Adam KennyWashington Square, Lorde, a white shirt, dangly chains, headphones and a teaser for her new song. I think we all had a moment of “what was that?” when the initial teaser came out. The last we heard from Lorde was from Charli XCX’s 2024 BRAT. Where Lorde featured on “Girl, so confusing”. A song that kept everyone’s BRAT summer going. It was one of the most honest songs that both artists had put out in a minute. They were blaring their issues and problems with the world and themselves before ultimately working it out on the remix. It was one of my favourite songs from the BRAT era and made me excited for more Lorde.
Melodrama Sound is back
Lorde’s last solo effort Solar Power marked a shift for her post Melodrama. It was different to Melodrama but in a good way It had some pop hits such as Stoned at the Nail Salon, however it marked a sonic change. Melodrama, arguably Lorde’s best album, has slowly gone on to become a cult classic. It was moody, dramatic, vibey and unique. Whereas Solar Power is a lot more stripped back. Solar Power had a summer sound to it. It had Lorde’s layered vocals and pop melodies, but it was happier. Melodrama is exactly as it’s name says and is melodramatic. Solar Power feels far more upbeat and positive whilst also still maintaing some of that mood.
What Was That comes back to the sound of Melodrama. It is a synth pop anthem that brings you right back to the days of dancing in your room with the lights off except for your phone screen which has your favourite Melodrama song on repeat. It’s moody, it’s vibey, it’s unique. It’s bloody good.
What Was This? What is next? What’s it like?
The music video for What Was That was shot in the same place as the initial teaser, Washington Square Park. The music video show Lorde in the park surrounded by her fans. This was where the song actually debuted fully. The footage from the event was eventually used in the music video. The production of the song is catchy. You’ll find yourself bopping your head to the drums and synths throughout the song. It’s got Lorde’s classic layered vocals that come in almost as a shout to scream “WHAT WAS THAT”. A worthy reaction to the verse she’s just sung.
Thematically, the song deals with Lorde channeling the feelings of a relationship or situation-ship of sorts. And how much it invades into her day to day life. Listening to her friends talk about current affairs without being able to shake the presence of her past partner. That horrible feeling you have in your gut. Going through your days as if you’re still not processing something as impossible as a breakup. How the days of spending days with each other doing MDMA is now an old memory. The feeling of this once monumental part of your becoming a distant memory. And now as time passes and the dust settles, she can ask herself and her past lover…what was that? Sonically, thematically and lyrically it’s peak Lorde. A dramatic song to mark a confusing time, with a relatable reaction and understanding.
Overall
Lorde’s new album Virgin will release June 27th 2025. What Was That was a great siingle to showcase the direction she’s going in. Whilst I think saying it’s a return to form is unfair given that Solar Power was a great album. I do think it’s a return to a similar place and time for Lorde. I’m eager to see what the album is going to have in store for us. I think she’s got something cooking.
