The wait is over for Lorde fans as it has now been declared as a “Lorde Summer”. The New Zealand singer-songwriter has dropped a new single called “What Was That,” giving fans a first taste of what’s coming next.
She announced her fourth album, Virgin, which has everyone eagerly anticipating to hear what she’s been working on. The release of “What Was That” marks Lorde’s first solo single since her 2021 album, Solar Power. The song, which has been described as a return to her synth-pop roots.
Lorde kicked off the release of her new single, “What Was That,” with a surprise appearance in New York City’s Washington Square Park that quickly grabbed fans’ attention. After posting an invite on social media, the singer drew thousands of people to the park for what turned out to be an unplanned performance. The crowd was so large that the NYPD briefly shut the gathering down due to a lack of permits. Later that evening, Lorde returned with musician and collaborator Dev Hynes (also known as Blood Orange) to perform the new track live for the remaining audience. The performance was filmed and is now featured in the official music video, giving the song a raw and intimate vibe upon its release.
Virgin, Lorde’s next album, is scheduled for release on June 27. Lorde has emphasized the album’s transparency and emotional rawness by describing it as “clear,” using phrases like “bathwater, windows, ice, spit.” She added that in order to reflect her femininity, the album’s language is “plain and unsentimental,” and its sounds are constant throughout. “What Was That” is the second of the album’s eleven tracks.
Lorde’s previous albums, Solar Power (2021), Melodrama (2017), and Pure Heroine (2013), are followed by this new one. From her breakthrough single “Royals” to the more reflective and experimental sounds of her later work, each album has demonstrated Lorde’s development as a performer.
Virgin is highly anticipated by both fans and critics, with many speculating on the themes and direction of the album. With its hint of vulnerability, reflection, and a return to the synth-pop sound that appealed to many of her early fans, the release of “What Was That” has given fans a preview of what’s to come. Lorde seems ready to release another incredibly intimate and acoustically striking album with Virgin.