"Hits Different"
Song by Taylor Swift
from the album Midnights (Lavender Edition)[note 1]
ReleasedOctober 21, 2022
Studio
Length3:54
LabelRepublic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Taylor Swift
  • Jack Antonoff
  • Aaron Dessner
Audio video
"Hits Different" on YouTube

"Hits Different" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was first released as a bonus track on the CD-only Lavender Edition of her tenth studio album, Midnights, on October 21, 2022. The track was released for download and streaming as part of the Til Dawn Edition on May 26, 2023. Written and produced by Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dessner, its lyrics reflect on a past relationship and contain references to some of Swift's other songs. Critics complimented the humorous tone of its lyrics and found the production catchy.

After it was released for streaming, "Hits Different" peaked within the top 20 in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. It peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 18 on the Billboard Global 200. Swift performed "Hits Different" as a "surprise song" on the Chicago stop of her sixth headlining concert tour, the Eras Tour (2023).

Background and recording

American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift announced her tenth studio album at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2022. She later revealed the name of the album, Midnights, and its album cover on social networks but the tracklist was not immediately revealed.[2] On a video via her Instagram account on September 6, titled "The making of Midnights", Swift revealed that Jack Antonoff, who had worked with her before on her five studio albums since 1989 (2014), was a producer on the album.[3] They wrote and produced "Hits Different" together, alongside Folklore and Evermore (both 2020) collaborator Aaron Dessner.[4] Both Antonoff and Dessner are responsible for the track's instumentation, putting a ray of guitars and synths to the mix, with the former also playing percussion, bass, and piano. Other musicians included James McAlister (drum kit, synth sequencing), Sean Hutchinson (drums, percussion), Evan Smith (synths), and Thomas "Doveman" Bartlett (Prophet X synth, Teenage Engineering OP-1). The song was recorded across five recording studios located in the United States: Los Angeles-based Conway Recording and Sharp Sonics, Electric Lady, Rough Customer and Long Pond in New York. Mixing was handled by Serban Ghenea with the assistance of Bryce Bordone at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, and mastering took place at Sterling Studios in Edgewater, New Jersey by Randy Merrill.[5]

Music and lyrics

"Hits Different" is three minutes and 54 seconds long.[5] In an article published in Business Insider, writers Callie Ahlgrim and Courteney Larocca described the soundscape of "Hits Different" as "warm and triumphant like a montage about falling in love, or finding freedom in a big city", although it depicts a reflection over a past relationship.[6] Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone said the song features plenty of "sun-kissed California rock guitar".[7] Larocca described it as a song that evokes the country pop sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s by country crossover acts such as Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, and Faith Hill.[6] For Billboard's Jason Lipshutz, the "shimmering guitar and fizzy emotion" create "a sense of wanderlust" reminiscent of Swift's 2012 album Red.[8] The "drunken display of heartbreak" in the song was compared to "Death by a Thousand Cuts" from her 2019 album Lover, and comicality of the lyrics was likened to Drake's 2011 single "Marvins Room" by music critics.[6][9]

An emotional breakup song, "Hits Different" contains "funny" lyrics and nods to Swift's 2006 track "Our Song".[7][9] The first verse pictures an image of a heartbreak with an introduction from the singer: "I washed my hands of us at the club / You made a mess of me".[10][11] She imagines her past lover with a different partner, making her throw up.[6] In the chorus, Swift makes a glimpse why she feels this way, by singing: "It hits different 'cause it's you."[11] The second verse reveals her mindset regarding the ray of her previous relationships, even calling most of them "Kens",[10] to highlight their interchangeability.[12] She refers to past splits as "freeing like summer",[11] and sings that her friends recoil from her, since she complains about her situation too much.[6]

During the "tragic" bridge, Swift expresses her continuous personal connection to the past lover's items.[6][11][13] Callie Ahlgrim of Business Insider likened a quote from this portion of the song―"Dreams of your hair and your stare and sense of belief in the good in the world"―to Evermore album tracks "Gold Rush" and "Dorothea", since both of them contain references to dreaming. Another reference to the former song is found in the end of the bridge, when Swift calls herself an "argumentative, antithetical dream girl", which is reminiscent of the lyric "At dinner parties, I call you out on your contrarian shit", since "argumentative" and "contrarian" are synonyms.[12] It is followed by a third verse, where she hears someone turning a key of her door, hoping it is him, before realizing it might be an intervention towards her.[6][11]

