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Lorde – Virgin

Lorde – Virgin

      After a four-year break that has generated considerable excitement for her comeback, Lorde sheds the well-tanned persona of her ‘Solar Power’ phase and embraces a fresh musical direction, exploring her self-identity in her fourth album, ‘Virgin’.

      The album’s obvious one-word title stands out similarly to Madonna’s 1992 release, ‘Erotica’, and shares a resemblance in its blue and white cover art. While Madonna aimed to challenge the outdated taboos of the '90s surrounding female pleasure, Lorde's ‘Virgin’ represents a personal rebirth, with its eleven tracks honestly revealing her journey to reclaim her identity. She tackles themes like body dysmorphia, navigating life beyond gender binaries, and the sorrow of romantic heartbreak, tapping into her youthful innocence during her most fragile moments.

      Lorde's passionate expressions permeate ‘Virgin’, as she delivers her honest confessions without pretense. Following the release of two singles, the socially-aware ‘Hammer’ and the summery ‘What Was That’, the track ‘Shapeshifter’ immediately captures attention and sets the stage for the incisive lyrical commentary that follows.

      ‘Shapeshifter’ opens with lively, garage-style snare drums and synths that fluctuate over a heavy bass line, creating an immersive feel reminiscent of a lively house party where the lights swing and the floor shakes, all while the atmosphere hums with energy. The airy chorus provides a sense of relief as Lorde lists the various identities she has inhabited in opposition to her past selves.

      These identities appear to be shaped by public perceptions and personal projections while she seeks romance. In ‘Shapeshifter’, Lorde begins to embrace her “visions of teenage innocence.” The track's intensity, enhanced by Jim-e-stacks' use of dissonant strings, transitions to clear violins that indicate a newfound lucidity, culminating in a light-hearted conclusion where Lorde harmonizes with herself.

      The pre-release single ‘Man of the Year’ mirrors ‘Hammer’ by exploring Lorde’s encounters with masculinity through an industrial ballad lens. The strategically placed silent pauses throughout the song create an impactful contrast, affecting the atmosphere, particularly in comparison to the explosive chorus of ‘What Was That,’ which falls short of the exhilarating energy found in the earlier single ‘Green Light’ or the escalating soundscape of ‘Solar Power.’ However, within the context of the album, it becomes evident that Jim-E-Stack is well within his element.

      ‘Favourite Daughter’ shifts pace dramatically from its predecessor, introducing a bouncy and playful pop rhythm paired with vibrant synthesizers that evoke the sound of a heavily processed electric guitar typical of a 2007 pop anthem, complemented by the drama of Lorde’s muffled screams. The opening lyric “I was a singer, you were a fan / When no one gave a damn” may lead one to interpret ‘Favourite Daughter’ as a message to Lorde’s audience. Yet, by the second verse, it becomes evident that the song is directed towards her younger self, reflecting on a youthful overachiever.

      “I keep dancing till I get sick, why’d you have to dream so big? Why did no one listen when you hit the notes from your heart?” serves as tough love, honoring innocence and the complexity of embracing enlightenment gained through experience while longing for a lost naivety.

      ‘Current Affairs’ stands out as a noteworthy track that earns its title mention in lead single ‘What Was That.’ Featuring uplifting, processed piano keys that sound crisp with each press, it contributes to the distorted, house-party vibe of ‘Virgin.’ As Lorde navigates the conflicting emotions of a tumultuous relationship, the track delivers stomach-dropping guitar dips while she strives to vocalize the chorus and pronounce the title. Male backing vocals, likely from Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), echo Lorde’s lyrics, adding depth to this intricately produced song.

      ‘Clearblue’ features vocals from Dev Hynes and is predominantly A cappella, interrupted only by the sound of a drum that highlights the emotional rollercoaster experienced when taking a pregnancy test. The reliance on vocals heightens the vulnerability of the track, allowing Lorde’s declarations to resonate deeply.

      In ‘GRWM’—an acronym made popular by influencer-driven makeup and skincare videos titled ‘Get Ready With Me’—the track embraces something less centered around vanity. Characterized by fuzzy keys that crackle with feedback and industrial drums hinting at a hyper-pop influence, it addresses distinctive aspects of Lorde's appearance—physical traits viewed as hallmarks of womanhood. She celebrates wide hips, chipped teeth, and skin scars while advocating for the importance of “looking forward,” making playful remarks like “maybe I finally know who you wanna be, a grown woman in a baby tee.” Energetic snare drums reminiscent of recent collaborator Charli XCX enhance ‘Virgin.’ While the upbeat ‘Apple’ cleverly conceals its heavy themes regarding gener

Lorde – Virgin

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Lorde – Virgin

After a four-year break, building significant excitement for her comeback, Lorde discards the sun-kissed persona of her ‘Solar Power’ era and welcomes her