During weekend two of Coachella, Charli XCX passed the torch from “brat summer” to “LORDE SUMMER” in bold black text on the LED backdrop.. From an impromptu concert in Washington Square Park to the release of the single “What Was That,” the New Zealand singer-songwriter, Lorde, has ended her nearly 4-year hiatus.
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor chose the stage name “Lorde” because of a lifelong fascination with royalty and aristocracy. The ‘e,’ she said, was added because she thought “Lord” was too masculine. Her first full-length album, Pure Heroine, debuted in 2013 following hit singles “The Love Club” and “Royals.” In 2014, Lorde won Grammy Awards in the best pop solo performance and song of the year categories, both for “Royals.”
Before thinking, “Oh, is that the singer who looks like Charli XCX?” or, “Wait, didn’t she shush her fans at her concert?” Here is a handbook of her music to prepare for a Lorde Summer.
With the lead single “Green Light,” Lorde’s sophomore album, Melodrama (2017), showcased 11 songs exploring themes of youth and womanhood with a sound influenced by modern electro pop dance music to restroom Europop to vocals of early Kate Bush.
Lorde then took a break from music during which she avoided social media and became more involved in environmental causes. She visited Antarctica to explore the impact of anthropogenic climate change, and recounted the trip in her own short book Going South (2021).
Lorde then released Solar Power (2021) that was noted for its breezy, lighter sound. Since the release of the record, Lorde has contributed to songs like a cover of “Take Me to the River” and collaborated on “Girl, so confusing” with Charli XCX.
Lorde’s top streamed songs include “Royals,” “Team,” and “Supercut,” and Boston College students have their favorites they think their peers should brush up on or give a listen to in preparing for Lorde Summer.
Ryan Smith, MCAS’28, said his favorite song is “The Louvre,” because, “it is just pop perfection.” His close second is “400 Lux.”
Caroline White, MCAS’28, sided with Ryan: “I’m gonna go with ‘400 Lux’ because it reminds me of home and driving around with my friends and being stress free.”
Other students stuck to the classics like Thomas Hennessy, MCAS’28, who stated “Ribs” is his favorite song.
Lorde Summer is about raw, real emotions. Channel the energy from Melodrama, Pure Heroine, and Solar Power into your life through flowing dresses, vintage tees, and oversized sweaters. Lorde encourages reading and reflecting, introspection, exploring nature, and embracing your emotions. Try to disconnect. Bask in the solar power and dance through the melodrama.
Both diehard and new fans at Boston College are eager for the Lorde drop. Lorde’s fourth studio album, Virgin, is confirmed to be released on June 27, 2025.
“I love new music,” said Sierra Judy, MCAS’28, “I am so excited for any new album. Ready for the next ‘Royals.’”
Other students are looking toward what this means for their summer.
“I’m so excited,” said Mycayla Canlas, MCAS’28, “It’s just good summer vibes, and also, I feel like her music is so young adult. It’s going to be so fun listening, especially over the summer.”
So, whether you’re a long-time listener or just tuning in, now’s the time to step into the sun and let Lorde’s music be the soundtrack for your summer of emotion, reflection, and unapologetic vibes.
Matcha enthusiast, Reality TV Binger, and lover of all things vintage
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