The mysterious gothic Lorde we got to know seven years ago returned this weekend following a four-year Antarctica break in a bright yellow dress, while gliding on the beach, as she sang her latest album, Solar Power -And this isn’t the same Lorde she used to be familiar with.
This is a happy Lorde. This is Lorde who is self-control. What is this, dare I say boring Lorde?
On Lorde’s album from 2017 Melodrama, listeners were in the middle of one massive house partyit was maximalist self-possessed, hedonistic and self-absorbedeach moment was a musical finale with its strange and amazing synths and subtle lyrics.
The new album is in total contrast to Lorde on the subject of thematics and in terms of sound. The new sound of hers begs you to lie on the beach, and it encourages you to explore the woods and lose your tracks, to just sit back and relax in the sun-kissed rhythms and acoustics.
The album’s intentions haven’t been met, and the results are mixed.
The glamorous image of “the simple life”-long days on the beach, taking care of our beautiful backyard gardens, having just two drinks with our friends before heading home — could be a good idea were it not for the excellent lyrics being drowned out by acoustic guitars that resemble Christian rock and a general monotone of melody.
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This shift away from high-intensity pop music is commonplace with many of our most beloved female artists.
The album was recorded by Jack Antonoff, a man whom’s name is now synonymous with famous stars like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, St. Vincent and Clairo All of whom have recorded their most recent albums under his direction.
Each of them has shifted away from the high-energy radio-pop songs that brought their popularity to minimalist slow-paced songs with lyrics that glorify the everyday and, yes nature.
I’m all for a back-to-the-land movement however, I’d like to dance.
The album, which is described as a folk album, contains 12 brand-new songs which are almost identical on the first listening. The first track, The Path will introduce listeners to the same pace and a whispery tones as the album’s subsequent five tracks.
In the book Secrets from a Girl (Who’s seen it all), Lorde takes the role of an older sister stance in which she provides advice to younger girls.
“‘Member your thoughts about grief prior to when you got the phone call?
baby girl nobody’s going to be able to feel your pain
You’ll fall in love once more, so keep your eyes open
When the time is right, you’ll be a victim.
When the time is right you’ll fall.”
The song didn’t perform with the same clever and cunning manner that she has displayed in her earlier work. Also, it didn’t sound as clever as Mood Ring. It wasa tune about wellbeing trends, which offered the same kind of apathetic lyrics. In June, when Lorde released the album’s lead single, Solar Power, fans were critical of it because it sounded like it was taken from an ad for tampons. It’s a sad but an accurate description of the main portion on the record.
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But, the genuineness of the lyrics that Lorde fans adored returned in Big Star, Oceanic Feelingand The Stoned Nail Salon. Each song featured real lyrics and more musical depth than the other.
The restriction on instruments also let her vocals shine in ways that they didn’t previously did on albums.
While we’re not talking about cringy-ness and corniness We’re all thrilled that Lorde is at peace and is now introducing us to her more vibrant and more healthy self. The album isn’t as good to the album that preceded it, Melodrama, but with each listen , the songs become more distinct and the lyrics are more engaging. Do I really need an album on her vacation of four years? Most likely it’s not necessary, though I’ll certainly take what I can from our goth-turned-goddess-turned-musical queen.