In case you missed it,Lordehas dropped her new single, “What Was That.” It’s been four years since her last project, and, as evidenced by the number of fans that flocked to her Central Park surprise pop-up that the NYPD subsequently shut down, the hype is at a boiling point. She did eventually have her main character moment, later debuting the synth-pop song in the park while dancing along atop crates.
The mega-hit “Girl, So Confusing” with Charli XCX satiated fans for a bit, but a new solo Lorde track was long overdue. Hailing from New Zealand, the alt-pop singer-songwriter’s debut single “Royals” is cemented as one of the most inescapable songs of my childhood because, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve heard it, I’m transported back to the first time I heard it and how it made me feel.
That’sLorde’s superpower. Her music is accessible for its expression of relatable themes, but interesting because she’s experimental in her approach, sonically and lyrically. Here are 10 of her songs that serve as the best examples of this phenemenon, which has thus become the most essential songs of her career.
10Ribs
The Quintessential Best Friend Anthem
What makes great pop music is an artist’s ability to transform familiar topics into unique listening experiences. Inspired by the complicated mess of adolescence, friendship, and coming of age as a basis, Lorde created the lovely and ethereal “Ribs.”
I’m always down for a BFF appreciation song, butit’s a challenge for artists to pull them off without coming off too saccharine. “Ribs” is a 10/10 because its unique synth production and layered vocals help give the song depth. I’d never discount the lyrics, though. Lines such as “It feels so scary getting old” are simple, but incredibly effective in illustrating the maze that is young adulthood.
9Green Light
Lorde Describes The Space Between Love And Moving On
The lead single from 2017’sMelodrama,“Green Light,” is an epic plea for closure following a breakup (New Girlfans might know the song fromthatepisode), but I regard this song as one of thebest pop songsof all time.Lorde’s lyrical magic is in her simplicity, using a widely recognized symbol to explain how it feels trying to move on from an ex. Her vocal abilities shine in her delivery and articulation. Her angst, urgent tone forces you to feel her impatience.
I regard this song as one of the best pop songs of all time.
Lorde wrote and produced “Green Light” alongsideTaylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff, who has also worked with stars such asSabrina Carpenter. The dance pop track describes the stages of grief when a relationship ends; the changes in routine, the familiar tasks that just don’t feel the same without a certain someone, and the hesitancy to let go.
8Yellow Flicker Beat
A Battle Cry From A Soundtrack For The Ages
In 2014, there were two things teens couldn’t get enough of: Tumblr andThe Hunger Gamesseries. The two were already married, considering the fandom’s strong presence on the blogging platform. Still, theteen idol stars aligned with the genius decision to have Lorde, the unofficial face of the 2010s teen Tumblr aesthetic, curate the soundtrack forThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part Isoundtrack.
From the moody, critically acclaimed project came “Yellow Flicker Beat.” It’s an alternative synth-pop song that relies on heavy imagery and haunting vocals. Lorde’s delivery starts dark and heavy as she describes the pressures facing Katniss Everdeen inThe Hunger Gamesuniverse.“Yellow Flicker Beat” resonated beyond the movie’s fan base, too. It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards and Best Song at the 20th Critics' Choice Awards.
7Supercut
Another Heartbreaking (But Danceable) Lament For A Failed Relationship
One thing about Lordeis thatshe’ll have you dancing your heart out to some of the most devastating lyrics. When “Supercut” begins, you think it’ll be a simple piano ballad. In true Lorde fashion, however, the dance beat kicks in just in time for the prechorus.
Sonically and thematically, “Supercut” is similar to “Green Light,” capturing the space between a breakup and finally feeling closure. “Supercut” differs in that Lorde’s stuck in the past, reminiscing about an ex. She’s not concerned about moving on; instead, she’s singing about what could’ve been different to avoid the sorrowful outcome.
6Tennis Court
Teenage Lorde dropped “Tennis Court” as the second single from her debut album,Pure Heroine. She blends themes of nostalgia with a minimalist electronic beat. The then-rising star reflects on her success, fame, and the politics of the music industry.
Lorde’s early work made a major impression because of her introspective lyrics paired with sophisticated beats.
