Lorde has officially begun her melodramatic return for the spotlight with her fiery new album release. It has been some time since the Kiwi singer has graced our radios after her debut in 2013, but now, she’s back and ready to collect her crown.
Lorde is the 20-year-old from a small town in New Zealand who is proving her worth on the big stage. Upon her release of her debut album, Pure Heroine, on the 23rd of September 2013 at merely 16 years old, she took the world by storm with hits like Royals and Tennis Court. Now, four years later, she has stepped back into the spotlight with the release of Melodrama, an album full of mystery, meaning and a whole lot of feel-good vibes.
The dreaded sophomore slump is a tough hurdle to overcome and Lorde has taken a big leap from the unique sounds of Pure Heroine. Her age and maturity really shine through on this album, particularly in ‘Liability,’ a slow, piano-infused track. ‘Liability’ and ‘Sober II (Melodrama)’ really bring out the emotion and versatility in her voice.
‘Green Light’ was the first single that was released from the album on the 2nd of March 2017 and it was the public’s first taste of Lorde’s return. The song was co-written and co-produced by Lorde herself and found her sitting comfortably among the top ten on the charts in eight different countries. It was described as “different and unexpected” as she tackled an upbeat, more dramatic tune. ‘Liability’, however, was released soon after, being an unexpected turn into theatrical piano ballad. By the time the third single, ‘Sober’, was released, fans thought they had a fair idea of what the eleven track album might sound like upon release.
However, they were equally as intrigued as the rest of us who fell in love with the album and everything it represents. Lorde described the album in terms of addressing themes of heartbreak, solitude and loneliness. Lorde’s lyrics (which were primarily written or co-written by herself) are wise and way beyond her years yet she portrays them in a way that makes the audience connect on a level that people haven’t connected with her before.
The songs bring a more pop-like, upbeat feel to the table. At the same time though, no one would ever mistake this for bubblegum pop. Her theatrical vibe emphasises her raspy, emotional and fragile voice. Her tone is impeccable and matches with her meaningful lyrics and a melody that makes the songs seem smooth and fluid while retaining a unique feel.
Initially, when it was announced that Lorde was working heavily with Jack Antonoff, some people were worried that his unique sonic stylings would overwhelm her voice, but there is no doubt that Melodrama is Lorde’s creative vision.
Lorde will take you on a journey down a path full of low-register, intimate vocals that make you feel all kinds of good. The final song on the album, ‘Perfect Places’ is almost like a happy ending to a story. We say almost because the anthemic chorus is complicated by the lyrics as Lorde wonders, “what the fuck are perfect places anyway?”
The album is everything you would expect an album titled Melodrama to be. It is the kind of album that you come away from thinking about at night when you’re going home after a house party, still a little drunk, a little regretful, a little sad and a little happy all at the same time.
Lorde has constructed a masterpiece consisting of intimate vocals, clever and meaningful lyrics and a theatrical/pop vibe that simply cannot be faulted. She has also officially slashed the global album charts in Australia, America, Canada and New Zealand knocking off Ed Sheeran’s album, Divide to claim the number one spot.
Lorde is also bringing the drama down under with her Melodrama Tour. The tour will take her to the major cities in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Spilt Milk Music Festival in Canberra. Check the details below to see when Lorde will be in your hometown:
Perth – Kings Park and Botanic Garden – November 18
Sydney – Sydney Opera House Forecourt – November 21
Brisbane – Riverstage – November 23
Canberra – Spilt Milk Music Festival – November 25
Melbourne – Sidney Myer Music Bowl – November 26
For more information on tickets and all tour details, click here.
Overall, Lorde has produced a masterful album that proves why her name is that of royalty. All hail the Lorde.
To hear the full album, click below: