swift

Continuing my ranking of the songs on Taylor Swift’s new album, Midnights…

#2. ‘Sweet Nothing‘

I was such a big fan of the direction Swift took on folklore and evermore that it’s no surprise I’m drawn to the Midnights song that could have appeared on either of those albums. Co-written with beau Joe Alwyn, this is a delicate and comforting ballad that finds Swift at her most content. Faced with the pressures of the industry, she retreats to the safety and warmth of her love. A beautiful song.

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Song of the Day #5,263: ‘Labyrinth’ – Taylor Swift

Continuing my ranking of the songs on Taylor Swift’s new album, Midnights…

#4. ‘Mastermind‘

I love the momentum of this track in both the music and the melody. I also love the bridge, which dives into the insecurities Swift explores in several songs on this album. Lyrically, this is a novel approach to a love song, pushing fate and luck aside and centering Swift as the author of her own romantic destiny. An excellent closing track.

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Song of the Day #5,262: ‘Vigilante Shit’ – Taylor Swift

Continuing my ranking of the songs on Taylor Swift’s new album, Midnights…

#6. ‘Anti-Hero‘

The album’s first single is a blast, breaking the pattern of weak lead singles on her last few pop albums. Swift turns her critical eye on herself and delivers the world’s catchiest therapy session.

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Song of the Day #5,261: ‘Lavender Haze’ – Taylor Swift

Continuing my ranking of the songs on Taylor Swift’s new album, Midnights…

#9. ‘Maroon‘

I like the chorus of this song better than the verses, which suffer from awkward phrasing. Overall a decent vibe.

#8. ‘Snow On the Beach‘

As a big Lana Del Rey fan, I was eagerly anticipating this collaboration. Unfortunately, it’s a stretch to call it that. Del Rey shares a writing credit, but her vocal contribution is relegated to some backing vocals and a couple of lines in the chorus. I wish she’d been given a verse like Phoebe Bridgers on the excellent ‘Nothing New.’ Apart from that criticism, this is a decent song.

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