Lorde’s Virgin is still at the forefront of our minds

Virgin dropped 27 June and we're still reeling from the pop goddess' return.

Pure Heroine was a groundbreaker. Melodrama was a masterpiece. Sadly Solar Power fell short, a lackluster body of work that had some speckles of excellence with ‘Mood Ring’, ‘Stoned At The Nail Salon’ and ‘Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All)’. 

Lorde – Virgin

Label: Universal Music

Release: Out Now

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Thankfully for her fourth album Virgin, Lorde returns to form incorporating the digital frenzy that helped to spark her sound. Her staccato style of singing pierces each word whilst the frantic, dirty pulses underscore the urgency of ‘Hammer’. The highs are hypnotic on lead single ‘What Was That’, ‘Shapeshifter’ is gritty and gutsy, whilst her delicate vocals are a stunning juxtaposition. The whole body-build to finish is euphoric.

‘Broken Glass’ is another standout and a textbook example of how to write a pop classic. A simple premise elevated by clever lyricism, remembered by repetition, served on a slinky beat, dripping in nostalgia, and driven by a huge sing-along-inducing chorus. Ballad ‘David’ exits the album; it’s a slow-burn that captures the heart of Virgin – Lorde exploring her body, her femininity, and her power. 

Lorde leans into her pop sensibilities and her raw, unapologetic songwriting on Virgin adding to her already masterful legacy.

Listen to Virgin from Lorde here.