Review
Lorde really rolls up her sleeves for "Virgin," diving headfirst back into the world of bold electronic production after drifting through the sun-kissed folk of "Solar Power." The beats come in hard and heavy, giving the album an earthier, throbbing core—a pretty stark contrast to the delicate shimmer of her last project. Working alongside Jim-E Stack, she crafts a collection that feels refreshingly unfiltered, with basslines that pulse right under your skin. It’s more chaotic, more vital, and—dare I say—undeniably alive.
From the very first note of "Hammer," Lorde puts her cards on the table, exploring her experience coming off birth control and using that as a launching pad for bigger truths. The cover art’s X-ray—with its visible IUD—isn’t trying to be subtle, and neither is she. Songs like "Shapeshifter" and "Favourite Daughter" thread together raw emotion with fearless self-examination, all wrapped up in surreal, introspective lyrics that dig deep into modern life and identity. Even when a track like "Clearblue" doesn’t quite hit the mark for every listener, it’s still part of this candid web she’s weaving—one that rings honest regardless of its highs and lows.
By the time the final track wraps up, it’s clear Lorde’s own journey has spilled straight out of her into these songs. “Virgin” is daring and rhythmic, never afraid to get messy or tackle complicated things head-on. Lorde’s evolution from indie pop starlet to unabashed chronicler of her own body and mind is the sort of artistic leap I live for—it’s as if you’re right there with her, riding each rolling synth and electrifying confession. If you’re after indie pop that takes risks and refuses to pull punches, this one’s absolutely worth a spin. - Zara
Artist Bio
Lorde is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand who started releasing music as a teenager, breaking through internationally with her debut single “Royals” in 2013. Her music blends electropop, indie pop, and alternative influences, often featuring introspective lyrics and moody, atmospheric production. Lorde has earned multiple awards, including Grammys, and is known for albums like Pure Heroine, Melodrama, and Solar Power. She’s collaborated with artists such as Jack Antonoff and Disclosure, and her style is often compared to Billie Eilish, Florence + The Machine, and Lana Del Rey. Lorde is recognized for her thoughtful songwriting and minimalist pop sound.
