Lorde
Biography
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde, was born on November 7, 1996, in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Raised in the nearby suburb of Devonport, she is the daughter of poet Sonja Yelich and civil engineer Vic O'Connor. From a young age, Lorde showed a talent for public performance and was signed to a development deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) at the age of 12 after an agent received footage of her singing at a school talent show.
Career Beginnings and Pure Heroine
In 2011, Lorde began working with producer Joel Little, and together they co-wrote her debut extended play, The Love Club EP. It was released for free on SoundCloud in November 2012 before its commercial release in March 2013. The EP's lead single, "Royals," became a global phenomenon. The song's minimalist art-pop sound and critique of luxurious lifestyles resonated with a wide audience. "Royals" topped international charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100, making the 16-year-old the youngest solo artist to achieve a number-one single in the U.S. since 1987. The song went on to win two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year.
Following the success of "Royals," Lorde released her debut studio album, Pure Heroine, in September 2013. The album, characterized by its electronica and dream-pop style, explores themes of suburban teenage life, disillusionment, and critiques of mainstream culture. Pure Heroine was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200. It also spawned the successful singles "Tennis Court" and "Team." In 2014, Lorde curated the soundtrack for the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, contributing the lead single "Yellow Flicker Beat."
Melodrama
Lorde's second studio album, Melodrama, was released in June 2017. Primarily working with producer Jack Antonoff, she shifted her sound to explore themes of heartbreak, solitude, and the complexities of young adulthood. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising its conceptual narrative centered around a house party. Melodrama debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The album's lead single, "Green Light," was a commercial success, followed by "Perfect Places" and a remix of "Homemade Dynamite."
Solar Power
A Shift in Sound
After a four-year hiatus, Lorde returned with her third studio album, Solar Power, released in August 2021. The album marked a significant departure from the electronic-pop of her previous work, embracing a more indie-folk and psychedelic pop sound with acoustic arrangements. Lorde has referred to it as her "weed album." The album's themes were inspired by the natural world, summer, and a trip to Antarctica, while also touching on her discomfort with fame. To align with the album's environmental themes, it was released without a CD version to reduce waste.
Reception
The reception for Solar Power was more polarized than her previous albums. While some critics praised its mature sound and introspective lyrics, others found its laid-back vibe less engaging. The album was preceded by the title track "Solar Power" and also included the singles "Stoned at the Nail Salon" and "Mood Ring." As a companion piece, Lorde also released an EP titled Te Ao Mārama, featuring five tracks from Solar Power re-recorded in the Māori language.