TRACK BY TRACK: Lorde's 'Virgin'

Lorde is back, and her sound has been reborn. On June 27, Lorde released her long-awaited 4th studio album, Virgin, which strips away the electropop sound of Melodrama and the sun-soaked aesthetic of Solar Power to reveal something raw, urgent, and honest. In this track-by-track breakdown, we’ll dive into the sounds, lyrics, and emotional highs and lows of Virgin. Whether it’s whispered confessions or pounding production, each track offers a new piece of Lorde. 

1. "Hammer"

Lorde dives headfirst into the album with questions of identity and transformation, pairing pounding drums with vocals that blur the lines of gender. It’s bold, emotional, and freeing. She’s breaking down old binaries and stepping into something more fluid.

Favorite Lyrics: “Some days, I’m a woman, some days, I’m a man, oh / I might have been born again...”

2. "What Was That"

This track feels like classic Lorde heartbreak. It’s the kind of song that hits late at night when you're spiraling over an old text thread. She captures that haunting feeling of missing someone who’s long gone but somehow still everywhere.

Favorite Lyrics: “I cover up all the mirrors, I can’t see myself yet...”

3. "Shapeshifter"

It's all energy and no brakes. With racing beats and shapeshifting synths (pun intended), Lorde dives into her impulsive side. It’s chaotic in the most fun way, like she’s dancing through a breakdown and owning every second of it.

Favorite Lyrics: “If I’m fine without it, why can’t I stop?”

4. "Man Of The Year"

"Man Of The Year" blew up on TikTok before the album even dropped, but don’t let the viral chorus fool you -- there’s more going on here. Beneath the slick production, Lorde’s asking some pretty heavy questions about love, validation, and what it means to be truly seen. It’s catchy, sure, but there’s a softness hiding under all that confidence.

Favorite Lyrics: “Who's gon' love me like this? / Oh, who could give me lightness?”

5. "Favourite Daughter"

It's one of those tracks that makes you wanna dance and cry at the same time. It’s got a nostalgic groove, but the lyrics hit deep, with Lordes unpacking the pressure to be perfect, especially when it comes to living up to her mom’s expectations. It’s catchy, emotional, and one of the most personal songs on the album.

Favorite Lyrics: “And every night the room fills up with / People who are convinced I’m not / Just some kid faking it for your love...”

6. "Current Affairs"

It’s sultry and full of that late-night tension. Lorde leans into the messy mix of hookup culture and genuine emotion. It's sexy, but there’s a vulnerability under the surface that makes it hit harder.

Favorite Lyrics: “That's how it tends to start / You're in the light, then you're in the dark...”

7. "Clearblue"

Soft, sweet, and sneaks up on you, like falling for someone when you swore you were done with all that. Lorde lets her guard down here, and the result is something tender. The production’s gentle, the vocals feel close, and you can hear her slowly trading her walls for a little bit of trust.

Favorite Lyrics: “Bars on my windows / You bust ‘em wide open / 'Till clearness is all I see...”

8. "GRWM"

"GRWM" feels like Lorde getting ready in front of the mirror and spilling her inner monologue. She touches on growing up, body image, and what it means to be a woman in the world right now, all while sounding effortlessly cool. It’s raw, relatable, and totally in sync with the bold, honest vibe of the album cover.

Favorite Lyrics: “Wide hips, tooth chipped, '96 / Skin scarred, looking forward...”

9. "Broken Glass"

Lorde is at her most vulnerable. She opens up about how hard it is to feel comfortable in her body, especially during the Summer, when everyone is supposed to feel carefree and perfect. It’s raw, heavy, and super relatable if you’ve ever felt out of place in your skin.

Favorite Lyrics: “I wanna punch the mirror / To make her see that this won't last...”

10. "If She Could See Me Now"

This track is all about flipping the script on heartbreak. Lorde transforms her pain into unapologetic power, leveraging past struggles to elevate and evolve. It’s a major post-breakup glow-up anthem about owning your story and showing up stronger than ever.

Favorite Lyrics: “In the gym, I'm exorcising / All my demons, make 'em keep riding...”

11. "David"

“David” wraps up the album with a haunting vibe. It’s about putting someone on a pedestal only to realize they didn’t deserve it, and then finding the strength to walk away. This track feels like Lorde’s final act of self-love, where she gives her all but ultimately chooses herself.

Favorite Lyrics: “I made you God 'cause it was all / That I knew how to do / But I don't belong to anyone...”