New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has risen from her four-year sabbatical with the release of her third studio album Solar Power on Aug. 20, through Universal Music New Zealand. In collaboration with American musicians and record producers Jack Antonoff and Malay (James Ryan Ho), it features the previously-released singles: “Solar Power,” “Stoned at the Nail Salon,” and “Mood Ring.”

Finding inspiration from her 2021 memoir-photo book Going South she collaborated with New Zealand photographer Harriet Were, it documents her visit to the continent of Antarctica where she combines her feelings and experiences of travelling. Describing it as “very lowkey, very kiwi,” it is a direct reflection of her new-age culty, relaxed, calm sound featured in Solar Power.

Armed with the advocacy of being environmentally-friendly, Lorde decided to release the album exclusively to digital music-streaming platforms and on vinyl. CD collectors fret not, an eco-friendly "music box" is an alternative that features handwritten notes, exclusive photographs, and high-quality download codes. 

Raising concerns from fans that the music box is not eligible for the Billboard 200 chart and declining to perform at arenas as she prefers more intimate venues, Lorde continues to surprise fans and the music industry alike.

Unfazed with people’s monetary concerns, Lorde mentioned in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that she “would much rather have a room with 5,000 people in it who know every word to every song and are passionate about me as an institution, than have 18,000 people who heard two songs on the radio and liked them," making her case of wanting to perform in smaller venues.

Dawning of a new era 

Much like the sun rising during the break of day, Lorde awakens from her musical hiatus and brings with her a newfound sound that signifies her growth. 

From her 2017 angst-electro pop album Melodrama, the latest record features Lorde’s personal and musical progression. Audiences see her grow up from maximalism to a more vulnerable and toned down sound; a metaphor to her lonesome and fast-paced past to now, being at peace with her place as an artist and her personal life.

Though some can argue that the album feels somewhat “incomplete” as lyrics are too simple, or the sound needs more “oomph,” one can believe that this was an intentional artistic choice. It is a reflection of her choosing the mundanity and simplicity of life over the overwhelming and unpredictable nature of her fame.

You can imagine yourself sunbathing and dancing at the beach whilst hearing the waves splash by as this 12-track album vividly embodies a perfect summer getaway experience—an album you play for when you want to unwind and escape the headache-inducing troubles of the world. 

Influences of a girl (who’s seen it all) 

Described as Lorde’s “weed album,” something akin to Rubber Soul from The Beatles, Solar Power is heavy on acoustic guitars and psychedelic arrangements. “Well, I thought I was going to make this big acid record but I don't think it was an acid album. […] It's a weed album. It's one of my great weed albums,” says Lorde in an interview with The New York Times.

From the films Midsommar, Days of Heaven, and Zabriskie Point; as well as the end of the television series Mad Men, the 1971 Coca-Cola “Hilltop” advertisement; sounds from musical geniuses; and her hometown New Zealand一Lorde brilliantly crafted a world forged by a myriad of influences. 

Released on June 11, the title track “Solar Power” is the album’s lead single that features backing vocals from American singer-songwriters Clairo and Phoebe Bridgers. It packs an upbeat and summer-escapism anthem that heads in a different direction from her past releases. As Lorde states that she’s “kinda like a prettier Jesus,” the guitar-driven pop and indie folk track encapsulates the album’s vibes of a sunny-beach solitude. 

She further invites an attitude for growth and claims change in the lyrics, “Forget all of the tears that you've cried. It's over. It's a new state of mind. Are you coming, my baby?”

Meanwhile, the second single “Stoned at the Nail Salon” is a laid-back ballad of telling all of her ‘what ifs,’ “Spend all the evenings you can with the people who raised you. 'Cause all the times they will change, it'll all come around.”

“Ladies, begin your sun salutations.” The album’s last single “Mood Ring” is a danceable hit that narrates her aspirations of escaping the stress of life and wanting to know that everything will be okay. Channeling a different persona in the music video, blonde Lorde follows-up her “Solar Power” video with another cult-like visual aesthetic and a sheer adoration for the color green.

Supplementary recommendations

• “The Path” - If you’re looking for a savior, it’s not Lorde. Described as the thesis statement of the album, it perfectly captures the beginning of a beautiful journey. 
  
  
• “Fallen Fruit” - Sounding like it came from a Fleetwood Mac album, this track flexes its guitar arrangements, as well as sending a message about the current state of our dying environment left by past generations.
  
  
• “Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen It All)” -  Lorde’s reply to her debut album Pure Heroine fan-favorite “Ribs,” where she tells her old self that “it’s going to be okay,” this is a groovy track that is worthy of repeat listens.
  
  
• “Oceanic Feeling” -  the nearly seven-minute track serves as the album’s cherry on top. With backing vocals from New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams, this sounds akin to the music of Simon & Garfunkel, which Lorde is a huge fan of. Interestingly enough, Lorde and Williams also covered their iconic “The Sound of Silence” at a charity concert in 2019. 
  
  
• “Helen of Troy” - “Give yourself a break, have a little faith” is a mantra that we can all live by during these trying times. It’s a crime that this is one of the two bonus tracks not included in the standard release. 

Overall, the album feels like Lorde’s self realization of her new purposes and happiness; moving on to the unknown of the future with her profound wisdom. Lorde perfectly curates and ends the album on a strong and optimistic note—making Solar Power a complete narrative.

Hear Lorde’s latest album available now to all music streaming platforms. To understand her inspiration and musings, check out the “Solar Power” Spotify enhanced album here.

Grab the official Solar Power merchandise and music box available here.