Lorde has finally released Virgin, her first album in four years, and it’s a daring leap into new territory. The New Zealand artist’s fourth studio album, out now, was preceded by arena-ready singles like “What Was That” and “Man of the Year.” Running a taut 35 minutes, Virgin is packed with percussive pop and candid lyricism that reflects Lorde’s journey through heartbreak and self-discovery. She wrote and produced the record primarily with collaborator Jim-E Stack, layering sharp beats under some of her most unflinching lyrics yet.
The album’s themes explore bodily autonomy, desire, and coming to terms with identity. “It’s right on the edge of gross,” Lorde explained of her new songs, noting how she deliberately pushed into uncomfortable honesty. “I often tried to hit this kind of gnarliness or grossness… ‘You tasted my underwear.’ I’ve never heard that in a song before. It felt like the right way to tell this whole chapter,” she said. Fans have embraced Virgin’s fearless tone, and Lorde is set to carry that bold energy on her upcoming Ultrasound World Tour later this year.
