Lorde Makes a Triumphant Return with New Single 'What Was That'
New Zealand's pop powerhouse, Lorde, has officially marked her return to the music scene with the eagerly awaited release of her latest single, What Was That. This release is particularly significant as it represents her first original solo track since the launch of her critically acclaimed album Solar Power in 2021. The buildup to the single's release was enveloped in an air of intrigue, as Lorde engaged her fanbase with a series of cryptic posts across her social media channels, teasing snippets of audio and voice notes that left fans buzzing with anticipation.
The artistic flair of the single is enhanced by captivating cover art designed by Talia Chetrit, which adds a visual dimension to this exciting new chapter in Lorde's musical journey. Her ability to maintain a sense of mystery around her projects has become a hallmark of her artistry, and this release is no exception.
Lorde took her fans by surprise with the live debut of What Was That during an impromptu performance on Tuesday. Gathering at Washington Square Park in New York City, fans flocked to see her perform after she sent out an enthusiastic mass message through her fan text line. The message simply read, Meet me in the park Tonight 7pm - x x. However, the turnout vastly exceeded expectations, resulting in local police and park rangers stepping in to manage the unexpectedly large crowd, ultimately leading to the event's premature closure. Remarkably, footage from this spontaneous gathering has been incorporated into the official music video for the new single, enhancing its relatability and connection to her audience.
In crafting What Was That, Lorde collaborated with renowned artist Jim-E Stack, who not only co-wrote the track but also took on co-production duties alongside Daniel Nigro. Stack's diverse musical skills shine through in the track, as he contributed drums, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, and engineering, while Nigro brought his proficiency with bass, electric guitar, and additional production elements. The song is further enriched by the contributions of Andrew Aged from the band Inc. No World, who provided masterful electric guitar work, adding depth and texture to the final composition.
Lorde's previous album, Solar Power, was released to high expectations after the monumental success of her 2018 project, Melodrama. The new album featured a range of captivating singles, including the title track, Solar Power, as well as Stoned at the Nail Salon and Mood Ring. Each of these tracks was accompanied by music videos that effectively illustrated Lorde's artistic vision and thematic explorations. Additional songs like Fallen Fruit, Leader of a New Regime, Secrets From a Girl (Whos Seen It All), The Path, and Oceanic Feeling also received stunning cinematic interpretations, solidifying Lorde's reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.
Following the release of Solar Power, Lorde largely stepped back from the spotlight, adopting a more subdued public presence. However, she did make a notable appearance in 2023 when she joined the indie pop group Muna onstage at New York's Terminal 5, delighting fans with her surprise collaboration. The following year brought her contribution of a cover of Take Me to The River for A24's tribute album celebrating the iconic band Talking Heads. Furthermore, she collaborated with Charli XCX on a remix of the track Girl, So Confusing, a nod to her original role in the song. The two artists later performed this remix together at Charli XCX's concert at Madison Square Garden, as well as during the first weekend of Coachella, showcasing her ongoing engagement with the music community and her ability to continually reinvent herself as an artist.
For those interested in exploring Lordes significant impact on the music landscape, her feature in The 200 Most Important Artists of Pitchfork's First 25 Years offers valuable insight into her journey. Additionally, her contribution to Girl, So Confusing Featuring Lorde has been recognized as one of The 100 Best Songs of 2024, where it impressively reached No. 9 on the list, underscoring her enduring relevance and influence within the music industry.
