After a long silence, Lorde is finally back in the spotlight with her latest single, What Was That. The New Zealand pop sensation announced the release of the track on April 16, 2025, much to the excitement of fans and critics alike. The song marks Lordes first original solo work since her 2021 album Solar Power, a record that marked a departure from the intense emotional drama of Melodrama 2017 with its more laidback, sunkissed vibe.
A New Era for Lorde
Since the release of Solar Power, Lorde had remained relatively quiet. She did collaborate with Charli XCX on the 2024 track Girl, So Confusing and appeared at Coachella 2025 to perform live. But it wasnt until April 2025 that she teased new music, sharing a short TikTok video that sent fans into a frenzy. In the video, Lorde is seen walking through Washington Square Park in New York while a synthpop melody plays in the background. The snippets lyrics, Since I was 17 I gave you everything Now we wake from a dream Well baby, what was that? hint at a deeply personal and reflective theme, echoing Lordes signature introspective style.
The title What Was That alone sparks curiosity, suggesting a track that reflects on past experiences and the emotions tied to them. In her announcement, Lorde also revealed the artwork for the single, which was shot by the renowned photographer Talia Chetrit. The image features a closeup of Lorde, her skin glowing and slightly glistening, wearing a simple red Tshirt while gazing upward, which complements the dreamy, ethereal vibe that fans expect from the artist.
A Sign of Things to Come
Lordes creative process has always been a blend of meticulous planning and instinctual artistry, and this new song feels like an evolution of her sound. What Was That promises to follow in the footsteps of her previous hits like Royals and Green Light, combining introspective lyrics with experimental pop elements. However, fans can also expect a fresh direction that draws from Lordes growth over the years. While her past work explored themes of youth, fame, and heartbreak, the lyrics of What Was That suggest a reflective look at the passage of time and the aftermath of intense emotional experiences.
The song has been produced in collaboration with JimE Stack and Daniel Nigro, two artists who have helped shape Lordes sound over the years. Stack, who is known for his work with artists like Charli XCX and SOPHIE, adds a layer of electronic, experimental influence that could signal a new sonic chapter for Lorde. Nigro, who contributed to Solar Power, brings his expertise in combining atmospheric synths with live instrumentation.
Fans React
As expected, Lordes return has been met with a mix of excitement and anticipation from her fanbase. Fans flooded social media with posts expressing their gratitude for the longawaited music, with many hoping that What Was That would mark the beginning of a new album cycle. The songs lyrical content, based on the snippets shared, has already sparked intense speculation. Will it continue the more mellow tone of Solar Power, or will it bring back the intense, emotionally charged energy that characterized Melodrama?
The accompanying TikTok video also hints that Lorde may continue to embrace social media and digital platforms in a more direct way, offering fans a more intimate connection with her music. Given her strong presence on Instagram and Twitter over the years, its clear that shes not just an artist confined to the stage and studioshes also creating a dynamic, ongoing conversation with her audience.
Whats Next?
As of now, Lordes new album remains under wraps, but the release of What Was That has sparked hopes that a full album could follow soon. The singer has confirmed that the new single is just the beginning, with more music expected in the near future. Fans are eager to see where Lordes creative journey will take her, especially as she embraces new sounds and ideas.
In a world where pop stars often burn brightly and fade quickly, Lordes ability to stay relevant and captivating over the years is a testament to her artistic integrity. She has consistently carved out her own space in the music industry, and with What Was That, it looks like shes ready to take her place at the forefront once again.
Whether or not What Was That will live up to the high expectations set by her past work remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lordes return is something the music world has been waiting for, and its clear that the next chapter of her career will be one worth watching closely.
Sources:
Pitchfork
Far Out Magazine
Talia Chetrit, photo credit