When you think of New Zealand, you might think of hobbits, fluffy sheep, and Lorde. That’s right, Lorde’s got us grooving to her electropop tunes, and with her new album Solar Power out, we think it’s time to take a moment to appreciate her incredible discography.
Lorde’s music is a unique blend of melancholic ballads, upbeat rhythms, and a bit of teenage spunk. Did you know that Lorde was discovered by the head of Universal Music Group when she was just a 12-year-old Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor performing at a school talent show? We’re so lucky that this discovery led to Lorde gracing our ears with her funky electronic beats and thought-provoking lyrics.
Lorde’s music has earned her two Grammys, two Brits, and even a Golden Globe nomination, but what really sets her apart is her authentic songwriting, unconventional sounds, and the respect she commands in the music industry. Her career is one that is sure to endure, and we’ve got ten songs that prove why Lorde is a true icon.
To learn more about Lorde, read her biography here.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Lorde’s top 10 songs that show she’s earned her aristocratic stage name!
10. “Buzzcut Season”
Have you guys heard Lorde’s song “Buzzcut Season” from her first album Pure Heroine? It’s totally underrated! The song is all about summertime memories and the special bond between friends. The title comes from the buzzcuts that Lorde and her friends would give each other at the start of the warmer season.
What we love about this song is how it captures the feeling of finding safety and comfort in the midst of a scary world, and how important it is to have the people you love by your side. It’s definitely one of our favorites from Lorde’s album, even more so than “Tennis Court” (though that’s a great song too!).
The tropical drum beat and dreamy keys in “Buzzcut Season” make us feel like we’re right there with Lorde and her friends at the swimming pool they mention in the song. Overall, we think “Buzzcut Season” shows a deeper, more developed side of Lorde’s music than some of her other tracks.
9. “Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen it All)”
Let’s talk about Lorde’s track, “Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen it All)”. It’s got that same party vibe as her Melodrama album, but with a more optimistic tone and some Sheryl Crow-style acoustics. It seems like Lorde has really matured since her last album.
The song is all about learning to deal with your emotional baggage, even when it feels really heavy. In fact, the second verse is about Lorde’s own experience dealing with the death of her dog, Pearl. And if you listen closely to the end of the track, you might notice a cool flight attendant outro by Robyn, which some folks say is a nod to Prince’s “International Lover.”
All in all, “Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen it All)” is definitely worth a listen. Check it out and let us know what you think!
8. “Fallen Fruit”
If you’re a fan of Lorde’s latest album, Solar Power, you’ve probably heard her critically acclaimed song, “Fallen Fruit.” While it’s got a folksy, Fleet Foxes vibe, the lyrics examine a more pessimistic and truthful side of climate change and generational differences.
Lorde uses Biblical imagery to highlight how the actions of the previous generation have left the newer generation in shambles. They’ve caused climate destruction and increased CO2 emissions with their fancy cars and planes, while the rest of us are left to dance on “fallen fruit.” It’s a sad and sobering message, but Lorde does provide a glimmer of hope with the line, “Took the great minds and the vapers / And a pocketful of seed / It’s time for us to leave.”
It’s hard to predict how we’ll leave this planet, whether it’s through extinction, traveling to other planets, or simply leaving our carbon footprints behind. But one thing’s for sure – we need to take responsibility for our actions and do our part to mitigate the damage we’ve done to the environment. Only then can we leave a better world for future generations.
You may also read our article explaining the meaning of “Fallen Fruit”.
7. “Solar Power”
Lorde’s track, “Solar Power,” has been all the rage on social media platforms like TikTok. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard new music from the singer, but she has certainly made a comeback with this song.
What makes “Solar Power” so special is that it captures a more hopeful and positive vibe that we haven’t seen from Lorde before. As our planet struggles with the effects of climate change, this track encourages us to appreciate and protect Mother Earth.
One of the best things about “Solar Power” is its music video, which shows Lorde frolicking through a hidden beach community in a stunning yellow dress that perfectly matches the song’s sunny, upbeat vibe. In fact, Lorde’s lyrics even describe her as a “prettier Jesus” in this dress.
So, get ready to be blown away by the explosive and satisfying outro of “Solar Power.” It may take a few verses and choruses to get there, but trust us – it’s worth the wait!
You may also read our article explaining the meaning of “Solar Power”.
6. “Team”
Lorde’s hit song “Team” from her album Pure Heroine captures the theme of friendship in a way that really hits home. Although “Royals” was the track that initially made Lorde famous, “Team” really established her as an artist to watch out for.
The song takes on a unique perspective, with Lorde portraying herself as a ruler looking out over her kingdom. She calls on her subjects to take pride in their opinions and their place of residency, which in this case is New Zealand.
