28-year-old Lorde returns with a nostalgically novel observe in “What Was That,” satisfying and thrilling longtime followers whereas alluring new audiences to her masterful sound and lyrics.
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Stream: “What Was That” – Lorde
“Lorde Summer time” has been confirmed.
Together with her first single in 4 years, Lorde returns with “What Was That.”
Though her final undertaking, Photo voltaic Energy, was launched in 2021, Lorde hasn’t precisely been hiding. In June 2024, she collaborated with Charli XCX on Brat for the “Woman, So Complicated” remix. The observe shattered the web, alongside the alleged feud between the 2 artists over their comparable appears and aggressive presence in pop music all through the 2010s.
Lorde started teasing new music on TikTok in April 2024, later revealing it to be her single “What Was That.” Shortly after the snippet, she carried out with Charli XCX at Coachella. Days later, she introduced an impromptu live performance at Washington Sq. Park, the place she debuted the observe.
Photo voltaic Energy obtained large essential acclaim, however many followers misplaced curiosity resulting from its lack of sonic similarity to her first two albums. Her hottest observe, “Ribs,” continues to search out new audiences amongst adolescents by way of social media, turning into a monumental illustration of rising pains.
“What Was That” seamlessly blends the dance synth beats followers had been nostalgic for with the eclectic maturity her lyrics have gained as her discography expanded.
A lot of Lorde’s music explores the lack of childhood innocence and the fleeting joys of getting older. “What Was That” emphasizes these themes whereas offering a nuanced outlook on relationships.
The opening verse instantly attracts listeners in, with Lorde’s voice nearly in a whisper: “A spot within the metropolis / A chair and a mattress.” The depth builds as her voice crescendos: “I cowl up all of the mirrors / I can’t see myself but / I put on smoke like a marriage veil.”
A spot within the metropolis
A chair and a mattress
I cowl up all of the mirrors
Can’t see myself but
I put on smoke like a marriage veil
Make a meal I gained’t eat
Step out into the road, alone in a sea
It comes over me
Lorde’s honesty is a big a part of why her fanbase is so large and various. Center-aged fathers relate to the identical lyrics as their teenage daughters; the transient nature of getting older is generational.
The synth builds with the lyrics, Lorde’s voice turning into extra pressing and susceptible. Within the refrain, the beat peaks, with the synth mixing seamlessly into the drums.
“What Was That” echoes the sound of Melodrama within the refrain, embedding heartbreaking inquiries between percussion paying homage to cult traditional “Supercut” and fan favourite “Inexperienced Mild.”
She begins the refrain: “MDMA within the again backyard, blow our pupils up / We kissed for hours straight, properly, child, what was that? / I keep in mind sayin’ then, ‘That is the most effective cigarette of my life.’”
Lorde appears to discover a private relationship within the music, with the refrain foreshadowing an anticipated heartbreak. Her reflection comes not from a curiously hopeful teen however from a mature grownup approaching 30.
She continues: “Indio haze, we’re in a sandstorm and it knocks me out / I didn’t know then that you simply’d by no means be sufficient, oh / Since I used to be seventeen, I gave you every part.”
Oh, I’m lacking you
Yeah, I’m lacking you
And all of the issues we used to do
MDMA within the again backyard,
blow our pupils up
We kissed for hours straight,
properly, child, what was that?
I keep in mind saying then,
“That is the most effective cigarette of my life”
Properly, I would like you identical to that
Indio haze, we’re in a sandstorm
and it knocks me out
I didn’t know then that you simply’d
by no means be sufficient, oh
Since l was seventeen,
I gave you every part
Now we wake from a dream,
properly, child, what was that?
What was that?
Child, what was that?
Many followers have rapidly famous Lorde singing about “being 17” once more. Her debut album Pure Heroine, written at age 16, explored her social anxieties. Although launched in 2013, it continues to resonate with new generations of adolescents.
“What Was That” upholds the values Lorde established in her debut 12 years in the past. The only marks a promising return for the New Zealand singer as she continues her profession with a extra clear, susceptible tone following her reemergence into popular culture by way of her collaborations with Charli XCX.
Lorde fades within the post-chorus as soon as extra, permitting the synth to overhaul her voice. She whispers once more: “What was that? / Child, what was that?”
Have you learnt you’re nonetheless with me
Once I’m out with my pals?
I stare at their painted faces
They discuss present affairs
You needed to know this was taking place
You weren’t feeling my warmth
Once I’m within the blue gentle,
down at Child’s All Proper
I face actuality
I strive (I strive), to let (To let)
No matter has to cross by way of me cross by way of
However that is staying some time, I do know
It won’t let me go
Followers who adored Photo voltaic Energy will discover familiarity in her verses. Those that have fun Melodrama will uncover emotional adrenaline within the piano. And followers who reward Pure Heroine for its nostalgia will acknowledge it in her storytelling.
“What Was That” withstands the check of time, proving Lorde to be a generational expertise whereas inviting new audiences in.
MDMA within the again backyard,
blow our pupils up
We kissed for hours straight,
properly, child, what was that?
I keep in mind saying then,
“That is the most effective cigarette of my life”
Properly, I would like you identical to that
Indio haze, we’re in a sandstorm
and it knocks me out
I didn’t know then,
however you’d by no means be sufficient, oh
Since l was seventeen,
I gave you every part
Now we wake from a dream,
properly, child, what was that?
What was that?
‘Trigger I would like you identical to that
(Once I’m within the blue gentle,
I could make it alright)
What was that?
(Once I’m within the blue gentle,
I could make it alright)
Child, what was that?
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Stream: “What Was That” – Lorde
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