Release and promotion

On October 13, 2022, the US retail Target Corporation announced their exclusive CD version of the album, sold under moniker Lavender Edition in other countries, featuring three bonus tracks: "Hits Different", string remix of "You're on Your Own, Kid", and piano remix of "Sweet Nothing".[14][10] On May 24, 2023, the singer announced the Til Dawn Edition of Midnights for a digital release two days later, which includes "Hits Different" alongside remixes of "Karma" and "Snow on the Beach".[15][16] The latter release made "Hits Different" available to chart, resulting in its debut on the US Billboard Hot 100 record chart alongside four other songs performed by Swift. It debuted at number 27, being the singer's only new entry on the chart during the week ending June 10.[note 2] The track also landed on other Billboard-curated charts, such as Canadian Hot 100 (19), Global 200 (18), and Philippines Songs (8).[18][19][20] Elsewhere, it peaked at number 18 in the UK Singles Chart and number 16 on ARIA Singles Chart.[21][22]

On November 4, 2022, Swift shared a video of her lip-syncing to the song with a caption "'Hits Different' really hits different, plus it's got one of my fav[orite] bridges."[23] At the June 4, 2023 show in Chicago, as part of her sixth headlining concert tour, the Eras Tour, Swift debuted "Hits Different" live as a "surprise song".[24] She said "I don't know if you'll know this one, it's kind of new" before playing the track over a guitar.[25] Contrary to the singer's words, the performance was a "huge, euphoric singalong", as reported by Stereogum's Tom Breihan.[26] Publications such as Billboard and Parade noted that she messed up some lyrics which might result in another live rendition of the song in the future.[27][28]

Critical reception

Having been described as a "fan favorite",[8][10] "Hits Different" received positive reviews from music critics, with Billboard's Ashley Iasimone calling it "excellent",[27] and Alex Hopper from American Songwriter dubbing it as a "breakup anthem".[29] Carl Wilson from Slate said that "Hits Different" is the best bonus track of Midnights because it "melodically and lyrically has real 'old Taylor' verve", but he also agreed that the track would have been out of place on the standard track-list.[30] Opining that it sounds "unlike anything on Midnights", Larocca dubbed its chorus as one of the "catchiest" on the album. Additionally, she compared the song's release strategy to "New Romantics" from 1989, since both of them first appeared on the physical deluxe editions of their respective albums, whilst being one of the "best" tracks.[6] Following its release for digital download and streaming, Stereogum ranked "Hits Different" the third best new song of the week of June 2, 2023, naming it a "falsely chipper" sequel of Swift's 2014 single "Blank Space" with "funneling self-lacerating 'Anti-Hero' vibes".[9] In Sheffield's ranking of all the songs in Swift's discography, "Hits Different" placed 46th; he described its lyrics as "wildly funny".[7] Michele Mendez of Elite Daily described it as an "emotional breakup song perfect for anyone in need of some sonic comfort".[11] Rolling Stone's Larisha Paul wrote that in the song "heartbreak feels fresh" and its bridge depicts "wasteland of all the things that remind the singer of the relationship's end".[13] Maya Georgia, also from Rolling Stone wrote that the song "chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime loss against an addictively jubilant production, reminiscent of early-2000s pop", and praised its bridge in particular.[31] In a less favorable review, Kyle Denis of Billboard opined that the track is "enjoyable but feels bland in comparison to the [standard] album's strongest tracks".[8]

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Midnights (Lavender Edition).[5]

Recording locations

Personnel

Charts

Chart performance for "Hits Different"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[32] 16
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[18] 19
Global 200 (Billboard)[19] 18
Greece International (IFPI)[33] 34
Ireland (IRMA)[34] 13
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[35] 14
Philippines (Billboard)[20] 8
Singapore (RIAS)[36] 15
UK Singles (OCC)[37] 18
US Billboard Hot 100[38] 27

Notes

  1. ↑ "Hits Different" is present on the physical CD-exclusive Lavender and digital-exclusive Til Dawn editions of Midnights.[1]
  2. ↑ Other songs by Taylor Swift present on the chart were: "Karma" (2), "Anti-Hero" (11), "Snow on the Beach" (30), and "Cruel Summer" (45).[17]