One of the most memorable lines from “Team” is “I’m kind of over gettin’ told to throw my hands up in the air.” This line was pretty critical when the song was released in 2013, as radio was oversaturated with party pop tracks (like Flo Rida’s “In the Ayer”) that didn’t really have much substance. By refusing to put her hands up, Lorde was rebelling against the status quo and showing a level of young maturity that wasn’t found in many other artists at the time.
Overall, “Team” is a great reminder of the importance of friendship and staying true to yourself, even when it feels like everyone else is doing something different.
5. “Liability”
Have you heard Lorde’s “Liability”? If not, you’re missing out on a beautiful piano ballad that dives into the singer’s inner struggles. You might have even caught it on a recent episode of HBO’s Euphoria, where it played during a particularly emotional scene.
What’s great about “Liability” is how personal it feels, even though it’s not necessarily about a specific person. Lorde opens up about her insecurities and the pressure she feels when it comes to relationships. In her own words, the song is “a strange part of [herself] for a lot of people to look at.”
But even though it’s a vulnerable piece of music, “Liability” is also empowering. Lorde sees it as a way to be her “own best mate,” and she hopes that others can find strength in it too. So if you’re feeling down or alone, give “Liability” a listen and see if it resonates with you. Who knows? Maybe it’ll become your new anthem.
4. “Royals”
Let’s talk about one of the most iconic songs of the early 2010s: Lorde’s “Royals.” This gem is a must-listen, and we’d be remiss not to include it in our top 5 rankings.
Did you know that “Royals” debuted at number one in Lorde’s native New Zealand? And, to top it off, it later climbed its way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, beating out mega-hits like Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.” Not too shabby, huh?
The song’s simple yet catchy beat, combined with Lorde’s wise lyrics, offers a playful take on the glitzy world of celebrity culture. Lorde isn’t claiming to be immune to materialistic temptation. She’s just saying that not every desire needs to be acted upon. At the end of the day, money can’t buy happiness, and as Lorde’s album Pure Heroine suggests, true happiness comes from friendship.
So, let’s give a round of applause to Lorde and her classic hit “Royals” – a song that’s sure to stand the test of time!
You may also read our article explaining the meaning of “Royals”.
3. “Stoned at the Nail Salon”
The song has a relaxed vibe while diving deep into life’s bigger questions, and it truly encapsulates Lorde’s artistic style.
In a press statement, Lorde opened up about the meaning behind this melancholic song. She explained that it’s a reflection on growing older, settling into a routine, and questioning the choices we’ve made. It’s relatable, especially for people around Lorde’s age who may be grappling with similar questions. She used the song as a way to process her thoughts and emotions, and we’re so glad she did!
What we love most about “Stoned at the Nail Salon” is how it touches on the simple pleasures in life and how getting older can have its ups and downs. It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate the little things and cherish our experiences.
Interestingly, some fans have even speculated that this track is a follow-up to Lorde’s #1 hit. What do you think? Either way, we’re hooked on “Stoned at the Nail Salon” and can’t get enough of its laid-back and contemplative vibes.
You may also read our article explaining the meaning of “Stoned at the Nail Salon”.
2. “Green Light”
If you’re in need of a song to lift your spirits after a breakup, look no further than Lorde’s “Green Light”. This energetic and hopeful tune is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone trying to move on from a broken heart.
In “Green Light”, Lorde channels her own experience with heartbreak and infidelity into an explosive and upbeat track. The thumping drums, energetic keys, and Lorde’s stunning vocals all come together to create a sound that makes you feel like you’re cruising in a fast car.
Not only is “Green Light” a great song to dance to, but it’s also Lorde’s favorite to perform. In a recent Vogue 73 Questions interview, she gushed about the track and its significance to her.
So, if you’re feeling down in the dumps, put on “Green Light” and let its infectious energy and hopefulness lift you up. Who knows, it might even inspire you to hit the dance floor and forget all about that ex!
1. “Ribs”
Have you ever heard a song that takes you back to childhood memories? If you haven’t, then you should definitely give “Ribs” a listen. This song has a magical quality that can instantly transport you back in time. “Ribs” is all about missing the people you used to hang out with when you were a kid, and it’s beautifully haunting.
When you listen to the lyrics, you can feel the emotion in Lorde’s voice. The part where she sings, “mum and dad let me stay home,” makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on someone at a party. The words “reeling through the midnight streets” and “laughing till our ribs get tough” are so vivid, you can almost see the whole scene playing out in your mind.
Lorde has a way of making you feel like she’s talking directly to you, and “Ribs” is no exception. She has even said that it’s one of her favorite songs from her discography. Even though “Ribs” didn’t make as big of a splash as “Royals” or “Team” when it was first released on Pure Heroine, true Lorde fans know that it’s a hidden gem.
It’s hard to believe that Lorde was only 16 when she wrote “Ribs.” This song is a tear-jerker in the best way possible, and it’s perfect for those moments when you want to reminisce about the past. So grab a box of tissues, hit play, and get ready to be transported back in time.
){kind=link}