Lorde, the New Zealand-born pop phenomenon, has once again graced her fans with a taste of her artistry through her new single, “What Was That.” Following an enigmatic pop-up concert in New York’s Washington Square Park, anticipation surged for this new addition to her already impressive discography. After the release of her critically lauded 2021 album *Solar Power*, many were left wondering what sonic direction she would explore next. With her distinct ability to weave memories into sound, Lorde encapsulates both nostalgia and readiness for growth in her latest work.
The music landscape can often feel like a parade of fleeting trends, yet Lorde cuts through the noise with her thoughtful, poetic approach. “What Was That” feels like a rite of passage as it blends reflections of her past with the vibrant energy of her returning artistry. Intriguingly, this single follows her collaboration on Charli XCX’s remix of “Girl, So Confusing,” positioning Lorde as an artist who not only embraces evolution but actively participates in it.
Retro Echoes in Modern Soundscapes
Listening to “What Was That,” one can distinctly hear traces of Lorde’s earlier work, particularly her acclaimed album *Melodrama*. With a modern twist, the song provides an intoxicating blend of synth-pop and lyrical storytelling that makes it both catchy and contemplative. While the sound may invite reminiscing, it simultaneously signals her readiness to embrace a new chapter in her career.
The opening verse introduces listeners to a raw, vulnerable world. Line by line, Lorde offers a glimpse of solitude contrasted with overwhelming memories of past connections. There is a powerful resonance in her words, drawing the audience into both a reflective space and the exhilaration of youthful love, along with its accompanying heartbreak. The use of imagery, such as “covering up all the mirrors,” speaks to a deeper internal struggle that many can relate to—essentially, the desire to escape oneself during moments of distress.
Nostalgia Meets Vulnerability
“What Was That” is not merely an ode to love lost; it’s a vivid interaction with the echoes of what was. The chorus, highlighted by references to late nights filled with hedonism—“MDMA in the back garden”—immerses listeners in a world of youthful rebellion and longing. Yet, there’s a haunting realization that pervades the lyrics: despite the highs, the question remains, “What was that?” This inquiry resonates not just as a personal reflection; it encapsulates a universal experience—a yearning for the magic of moments now past.
Lorde’s artistry shines through her ability to marry light-hearted nostalgia with an overt expression of emotional turmoil. With lines that touch on vulnerability when faced with imagined expectations, she invites her audience to coexist with their feelings rather than shy away from them. This sentiment is ever so powerful: the act of sitting with one’s emotions acknowledges growth and the unfolding journey of healing.
The Future of Lorde’s Musical Journey
Her collaboration with Charli XCX was not just a flash-in-the-pan moment; it foreshadowed a “Lorde summer”—an enticing proposition indicating there may be more musical treasures on the horizon. With every release, she redefines what we think we know about her and, by extension, our own experiences with love and loss. There’s a palpable excitement within the music industry about her next steps, as fans and critics alike eagerly speculate on where this seasoned artist will venture next.
“What Was That” is not just a song; it’s an emotional roadmap that charts the complexities of relationships in an unmistakable sonic landscape. Lorde’s artistry fosters connection and reflection, showing us that even through our most vulnerable moments, there is beauty in introspection. As listeners, we find solace in the recognition that our experiences are not isolated; they are shared. The song experiences that deeper understanding, inviting us into a conversation about our own past as we revel in her art.
In short, Lorde continues to prove that her music is more than just a collection of sound—it’s an invitation to examine our own narratives, echoing within us long after the last note fades. As we await more of her evolution, we find ourselves enchanted by “What Was That,” a beautiful tribute to nostalgia interwoven with the complexities of being human.