References

  1. ↑ Lonsdale, John (May 26, 2023). "From 'Til Dawn' to '3 a.m.,' Here's Where to Buy Every Edition of Taylor Swift's Midnights Online". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  2. ↑ Martoccio, Angie (August 29, 2022). "Taylor Swift Announces New Album Midnights: 'A Journey Through Terrors and Sweet Dreams'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 29, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  3. ↑ Shanfeld, Ethan (September 16, 2022). "Taylor Swift Confirms Jack Antonoff as Producer on Midnights in New Behind-the-Scenes Look". Variety. Archived from the original on September 16, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  4. ↑ Chelosky, Danielle (October 21, 2022). "Is Aaron Dessner On Taylor Swift's 'Midnights?'". Uproxx. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 Midnights (Lavender Edition) (CD liner notes). Taylor Swift. Republic Records. 2022.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ahlgrim, Callie; Larocca, Courteney (October 29, 2022). "We are pleased to inform you that Taylor Swift's 8 bonus tracks for Midnights contain some of her best songwriting ever". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 Sheffield, Rob (October 26, 2022). "'Hits Different' (2022)". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 Aniftos, Rania; Atkinson, Katie; Denis, Kyle; Lipshutz, Kason; Unterberger, Andrew (June 6, 2023). "Did Taylor Swift's Dominant 2023 Need a Chart-Conquering Week to Match?". Billboard. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  9. 1 2 3 "Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, & The Week's Best New Songs: Listen". Stereogum. June 2, 2023. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Taylor Swift's 'Hits Different' Lyrics & The 'Barbie' Soundtrack Rumours". Capital. April 12, 2023. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mendez, Michele (November 4, 2022). "Taylor Swift's 'Hits Different' Lyrics, Explained". Elite Daily. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  12. 1 2 Ahlgrim, Callie (March 17, 2023). "41 Taylor Swift songs, interpreted from a queer perspective". Business Insider. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Paul, Larisha (May 26, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Heartbreak 'Hits Different' on New Midnights Deep Cut". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  14. ↑ Huff, Lauren (October 23, 2022). "Everything to know about Taylor Swift's Midnights album". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  15. ↑ Rowley, Glenn (May 24, 2023). "Swifties Flip Out Over Taylor Swift 'Karma' Remix With Ice Spice: 'Tayspice Coming to Take Over the World'". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  16. ↑ Willman, Chris (May 24, 2023). "Taylor Swift Announces Midnights Deluxe Album With Ice Spice and More Lana Del Rey". Variety. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  17. ↑ Zellner, Xander (June 6, 2023). "Taylor Swift Scores Record-Extending 68th Week at No. 1 on Artist 100 Thanks to Midnights Deluxe Releases". Billboard. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  19. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Taylor Swift Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  21. ↑ Brandle, Lars (June 5, 2023). "Calvin Harris And Ellie Goulding's 'Miracle' Streak Continues In U.K." Billboard. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  22. ↑ "A double Aussie top 10 debut". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 2, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  23. ↑ Machin, Jennifer (November 4, 2022). "Taylor Swift Adds Tour New Dates, 'Hits Different'". Hypebea. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  24. ↑ Shafer, Ellise (June 4, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: Every Surprise Song She's Played So Far". Variety. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  25. ↑ Havens, Lyndsey (June 5, 2023). "The Seven Best Moments From Taylor Swift's Final Night in Chicago on Her Eras Tour". Billboard. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  26. ↑ Breihan, Tom (June 5, 2023). "Taylor Swift Performs 'Hits Different,' Swallows Bug In Chicago". Stereogum. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  27. 1 2 Iasimone, Ashley (June 4, 2023). "All the Surprise Songs Taylor Swift Has Performed on The Eras Tour (So Far)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  28. ↑ Pelzer, Kelsey (June 5, 2023). "Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Setlist Secrets—Which Songs Are Left for the Surprise Acoustic Sets?". Parade. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  29. ↑ Hopper, Alex (May 26, 2023). "Taylor Swift Obliges Fans with 'Hits Different' Release to Streaming Services". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  30. ↑ Wilson, Carl (October 21, 2022). "Taylor Swift's Midnights Is the Right Kind of Concept Album". Slate. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  31. ↑ "The Best Songs of 2023 So Far". Rolling Stone. June 14, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  32. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 5, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  33. ↑ "IFPI Charts". www.ifpi.gr. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  35. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 5, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  36. ↑ "RIAS Top Charts Week 22 (26 May – 1 Jun 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Taylor Swift Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
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