CHICAGO — For Hayley Van Fulpen, the ritual of first-time listening to a Taylor Swift album usually consists of lying down in a quiet room, absorbing the music and processing the lyrics, alone.
But on Thursday, she could be found with friends at Woodie’s Flat in Old Town, waiting for the clock to hit 11 p.m. Central time for the official release of “Midnights,” Swift’s 10th album. She said she wanted to experience this album in public, surrounded by her friends.
Just before 11 p.m., Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” played over the speakers in the room at Woodie’s, but listening party attendees were far from relaxed.
