After four long years, Lorde has finally returned with the debut single of her third album and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
‘Solar Power’ is a change from the Lorde we’ve heard before. Where her last album ‘Melodrama’ was soaked in grief and catharsis, this single is drenched in sunlight.
Despite boasting a completely new sound, the single doesn’t feel like a disconnect from the rest of Lorde’s discography however.
The song acts almost like a bridge between the New Zealand-raised singer’s previous album’s sadness and the next stage of her life and career: “Forget all of the tears that you’ve cried, it’s over.”
The song is an ode to summer, leaving your troubles behind, and soaking in the sun – a message that feels most appropriate after the last year.
The song begins with bare-bones production; just Lorde’s raspy voice and guitar.
As the song ebbs and flows like the ocean, the production builds. The chorus sees the introduction of harmonies, sung masterfully by indie icons Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo, adding a quality reminiscent of a dreamy summer’s day.
The production builds until the song’s final chorus, finally breaking the tension it somehow creates despite being such a laidback song.
“Blink three times when you feel it kicking in” Lorde sings just before the beat drops and the previously laidback acoustic track becomes one that you can dance to, with drums that you can sway your hips to.
‘Solar Power’ is a hedonistic return for Lorde. The song is self-indulgent, relishing in its own pursuit of happiness.
It’s a departure from the Lorde we know, but it is an exciting beginning to a new chapter that has long been awaited.
I already know I’m going to have it on repeat all summer.
Rating: 9/10
Feature Image Credit: Universal Music Group