Most people are familiar with indie pop singer Lorde through her biggest hit, Royals, from 2013. The single is a prime example of her earlier style, gothic and dark with a purely teenage flair for dramatics. As she matured, her music evolved with her personality, and her most recent album, released in August of 2021, highlights her emotional growth during her four year disappearance from the public eye as she reconnected with herself and her home, New Zealand. Her Solar Power album is first and foremost a love letter, with threads of self-assurance and healing running throughout. Its departure from her signature style received skepticism from both critics and Lorde’s fan base; some of whom argued the leap between styles was too large, creating a sense of discord. As startling as the style change may have been, I also think the lack of initial love for the album may have stemmed from how late in summer it was released when it is clearly meant to be a summer listen.
One interesting thing about this style change is that it is clearly reflected in Lorde’s personal style choices when she did choose to attend public events. Her Pure Heroine era around 2015 was rooted in dark tones and “cherry-black lipstick,” which she states in her Solar Power track Oceanic Feeling is “gathering dust in a drawer--I don’t need her anymore.” As she retreated from the public eye and spent time enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful beaches and ocean, her style adapted, shifting toward colorful, flowy pieces. These choices are accentuated by the nature-inspired lyrics of Solar Power and background noises in the form of cicadas and chirping birds. Her music video for Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) captures her personal growth through the visual imagery of three distinct styles.
Whether you’re a fan or a critic of her newest album, Lorde’s growth as a creative is unquestionable. Her extrinsic motivation stems from her connections with nature, as well as other influences in her life, such as her dog Pearl, for whom she wrote Big Star. Her reclusive personality benefits her creativity through allowing her to seclude herself in introspection and allow her musical ideas to develop over long incubation periods prior to actualization. Lorde has also called Solar Power her “weed album,” referencing its relevance in the period during which the album was written. My personal favorite track is Secrets From a Girl, included below.
Sources:
https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/g5gnyw/lorde-style-solar-power
This is so interesting, since Lorde fits perfectly into a niche online period in which artists like her were glorified for more "edgy" behavior. Now, after a decade, we see these women outwardly and publically rejecting and criticising behavior that was perceived as beautiful, but highly destructive. As these women grow up, they become more comfortable and want to express their growth, but often audiences react negatively. I think, subconsciously, audiences do not want to be happy for these women because they liked having someone who is in a similar situation or mindset and having that relatable music. But when they realize that the artist is no longer that person, I think that they become envious of that persons growth. However, I think it is in the intentions of the people creating the music that they want to share the growth and show how to grow from that idealized mindset. These interactions and misinterpretations between artist and viewer greatly affect how artist will approach their next "era" of music, which I am sure Lorde will not be an exception to this prediction.
ReplyDeleteI really admire Lorde as an artist. She rose to fame very young, and oftentimes younger artists get overworked and put out a lot of music that doesn't necessarily come from the heart because they have higher-ups to please or other external pressures pushing them to create more content. Lorde only has three albums despite releasing the first ten years ago in 2013. She has a huge fanbase but maintains a position of true musicianship and artistry with her work, only releasing things that truly speak to her and that she's proud of. In my opinion she was one of the figureheads for the "indie girl" pop star, and so the change she made to her sound with Solar Power only solidifies that she doesn't care about keeping up appearances or reputations, all that matters to her is her art.
ReplyDeleteI have always admired artists who are able to switch genres, even if their fans or critics see the leap as negative. It takes a lot of bravery and trust in your creativity as an artist to depart from the niche you have found yourself in. I think those who switch genres show possibly the most intrinsic motivation of any musical artist because they are creating art that matters to them. I also really like the "I don't need her anymore" line that you mentioned because it shows that life may be composed of phases, but the length of the phase does not make it any less integral to your personality. The phase still matters even though it ended. It seems like Lorde is happy now, which is always a plus. I'm glad she's found peace despite the pressure that fame puts on a person.
ReplyDeleteI was a huge fan of Lorde when she first became popular and was happy to see her return, even in a new style. It can be really difficult for artists to make a stylistic change due to fear of losing their audience so I am glad she did not let that stop her from making the music she wanted to make. I definitely see how her musical change is also reflected in her personal style now that you point it out; it isn't something I had noticed before. Lorde is young so of course her style, musical or otherwise, is going to change as she does.
ReplyDeleteWhen Lorde first became popular I was obsessed with her style and shared in the "teenage angst" that she exuded with her music, and now that I'm older I don't relate to it as much anymore. I haven't listened to her new album yet, but after reading this post I definitely will, just to see the direction that she has taken musically. Although I haven't listened yet, when the album was released I did see a lot of criticism coming from her fanbase concerning her rejection of her old style and embracing some of the softer aspects that she preached against in her earlier work, it's disappointing to see fans of artists who can't appreciate genuine growth, especially considering how young Lorde was when she first began writing and creating music. She is definitely a creative that defines the 2010s as a decade and I hope that she starts to receive as much praise for her music that she deserves.
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