As someone who has grown up listening to Lorde, the release of her fourth studio album, Virgin, was one I was highly anticipating. Lorde has a special talent for articulating experiences I couldn’t express, and Virgin was no exception. Her raw, authentic lyrics invite us into her world, updating us on her feelings since the release of Solar Power four years ago.
Virgin delves into a multitude of complex themes with emotional intelligence and insight. From her complicated relationship with her mother and fame, to her exploration of gender fluidity, she speaks in a transparent and unfiltered way, boldly standing out amongst other pop artists.
Photo: Genius
The album cover, an X-ray of her pelvis with a visible IUD, adds another layer of realness to this deeply personal album. Lorde doesn’t romanticise her struggles with her eating disorder and hook-up culture, instead discussing them candidly. She reflects on her perfectionism while acknowledging her attempts to overcome her struggles, yet expresses a sense of almost being addicted to them. Her self-awareness shines through, but at the same time, she also captures the universal struggle of being unable to break herself free from these patterns. Throughout the album, she grapples with the expectations placed upon her as a 20-something-year-old woman in the public eye, stating she’s “been up on the pedestal” but sometimes “wants to fall”. In the tracks ‘Hammer’ and ‘Man of the Year’, she challenges societal stereotypes by refusing to conform to the binary idea of femininity.
Virgin is an incredible album that will evoke a range of emotions. It is an exceptional return for Lorde, showcasing her unique ability to capture familiar experiences in such a poetic way. The album is a mix of growth and authenticity, staying true to her unique sound; Lorde has once again proven herself to be a pop icon.
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