Lorde’s ‘Virgin’ - Honesty as Artistry - Review

After four years away from the spotlight, Lorde's new album ‘Virgin’ makes a bold and exciting comeback, packing a punch in just 34 minutes. It's a raw, vulnerable, and often daring record that signifies an evolution in sound and subject matter for Lorde, delivering an emotionally intense experience. And the ‘Virgin’ era couldn’t have begun more fittingly, as Lorde introduced it with a daring choice: performing the album in its entirety during a surprise Glastonbury set at 11 am.

Sonically, ‘Virgin’ is a burst of energy, brighter and more vibrant than Lorde’s previous album, ‘Solar Power’, released in 2021. While ‘Solar Power’ fully leaned into indie-folk, ‘Virgin' embraces the infectious allure of synth-pop. Yet, despite the stylistic shift, the two albums share a common thread: both sparked intense reactions and controversy, particularly around their album covers. Back in the day, ‘Solar Power’ made headlines for its cheeky cover image featuring Lorde in a yellow rash guard and swimsuit, partially obscuring the sun. 

Photo Credit: Thistle Brown

The album artwork was censored in many countries, including China, where Lorde’s body was hidden by, fittingly, a strong solar power, sparking intense conversations on censorship and artistic freedom.

This time around, Lorde has kept up the same feral energy for the visual art of ‘Virgin’, and if anything, she’s even upped the shock factor. The booklet for the vinyl includes a close-up photograph seemingly depicting Lorde’s pubic area, which went viral and was quickly dubbed “lordussy” by the internet. Alongside that, the official album cover features an X-ray of Lorde’s pelvis, IUD visible, which drew both praise and intrigue from all corners of the internet and beyond. The artwork is a provocative statement, and a clever nod to the album’s seventh track, ‘Clearblue’, which grapples with accidental pregnancy.

Lyrically, ‘Virgin’ is Lorde at her most exposed, and her writing remains sharp, introspective, and honest. The raw production straddles a line between mechanical precision and organic warmth, with the emotional turbulence and honesty of her lyrics perfectly underscoring the wittiness and self-awareness of the record. ‘Virgin’ continues to soundtrack the Sonic Hub team’s summer, and we’re excited to keep sharing the love. After all, as pop princess Charli XCX proclaimed, it’s still ‘Lorde Summer’. We’ve compiled a track-by-track list highlighting our favourite elements of each song for all the English Lit and music lovers out there. Check it out below.

• ‘What Was That’

The album's lead single is a brilliant opener. It's a classic synth-pop track as verses tinged with melancholy give way to a euphoric chorus. Lorde reflects on a relationship that lingers in her memory while tying in broader cultural currents. After four years away, it's an amazing way to announce her return.

• ‘Shapeshifter’

True to its title, this track delves into identity and the feeling of constantly shifting personas; a candid glimpse into Lorde's inner conflicts and a sonically daring track that, as the title indicates, is shapeshifting in nature.

• ‘Man of the Year’

The album’s second single connects lyrically to the video for ‘What Was That’ as Lorde references “gliding through” on her bike. In the video, she makes her way around New York City while grappling with a confusing situation. Lorde explores the fear of how others might react to her change and growth, asking, “Who’s gonna love me like this?”

• ‘Favourite Daughter’

A moving examination of Lorde's relationship with her mother. It's both a yearning for approval and a portrait of a daughter determined to make her mother proud, a recurring theme in Lorde's career.

• ‘Current Affairs’

Lorde reflects on multiple failed relationships, suggesting they were doomed from the start. She seems to wrestle with how the past bleeds into her present life.

• ‘Clearblue’

One of the album's rawest moments tackles the shock and vulnerability of an accidental pregnancy. The title references the popular pregnancy test brand, making the subject matter even more striking.

• ‘GRWM’

Lorde bridges the gap between her younger self and the woman she's becoming. Though the acronym might suggest "Get Ready With Me," Lorde flips it into “Grown Woman," narrating the complexities of feeling both older and yet so young.

• ‘Broken Glass’

A harrowing depiction of self-loathing and body image struggles. Lorde sings about avoiding her reflection in the mirror and obsessing over calories as she bravely confronts her battle with an eating disorder.

• ‘If She Could See Me Now’

Reflective and retrospective, this track looks back at Lorde's earlier self, acknowledging her pain and how it shaped her present identity, offering a deep sense of catharsis and personal evolution.

• ‘David’

A poignant closer. Lorde sings of a relationship that deeply hurt her, vowing she'd never write another song about the individual that hurt her, yet here she is, pouring her soul into one final, haunting track.

In its entirety, ‘Virgin’ is a cohesive and fearless project—sonically experimental, weaving slick synth textures with stark lyrical confessions. At its core, the album charts Lorde’s journey of self-discovery and rebirth as she holds nothing back, offering a record that feels both intimate and universal.

Beyond the music, Lorde's connection with her audience remains strong as she's been promoting ‘Virgin’ through secret shows, record store signings, and direct fan-artist interactions, keeping her community close during this vulnerable new chapter.

As for the upcoming ‘Ultrasound Tour’, all eyes are on how Lorde will translate these emotionally charged songs to the stage. And, if this album and her recent Glastonbury set are any indication, we're in for an unforgettable ride.

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WORDS CATARINA BRANDÃO & OLA GLADYSZ