Burning brightly as she rose to stardom, before fading from view, Lorde retreated into a self-imposed hiatus from music, and seemingly the world, following the release of her second album. Vanishing for the best part of four years, bar the odd email to fans, and free from the glow of fame, she sought solace, peace, and a connection with nature.
Unburdening herself from the constraints of social media and temporarily shunning a music-starved fanbase to instead seek out life’s small pleasures back home in New Zealand, as time rolled by the prospect of a return felt faint.
Yet as spirits dimmed and the years brought chaos, Lorde reappeared. Dipping her toes into music once more with its title track, she dives in headfirst with the release of ‘Solar Power’.
Featuring an eclectic mix of sun-kissed pop and soothing lullaby-like melodies, we find ourselves drifting into her daydream.
Undeniably different from its predecessors, 2017’s critically acclaimed 'Melodrama' and 2013’s breakout debut 'Pure Heroine', ‘Solar Power’ marks a poignant moment of change for Lorde. Reflecting the singer-songwriter’s newfound freedom and embracing a dizzying self-awareness, it’s a gentle smile of a record. ‘Solar Power’ is a gorgeous, subtle slice of realness.
The lead single is deliriously addictive, calling to mind the swell of salty beach waves and the promise of a long, hot summer. With hooky guitar lines and playful lyrics, there isn’t much not to like about it. But Lorde truly opens our eyes on California, a track that marks a fundamental point of juxtaposition: “It got hard to grow up, with your cool hand around my neck,” she sings. “It’s all just a dream, I wanna wake up.”
At first listen you could be forgiven for believing that ‘Solar Power’ is light and carefree, but Lorde remains attuned to a frank sense of honesty, as though she is singing to herself. “I used to love the party, now I’m not alright. Drinking in the dark, take me home tonight,” she chimes on Big Star. Easy-going music envelops her a comforting hug. Soul-drenched lyrics soothe like a mindful voice. ‘Solar Power’ is a serenely confessional album that appears from a haze of smoke and sunshine.
Lorde Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed May 25 2022 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Thu May 26 2022 - EDINBURGH Usher Hall
Sat May 28 2022 - MANCHESTER O2 Victoria Warehouse
Mon May 30 2022 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
Wed June 01 2022 - LONDON Roundhouse
Thu June 02 2022 - LONDON Roundhouse
Fri June 03 2022 - LONDON Roundhouse
Tue June 28 2022 - LONDON Alexandra Palace
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