Lorde’s early work made a major impression because of her introspective lyrics paired with sophisticated beats. “Tennis Court” stands out in her discography because not only was it a commercial and cultural success, butit also has a unique delivery that only Lorde has managed to pull off, despite many attempts to replicate her singularity.
5Solar Power
This Guitar-Driven Track Features Heavenly Harmonies
The title track from Lorde’s 2021 album is a guitar-driven summer anthem.Lorde’s timing is always perfect; she dropped “Solar Power” in summer 2020, a time when many of us needed a little extra light in our lives. Some fans were disappointed that the song was such a pivot from “Green Light,” but I appreciate Lorde’s versatility.
Our Kiwi songstress refuses to be defined and boxed into one genre, sound, or theme.“Solar Power” is about embracing change and connecting with the people and the world around you. It’s brilliant that she retooled her sound for this new era that embraced the idea of metamorphosis.
4Homemade Dynamite (Feat. Post Malone, Khalid & SZA) - REMIX
A Dream Team Up Made A Great Song Even Better
The solo version of “Homemade Dynamite” is fun from start to finish. It’s slightly R&B leaning, but still has that familiar synth electronic sound Lorde’s known for. Pairing Lorde’s shadowy vocals with some of pop’s biggest acts gave the alternative party jam a new life and fans a collab for the ages. Plus,it was Lorde’s first collaboration as a solo artist; she knows how to make a debut.
My only complaint is that this song made me crave more Lorde collabs and start dreaming up individual collabs with each of the featured artists. Lorde and SZA blend so well together on “Homemade Dynamite,” I’d love to hear them on a full-length track together. More R&B sounds from Lorde would be fun to explore; a duet with Khalid, who explores similar themes in his music, would be a dream. Although Lorde’s sound differs from Post Malone’s quite a bit, he fits right in on this track with artists who lean more alternative.
3Liability
You Might Know This Song From That One Viral Video
Yeah, this is the one where Lorde’s shushing the crowd as she sings the refrain of “Liability.” Hot take: I understand why she wanted to create a tender a cappella moment. The lyrics are so vulnerable, and they deserve to fill a still, reverent space. Piano pop ballads have been done a million times, butLorde is the only pop star who can perform “Liability” in the raw, delicate nature it deserves.
The lyrics are so vulnerable, and they deserve to fill a still, reverent space.
Lorde takes a confessional approach to “Liability.” It’s far more stripped down than most of her tracks, allowing the message of loneliness and lovelessness to feel all the more personal. It’s one of Lorde’s essential tracks because it’s uncharted territory for the singer; she doesn’t need dance beats to capture an audience. In “Liability,” her vocals and lyricism drive the song home.
2Secrets From A Girl (Who’s Seen It All)
If A Rom-Com Were A Song…
Another underrated song from 2021’sSolar Power, “Secrets From A Girl,” is the track that plays when a main character realizes she doesn’t need a partner or a dream job to be happy. Lorde’s not usually so overtly upbeat, and while she’s written some of my favorite moody music, I appreciate her versatility. “Secrets From A Girl” is a reminder thatbrighter days are possible and perspective is everything.
Lorde expertly crafted a song that you may listen to when you’re sad to feel better, but that also works when you’re happy and want to bask in that feeling. It works for a beach day, or a rainy day inside. It’s a guitar-driven track that’s reminiscent of early 2000s pop. I like to think of this song as a sequel to “Ribs,” which looks at the uncertainty of coming of age. “Secrets From A Girl” feels like a response to that version of Lorde, reassurance that things will be okay.
1Royals
This Song Passed The Test Of Time
Lorde drew inspiration from hip-hop artists in this critically acclaimed global phenomenon. Her debut single, “Royals,” ushered in a new experimental era of pop with its minimalist sound and drew critical acclaim for its lyrics. Lorde was only 16 years old when she dropped this critique of the gaudy, upper-class lifestyle.
Aside from writing the once-inescapable song in less than an hour, she made a statement with it: teenagers have something to say, too
Aside from writing the once-inescapable song in less than an hour, she made a statement with it: teenagers have something to say, too. She emboldened and gave voice to teens feeling left out of the extravagance celebrities flaunt on social media and in music videos. “Royals” could be seen as an anthem for the misfits, the kids who never fit in with the “royalty” of their school or community. As forLorde, it truly did become the beginning of her own reign in pop music royalty.
